The bill H. 5482 aims to amend several sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning scholarship programs, specifically the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program and the LIFE Scholarship. It introduces the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an approved assessment for receiving scholarships, alongside the existing SAT and ACT scores. The amendments to Section 59-104-20 outline the qualifications for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, which now includes a minimum score of 1200 on the SAT or an equivalent score on the ACT or CLT, along with specific GPA and class rank requirements. Additionally, Section 59-149-50 is amended to include ACT and CLT scores as acceptable alternatives for LIFE Scholarship eligibility, which previously only recognized SAT scores.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the definition of "talented and qualified resident" in Section 59-26-20 to incorporate ACT and CLT scores, thereby broadening the criteria for students eligible for the Governor's Teaching Scholarship Loan Program. This program provides loans to aspiring teachers, which can be canceled upon fulfilling teaching service requirements in public schools. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a minimum GPA for continued eligibility in these scholarship programs. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance access to educational funding for South Carolina students by recognizing a wider range of assessment scores.

Statutes affected:
04/01/2026: 59-104-20, 59-149-50, 59-26-20
Latest Version: 59-104-20, 59-149-50, 59-26-20