State officials are concerned that shady online businesses are making it easier to defraud the public with fake college degrees, some bearing the names of colleges and universities in South Carolina.

"They just perpetrate fraud on people," said state Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken. "I don't think they should be allowed to exist."

The Commission on Higher Education says it's worried people will confuse legitimate programs offered online with sites such as http://www.graduatenow.com/. Such sites claim their degrees are authentic and are awarded based on classroom and work experience.

"These businesses are compromising the reputations of the institutions," said Renea Eshleman, who coordinates licensing at the state Commission on Higher Education.

The commission wants the Legislature to adopt a $1,000 fine or a year in jail for anyone convicted of using fake credentials for academic or professional purposes.

Oregon, New Hampshire, Illinois and North Dakota have established laws that make it a crime to use a fake college degree.

But it is difficult to track down the operators of Web sites to stop the misuse of college names because many sites are owned by companies overseas, said Garry Ballard, spokesman for Francis Marion University, whose attorneys have been working on the issue since last year.

Ryberg and state Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington, said they would look at the commission's proposed penalties and ways to protect schools in South Carolina.

Many higher education leaders across the state were surprised this week to learn several Web sites offer custom-made degrees, diplomas and certificates that promise to look real and can include just about any name of a college or university.

For example, http://www.fakedegrees.com/ offers degrees for 18 South Carolina schools, including Francis Marion University, Coker College and Bob Jones University. It costs $75 to become a member of the site.

Some sites say the phony documents are meant as novelties "to boost your confidence and esteem" and do not grant special privileges.

Some of the sites include diplomas, honors distinctions and a telephone service that could be accessed by potential employers who want to verify information regarding transcripts and degrees.

Statue Would Honor Unborn Children

The House Ways and Means Property Tax Subcommittee approved a bill Tuesday to build a monument outside the State House memorializing "unborn children who have given their lives because of legal abortion."

The monument would be a 6-foot statue of a fetus on a 2-foot base placed on State House grounds where it would be visible from a nearby street.

The bill requires a commission responsible for the monument to raise private funds and receive gifts and grants to build the memorial. The commission would have until next year to submit a design and location to the State House Committee for approval. The state would be responsible for maintaining the new monument along with others already on the grounds.

Cromer sworn in to S.C. Senate seat

Newberry pharmacist Ronnie Cromer was sworn in Tuesday to the state Senate seat vacated by now-Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.

Last week, the Republican defeated Democrat and former state Comptroller General Jim Lander for the seat. Libertarian Steve Cain of Batesburg-Leesville came in third.

Cromer, 55, spent more than $220,000 on last-minute television ads and a mailing campaign.

Surrounded by his family, Cromer placed his hand on a Bible and recited his oath of office.

He said he first visited the State House 45 years ago as a third-grader, and he sat in awe of the lawmakers in the House and Senate.

"Today, I stand here in front of you, another group of very distinguished statesmen and stateswomen, in awe," Cromer told his fellow senators. "I can only hope and pray that the good Lord will give me the wisdom and the guidance to measure up to your expectations and to the expectations of the citizens of South Carolina."

Senate District 18 includes all of Newberry and Saluda counties and portions of Lexington and Union counties.

Republicans now hold a 25-21 advantage in the Senate with the addition of Cromer.