The bill S. 325 proposes significant changes to the structure and governance of the Department of Consumer Affairs in South Carolina. It amends Section 1-30-10 of the South Carolina Code to officially include the Department of Consumer Affairs within the executive branch of state government. Additionally, it introduces Section 1-30-145, which outlines the transition of the Department of Consumer Affairs from its previous structure under the Commission on Consumer Affairs to a newly established department headed by an administrator appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill also includes amendments to various sections of the code that redefine the role of the administrator and dissolve the Commission on Consumer Affairs, transferring its functions and responsibilities to the new department.

Key amendments include the redefinition of the term "administrator" in Section 37-6-103, specifying that the administrator will be appointed by the Governor, and changes to the powers and duties previously held by the Commission. For instance, the administrator will now have the authority to bring individual actions for consumers without prior approval from the Commission, which is being dissolved. The bill also mandates that all references to the Commission on Consumer Affairs in the South Carolina Code be updated to reflect this transition to the Department of Consumer Affairs. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/06/2025: 1-30-10, 1-30-145, 37-6-103, 37-6-104
02/12/2025: 1-30-10, 1-30-145, 37-6-103, 37-6-104
Latest Version: 1-30-10, 1-30-145, 37-6-103, 37-6-104