top of page
Search

Understanding H.4756 and H.4757: What These Bills Mean for Students, Schools, and Families in South Carolina


Two bills currently moving through the South Carolina House of Representatives — H.4756 and H.4757 — would create significant changes in how schools and medical settings operate, particularly for LGBTQ+ students and families. Both bills are scheduled for committee hearings on Tuesday, January 20.


SC Equality is monitoring these proposals closely to ensure the public has clear, accurate information about what the bills do, who they affect, and how to engage in the legislative process.


H.4756: Student Facilities and School Policy

H.4756 proposes restrictions on access to school facilities, including restrooms, based on a student’s sex assigned at birth.


What the bill would do

  • Limit which restrooms and facilities students may use in public schools

  • Establish statewide requirements rather than allowing schools or districts flexibility

  • Affect transgender and gender-diverse students most directly


Why this matters

Schools are responsible for maintaining safe and functional learning environments for all students. Research and experiences from other states indicate that restrictive facility policies can increase stigma and harassment without improving safety outcomes. Policies that single out specific groups of students may also create administrative challenges for educators and school staff.


Hearing details

Tuesday, January 20 at 9:00 AM. Room 516, Blatt Building Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Special Laws Subcommittee


H.4757: Medical Decision-Making, Education, and Disclosure Requirements

H.4757 is broader in scope and would affect both educational and medical settings statewide.


Key provisions of H.4757

If enacted, the bill would:

  • Raise the medical decision-making age from 16 to 18 for most healthcare decisions

  • Raise the medical consent age for abortion-related care from 17 to 18

  • Restrict participation in school sports and access to certain school facilities

  • Require parental consent for curriculum or instructional materials that include LGBTQ+ topics

  • Require educators to disclose to parents if a student requests to be treated in a manner inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth


Potential impacts

Supporters frame the bill as increasing parental involvement. However, research and child welfare data suggest that mandatory disclosure policies can have unintended consequences for some students.


Educators often serve as trusted adults and, in some cases, the first point of contact for students experiencing abuse, neglect, or family instability. Policies that require disclosure of sensitive information may reduce students’ willingness to seek help or support at school.

Research also shows that affirming environments — including respecting a young person’s name and identity — are associated with improved mental health outcomes for transgender youth.


Hearing details

Tuesday, January 20 10:00 AM Room 110, Blatt BuildingMedical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee


What Happens Next in the Legislative Process

Committee hearings are an early but critical step in the legislative process. At these hearings:

  • Legislators hear testimony and ask questions

  • Bills may be amended, delayed, or advanced

  • Public input can influence how lawmakers understand the impact of proposed legislation

If a bill advances out of committee, it may move to additional committees or to the full House for debate.


How to Stay Engaged

Members of the public have several ways to participate:

  • Attend the hearings in person to observe or provide testimony

  • Watch the hearings online via the State House livestream

  • Contact your Representative or committee members to share your perspective

  • Stay informed by following updates from SC Equality

Respectful, informed engagement is an important part of the democratic process.


SC Equality’s Approach

SC Equality approaches legislation through a policy-focused lens, emphasizing evidence, student well-being, and long-term outcomes. We believe public policy should:

  • Be grounded in research and data

  • Protect student safety and trust

  • Support educators and families

  • Reflect the diversity of South Carolina communities

We will continue tracking H.4756 and H.4757 and sharing factual updates as they move through the legislature.


We belong in South Carolina — and we remain committed to staying informed, engaged, and present when decisions are being made.



Comments

bottom of page