Bill > H4737

This bill establishes a mandatory orientation training program for new members of public higher education institution boards of trustees in South Carolina. The training, which must be at least eight hours long and completed within the first twelve months of appointment, covers a comprehensive range of topics including board members' statutory duties, governance structure, financial management, ethical considerations, student welfare, academic affairs, athletics, strategic planning, and other critical institutional responsibilities. The program must be developed by each institution's president and board secretary in consultation with staff and stakeholders, and will address specific areas such as the Freedom of Information Act, the Ethics Act, budgeting, tuition setting, philanthropic initiatives, and board-president relations. Institutions are required to annually report the training hours completed by board members to the Senate and House Education Committees, ensuring accountability and consistent professional development for new trustees. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, giving institutions time to prepare and implement the new training requirements.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4737&session=126&summary=B