Senate amends bill to let trained private personnel direct school drop-off traffic, but cannot issue citations

Senate Bill 711 was amended to permit trained third-party individuals, including private contractors, to direct traffic for student drop-off and pick-up, subject to training certified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

Senator Johnson, sponsor of the bill, said the change is intended to ease the burden on law enforcement and give school districts a way to manage traffic without requiring officers on site. “There were companies that withdrew after an attorney general opinion; this would allow trained non-law-enforcement personnel to do the work subject to certified training,” he said.

During floor colloquy senators raised concerns about legal authority and enforcement. Senator Corbin asked whether these private personnel would have ticketing power; Johnson replied they would not and “they are going to have to call law enforcement at that point to go issue that ticket.” Senators pressed questions about insurance and procurement; Johnson said school districts could require liability insurance by contract but the bill does not itself mandate it.

The amendment was agreed to on the floor and senators then carried the bill over to allow further consultation with local school districts.

Senators described the policy as a response to practical staffing gaps and budgetary pressure when districts hire off‑duty officers; proponents said private firms can be a lower-cost alternative but legal and procurement details will be handled by districts.