The bill H. 4517 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 11-1-130, which prohibits appropriations bills or amendments from including earmarked funds for specific projects or entities outside the core budgetary process, starting with the Fiscal Year 2026-2027. This change is intended to streamline the budgetary process and ensure that funds are allocated more equitably among members of the General Assembly.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that after the Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs certifies a projected budget surplus, the Budget Committee will divide this surplus equally among all 170 members of the General Assembly. Each member is required to allocate their district's portion of surplus funds exclusively to essential governmental functions, which include infrastructure, public safety, and K-12 education. The Ways and Means Committee will set guidelines for the use of these funds, and members must submit an annual report on their allocations for public disclosure and review by the Legislative Audit Council. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
05/06/2025: 11-1-130
Latest Version: 11-1-130