Reps. PACE and Cromer propose the following Amendment No. to H.5126 as introduced by Ways & Means

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EXPLANATION: An amendment requiring disclosure of individuals with certain visas, that are currently employed at State institutions, as a condition for release of SC FIRST funding.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Part IB, Section 113, AID TO SUBDIVISIONS- STATE TREASURER, page 502, after line 26, by adding an appropriately numbered proviso to read:

/113.X. (AS-TREAS: SC FIRST Conditional Release of Funds) All Institutions of Higher Learning receiving funds appropriated for SC FIRST pursuant to Proviso 117.149 shall provide an annual report to receive the funds. The report shall disclose the number of individuals currently employed by the institution who hold a H1B and/or OTP (Optional Practical Training) visa. Each institution shall submit the report to the Commission on Higher Education, the Executive Budget Office, the Comptroller General, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee no later than August 1, 2026. The State Treasurer shall not disburse any SC FIRST funds to an institution until the required report has been received by the Commission on Higher Education. The State Treasurer shall reduce the SC FIRST appropriation of each institution by $120,000 for each employed individual holding an H-1B visa or OPT visa, as identified in the required report. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and titles to conform.