K–12 subcommittee advances bill to name ASL 'I love you' sign an official state symbol

Representative Moore told the subcommittee the proposal would make the 'I love you' American Sign Language sign an official state symbol and said the change would reflect unity and encourage inclusion for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. "Symbols matter," Moore said, arguing the measure is similar to other state symbols and would be "very, very, simple."

A young speaker, Giselle Senti, told members that the South Carolina School of the Deaf and the Blind had placed sculptures of the sign in cities across the state and urged lawmakers to codify the gesture so students could learn it as part of state symbols. "So I hope that it makes sense, and I appreciate your time," Senti said, describing how learning the sign builds "muscle memory" and familiarity in classrooms.

Committee staff described a striking amendment circulated in members' packets that would remove several mandated elements and leave the measure focused on the designation itself and a definition of what the sign looks like. The chair put the amendment to a vote; the clerk recorded a 9–0 roll call in favor, and the amendment was adopted. The subcommittee then approved the bill as amended and reported it favorably to the full committee by the same 9–0 margin.

Supporters said the amendment reduced the bill's fiscal impact by removing implementation requirements while preserving the symbolic recognition. No member asked for further debate after the amendment's adoption.

The subcommittee's action sends the amended bill to the full Education and Public Works Committee for further consideration.