2023-2024 Bill 399 Text of Previous Version (May. 12, 2023)

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A bill

TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 44 of the SOUTH CAROLINA Code OF LAWS, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, SO AS TO RENAME THE CHAPTER THE "DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH" AND TO REORGANIZE THE CHAPTER TO CREATE THE DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, TO DELEGATE TO THE DIVISION THE PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT, TO ABOLISH THE DEPARTMENT AND BOARD OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR, AND TO TRANSFER ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT TO THE DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, AS APPROPRIATE; TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 44, RELATING, IN PART, TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SO AS TO CREATE THE DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REFLECTING THE TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE DIVISION, WITH EXCEPTIONS, AND TO ABOLISH THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION; TO AMEND CHAPTER 49, TITLE 44, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES, SO AS TO CREATE THE DIVISION OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REFLECTING THE TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE DIVISION, AND TO ABOLISH THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES; BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 11, TITLE 25 SO AS TO TRANSFER FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE VETERANS' HOMES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-11-10, 44-11-60, 44-11-70, 44-13-20, 44-13-30, 44-13-40, 44-13-60, 44-15-10, 44-15-20, 44-15-30, 44-15-60, 44-15-70, 44-15-80, 44-15-90, 44-17-450, 44-17-460, 44-17-580, 44-17-860, 44-17-865, 44-17-870, 44-22-10, 44-22-110, 44-24-10, 44-25-30, 44-27-10, 44-27-30, 44-28-20, 44-28-40, 44-28-60, 44-28-80, 44-28-360, AND 44-28-370, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING CHAPTER 57 TO TITLE 46 SO AS TO CREATE A DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TRANSFER TO THE DIVISION THE DIVISIONS, OFFICES, AND PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL THAT PERFORM ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTIONS, WITH EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 46-3-10, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SO AS TO ADD THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 48-2-20, 48-2-70, 48-2-320, 48-2-330, 48-2-340, 48-14-20, 48-18-20, 48-18-50, 48-20-30, 48-20-40, 48-20-70, 48-21-20, 48-43-10, 48-46-30, 48-46-40, 48-46-50, 48-46-80, 48-46-90, 48-52-810, 48-52-865, 48-55-10, 48-56-20, 48-57-20, 48-60-20, 49-5-30, AND 49-5-60, RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUNDS, STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND SEDIMENT REDUCTION, EROSION AND SEDIMENT REDUCTION, MINING, OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION AND PRODUCTION, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND INNOVATION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT RECOVERY, AND GROUNDWATER, ALL SO AS TO TRANSFER REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 48-1-10, 48-1-20, 48-1-55, 48-1-85, 48-1-95, 48-1-100, 48-1-280, 48-3-10, AND 48-3-140, RELATING TO THE POLLUTION CONTROL ACT OR POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITIES, ALL SO AS TO TRANSFER REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; TO AMEND SECTION 48-4-10, RELATING TO THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SO AS TO TRANSFER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL'S COASTAL DIVISION AND OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 48-39-10, 48-39-35, 48-39-50, 48-39-270, 48-40-20, 48-40-40, 49-1-15, 49-1-16, 49-1-18, 49-3-30, 49-4-20, 49-4-80, 49-4-170, 49-6-30, 49-11-120, RELATING TO COASTAL TIDELANDS AND WETLANDS, THE BEACH RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENT TRUST ACT, NAVIGABLE WATERS, WATER RESOURCES PLANNING, SURFACE WATER WITHDRAWAL REGULATION AND REPORTING, THE AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY, ALL SO AS TO TRANSFER REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO DELETE THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, AND TO ADD THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-20, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE REFERENCE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-75, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 1-30-45 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, SECTION 1-30-70 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, AND SECTIONS 44-11-30 AND 44-11-40 RELATING TO VETERANS' HOMES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. On July 1, 2024:

(1) There is created the Department of Public Health to be headed by a director who is appointed by the Governor pursuant to Section 1-30-10 with the advice and consent of the Senate; provided, however, until the Governor appoints the initial Director after creation of the Department of Public Health, the Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control shall serve as the Director of the Department of Public Health.

(2) There is created the Department of Environmental Services to be headed by a director who is appointed by the Governor pursuant to Section 1-30-10 with the advice and consent of the Senate; provided, however, until the Governor appoints the initial Director after creation of the Department of Environmental Services, the Director of Environmental Affairs of the Department of Health and Environmental Control shall serve as the Director of the Department of Environmental Services.

(3) The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control are abolished.

(4) The food safety program in the Division of Food and Lead Risk Assessment and the Milk and Dairy Lab of the Department of Health and Environmental Control shall become a division of the Department of Agriculture with the director of that department being deemed the head of the division unless otherwise specified, and all relevant powers and duties assigned to the Department of Health and Environmental Control being transferred to and devolved upon the Department of Agriculture.

