A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS by enacting THE "SOUTH CAROLINA DREAMERS ACT OF 2024" BY ADDING SECTION 59-112-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO HAS A LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THIS STATE AND IS NOT PRECLUDED FROM ESTABLISHING RESIDENCY UNDER FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW MAY ESTABLISH DOMICILE IN THIS STATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING IN-STATE TUITION RATES AND FEES AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND FOR STATE SUPPORTED SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS, PROVIDED THAT OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ARE MET; AND BY ADDING SECTION 40-1-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO HAS A LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THIS STATE AND IS NOT PRECLUDED FROM ESTABLISHING RESIDENCY UNDER FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW MAY ESTABLISH RESIDENCY AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR OCCUPATIONAL OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER, PROVIDED THAT OTHER LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  This act may be cited as the "South Carolina DREAMers Act of 2024".

 

SECTION 2.  Chapter 112, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 59-112-45. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who has a lawful presence in this State and is not precluded from establishing residency under federal immigration law may establish domicile in this State for the purpose of receiving in-state tuition rates and fees at public institutions of higher education. A person eligible for in-state tuition rates pursuant to this section is eligible for state supported scholarships and grants, provided that other eligibility requirements are met.

 

SECTION 3.  Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 40-1-35. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who has a lawful presence in this State and is not precluded from establishing residency under federal immigration law may establish residency and be eligible for occupational or professional licensure under the provisions of this title, provided that other licensure requirements are met.

 

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

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