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S 1062

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, RELATING TO DETERMINATION OF RATES OF TUITION AND FEES, DESIGNATED AS

2025-2026 Regular Session

South Carolina adopts SCHE Regulation 5443 to streamline and clarify residency-based tuition decisions, aligning with Act 51 and easing the path to in-state status.

Effective date 05/18/26
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Bill Summary · S 1062

Summary: S. 1062 (2025-2026) – Joint Resolution to Approve Regulations on Determination of Rates of Tuition and Fees

Basic info

  • Bill number & session: S. 1062, 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: South Carolina
  • Introduced by: Senate Education Committee
  • Introduced date: March 26, 2026
  • Status: Introduced; Read first time and placed on calendar; Recommitted to Committee on Education on April 16, 2026
  • Effective date: The joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Purpose of the bill

  • The bill is a joint resolution to approve certain regulations issued by the State Commission on Higher Education (SCHE) regarding the determination of rates of tuition and fees at state higher education institutions.
  • Specifically, it approves Regulation Document Number 5443, which are the regulations governing how tuition and fees are determined and assessed.

Key provisions and changes (as described in the included summary)

  • Regulatory approval: The General Assembly approves SCHE Regulation 5443, which addresses the process for determining tuition and fees.
  • Regulatory content (as summarized by the promulgating agency):
    • The regulation replaces Regulation Documents 62-600 through 62-612 in Chapter 62, in its entirety.
    • It revises the South Carolina Residency Regulation to clarify policies and procedures for administering the state residency program for tuition purposes.
    • The amendments reflect:
    • A requirement stemming from Act 51 of 2023: relocation to South Carolina within 45 days requires obtaining a South Carolina driver’s license.
    • A reduction in the number of items needed to demonstrate residency intent.
    • Additional revisions aimed at simplifying the residency process for applicants and institutions.
    • A goal of promoting flexibility in residency classification processes across state institutions.
  • Policy impact targeted: The changes are designed to streamline and clarify how residency status for tuition purposes is determined, which in turn affects who pays in-state vs. out-of-state tuition.

Who would be affected

  • Students seeking in-state residency classification for tuition purposes at public higher education institutions in South Carolina.
  • Educational institutions (public colleges and universities) responsible for classifying students as in-state or out-of-state for tuition.
  • Potentially overall tuition revenue dynamics due to residency qualification changes and administrative handling.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Regulation review and approval: The resolution signals legislative approval of SCHE Regulation 5443, currently being considered under the requirements of Article 1, Chapter 23, Title 1 of the South Carolina Code.
  • Notice and drafting process: A Notice of Drafting for the regulation was published in the South Carolina State Register on June 27, 2025.
  • Next steps: Pending Governor’s approval for final enactment; once approved, the regulation becomes effective as specified by state law.

Practical considerations

  • The changes may lead to:
    • A more straightforward residency determination process for applicants.
    • Potentially faster and more flexible handling of residency classification by institutions.
    • Alignment with Act 51 of 2023 regarding driver’s license requirements for residency purposes.
  • Stakeholders to monitor include students applying for residency status, admissions offices, and registrar staff at public higher education institutions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on a particular audience (students, administrators, or policymakers) or extract exact regulatory language once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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