SB 2846

Abstract

Amends the Private College Act and the Academic Degree Act. Provides that a nonprofit institution owned, controlled, and operated and maintained by a bona fide church, religious denomination, or religious organization comprised of multi-denominational members of the same well-recognized religion, lawfully operating as a nonprofit religious corporation pursuant to the Religious Corporation Act, is exempt from the Acts if (i) the education is limited to instruction in the principles of that church, religious denomination, or religious organization or to courses offered for the purpose of training the adherents of that church, religious denomination, or religious organization in the care of the sick in accordance with its religious tenets and (ii) the diploma or degree is limited to evidence of completion of that education and the meritorious recognition upon which any honorary degree is conferred is limited to the principles of that church, religious denomination, or religious organization. Sets forth requirements and prohibitions concerning the awarding of degrees and diplomas by such an institution. Requires the institution to annually file with the Board of Higher Education evidence to demonstrate its status as a nonprofit religious corporation under the Religious Corporation Act. Effective July 1, 2014.