A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP GUARANTEED ADMISSION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-150-372 SO AS TO CREATE THE LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP GUARANTEED ADMISSIONS PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE THAT RECEIVE LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS MUST GUARANTEE ADMISSION TO STUDENTS WHO GRADUATE IN THE TOP TEN PERCENT OF THEIR HIGH SCHOOL CLASS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, AND TO IMPOSE A RELATED REPORTING REQUIREMENT ON THE INSTITUTIONS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Lottery Scholarship Guaranteed Admission Act".

SECTION 2.  Chapter 150, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 59-150-372.  (A) The Lottery Scholarship Guaranteed Admissions program is created to ensure colleges and universities that receive scholarship lottery funds pursuant to this chapter shall prioritize the enrollment of top-performing high school students in this State by guaranteeing admission to those who graduate in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class at a public or private high school located in this State. The goal of this program is to ensure that the top-performing high school students in this State have guaranteed access to higher education opportunities at colleges and universities receiving lottery scholarship funds, thereby promoting academic excellence, and supporting the future leaders of this State.

    (B) Any public or private institutions of higher learning in this State that receive lottery scholarship funds must guarantee admission to students who graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class. Eligible students must meet all applicable admission requirements, including minimum grade point average and standardized test scores and other scholarship requirements.

    (C) A student must qualify for in-state tuition rates pursuant to Chapter 112, Title 59 at the time he graduates from high school to qualify for admissions preference under the provisions of this section.

    (D) Participating institutions shall report annually to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education on the number of top ten percent students admitted and enrolled under this program.

SECTION 3.  The provisions of this act apply beginning with the high school graduating class of 2025.

SECTION 4.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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