SOUTH CAROLINA REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE
S
TATEMENT OF ESTIMATED FISCAL IMPACT
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This fiscal impact statement is produced in compliance with the South Carolina Code of Laws and House and Senate rules. The focus of
the analysis is on governmental expenditure and revenue impacts and may not provide a comprehensive summary of the legislation.
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H. 3201
Fiscal Impact Summary
This bill requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Education Oversight
Committee (EOC) and the Office of the Governor, to adopt a statewide computer science plan on
or before December 31, 2026. This bill also requires each public high school and public charter
high school to offer at least one computer science course that meets certain criteria by the
beginning of the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, the bill requires the State Board of
Education to promulgate regulations to create certification pathways for computer science
teachers by no later than July 1, 2027, and the S.C. Department of Education (SCDE) to develop
criteria for postsecondary computer science teacher preparation programs. The Commission on
Higher Education (CHE) is tasked with determining if any financial incentives are needed by
institutions of higher education to design programs to prepare and credential computer science
teachers. The bill also requires SCDE to create a career pathways system for the information
technology cluster before July 1, 2027. Further, SCDE must develop, procure, or identify certain
curricula before July 1, 2028.
SCDE indicates that the provisions of the bill will increase General Fund expenses of the
department by $2,151,600 in FY 2026-27. Of this amount, $2,026,600 is recurring for 7.0 FTEs,
professional development, equipment, and developing and maintaining the required strategies
and communications system on information about career pathways. Non-recurring funds of
$100,000 are needed every five years to conduct the required review of computer science
standards, and $25,000 in non-recurring funds are needed in FY 2026-27 to develop the career
pathways system. SCDE further indicates that the provisions of the bill will increase non-
recurring General Fund expenses of the department by an additional $8,000,000 in FY 2027-28
to procure 250,000 textbooks for the new curricula for students in kindergarten through twelfth
grade, for a total cost of $10,026,600. Based on information provided by SCDE, recurring funds
are expected to total $2,026,600 beginning in FY 2027-28.
SCDE indicates that the bill as a whole could increase General Fund expenses of the department
by an additional $120,000 in FY 2026-27 for additional state certified adjunct teachers,
materials, and course development to meet expected course enrollment demands. SCDE further
indicates that the department believes it would be best practices to double the recurring expenses
associated with Sections 59-29-250(B)(D)(E)(F) in order to fully implement the provisions of this
bill. These additional funds will provide for more specialists to assist local school districts, allow
for more review and analysis on access and capacity at the local level, and provide professional
Bill Number: H. 3201 Introduced on Januar
y 14, 2025
Subject: Computer Science Initiative Act
Requestor: House Education and Public Works
RFA Anal
yst(s): Bryant
Impact Date: March 18, 2025
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H. 3201
training to education majors in computer science. This would increase recurring expenses of
SCDE by an additional $1,501,600 beginning in FY 2026-27.
This bill will have no expenditure impact on the state agency schools. The Governor’s School for
Agriculture at John de la Howe and the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics report
that they currently satisfy the requirements of the bill. The School for the Deaf and the Blind,
and the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School previously indicated on similar legislation that they
currently satisfy the requirements of the bill, and the Governor’s School for the Arts and
Humanities previously indicated that the agency could manage the provisions of the bill with
existing appropriations.
This bill will have no expenditure impact on EOC or the Office of the Governor as these
agencies indicate that they can manage the provisions of the bill with existing appropriations.
Likewise, CHE previously indicated on similar legislation that they could also manage the
provisions of the bill with existing appropriations.
The overall expenditure impact of this bill on local school districts will vary. SCDE surveyed the
seventy-two regular school districts and three charter school districts and received responses
from twenty-nine districts. Twelve of the responding districts indicate that the bill will have no
expenditure impact. Four districts anticipate the need to hire additional computer science
instructors, purchase equipment and other supplies, develop new curricula, and provide
additional training and professional development but report that the cost is currently
undetermined. The thirteen remaining districts indicate that implementing the provisions of the
bill will increase expenses by an amount ranging from $2,500 to $5,010,325 beginning in FY
2026-27. Ten of these districts anticipate the need to hire additional instructors. Several districts
also report the need to purchase equipment and instructional materials, develop curricula, and
provide training and professional development. Additionally, some districts anticipate that the
provisions of the bill may increase expenses in elementary and middle schools, in addition to
high schools.
Explanation of Fiscal Impact
Introduced on January 14, 2025
State Expenditure
The following sections of the bill will affect state expenditures:
Section 59-29-250(B)
This section of the bill requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with EOC and the
Office of the Governor, to adopt a statewide plan to improve computer science education in
kindergarten through twelfth grade on or before December 31, 2026.
S.C. Department of Education. The Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) in
SCDE reports that the statewide computer science plan has not been updated since it was
introduced in 2018. Therefore, OCTE anticipates that a significant number of meetings,
revisions, professional development, and resources will be needed to manage this provision of
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H. 3201
the bill. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill will increase recurring General Fund
expenses of the department by $480,000 beginning in FY 2026-27. Of this amount, $130,000 is
for meetings and revisions to the statewide computer science plan. The remaining $350,000 is for
professional development.
