Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Amendment Adopted

02/20/24

S. 538

Introduced by Senators Kimbrell, M. Johnson, Adams, Reichenbach, Rice, Verdin, Grooms, Climer and Loftis

S. Printed 02/20/24--S.

Read the first time February 15, 2023

________

A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 59-101-15 so as to limit tenure and to provide that institutions of higher learning must create a tenure review process.

    Amend Title To Conform

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  Article 1, Chapter 101, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 59-101-15. (A)  A public institution of higher learning in this State must establish a tenure review process for every tenured faculty member. The review process will be conducted in compliance with the institution's faculty guidelines, and will occur at least once every six years after the faculty member under review has gained tenure. The tenure review process must ensure that the faculty member has continued to meet the high standards for tenure that are outlined in the institution's faculty guidelines.

    (B)  The Commission on Higher Education shall:

    (1) ensure the compliance by each public institution of higher learning with the provisions of this section; and

    (2) annually collect information necessary to ensure that each public institution of higher learning complies with the provisions of this section.  The commission shall annually report this information to the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and the Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee.

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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