The bill H. 4734 aims to enhance the performance and accountability of public institutions of higher learning in South Carolina by mandating their formal adoption and compliance with the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education proposed by the United States Secretary of Education. The bill introduces a new section, 59-101-435, which outlines the responsibilities of these institutions, including the requirement to adopt a resolution of adherence to the compact within ninety days of its issuance, renewal, or amendment. Institutions must also integrate the compact's requirements into their policies and submit annual compliance reports to the Commission on Higher Education.

Additionally, the bill establishes enforcement procedures for noncompliance. If an institution fails to adopt or comply with the compact, the Commission on Higher Education can issue a notice of noncompliance and allow thirty days for the institution to rectify the issue. Should the institution remain noncompliant, the commission may recommend withholding up to five percent of the institution's annual state appropriations until compliance is achieved. The bill emphasizes that compliance with this section does not exempt institutions from adhering to state or federal laws and includes provisions for restoring any withheld funds upon certification of compliance.

Statutes affected:
Latest Version: 59-101-435