The bill S. 438 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding the Joint Bond Review Committee and the management of permanent improvement projects. Key changes include clarifying the roles of the Joint Bond Review Committee, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority, and the Department of Administration. The bill specifies that only gifts-in-kind are exempt from the procurement code and eliminates the requirement for certain projects to obtain approval, instead mandating adherence to nationally recognized codes. It also refines definitions and requirements related to project funding and oversight, establishing new cost thresholds for project reviews.

Significant deletions include the removal of provisions that required approval for certain permanent improvement projects, while new thresholds dictate the level of review based on project costs. Projects exceeding $250,000 will require formal establishment and approval, while those under $1 million may be reviewed by designated staff. Additionally, public institutions of higher learning can bypass certain review processes for lower-cost projects if approved by their governing boards in public sessions. The bill also amends Section 1-11-185 to enhance oversight by requiring state departments 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 granted the authority to create necessary 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