SB2141 Summary

• Amends the Private College Act and Academic Degree Act to create exemptions for religious institutions providing post-secondary religious education from state educational regulations and Board of Higher Education requirements.

• Requires qualifying religious institutions to be tax-exempt, not-for-profit entities owned and controlled by a bona fide church or religious denomination and dedicated exclusively to religious education.

• Mandates that degree titles include religious modifiers (such as "Bachelor of Religious Studies") and prohibits use of standard academic degree titles (Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, etc.).

• Requires institutions to publish affidavits stating no federal or state funds are used, include disclaimers that credentials may not be recognized by other institutions or employers, and prohibit students from using federal or state educational loan funds.

• Specifies that promotional materials must state programs are limited to religion, theology, or preparation for religious vocations conferring ministerial or clergy status, with the exemption superseding conflicting provisions of other state regulations.