The bill H. 5362 proposes a major restructuring of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) by dissolving the existing Transportation Commission and transferring its responsibilities to the Secretary of Transportation, who will be appointed by the Governor. Key amendments include the deletion of the term "Commission" and its definition from various sections of the South Carolina Code, along with the removal of references to the Commission in contexts such as prohibited acts and transportation policy. The Secretary will now oversee departmental policies and additional responsibilities, while the bill also establishes Regional Transportation Districts to replace the previous highway districts, aiming to streamline operations and enhance accountability within the DOT.

Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a comprehensive Transportation Asset Management Plan, requiring detailed inspections of public highways and bridges, and allows the DOT to utilize public transit funds for contracting private operators. It clarifies the roles of the DOT in managing the state highway system, including the ability to transfer routes and manage real estate for highway operations. The bill also introduces provisions to enhance competition in procurement practices and requires the department to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on highway management aspects. Overall, these amendments are designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in South Carolina's transportation governance.

Statutes affected:
03/11/2026: 57-1-10, 57-1-40, 57-1-90, 57-1-410, 57-1-430, 57-1-490, 57-1-500, 57-3-20, 57-3-50, 57-3-110, 57-3-210, 57-3-700, 57-5-10, 57-5-30, 57-5-50, 57-5-90, 57-5-310, 57-5-340, 57-5-710, 57-5-720, 57-5-1350, 57-5-1450, 57-5-1620, 57-5-1630, 57-11-20, 57-11-210, 57-11-220, 57-11-250, 57-11-280, 57-13-10, 57-13-20, 57-13-40, 57-13-50, 57-13-90, 57-13-110, 57-23-20, 57-25-120, 57-25-140, 57-25-150, 57-25-170, 57-25-200, 57-25-210, 57-5-55
Latest Version: 57-1-10, 57-1-40, 57-1-90, 57-1-410, 57-1-430, 57-1-490, 57-1-500, 57-3-20, 57-3-50, 57-3-110, 57-3-210, 57-3-700, 57-5-10, 57-5-30, 57-5-50, 57-5-90, 57-5-310, 57-5-340, 57-5-710, 57-5-720, 57-5-1350, 57-5-1450, 57-5-1620, 57-5-1630, 57-11-20, 57-11-210, 57-11-220, 57-11-250, 57-11-280, 57-13-10, 57-13-20, 57-13-40, 57-13-50, 57-13-90, 57-13-110, 57-23-20, 57-25-120, 57-25-140, 57-25-150, 57-25-170, 57-25-200, 57-25-210, 57-5-55