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 of Laws to officially add the Department of Consumer Affairs to the list of departments 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 changes to the definition of "administrator" in Section 37-6-103, which now specifies that the administrator is appointed by the Governor, and modifications to the powers and duties of the administrator, including the requirement for prior approval from the Governor for certain actions. The bill also mandates the correction of all references to the Commission on Consumer Affairs in the South Carolina Code to reflect the new structure. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the governance of consumer affairs in South Carolina by consolidating authority under a single administrator and enhancing the executive oversight of consumer protection efforts.

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
04/16/2025: 1-30-10, 1-30-145, 37-6-103, 37-6-104
04/22/2025: 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