The bill H. 5071 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) by transferring the appointment of the Secretary of Transportation from a seven-member commission to the Governor, effectively eliminating the commission and consolidating authority under the Secretary. The bill mandates the Secretary to submit an itemized project list for funding to the General Assembly during the fiscal year of the annual appropriations act. It also establishes a new Coordinating Council for Transportation and Mobility, which will be responsible for developing coordinated transportation plans and policies, and introduces a System Realignment Fund to facilitate the transfer of nonessential roads to local governments.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the South Carolina Code to enhance the operational framework for transportation management, including provisions for public-private partnerships, toll collection, and the management of turnpike facilities. It introduces a user fee on electricity consumed at electric vehicle charging stations and a biennial road use fee for alternative fuel vehicles, with all fees directed to the State Highway Fund. The legislation aims to improve the efficiency and accountability of transportation projects while ensuring equitable access and compliance with state regulations, with an effective date set for July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
01/29/2026: 57-1-410, 1-30-10, 1-30-105, 11-43-140, 57-1-10, 57-3-50, 57-1-90, 57-3-210, 57-3-700, 57-5-50, 57-5-90, 57-5-340, 57-13-10, 57-25-120, 57-25-140, 57-1-25, 57-5-105, 57-1-360, 57-3-20, 11-35-710, 57-5-1710, 57-3-790, 57-3-615, 57-3-240, 12-28-2740, 12-28-2920, 56-3-645, 12-28-360, 57-11-210
Latest Version: 57-1-410, 1-30-10, 1-30-105, 11-43-140, 57-1-10, 57-3-50, 57-1-90, 57-3-210, 57-3-700, 57-5-50, 57-5-90, 57-5-340, 57-13-10, 57-25-120, 57-25-140, 57-1-25, 57-5-105, 57-1-360, 57-3-20, 11-35-710, 57-5-1710, 57-3-790, 57-3-615, 57-3-240, 12-28-2740, 12-28-2920, 56-3-645, 12-28-360, 57-11-210