Bill

Bill > H3488


SC H3488

SC H3488
Impact of alcohol or drug related misdemeanors on state scholarships


summary

Introduced
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

126th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 59-104-20, Relating To The Impact Of Felonies And Alcohol Or Drug-related Misdemeanor Offenses On Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Qualifications, By Amending Section 59-113-20, Relating To The Impact Of Felonies And Alcohol Or Drug-related Misdemeanor Offenses On South Carolina Tuition Grants Qualifications, And By Amending Section 59-149-90, Relating To The Impact Of Felonies And Alcohol Or Drug-related Misdemeanor Offenses On Legislative Incentives For Future Excellence (life) Scholarship Qualifications, All So As To Remove Convictions For Misdemeanor Alcohol-related Or Drug-related Offenses From Those Offenses Which Disqualify Persons From Receiving These Scholarships And Grants.

AI Summary

This bill amends three different sections of South Carolina law related to state scholarships (Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, South Carolina Tuition Grants, and LIFE Scholarship) to modify eligibility requirements for students with alcohol or drug-related offenses. Under the current law, students with felonies or second or subsequent alcohol or drug-related offenses were ineligible for these scholarships. The bill modifies this restriction by allowing students who have been convicted of a second or subsequent alcohol or drug-related misdemeanor to become or remain eligible for these scholarships after a one-year waiting period from the date of conviction, adjudication, or plea. This change essentially provides a pathway for students with certain misdemeanor offenses to regain scholarship eligibility, potentially giving them an opportunity to continue their education despite past legal issues. The modifications are consistent across all three scholarship programs, creating a uniform approach to handling alcohol and drug-related misdemeanor offenses. The bill would take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works (on 01/14/2025)

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