Section 40-11-40 - Voluntary contributions with licensee applications; uses; reporting requirements(A)(1) An applicant for a new, reinstatement, or renewal contractor's license must be given an opportunity in writing to make a voluntary contribution to be distributed to an accredited public institution of higher learning offering degrees in construction science, building science, or civil engineering. The applicant may designate a specific accredited institution to receive the contribution. Undesignated contributions shall be distributed to accredited institutions in a pro rata manner based on the number of full-time equivalent students enrolled in each program at each institution. Any voluntary contribution must be added to the contractor's license fee and must be transferred to the State Treasurer and credited to the appropriate institution.(2) By June first of each year, the State Commission on Higher Education shall provide to the department a list of accredited public institutions of higher learning offering degrees in construction science, building science, or civil engineering, and include in the annual report the number of students enrolled in each of these programs for the prior academic year.(B)(1) Each institution receiving funds pursuant to this section shall utilize the funds to provide or enhance programs related to building science or civil engineering, which shall include, but is not limited to, scholarships, fellowships, research, faculty development, and continuing education programs.(2) Each institution receiving funds pursuant to this section shall provide an annual report to the department by January thirty-first disclosing the amount of funds received during the prior fiscal year and an accounting of how the funds were utilized.(C) The department shall retain five percent of the amount to be distributed for administrative expenses associated with the collection and distribution of funds.Added by 2022 S.C. Acts, Act No. 175 (SB 888),s 1, eff. 7/15/2022.