Author: Sharon Lovelace

State Legislative Updates

August 18, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Governor Henry McMaster issued his vetoes for the state budget on Monday, August 17.  There are no vetoes specific to Clemson University’s priorities.

THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS

As a recap, the Clemson-specific items in the budget are as follows:   Education & General (E&G) $8 million recurring for SC FIRST/tuition mitigation  $6 million recurring for Clemson University National Security Institute  $3.4 million recurring for College of Veterinary Medicine operating funds  $500,000 recurring for the Clemson University Energy Center  $1.8 million nonrecurring for Public Safety  $15 million in nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex Science Lab Construction A proviso providing not less than $1 million in nonrecurring for Clemson’s Rural Health Programming   Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) $750,000 recurring for Protecting SC’s Food Sources and Bolstering Agricultural Services  $3.75 million nonrecurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades   The budget includes a 2% base pay increase for classified and unclassified employees of institutions of higher education. This pay increase will be retroactive to an effective date of July 1, 2026.     In addition to the Clemson-specific items, the budget contains several items from the Executive Budget positive to the University: $10 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools Over $3.5 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the College Transition Programs (ClemsonLIFE), which provide scholarships for South Carolina residents with intellectual disabilities to complete a postsecondary education program, which includes academic coursework and career exploration, thereby preparing them for independent living and employment.   This brings this year’s budget season to a close.

BILLS OF INTEREST

Clemson’s Governmental Affairs Team tracked over 200 pieces of legislation during this two year legislative session. As a reminder, since this is the second year of a two-year session, bills that did not pass died at the end of the session.

NEWS & FYI

Thank you for your service on behalf of Clemson University. Every day, we are reminded of how special the Clemson family is. Your commitment to advocacy on Clemson’s behalf is a tremendous contribution to our success.    This will be the final weekly legislative update until the General Assembly reconvenes in January 2027. Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter for regularly updated news and information.

State Legislative Updates

May 18, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

In accordance with state law, the second regular session of the 126th South Carolina General Assembly adjourned Sine Die at five o’clock on Thursday, May 14. Shortly thereafter, Governor McMaster issued an executive order that called both the Senate and House back into session for the purpose of addressing congressional redistricting and the budget. While most of the General Assembly’s attention is expected to be focused on these two issues, they are not limited to those topics alone.    Notably, H.5682 (Clemson Board of Trustees) which was introduced by Representative April Cromer (R-Anderson) and Representative Lee Gilreath (R-Abbeville) was not considered prior to the close of the regular legislative session.

THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS

The budget has been sent to Conference Committee to negotiate the differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill.  It is anticipated that the Conference Committee will work over the next three weeks to bring a final version to the House and Senate in mid-June.    House conferees are House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bruce Bannister (R-Greenville), Representative Davey Hiott (R-Pickens) and Representative Jackie Hayes (D-Dillon). Senate conferees are Senate Finance Committee Chairman Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee), Senator Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) and Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort). For reference, the current version of the budget contains the following with impact to Clemson: Education & General  $6 million recurring for SC FIRST/tuition mitigation (This funding is locked)  $4 million recurring for Clemson University National Security Institute (This funding is locked)  $3.4 million recurring for College of Veterinary Medicine operating funds (This funding is locked)  $500,000 recurring for the Clemson University Energy Center (House 2 did not recommend funding) $1.8 million nonrecurring for Public Safety (This funding is locked) $1 nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex (This allows for the amount to be negotiated in Conference Committee) $10 million in nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex Science Lab Construction Public Service and Agriculture  $0 for Natural Resource Utilization and Planning Institute (NRUPI) (House originally recommended $1 million) $2.5 million nonrecurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades (Senate recommended $5 million) $0 for Protecting SC’s Food Sources and Bolstering Agricultural Services (Senate recommended $750,000 recurring)

BILLS OF INTEREST

The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS.

NEWS & FYI

Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.

State Legislative Updates

May 12, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

There are three days remaining in this legislative session. By law, the General Assembly must adjourn sine die at 5 o’clock on Thursday, May 14 but may return to finish work on the budget or other items agreed upon by both bodies. Since this is the second year of a two-year session, bills that did not pass this session will die at the close of the session.   With only three days remaining in the legislative session, Representatives April Cromer (R-Anderson) and Lee Gilreath (R-Abbeville) filed H.5682 (Clemson Board of Trustees). The bill has been referred to the House Education and Public Works Committee   This bill seeks to alter the governance structure of the Clemson University Board of Trustees, set forth in the will of Thomas Green Clemson and adopted by the South Carolina legislature in 1889.   If adopted, the legislation raises serious legal issues regarding the State’s acceptance of the terms of Thomas Green Clemson’s gift and impacts the future of Clemson University as a public institution.

THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS

Last week, the House took up the budget as amended by the Senate. The House amended the bill back to its original (with a few exceptions) version of the budget. and returned it to the Senate, which voted to nonconcur in the House amendments.    The bill now goes to conference committee. House conferees are House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bruce Bannister (R-Greenville), Representative Davey Hiott (R-Pickens) and Representative Jackie Hayes (D-Dillon). Senate conferees are Senate Finance Committee Chairman Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee), Senator Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) and Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort).   For reference, the “House 2” version of the budget currently contains the following with impact to Clemson: Education & General  $6 million recurring for SC FIRST/tuition mitigation (This funding is locked)  $4 million recurring for Clemson University National Security Institute (This funding is locked)  $3.4 million recurring for College of Veterinary Medicine operating funds (This funding is locked)  $500,000 recurring for the Clemson University Energy Center (House 2 did not recommend funding) $1.8 million nonrecurring for Public Safety (This funding is locked) $1 nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex (This allows for the amount to be negotiated in Conference Committee) $10 million in nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex Science Lab Construction Public Service and Agriculture  $0 for Natural Resource Utilization and Planning Institute (NRUPI) (House originally recommended $1 million) $2.5 million nonrecurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades (Senate recommended $5 million) $0 for Protecting SC’s Food Sources and Bolstering Agricultural Services (Senate recommended $750,000 recurring)

BILLS OF INTEREST

The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS.

NEWS & FYI

Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.

State Legislative Updates

May 4, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

There are six days remaining in this legislative session. By law, the General Assembly must adjourn sine die at 5 o’clock on Thursday, May 14 but may return to finish work on the budget or other items agreed upon by both bodies. Since this is the second year of a two-year session, bills that did not pass this session will die at the close of the session.

THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS

The House is expected to take up the Senate’s amendments to the budget this week. At that time, the House will have one more chance to offer amendments to the budget. If the Senate votes to non-concur in the House amendments, a conference committee will be appointed to negotiate the differences in the House and Senate versions.

BILLS OF INTEREST

The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS.

NEWS & FYI

Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.

State Legislative Updates

April 27, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA There are nine days remaining in this legislative session. THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS The Senate completed its work on the state budget on Thursday night, April 23.  The Senate version is largely unchanged from the Senate Finance Committee’s budget. The specific recommendations impacting Clemson are as follows: Education & General  $6 million recurring for SC FIRST/tuition mitigation (House recommended $6 million) (this effectively “locks” in this amount for tuition mitigation)  $4 million recurring for Clemson University National Security Institute (House recommended $1 million) $3.4 million recurring for College of Veterinary Medicine operating funds (House did not recommend funding) $500,000 recurring for the Clemson University Energy Center (House did not recommend funding) $1.8 million nonrecurring for Public Safety (House recommended $1.8 million) (this effectively “locks” in this amount) $7.5 million nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex (House recommended $10 million) Public Service and Agriculture  $750,000 recurring for Protecting South Carolina’s Food Sources and Bolstering Agricultural Services (House did not recommend funding) $2 million recurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades (House did not recommend funding)  $5 million nonrecurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades (House recommended $2.5 million nonrecurring) The Senate included several items from the Executive Budget of impact to the University: $3.5 million in recurring lottery dollars for College Transition program scholarships (like ClemsonLIFE) $10 million in recurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools $18 million in recurring lottery dollars for Meeting Street Scholarships (House recommended $15 million) The Senate included a base pay increase of 2% for state employees. This is the same in the House version so this increase is effectively “locked”.     The Senate’s version of the budget includes an increase in the cost of health insurance for state employees. The employee portion will be partially paid by the state.     The budget now returns to the House at which time the House will consider the Senate amendments and offer additional amendments. Traditionally, the budget goes to a conference committee where three House Members and three Senators negotiate details of the final budget.   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 direct state funding and are considered self-supporting divisions of the University. BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS. NEWS & FYI Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.

State Legislative Updates

April 20, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA The House of Representatives returned in statewide session last week. The Senate Education Committee passed H.5205 (College Safety Training Programs for Students) and sent it to the Senate floor.  THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS The Senate will begin debate on the budget tomorrow at noon. As a reminder, the current budget recommendations (as passed by the Senate Finance Committee) impacting Clemson are as follows: Education & General  $6 million recurring for SC FIRST/tuition mitigation (House recommended $6 million) (this effectively “locks” in this amount for tuition mitigation)  $4 million recurring for Clemson University National Security Institute (House recommended $1 million) $3.4 million recurring for College of Veterinary Medicine operating funds (House did not recommend funding) $500,000 recurring for the Clemson University Energy Center (House did not recommend funding) $1.8 million nonrecurring for Public Safety (House recommended $1.8 million) (this effectively “locks” in this amount) $7.5 million nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex (House recommended $10 million) Public Service and Agriculture  $750,000 recurring for Protecting South Carolina’s Food Sources and Bolstering Agricultural Services (House did not recommend funding) $2 million recurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades (House did not recommend funding)  $5 million nonrecurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades (House recommended $2.5 million nonrecurring) The Committee included several items from the Executive Budget of impact to the University: $3.5 million in recurring lottery dollars for College Transition program scholarships (like ClemsonLIFE) $10 million in recurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools $18 million in recurring lottery dollars for Meeting Street Scholarships (House recommended $15 million)   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 direct state funding and are considered self-supporting divisions of the University. BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS. NEWS & FYI Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.