(5) The authority to establish, manage, and operate veterans homes shall be transferred to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and all powers and duties assigned to the Department of Mental Health regarding veterans homes being transferred to and devolved upon the Department of Veterans' Affairs. To the extent, the Department of Mental Health owns the grounds upon which these veterans homes are located, title shall be transferred to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

(6) The hydrology and aquatic nuisance species programs of the Land, Water and Conservation Division of the Department of Natural Resources shall become a division of the Department of Environmental Services, and all relevant powers and duties assigned to the Department of Natural Resources being transferred to and devolved upon the Department of Environmental Services.

SECTION 2. (A) It is the intent of the General Assembly to restructure and transfer the programs, services, duties, and authority of the Department of Health and Environmental Control into the Department of Public Health or the Department of Environmental Services. Accordingly, the Department of Administration immediately shall commence the process of analyzing the circumstances and determining the best manner to efficiently and effectively restructure and transfer all programs, services, duties, and authority of the Department of Health and Environmental Control to the Department of Public Health or the Department of Environmental Services, consistent with the provisions of this act. The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall cooperate with the Department of Administration and assign such personnel as requested by the Executive Director of the Department of Administration to assist the department and enable it to complete its duties under this SECTION. To complete its duties under this SECTION the Department of Administration shall consult with the existing Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the existing Director of Environmental Affairs of the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

(B) The Department of Administration's analysis required by this SECTION must include the submission of a report to the General Assembly no later than December 31, 2023, with specific recommendations of statutory changes needed throughout the South Carolina Code of Laws to reflect the restructuring and transfer of the health-related programs, services, duties, and authority of the Department of Health and Environmental Control to the Department of Public Health and to reflect the restructuring and transfer of the environmental related programs, services, duties, and authority of the Department of Health and Environmental Control to the Department of Environmental Services. The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall assign such legal, programmatic and administrative personnel as requested by the Executive Director of Department of Administration to assist the department in identifying statutory provisions requiring change and in suggesting appropriate language to effectuate required changes. The Code Commissioner shall be available to consult with and assist the Department of Administration in making the recommendations required by this SECTION.

(C) The Department of Administration may procure such supplies, services, information technology, and experts, including attorneys, as are necessary to perform the requirements of this SECTION. Such procurements are exempt from the purchasing procedures of the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code but must be made with as much competition as is practicable. Additionally, if determined necessary, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority shall assign such personnel as requested by the Executive Director of Department of Administration to assist the department in any required procurements. The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall pay the costs of any supplies, services, information technology, and experts, including attorneys, procured pursuant to this subsection.

SECTION 3.A. Section 44-1-20 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 44-1-20. There is created the South Carolina Department of Public Health and Environmental Control which shall be administered under the supervision of the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control. The board shall consist of eight members, one from each congressional district, and one from the State at large to be appointed by the Governor, upon the advice and consent of the Senate. The member who is appointed at large shall serve as the chairman of the board. The Governor may remove the chairman of the board pursuant to Section 1-3-240(B); however, the Governor only may remove the other board members pursuant to Section 1-3-240(C). The terms of the members shall be for four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. All vacancies shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term only. In making these appointments, race, gender, and other demographic factors should be considered to ensure nondiscrimination, inclusion, and representation to the greatest extent possible of all segments of the population of the State; however, consideration of these factors in making an appointment in no way creates a cause of action or basis for an employee grievance for a person appointed or for a person who fails to be appointed.

B. Section 44-1-60(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(A) All department decisions involving the issuance, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of permits, licenses, or other actions of the department which may give rise to a contested case, except a decision to establish a baseline or setback line, must be made using the procedures set forth in this section. A department decision referenced in this subsection relating to a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, also must comply with the provisions of Section 44-1-65.

C. Section 44-1-140 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 44-1-140. (A) The Department of Public Health and Environmental Control may make, adopt, promulgate and enforce reasonable rules and regulations from time to time requiring and providing for:

(1) For the thorough sanitation and disinfection of all passenger cars, sleeping cars, steamboats and other vehicles of transportation in this State and all convict camps, penitentiaries, jails, hotels, schools and other places used by or open to the public;

(2) For the sanitation of hotels, restaurants, cafes, drugstores, hot dog and hamburger stands and all other places or establishments providing eating or drinking facilities and all other places known as private nursing homes or places of similar nature, operated for gain or profit;

(3) For the production, storing, labeling, transportation and selling of milk and milk products, filled milk and filled milk products, imitation milk and imitation milk products, synthetic milk and synthetic milk products, milk derivatives and any other products made in semblance of milk or milk products;

(4) For the sanitation and control of abattoirs, meat markets, whether the same be definitely provided for that purpose or used in connection with other business, and bottling plants;

