Committee questions university parking rule changes and moves to revise golf-cart criminalization

The committee reviewed proposed amendments from two institutions aimed at modernizing campus parking and transportation rules.

Representatives for the University of South Carolina explained document 5412 would update administrative titles, clarify appeals authority, expand payment methods and add an ADA registration requirement; the university representatives said fines would continue to be approved publicly through board tuition/fee-setting processes and posted on institutional websites. A member expressed concern that removing specific fine amounts from regulation could reduce legislative oversight.

Clemson University presented a proposed new regulation to allow certain golf-cart operations on campus (including limited nighttime operation for events) and to establish safety and compliance standards. Members raised alarm at language in the draft that would make violations of university policies a misdemeanor. ‘‘I don't think that the violation of a university policy should be subject to a misdemeanor,’’ the Chair said. A Committee member moved to have Clemson withdraw and resubmit the regulation to remove the provision that would subject violations of university policy to criminal penalties; the motion was agreed to in discussion and staff said they would carry that change when sending the item to the full committee.

Procedure: Committee directed staff to request a withdrawal and resubmission from Clemson removing the criminalization clause and asked USC to clarify how fines will remain transparent if removed from regulation.