The bill H. 4738 proposes significant amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws, particularly targeting the education sector. A key change is the elimination of the Governor's Teaching Scholarship Loan Program, which previously provided financial support to future teachers. The bill also revises the responsibilities of the State Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education concerning the South Carolina Educator Preparation Report Card, aiming to enhance the evaluation of educator preparation programs. Additionally, it removes budgetary review requirements for college parallel courses and associate degree programs, and repeals various outdated provisions related to education and training, including those concerning the South Carolina Research University Infrastructure Act and the State Occupational Training Advisory Committee.

Moreover, the bill allocates the first $1,000,000 of unclaimed lottery prize money for fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 to the Budget and Control Board for gambling disorder services, with any excess funds directed to the State Department of Education for school bus purchases and repairs. It also amends Section 8-17-380 to establish performance appraisal and grievance procedures for faculty at post-secondary institutions, mandating annual evaluations and allowing employees to appeal decisions related to grievances, particularly those involving discrimination. The act aims to modernize and streamline educational governance and oversight in South Carolina and will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
Latest Version: 59-26-20, 59-26-35, 59-53-40, 59-104-40, 59-150-355, 8-17-380, 39-9-230, 59-54-20, 59-101-340, 59-101-360, 59-103-50, 59-103-120, 59-103-162, 59-104-230, 59-104-410, 59-104-420, 59-104-430, 59-104-440, 59-105-60, 59-111-75, 59-121-15, 59-127-75, 59-150-380