(5)(3) For the classification of waters and for the safety and sanitation in the harvesting, storing, processing, handling and transportation of mollusks, fin fish and crustaceans;

(6)(4) For the control of disease-bearing insects, including the impounding of waters;

(7) For the safety, safe operation and sanitation of public swimming pools and other public bathing places, construction, tourist and trailer camps, and fairs;

(8) For the control of industrial plants, including the protection of workers from fumes, gases and dust, whether obnoxious or toxic;

(9) For the use of water in air humidifiers;

(10)(5) For the care, segregation and isolation of persons having or suspected of having any communicable, contagious or infectious disease; and

(11) For the regulation of the methods of disposition of garbage or sewage and any like refuse matter in or near any village, town or city of the State, incorporated or unincorporated, and to abate obnoxious and offensive odors caused or produced by septic tank toilets by prosecution, injunction or otherwise;

(12)(6) For the thorough investigation and study of the causes of all diseases, epidemic and otherwise, in this State, the means for the prevention of contagious disease and the publication and distribution of such information as may contribute to the preservation of the public health and the prevention of disease; and

(13) For alteration of safety glazing material standards and the defining of additional structural locations as hazardous areas, and for notice and hearing procedures by which to effect these changes.

(B) The Department may make separate orders and rules to meet any emergency not provided for by general rules and regulations, for the purpose of suppressing nuisances dangerous to the public health and communicable, contagious and infectious diseases and other danger to the public life and health.

D. Section 44-1-150 (A) and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(A) Except as provided in Section 44-1-151, a person who after notice violates, disobeys, or refuses, omits, or neglects to comply with a regulation of the Department of Public Health and Environmental Control, made by the department pursuant to Section 44-1-140, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for thirty days.

(E) This section does not apply to fines levied under Section 44-1-140(8) or any other areas regulated by the South Carolina Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 41-12-10 et seq.

E. Sections 1-30-45 and 44-1-65 of the S.C. Code are repealed.

F. Chapter 1, Title 44 of the S.C. Code is renamed "Department of Public Health".

SECTION 4. Title 48 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

CHAPTER 6

Department of Environmental Services

Section 48-6-10. (A) There is created the Department of Environmental Services which shall be headed by a director appointed by the Governor, upon the advice and consent of the Senate. The director is subject to removal by the Governor as provided for in Section 1-3-240.

(B) As the governing authority of the department, the director is vested with all authorities and duties as provided for in Section 1-30-10.

(1) the Division of Air Quality;

(2) the Division of Land and Waste Management;

(3) the Division of Water;

(4) the Division of Regional and Laboratory Services, which includes the Office of Emergency Response and the Office of Onsite Wastewater and Enforcement; and

(5) the Division of Coastal Management.

(D) The Director of the Department of Environmental Services may realign the bureaus, divisions, offices, and programs to gain additional efficiencies or to better align resources with changes in environmental statutes or regulation.

Section 48-6-20. (A) The Department of Environmental Services is vested with all the functions, powers, and duties of the environmental divisions, offices, and programs of the Department of Health and Environmental Control on the effective date of this act.

(B) The department may promulgate regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter.

(C) The department may apply for and accept funds, grants, gifts, and services from the State, the United States government or any of its agencies, or any other public or private source and may use funds derived from these sources to defray clerical and administrative costs, as may be necessary for carrying out the department's duties.

Section 48-6-30. (A) All decisions of the Department of Environmental Services involving the issuance, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of permits, licenses, certificates, or other actions of the department which may give rise to a contested case, except a decision to establish a baseline or setback line, must be made using the procedures set forth in this section. A department decision referenced in this subsection relating to a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, also must comply with the provisions of Section 48-6-40.

(B) The department shall comply with all requirements for public notice, receipt of public comments, and public hearings before making a decision. To the maximum extent possible, the department shall use a uniform system of public notice of permit applications, opportunity for public comment, and public hearings.

(C) In making a decision about a permit, license, certification, or other approval, the department shall take into consideration all material comments received in response to the public notice in determining whether to issue, deny, or condition a permit, license, certification, or other approval. At the time that a decision is made, the department shall issue a written decision and shall base its decision on the administrative record, which must consist of the application and supporting exhibits, all public comments and submissions, and other documents contained in the supporting file for the permit, license, certification, or other approval. The administrative record also may include material readily available at the department, or published materials which are generally available and need not be physically included in the same file as the rest of the record as long as those materials are referred to specifically in the department decision. The department is not required to issue a written decision for issuance of routine permits for which the department has not received adverse public comments.

(D)(1) The department shall send notice of a decision by certified mail, return receipt requested to the applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, and affected persons who have requested in writing to be notified. Affected persons may request in writing to be notified by regular mail or electronic mail in lieu of certified mail. Notice of decisions for which a department decision is not required pursuant to subsection (C) must be provided by mail, delivery, or other appropriate means to the applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, and affected persons who have requested in writing to be notified.

(2) Within thirty calendar days after the mailing of a decision pursuant to item (1), an applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, or affected person desiring to contest the department decision may request a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act. Notwithstanding Section 1-23-600(H)(1), the entirety of Section 1-23-600(H) shall apply to timely requests for a contested hearing of decisions from the Department of Environmental Services. The court shall give consideration to the provisions of Section 1-23-330 regarding the department's specialized knowledge.

(E) If a deadline provided for in this section falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday, the deadline must be extended until the next calendar day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday.

Section 48-6-40. (A) In making a decision on a permit, license, certification, or other approval of a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, pursuant to Section 48-6-30(C), the department shall base its decision solely on whether the permit complies with the applicable department regulations governing the permitting of poultry and other animal facilities, other than swine facilities.

(B) For purposes of permitting, licensing, certification, or other approval of a poultry facility or another animal facility, other than a swine facility:

(1) only an applicant, permittee, licensee, or affected person may request a contested case hearing pursuant to Section 48-6-30(D)(2);

(2) only an applicant, permittee, licensee, or affected person may become a party to a contested case hearing; and

(3) only an applicant, permittee, licensee, or affected person is entitled as of right to be admitted as a party pursuant to Section 1-23-310(5) of the Administrative Procedures Act.

(C)(1) In determining whether to issue a permit, license, certification, or other approval of a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, the department only may take into consideration the existing development on and use of property owned or occupied by an affected person on the date the department receives the applicant's complete application package as prescribed by regulation. The department must not take into consideration any changes to the development or use of property after receipt of the application including, but not limited to, the construction of a residence.

(2) If a property owner signs a setback waiver of the right to contest the issuance of a permit, license, certification, or other approval of a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, including waiver of the right to notice and a public hearing on a permit, license, certification, or other approval and to file a contested case or other action, then the affected person has seventy-two hours to provide in writing a withdrawal or rescission of the waiver.

(D)(1) An applicant, permittee, licensee, or affected person who is aggrieved by a decision to issue or deny a permit, license, certification, or other approval of a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, may request a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a decision to issue a permit, license, certification, or other approval of a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, may not be contested if the proposed building footprint is located eight hundred feet or more from the facility owner's property line or located one thousand feet or more from an adjacent property owner's residence.

(E) For purposes of this section, "affected person" means a property owner with standing within a one mile radius of the proposed building footprint or permitted poultry facility or other animal facility, except a swine facility, who is challenging on his own behalf the permit, license, certificate, or other approval for the failure to comply with the specific grounds set forth in the applicable department regulations governing the permitting of poultry facilities and other animal facilities, other than swine facilities.

Section 48-6-50. All rules and regulations promulgated by the department shall be null and void unless approved by a concurrent resolution of the General Assembly at the session of the General Assembly following their promulgation.

Section 48-6-60. (A) The Department of Environmental Services may make, adopt, promulgate, and enforce reasonable rules and regulations from time to time requiring and providing for:

(1) the classification of waters;

(2) the control of disease-bearing insects, including the impounding of waters;

(3) the control of industrial plants, including the protection of workers from fumes, gases, and dust, whether obnoxious or toxic;

(4) the use of water in air humidifiers;

(5) the regulation of the methods of disposition of garbage or sewage and any like refuse matter in or near any village, town, or city of the State, incorporated or unincorporated, and to abate obnoxious and offensive odors caused or produced by septic tank toilets by prosecution, injunction, or otherwise; and

(6) the alteration of safety glazing material standards and the defining of additional structural locations as hazardous areas, and for notice and hearing procedures by which to effect these changes.

(B) The department may make separate orders and rules to meet any emergency not provided for by general rules and regulations, for the purpose of suppressing nuisances dangerous to the environment.

Section 48-6-70. (A) A person who after notice violates, disobeys, or refuses, omits, or neglects to comply with a regulation of the Department of Environmental Services, made by the department pursuant to Section 48-6-60, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for thirty days.

(B) A person who after notice violates a rule, regulation, permit, permit condition, final determination, or order of the department issued pursuant to Section 48-6-60 is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars a day for each violation.

(C) Fines collected pursuant to subsection (B) must be remitted by the department to the State Treasurer for deposit in the state general fund.

(D) The term "notice" as used in this section means either actual notice or constructive notice.

(E) This section does not apply to fines levied pursuant to Section 48-6-60(3) or any other areas regulated by the South Carolina Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 41-12-10, et seq.

Section 48-6-80. Nothing contained in Section 48-6-60 in any way abridges or limits the right of a person to maintain or prosecute a civil or criminal proceeding against a person maintaining a nuisance.