State Legislative Updates

April 13, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The House of Representatives was on furlough last week.

THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS

The Senate Finance Committee completed its work on the state budget on Wednesday afternoon, April 8.  The specific budget recommendations impacting Clemson are as follows: Education & General  $6 million recurring for SC FIRST/tuition mitigation* (House recommended $6 million) (this effectively “locks” in this amount for tuition mitigation)  $4 million recurring for Clemson University National Security Institute (House recommended $1 million) $3.4 million recurring for College of Veterinary Medicine operating funds (House did not recommend funding) $500,000 recurring for the Clemson University Energy Center (House did not recommend funding) $1.8 million nonrecurring for Public Safety (House recommended $1.8 million) (this effectively “locks” in this amount) $7.5 million nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex (House recommended $10 million) Public Service and Agriculture  $750,000 recurring for Protecting South Carolina’s Food Sources and Bolstering Agricultural Services (House did not recommend funding) $2 million recurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades (House did not recommend funding)  $5 million nonrecurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades (House recommended $2.5 million nonrecurring) The Committee included several items from the Executive Budget of impact to the University: $3.5 million in recurring lottery dollars for College Transition program scholarships (like ClemsonLIFE) $10 million in recurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools $18 million in recurring lottery dollars for Meeting Street Scholarships** (House recommended $15 million) The Committee included a base pay increase of 2% for state employees. This is the same in the House version so this increase is effectively “locked in”.     The full Senate is scheduled to take up the budget the week of April 20.   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 direct state funding and are considered self-supporting divisions of the University.

BILLS OF INTEREST

The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS.

NEWS & FYI

Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.

State Legislative Updates

April 6, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA The House of Representatives is on furlough this week. H. 4902, which addresses the release of revenue sharing agreements between university athletic departments and student athletes was vetoed by Governor Henry McMaster. The House and Senate overrode the veto. THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS The Senate Finance Committee will take up the budget beginning tomorrow morning.  As a reminder, the current (House) version of the budget contains the following for Clemson University and Clemson PSA: Education & General $6 million recurring for SC FIRST (Tuition Mitigation)  $1 million recurring for Clemson University National Security Institute  $1.8 million nonrecurring Public Safety  $10 million nonrecurring for NextGen Computing Complex  Public Service and Agriculture  $1 million recurring for Natural Resource Utilization and Planning Institute (NRUPI)  $2.5 million nonrecurring for Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades   Additional items of impact to the University and state public higher ed institutions: $3.5 million in recurring lottery dollars for College Transition program scholarships (like ClemsonLIFE) $10 million in recurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools $15 million in recurring lottery dollars for Meeting Street Scholarships A base pay increase of 2% for state employees. Increase in the cost of health insurance for state employees. The employee portion will be partially paid by the state.   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 direct state funding and are considered self-supporting divisions of the University. BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS. NEWS & FYI Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.

State Legislative Updates

March 30, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA H. 4902, which addresses the release of revenue sharing agreements between university athletic departments and student athletes was vetoed by Governor Henry McMaster. The House overrode the veto last week in an 88-22 vote. The Senate is expected to take up the veto this week.   THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS The Senate Finance Committee will take up the budget next week.   Senate Finance Budget Subcommittees that hear Clemson’s budget requests: Higher Education Subcommittee: Chairman Ronnie Cromer (R-Newberry) Senator Darrell Jackson (D-Richland) Senator Tom Corbin Clemson ’87 (R-Greenville) Senator Ross Turner Clemson ’86 (R-Greenville) Senator Tom Young (R-Aiken)   Natural Resources and Economic Development Subcommittee: Chairman Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) Senator Kent Williams (D-Marion) Senator Tom Corbin Clemson ’87 (R-Greenville) Senator Mike Gambrell Clemson ’80 (R-Abbeville) Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R-Georgetown)   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 direct state funding and are considered self-supporting divisions of the University. BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS. NEWS & FYI Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.

State Legislative Updates

March 23, 2026

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The House of Representatives was on furlough last week and will return to Columbia in statewide session tomorrow.     H. 4902, which addresses the release of revenue sharing agreements between university athletic departments and student athletes was vetoed by Governor Henry McMaster. The House and Senate could seek to override the Governor’s veto this week. We may request your help in contacting your legislators in support of the veto override.

THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS

The Senate Finance Committee continues to hold agency budget subcommittee hearings.   Senate Finance Budget Subcommittees that hear Clemson’s budget requests: Higher Education Subcommittee: Chairman Ronnie Cromer (R-Newberry) Senator Darrell Jackson (D-Richland) Senator Tom Corbin Clemson ’87 (R-Greenville) Senator Ross Turner Clemson ’86 (R-Greenville) Senator Tom Young (R-Aiken)   Natural Resources and Economic Development Subcommittee: Chairman Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) Senator Kent Williams (D-Marion) Senator Tom Corbin Clemson ’87 (R-Greenville) Senator Mike Gambrell Clemson ’80 (R-Abbeville) Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R-Georgetown)   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 direct state funding and are considered self-supporting divisions of the University.

BILLS OF INTEREST

The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson.   A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS.

NEWS & FYI

Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter.