The proposed bill, H. 4739, seeks to enhance safety training for students at public colleges, universities, technical colleges, and independent institutions of higher education in South Carolina that receive lottery scholarship funding. It mandates the development and implementation of a safety training program for all new students, which must be conducted during their initial orientation or within the first thirty days on campus. The bill outlines specific exclusions from the program, such as students enrolled in adult education or transient students, and requires institutions to compile and report campus crime statistics annually. The training program must cover various topics, including personal safety, emergency procedures, and prevention of sexual assault and violence.

Additionally, the bill establishes reporting requirements for institutions regarding campus crime statistics, which must be submitted to the appropriate educational boards and made publicly available. Institutions are also required to maintain and update their campus safety plans and ensure compliance with these provisions. The Commission on Higher Education and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education will monitor compliance and may recommend funding reductions or refer noncompliance cases to the Attorney General for enforcement. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval and will first apply to students enrolling in the fall of 2027.