SECTION 5. Chapter 3, Title 49 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

CHAPTER 3

Water Resources Planning and Coordination Act

Section 49-3-10. This chapter may be cited as the South Carolina Water Resources Planning and Coordination Act. The former Water Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources is transferred to the Division of Water in the Department of Environmental Services. The regulatory functions of the former Water Resources Commission that were transferred to the Department of Health and Environmental Control are further transferred to the Department of Environmental Services.

Section 49-3-20. As used in this chapter:

(1) "Board" means the governing body of the Department of Natural Resources.

(2) "Department" means the Department of Environmental Services. Natural Resources.

Section 49-3-40. (a)(A) The department shall advise and assist the Governor and the General Assembly in:

(1) formulating and establishing a comprehensive water resources policy for the State, such as a State Water Plan, including coordination of policies and activities among the state departments and agencies;

(2) developing and establishing policies and proposals designed to meet and resolve special problems of water resource use and control within or affecting the State, including consideration of the requirements and problems of urban and rural areas;

(3) reviewing the actions and policies of state agencies with water resource responsibilities to determine the consistency of such actions and policies with the comprehensive water policy of the State and to recommend appropriate action where deemed necessary;

(4) reviewing any project, plan or program of federal aid affecting the use or control of any waters within the State and to recommend appropriate action where deemed necessary;

(5) developing policies and recommendations to assure that the long range interests of all groups, urban, suburban, and rural, are provided for in the state's representation on interstate water issues;

(6) recommending to the General Assembly any changes of law or regulation required to implement the policy declared in this chapter; and

(7) such other water resources planning, policy formulation and coordinating functions as the Governor and the General Assembly may designate.

(b)(B) The department is authorized to conduct or arrange for such studies, inquiries, surveys or analyses as may be relevant to its duties in assisting the Governor and the General Assembly in the implementation of the policy declared in this chapter, and in developing recommendations for the General Assembly. For these purposes, the department shall have full access to the relevant records of other state departments and agencies and political subdivisions of the State, and may hold public hearings, and may cooperate with or contract with any public or private agency, including educational, civic and research organizations. The studies, inquiries, surveys, or analyses shall incorporate and integrate, to the maximum extent feasible, plans, programs, reports, research and studies of federal, state, interstate, regional, metropolitan and local units, agencies and departments of government.

(c)(C) In developing recommendations for the Governor and the General Assembly relating to the use and control of the water resources of the State, the department shall:

(1) coordinate its activities by distribution of copies of its notices of meetings with agenda, minutes and reports of all state agencies concerned with water resources;

(2) consult with representatives of any federal, state, interstate, or local units of government which would be affected by such recommendations; and

(3) be authorized to appoint such interdepartmental and public advisory boards as necessary to advise them in developing policies for recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly.

(d)(D) The department shall encourage, assist and advise regional, metropolitan, and local governmental agencies, officials or bodies responsible for planning in relation to water aspects of their programs, and shall assist in coordinating local and regional water resources activities, programs, and plans.

(e)(E) The department may publish reports, including the results of such studies, inquiries, surveys and analyses as may be of general interest, and shall make an annual report of its activities to the Governor and the General Assembly within ten days after the convening of each session of the General Assembly.

(f)(F) The department may receive and expend grants, gifts, and monies donated or given by any state, federal, or private agency, person, corporation, water or sewer authority, or political subdivision in connection with water resource investigations in which the results of such investigations will be made publicly available.

(g)(G) The department is authorized and required to review and approve the expenditure of funds derived from the United States Army Corps of Engineers when any funds are authorized and appropriated for any water resources related projects or purposes, including but not limited to, the following:

(1) navigation,

(2) irrigation,

(3) water storage,

(4) aquatic weed management,

(5) flood control,

(6) salinity control,

(7) interstate water concerns, and

(8) any studies, surveys, or analyses performed by the Corps of Engineers.

The review and approval required by this subsection is not applicable to any Corps of Engineers funds which must be expended in a different manner pursuant to express statutory direction.

Section 49-3-50. In exercising its responsibilities under this chapter, the department shall take into consideration the need for:

(a)(1) Adequate supplies of surface and groundwaters of suitable quality for all uses, including domestic, municipal, agricultural, and industrial.

(b)(2) Water of suitable quality for all purposes.

(c)(3) Water availability for recreational and commercial needs.

(d)(4) Hydroelectric power.

(e)(5) Flood damage control or prevention measures including zoning to protect people, property, and productive lands from flood losses.

(f)(6) Land stabilization measures.

(g)(7) Drainage measures, including salinity control.

(h)(8) Watershed protection and management measures.

(i)(9) Outdoor recreational and fish and wildlife opportunities.

(j)(10) Studies on saltwater intrusion into groundwater and surface water.

(k)(11) Measures to protect the state's fisheries and other aquatic resources.

