summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 59-101-440 So As To Provide A Student Must Be Exempt From Paying Out-of-state Tuition At A Public Institution Of Higher Education In South Carolina And Must Be Eligible For Certain State-sponsored Scholarships And Tuition Assistance If He Attended A High School In This State For Three Or More Years, Graduated From A High School In The State Or Received The Equivalent Of A High School Diploma In This State, Registers As An Entering Student Or Is Currently Enrolled In A Public Institution Of Higher Education No Earlier Than The Fall Semester Of The 2026-2027 Academic Year, And, If Lacking Lawful Immigration Status, Files An Affidavit With The Institution Stating He Has Filed An Application To Legalize His Immigration Or Will File An Application When Eligible; To Provide A Student Who Is Eligible For A State-sponsored Scholarship Or Tuition Assistance Under This Act Also Must Meet Other Qualifications Of The State-sponsored Scholarship Or Tuition Assistance To Receive The Scholarship Or Tuition Assistance; To Provide Student Information Obtained In The Implementation Of This Act Must Be Confidential; And To Require The Commission On Higher Education To Adopt Rules And Regulations Necessary To Effectuate The Provisions Of This Act.
AI Summary
This bill establishes new provisions for in-state tuition and scholarship eligibility for students in South Carolina's public higher education institutions. Specifically, students who are not nonimmigrant aliens can qualify for in-state tuition and state-sponsored scholarships (such as the Palmetto Fellows and Life Scholarships) if they have attended a South Carolina high school for at least three years, graduated from a South Carolina high school or obtained an equivalent diploma, and are registering or enrolled as a student starting in the fall semester of the 2026-2027 academic year. Students without lawful immigration status must file an affidavit indicating they have applied or will apply to legalize their immigration status. While these students will be eligible for in-state tuition and potential scholarships, they must still meet all other specific requirements for each scholarship or assistance program. The bill also mandates that any student information collected under these provisions must remain confidential and requires the Commission on Higher Education to develop implementation rules and regulations. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means (on 01/14/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3271&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3271_20241205.htm |
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