Education Oversight Committee. EOC indicates that this section of the bill requires the
committee to perform activities that can be conducted within the normal course of agency
business. Therefore, this bill will have no expenditure impact on EOC.
Office of the Governor. This section of the bill will have no expenditure impact on the Office of
the Governor. The Office of the Governor indicates that it can manage the provisions of the bill
with existing appropriations.
Section 59-29-250(C)
This section of the bill requires the State Board of Education to conduct a cyclical review of
grade appropriate standards for computer science, computational thinking, and computer coding
for kindergarten through twelfth grade at least every five years.
S.C. Department of Education. OCTE reports that computer literacy standards for kindergarten
through eighth grade were last updated in 2017, and computer literacy standards for high school
were last updated in 2018. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill will increase expenses of
the department by $100,000 every five years to review and update computer literacy standards.
Section 59-29-250(D)
This section of the bill requires each public high school and public charter high school to offer at
least one computer science course meeting certain criteria by the beginning of the 2026-27
school year.
S.C. Department of Education. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill will increase
recurring General Fund expenses of the department by $721,600 beginning in FY 2026-27. Of
this amount, $441,600 is for 4.0 FTEs (regional kindergarten through twelfth grade
implementation specialists). The remaining $280,000 is for 2.0 FTEs, course materials, and
design costs for developing expanded computer science courses for VirtualSC. SCDE also
reports that VirtualSC currently does not have full-time staff in the computer science subject
area. The programs are currently taught by part-time instructors, and only introductory courses in
computer science are offered. SCDE indicates that additional staff are needed to provide
expanded courses in intermediate and advanced course levels and manage increases in
enrollment.
State Agency Schools. The Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe indicates that
the agency currently satisfies the computer science course requirements specified in the bill by
offering computer science courses through VirtualSC and dual enrollment course offerings with
Piedmont Technical College. The Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM)
indicates that this section of the bill will have no expenditure impact since it currently offers
computer science courses that satisfy the requirements of the bill. Additionally, GSSM reports
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H. 3201
that the agency received 4.0 FTEs in its FY 2024-25 budget request in order to teach computer
science and engineering courses online. GSSM indicates that the additional FTEs will allow the
agency to assist public high schools and public charter high schools in South Carolina in meeting
the requirements of the bill by offering free online computer science courses taught live by
GSSM faculty members. The School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Wil Lou Gray
Opportunity School previously indicated on similar legislation that they currently satisfy the
requirements of the bill, and the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities previously
indicated that the agency could manage the provisions of the bill with existing appropriations.
Section 59-29-250(E)
This section of the bill requires SCDE, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, to perform the
following:
employ one full-time employee whose sole responsibility is to coordinate and lead the
South Carolina Computer Science Education Initiative;
support kindergarten through twelfth grade academic and computer science teachers in
designing interdisciplinary, project-based instruction and assignments that engage
students in applying literacy, math, and computational thinking skills to solve problems;
design career pathways that connect students to postsecondary programs, degrees, or
postsecondary credentials in high demand career fields;
offer professional development and teacher endorsements to new teachers who will teach
computer science;
provide information and materials which identify emerging career opportunities in
computer science and related fields to parents, students, teachers, and guidance
counselors; and
assist districts in developing partnerships with business, industry, higher education, and
communities to provide afterschool and extracurricular activities that engage students in
computer science.
S.C. Department of Education. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill will increase
recurring General Fund expenses of the department by $100,000 beginning in FY 2026-27 for
1.0 FTE (computer science specialist) to implement the provisions of this section of the bill.
Section 59-29-250(F)
This section of the bill specifies that the State Board of Education must promulgate regulations
to create certification pathways for computer science teachers by no later than July 1, 2027.
Additionally, SCDE must develop criteria for postsecondary computer science teacher
preparation programs.
S.C. Department of Education. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill will increase
recurring General Fund expenses of the department by $200,000 beginning in FY 2026-27 for a
computer science micro-credential framework for kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Section 59-29-250(G)
This section of the bill requires SCDE to develop guidelines for school districts and schools
outlining the educational and degree requirements appropriate for computer science teachers by
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H. 3201
no later than July 1, 2027. Also, CHE must determine if any financial incentives are needed by
institutions of higher education to design programs to prepare and credential computer science
teachers.
S.C. Department of Education. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill will increase
recurring General Fund expenses of the department by $200,000 beginning in FY 2026-27. Of
this amount, $60,000 is for software licenses, and $140,000 is for additional equipment to
implement the provisions of this section of the bill.
Commission on Higher Education. This section of the bill is not expected to have an
expenditure impact on CHE. The commission previously indicated on similar legislation that it
can manage the provisions of the bill with existing appropriations.