(l)(12) Any other means by which development of water and related land resources can contribute to economic growth and development, the long-term preservation of water resources, and the general well-being of all the people of the State.

Section 49-3-60. (A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, an entity that has contracted for the right to store water in a reservoir owned by the United State Army Corps of Engineers has exclusive rights to any return flows generated directly or indirectly to that reservoir by the entity. The rights conferred by this subsection must be subject to any regulatory requirements imposed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and to the availability to the entity of unused storage capacity within the reservoir to store such return flows.All decisions of the Department of Environmental Services involving the issuance, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of permits, licenses, certificates, or other actions of the department which may give rise to a contested case, except a decision to establish a baseline or setback line, must be made using the procedures set forth in this section. A department decision referenced in this subsection relating to a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, also must comply with the provisions of Section 49-3-65.

(B) For purposes of this section, "return flow" means water that is discharged directly or indirectly to a reservoir from a water reclamation facility.The department shall comply with all requirements for public notice, receipt of public comments, and public hearings before making a decision. To the maximum extent possible, the department shall use a uniform system of public notice of permit applications, opportunity for public comment, and public hearings.

(C) In making a decision about a permit, license, certification, or other approval giving rise to a contested case, the department shall take into consideration all material comments received in response to the public notice in determining whether to issue, deny or condition a permit, license, certification, or other approval. At the time that a final departmental decision is made, the department shall issue a final written decision and shall base its decision on the administrative record, which must consist of the application and supporting exhibits, all public comments and submissions, and other documents contained in the supporting file for the permit, license, certification, or other approval. The administrative record also may include material readily available at the department, or published materials which are generally available and need not be physically included in the same file as the rest of the record as long as such materials are specifically referred to in the department decision. The department is not required to issue a final written departmental decision for issuance of routine permits for which the department has not received adverse public comments. The department is required to make a final decision granting the permit where the applicant has met all conditions in statutes and regulations governing that permit.

(D)(1) The department shall send a notice of a final departmental decision by certified mail, returned receipt requested to the applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, and affected persons who have requested in writing to be notified. Affected persons may request in writing to be notified by regular mail or electronic mail in lieu of certified mail. Notice of decisions for which a written decision is not required pursuant to subsection (C) must be provided by mail, delivery, or other appropriate means to the applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, and affected persons who have requested in writing to be notified.

(2) Decisions by the department become final thirty days after the mailing of a notice pursuant to item (1) unless the applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, or affected person files a request for a contested case hearing with the Administrative Law Court.

(3) Within thirty calendar days after the mailing of the decision pursuant to item (1), an applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, or affected person desiring to contest the agency decision may request a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act. Notwithstanding Section 1-23-600(H)(1), the entirety of Section 1-23-600(H) shall apply to timely requests for a contested case hearing of decisions from the Department of Environmental Services. The court shall give consideration to the provisions of Section 1-23-330 regarding the department's specialized knowledge.

SECTION 6.A. Section 1-30-10(A)8. of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

8. Department of Public Health and Environmental Control

B. Section 1-30-10(A) of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

25. Department of Environmental Services

SECTION 7.A. Chapter 30, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 1-30-135. There is hereby created, within the executive branch of the state government, the Department of Public Health, headed by a director appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The divisions, offices, and programs of the Department of Health and Environmental Control performing functions related to regulation and protection of the public health prior to the effective date of this act, including all of the allied, advisory, affiliated, or related entities as well as the employees, funds, property, and all contractual rights and obligations associated with these divisions, offices, programs, and other related entities, except for those subdivisions specifically included under another department, are hereby transferred to and incorporated in and shall be administered as part of the Department of Public Health.

B. Chapter 30, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 1-30-140. There is hereby created, within the executive branch of the state government, the Department of Environmental Services, headed by a director appointed by the Governor pursuant to Section 48-6-10. The divisions, offices, and programs of the Department of Health and Environmental Control performing functions related to regulation and protection of the environment prior to the effective date of this act, including all of the allied, advisory, affiliated, or related entities as well as the employees, funds, property and all contractual rights and obligations associated with these divisions, offices, programs, and other related entities, except for those subdivisions specifically included under another department, are hereby transferred to and incorporated in and shall be administered as part of the Department of Environmental Services.

SECTION 8. Chapter 11, Title 25 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Article 7

South Carolina Veteran Homes

Section 25-11-710. The Department of Veterans' Affairs, in mutual agreement with the authorities of the United States Veterans Administration, may establish and operate South Carolina veterans homes to provide treatment for South Carolina veterans who require long term nursing care. The Department of Veterans' Affairs is designated as the agency of the State to apply for and to accept gifts, grants, and other contributions from the federal government or from any other governmental unit for the operation and construction of South Carolina veterans homes. The Department of Veterans' Affairs may consult with the Department of Public Health and the Office of the Governor concerning the policies, management, and operation of the South Carolina veterans homes.

