THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
The House of Representatives is on furlough this week.
Last week marked the crossover date for the General Assembly. After the crossover deadline, bills require a two-thirds vote by members present and voting to even be considered by the other chamber for the session that is set to end on May 9.
State Institutions of Higher Education Enterprise Act (S.283) Remains on the Senate calendar for second reading. This legislation would allow Clemson and other universities in the state the necessary flexibility to operate in the areas of capital projects, procurement and human resources. The bill would allow auxiliary divisions to be free of some of the current layers of state oversight, while still being accountable to the General Assembly. Clemson testified twice while the bill was in Subcommittee. A similar bill, H.4453, was introduced in the House last week by Representatives Jason Elliott, Bruce Bannister and Gary Clary.
Higher Education Opportunity Act (S.298) Remains on the Senate calendar for second reading. This legislation is designed to increase accessibility & affordability for in-state students by providing predictable source of state revenue in order to slow rising tuition costs. Clemson University worked with the subcommittee to amend the bill and ensure that this legislation is consistent with the 1889 Act of Acceptance and the terms and conditions of Thomas Green Clemson’s Will. The amendment also includes regulatory relief.
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. A similar bill, The Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act (H.3099) by Rep. Garry Smith has been carried over in anticipation of a third and final hearing scheduled for April 24.
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 was amended, passed by the Senate and sent to the House where it was referred to the House Education Committee. The Higher Education Subcommittee reported the bill out favorably.
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 passed by the Senate and sent to the House where this week it was voted favorably out of Ways and Means Subcommittee. The bill now goes to the full Ways and Means Committee.
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. The 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 was passed by the House and sent to the Senate and referred to the Senate Education Committee. It was passed favorably this week by the full Senate Education Committee and is now on the Senate calendar.
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 passed by the House and sent to the Senate and referred to the Senate Education Committee.
The State Budget Process
The Senate is scheduled to begin debate on the state budget on Wednesday morning, April 17.
Below is a summary of the current budget (as passed by the Senate Finance Committee) as it relates Clemson University and Clemson PSA:
Clemson E&G
– $5.7 million in recurring funding for in-state tuition mitigation (Same as the House)
– $2.1 million ($1.1 million in recurring funding and $1 million in nonrecurring funding) for Health Innovation Extension programming (House funded $2.1 million nonrecurring)
– $5.9 million in nonrecurring funding for safety and security infrastructure and enhancements (Same as the House)
– $4 million in nonrecurring funding for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (Same as the House)
Clemson PSA
– $2 million in recurring funding for Comprehensive Statewide Extension Programs (House funded $1 million recurring)
– $1 million in recurring funding for Critical Agriculture and Natural Resources Research (House funded $250,000 recurring)
– $1 million in recurring funding for Livestock-Poultry Health Regulatory Programs (House funded $750,000 recurring)
– $3 million in nonrecurring funding for Facility Renovation for Water Research (House funded $2 million nonrecurring)
The budget also currently includes:
– A proviso that allows for $25 million in direct farm aid relief as a result of Hurricanes Florence and Michael. The program is modeled after the state effort that was approved following the 2015 floods. Farmers will have to execute a legal document agreeing to return any state money if federal disaster assistance is received.
– A proviso that would limit tuition increases for in state students to the Higher Education Price Index as a condition of receiving the recurring funding associated with in-state tuition mitigation.
– A 2 percent pay increase for employees of public higher education institutions and technical colleges who earn a base salary below $100,000/year.
– A one-time bonus of $600 for state employees making under $70,000/year.
– An increase in the cost of health insurance and an increase in retirement contributions for state employees and employers. The employee portion of both will be paid by the state. The employer portion of both will have to be covered partially by the university.
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.