Section 59-29-250(H)(1)
This section of the bill requires SCDE to create a career pathways system for the information
technology cluster before July 1, 2027, that does the following:
aligns public education and postsecondary education systems and the career and
technology education services provided within and across program providers;
aligns with state and regional workforce needs;
provides students, teachers, parents, and families with general information about career
pathways and with strategies to support students in acquiring the academic,
employability, and technical skills that employers demand; and
promotes the involvement and cooperative effort of parents, teachers, and school
counselors in assisting students in making these choices, in setting career goals, and in
developing individual graduation plans to achieve these goals.
S.C. Department of Education. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill will increase
General Fund expenses of the department by $350,000. Of this amount, $25,000 is for non-
recurring funds in FY 2026-27 to create the required career pathways system. The remaining
$325,000 is recurring beginning in FY 2026-27. Of the recurring funds, $75,000 is for
developing a required strategies and communications system on information about career
pathways for students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. The remaining recurring amount
of $250,000 is for training for teachers on coding and computer programming beginning in the
elementary school grades and to build professional capacity among educators.
Section 59-29-250(H)(2)
This section of the bill requires SCDE, before July 1, 2028, to develop, procure, or identify
curricula that:
are aligned with state computer science standards;
are organized around the career pathways and aligned with state and regional workforce
needs as determined by the Department of Commerce;
provide students with strong academic and real world problem-solving skills;
provide students with individualized educational, academic, and career oriented choices
and a greater exposure to career information and opportunities in information technology
and computer programming; and
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provide students beginning in elementary school with the opportunity to learn coding and
computer programming.
S.C. Department of Education. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill will increase non-
recurring General Fund expenses of the department by $8,000,000 in FY 2027-28 to procure
250,000 textbooks for the new computer science curricula for students in kindergarten through
twelfth grade.
Section 59-29-250(H)(3)
Beginning July 1, 2027, SCDE is required to issue an annual report to the General Assembly that
documents the number of students who have completed a career pathway in information
technology and that documents student access to and participation in coding and computer
programming.
S.C. Department of Education. SCDE indicates that this section of the bill requires the
department to perform activities that can be conducted within the normal course of agency
business. Therefore, this section of the bill will have no expenditure impact on SCDE.
In total, this bill will increase General Fund expenses of the department by $2,151,600 in FY
2026-27. Of this amount, $2,026,600 is recurring for 7.0 FTEs, professional development,
equipment, and developing and maintaining the required strategies and communications system
on information about career pathways. Non-recurring funds of $100,000 are needed every five
years to conduct the required review of computer science standards, and $25,000 in non-
recurring funds are needed in FY 2026-27 to develop the career pathways system. SCDE further
indicates that the provisions of the bill will increase non-recurring General Fund expenses of the
department by an additional $8,000,000 in FY 2027-28 to procure 250,000 textbooks for the new
curricula for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, for a total cost of $10,026,600.
Based on information provided by SCDE, recurring funds are expected to total $2,026,600
beginning in FY 2027-28.
Also, SCDE indicates that this bill as a whole could increase General Fund expenses of the
department by an additional $120,000 in FY 2026-27 for additional state certified adjunct
teachers, materials, and course development to meet expected course enrollment demands.
SCDE further indicates that the department believes it would be best practices to double the
recurring expenses associated with Sections 59-29-250(B)(D)(E)(F) in order to fully implement
the provisions of this bill. These additional funds will provide for more specialists to assist local
school districts, allow for more review and analysis on access and capacity at the local level,
and provide professional training to education majors in computer science. This would increase
recurring expenses of the SCDE by an additional $1,501,600 beginning in FY 2026-27.
State Revenue
N/A
__________________________________
Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director
DISCLAIMER: THIS FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT REPRESENTS THE OPINION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE
AGENCY OFFICIAL WHO APPROVED AND SIGNED THIS DOCUMENT. IT IS PROVIDED AS INFORMATION TO
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS AN EXPRESSION OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT.
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H. 3201
Local Expenditure
This bill requires each public high school and public charter high school to offer at least one
computer science course that meets certain criteria by the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.
The overall expenditure impact of this bill on local school districts will vary. SCDE surveyed the
seventy-two regular school districts and three charter school districts and received responses
from twenty-nine districts. Twelve of the responding districts indicate that the bill will have no
expenditure impact. Four districts anticipate the need to hire additional computer science
instructors, purchase equipment and other supplies, develop new curricula, and provide
additional training and professional development but report that the cost is currently
undetermined. The thirteen remaining districts indicate that implementing the provisions of the
bill will increase expenses by an amount ranging from $2,500 to $5,010,325 beginning in FY
2026-27. Ten of these districts anticipate the need to hire additional instructors. Several districts
also report the need to purchase equipment and instructional materials, develop curricula, and
provide training and professional development. Additionally, some districts anticipate that the
provisions of the bill may increase expenses in elementary and middle schools, in addition to
high schools.
Local Revenue
N/A