Section 25-11-720. For the purpose of Section 25 11 710, "South Carolina veterans" means any ex service South Carolina citizen who was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions and who served in any branch of the military or naval service of the United States.

SECTION 9. Section 49-3-60 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 49-3-60. (A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, an entity that has contracted for the right to store water in a reservoir owned by the United State Army Corps of Engineers has exclusive rights to any return flows generated directly or indirectly to that reservoir by the entity. The rights conferred by this subsection must be subject to any regulatory requirements imposed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and to the availability to the entity of unused storage capacity within the reservoir to store such return flows. All decisions of the Department of Environmental Services involving the issuance, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of permits, licenses, certificates, or other actions of the department which may give rise to a contested case, except a decision to establish a baseline or setback line, must be made using the procedures set forth in this section. A department decision referenced in this subsection relating to a poultry facility or another animal facility, except a swine facility, also must comply with the provisions of Section 49-3-65.

(B) For purposes of this section, "return flow" means water that is discharged directly or indirectly to a reservoir from a water reclamation facility. The department shall comply with all requirements for public notice, receipt of public comments, and public hearings before making a decision. To the maximum extent possible, the department shall use a uniform system of public notice of permit applications, opportunity for public comment, and public hearings.

(D) (1) The department shall send a notice of a final departmental decision by certified mail, returned receipt requested to the applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, and affected persons who have requested in writing to be notified. Affected persons may request in writing to be notified by regular mail or electronic mail in lieu of certified mail. Notice of decisions for which a written decision is not required pursuant to subsection (C) must be provided by mail, delivery, or other appropriate means to the applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, and affected persons who have requested in writing to be notified.

SECTION 10. Title 46 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

CHAPTER 57

Food Safety

Section 46-57-10. The Department of Agriculture shall administer and enforce the provisions contained in this chapter.

Section 46-57-20. (A) For the purposes of this section:

(1) "Home based food production operation" means an individual, operating out of the individual's dwelling, who prepares, processes, packages, stores, and distributes nonpotentially hazardous foods for sale directly to a person.

(2) "Nonpotentially hazardous foods" means candy and baked goods that are not potentially hazardous foods.

(3) "Person" means an individual consumer.

(4) "Potentially hazardous foods" means:

(a) an animal food that is raw or heat treated, a plant food that is heat treated or consists of raw seed sprouts, cut melons, cut leafy greens, cut tomatoes or mixtures of cut tomatoes not modified to prevent microorganism growth or toxin formation, or garlic in oil mixtures not modified to prevent microorganism growth or toxin formation;

(b) certain foods that are designated as Product Assessment Required (PA) because of the interaction of the pH and Aw values in these foods. Below is a table indicating the interaction of pH and Aw for control of spores in food heat treated to destroy vegetative cells and subsequently packaged:

	Aw values		pH values
		4.6 or less	> 4.6 - 5.6	> 5.6
(1)	< 0.92	non-PHF	non-PHF	non-PHF
(2)	> 0.92 - 0.95	non-PHF	non-PHF	PHF
(3)	> 0.95	non-PHF	PHF	PHF

Foods in item (2) with a pH value greater than 5.6 and foods in item (3) with a pH value greater than 4.6 are considered potentially hazardous unless a product assessment is conducted pursuant to the 2009 Federal Drug Administration Food Code.

(B) The operator of the home based food production operation must take all reasonable steps to protect food items intended for sale from contamination while preparing, processing, packaging, storing, and distributing the items including, but not limited to:

(1) maintaining direct supervision of any person, other than the operator, engaged in the processing, preparing, packaging, or handling of food intended for sale;

(2) prohibiting all animals, including pets, from entering the area in the dwelling in which the home based food production operation is located while food items are being prepared, processed, or packaged and prohibiting these animals from having access to or coming in contact with stored food items and food items being assembled for distribution;

(3) prohibiting all domestic activities in the kitchen while the home-based food production operation is processing, preparing, packaging, or handling food intended for sale;

(4) prohibiting any person who is infected with a communicable disease that can be transmitted by food, who is a carrier of organisms that can cause a communicable disease that can be transmitted by food, who has an infected wound, or who has an acute respiratory infection from processing, preparing, packaging, or handling food intended for sale by the home based food production operation; and

(5) ensuring that all people engaged in processing, preparing, packaging, or handling food intended for sale by the home based food production operation are knowledgeable of and follow safe food handling practices.

