The bill H. 3203 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to establish specific durations for Palmetto Fellows Scholarships and to extend the availability of these scholarships to accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate degree programs. The new section 59-104-27 outlines the renewal terms for Palmetto Fellows Scholarships, allowing for a maximum of two terms for one-year certificate programs, four terms for associate degrees, eight terms for bachelor's degrees or programs leading to graduate degrees, and ten terms for five-year bachelor's degrees or combined bachelor's and master's degrees in an accelerated format. Additionally, the bill introduces the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancement, which provides further terms for students pursuing similar educational paths.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 59-149-60 regarding LIFE Scholarships, allowing students to receive these scholarships for up to ten semesters for five-year degree programs, eight semesters for four-year programs, four semesters for two-year programs, and six semesters for three-year programs. The amendment clarifies that five-year degree programs can include accelerated programs that enable students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree concurrently, without the need to complete one degree before starting the other or fulfilling other typical requirements. This legislation is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 59-104-27, 59-149-60
Latest Version: 59-104-27, 59-149-60
12/06/2024: 59-104-27, 59-149-60