The bill H. 4731 proposes significant changes to the governance of arts initiatives in South Carolina by abolishing the South Carolina Arts Commission and transferring its functions, powers, and duties to the South Carolina Department of Education. This transition includes the transfer of employees, records, property, and unexpended funds from the commission to the department. The bill stipulates that existing rules and regulations of the commission will remain in effect unless specifically altered or voided by the department in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the South Carolina Code to reflect these changes, including revisions to state policies regarding the arts, the designation of the Department of Education as the official agency for federal arts funding, and updates to the duties and reporting requirements of the department. It also involves the repeal of multiple sections related to the commission's creation, member appointments, compensation, and powers. The entire chapter is to be redesignated as "South Carolina Arts Initiatives," with the act set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 60-15-25, 60-15-10, 60-15-90, 60-15-60, 60-15-80, 60-15-20, 60-15-30, 60-15-40, 60-15-50, 60-15-70, 60-15-75
Latest Version: 60-15-25, 60-15-10, 60-15-90, 60-15-60, 60-15-80, 60-15-20, 60-15-30, 60-15-40, 60-15-50, 60-15-70, 60-15-75