The bill S. 438 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance the oversight and approval processes for permanent improvement projects managed by the Joint Bond Review Committee, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority, and the Department of Administration. Key changes include clarifying the roles of these entities, specifying that only gifts-in-kind are exempt from the procurement code, and removing the requirement for certain project approvals while mandating compliance with nationally recognized codes. The bill also refines the definitions and requirements for project proposals, emphasizing the need for detailed descriptions, justifications, and funding plans.

Additionally, the bill modifies project approval thresholds, allowing public institutions of higher learning to bypass certain review requirements for projects under specified cost limits, provided they have governing board approval. It establishes that permanent improvement projects must be formally established before implementation and outlines necessary documentation and reporting requirements. The bill amends Section 1-11-185 to require state departments and agencies to submit plans for projects costing one million dollars or less for approval, while larger projects will require approval from the State Fiscal Accountability Authority. The Department of Administration is also empowered to create regulations and manage transactions with other governmental entities, with generated revenue deposited into a special account for related costs. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
03/11/2025: 2-47-30, 2-47-56, 10-1-180, 1-11-185
Latest Version: 2-47-30, 2-47-56, 10-1-180, 1-11-185