The bill S. 697 proposes the transfer of the South Carolina 211 Network from the Budget and Control Board to the Department of Consumer Affairs, effective July 1, 2026. It aims to create a statewide South Carolina 211 Network within the Department, which will serve as a centralized point for information and referral regarding health and human services. The bill outlines several objectives for the network, including improving access to information, fostering collaboration among service providers, establishing standards for data collection, and providing a management structure to support the network.

Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language by adding Section 37-6-515 to the South Carolina Code, which details the operational framework of the 211 Network, including certification requirements for providers and the process for revoking 211 numbers from unqualified entities. It also amends Section 1-11-770 to reflect the transfer of the 211 Network to the Department of Consumer Affairs. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of health and human services information dissemination in South Carolina.

Statutes affected:
12/10/2025: 37-6-515, 1-11-770
Latest Version: 37-6-515, 1-11-770