THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
The Higher Education Opportunity Act Subcommittee met on Wednesday, January 30 and began deliberations on the Higher Education Opportunity Act (S.298). The subcommittee will conduct another hearing on the bill this Thursday, February 14 at 9:30 am.
The Campus Free Expression Act (S.33) To provide that outdoor areas of campuses of public colleges and institutions of higher learning in this state shall be deemed traditional public forums. Bill was recommitted from the Senate Education Committee to the Senate Education Higher Education Subcommittee
Reinforcing College Education on America’s Constitutional Heritage Act (S.35) To provide that each institution of higher learning must provide instruction concerning the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers and the Declaration of Independence to each undergraduate student for three semester credit hours. Bill is currently on the Senate’s contested calendar.
Nurse Preceptors (S.314) To allow an income tax credit for each clinical rotation served by a physician, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant as a preceptor for certain programs. Bill was given a favorable report by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, February 5.
Athlete Agents (S.263) Provides that certified athlete agents may pay certain expenses incurred before the signing of agency contracts by student athletes, family members of student athletes and individuals or classes of individuals authorized to receive such payments. Bill remains in Senate Education Subcommittee.
Tucker Hipps Act (H.3398) To permanently authorize the Act and to repeal the three-year sunset provision. The bill received a favorable report in subcommittee last week and given a favorable report by the full House Education Committee on Wednesday, February 6.
In-State Tuition for Military Personnel and Dependents (H.3639) To amend Section 59-112-50, Code of Laws of S.C., 1976, relating to military personnel and their dependents who are entitled to pay in-state tuition and fees without regard to the length of time they have resided in this state, as to expand categories of individuals covered by these provisions to conform with certain changes in state law. The bill was given a favorable report in Subcommittee last week and in full Committee on Wednesday, February 6.
The State Budget Process
It is expected that the full House Ways and Means Committee will deliberate the budget the week of February 18.
On February 21, President Jim Clements and Dr. George Askew (Vice President for PSA) are scheduled to present Clemson PSA’s budget request before the Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee. Members of the subcommittee include Chairman Nikki Setzler (D-Lexington), Senators Kent Williams (D-Marion), Paul Campbell Clemson ’68 (R-Berkeley), and Tom Corbin Clemson ’87 (R-Greenville).
On March 7, President Jim Clements is scheduled to present Clemson E&G’s budget request before the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee. Members of the subcommittee include Chairman Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee) Clemson ’70, Senators Darrell Jackson (D-Richland), Paul Campbell (R-Berkeley) Clemson ’68, Shane Martin (R-Spartanburg) Clemson ’94 and John Scott (D-Richland).
From a state budgeting standpoint, Clemson is considered two separate state agencies: a research university that receives an educational and general (E&G) state appropriation for teaching and student support, and a land-grant Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) division that receives a state appropriation to support agriculture, forestry and natural resource Extension, research and regulatory programs.
The university also has auxiliary operations, such as athletics, student housing and dining services, which receive no state funding and must generate all of their own revenue.
Detailed information on Clemson’s state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2019-20 may be found at these links:
Clemson Education and General (E&G) Priorities
Clemson Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) Priorities
BILLS OF INTEREST
The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have potential impact on Clemson. A complete listing of these bills may be found here. Click on the bill number for a description of the legislation, along with the bill’s current status.
NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.