(C) Each home based food production operation shall maintain a clean and sanitary facility to produce nonpotentially hazardous foods including, but not limited to:

(1) department approved water supply;

(2) a separate storage place for ingredients used in foods intended for sale;

(3) a properly functioning refrigeration unit;

(4) adequate facilities, including a sink with an adequate hot water supply to meet the demand for the cleaning and sanitization of all utensils and equipment;

(5) adequate facilities for the storage of utensils and equipment;

(6) adequate hand washing facilities separate from the utensil and equipment cleaning facilities;

(7) a properly functioning toilet facility;

(8) no evidence of insect or rodent activity; and

(9) department approved sewage disposal, either on site treatment or publicly provided.

(D) All food items packaged at the operation for sale must be properly labeled. The label must comply with federal laws and regulations and must include:

(1) the name and address of the home based food production operation;

(2) the name of the product being sold;

(3) the ingredients used to make the product in descending order of predominance by weight; and

(4) a conspicuous statement printed in all capital letters and in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background that reads: 'NOT FOR RESALE PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS.'

(E) Home based food operations only may sell, or offer to sell, food items directly to a person for his own use and not for resale. A home based food operation may not sell, or offer to sell, food items at wholesale. Food produced from a home based food production operation must not be considered to be from an approved source, as required of a retail food establishment pursuant to Regulation 61.25.

(F) A home based food production operation is not a retail food establishment and is not subject to regulation by the department pursuant to Regulation 61.25.

(G) The provisions of this section do not apply to an operation with net earnings of less than five hundred dollars annually but that would otherwise meet the definition of a home based food operation provided in subsection (A)(1).

Section 46-57-30. (A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, ground beef or any food containing ground beef prepared by a food service provider for public consumption must be cooked to heat all parts of the food to at least one hundred fifty five degrees Fahrenheit, or sixty eight degrees Celsius, unless otherwise ordered by the immediate consumer.

(B) The food service provider, its business or its employees or agents, are not liable for any adverse effects to the purchaser or anyone else for providing a ground beef product cooked at an internal temperature less than one hundred fifty five degrees Fahrenheit, or sixty eight degrees Celsius, if providing the product is at the request of the purchaser and if the food service provider has notified the purchaser in advance that a possible health risk may exist by eating the product. The notice must state that a possible health risk may exist in eating undercooked ground beef at an internal temperature less than one hundred fifty five degrees Fahrenheit, or sixty eight degrees Celsius, and be given to the purchaser:

(1) in writing;

(2) as stated on the menu; or

(3) by visible sign warning.

(C) In order for an immediate consumer or purchaser, as used in this section, to request or order ground beef to be cooked to a temperature less than one hundred fifty five degrees Fahrenheit (sixty eight degrees Celsius), the individual must be eighteen years of age or older.

Section 46-57-40. Fresh meat or fresh meat products sold to a consumer may not be offered to the public for resale for human consumption if the fresh meat or fresh meat products have been returned by the consumer.

Section 46-57-50. The Department of Agriculture may make, adopt, promulgate, and enforce reasonable rules and regulations from time to time requiring and providing for:

(1) the sanitation of hotels, restaurants, cafes, drugstores. , hot dog and hamburger stands, all other places or establishments providing eating or drinking facilities, and all other places known as private nursing homes or places of similar nature, operated for gain or profit; and

(2) the production, storing, labeling, transportation, and selling of milk and milk products, filled milk and filled milk products, imitation milk and imitation milk products, synthetic milk and synthetic milk products, milk derivatives, and any other products made in semblance for milk or milk products; and

(3) the sanitation and control of abattoirs, meat markets, whether the same be definitely provided for that purpose or used in connection with other businesses, and bottling plants; and

(4) the sanitation and control of abattoirs, meat markets, whether the same be definitely provided for that purpose or used in connection with other business, and bottling plants.

Section 46-57-60. The department may not use any funds appropriated or authorized to the department to enforce Regulation 61 25 to the extent that its enforcement would prohibit a church or charitable organization from preparing and serving food to the public on their own premises at not more than one function a month or not more than twelve functions a year.

Section 46-57-70. (A) Except as provided in Section 46-57-50, a person who after notice violates, disobeys, or refuses, omits, or neglects to comply with a regulation of the Department of Agriculture promulgated pursuant to this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for thirty days.

(B) A person who after notice violates a rule, regulation, permit, permit condition, final determination, or order of the department issued pursuant to this chapter is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars a day for each violation.

(C) Fines collected pursuant to subsection (B) must be remitted by the department to the State Treasurer for deposit in the state general fund.

(D) The term "notice" as used in this section means either actual notice or constructive notice.

SECTION 10. Section 24-9-20 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 24-9-20. The division shall be responsible for inspecting, in conjunction with a representative of the State Fire Marshal, at least annually every facility in this State housing prisoners or pretrial detainees operated by or for a state agency, county, municipality, or any other political subdivision, and such inspections shall include all phases of operation, fire safety, and health and sanitation conditions at the respective facilities. Food service operations of the facilities must be inspected at least annually by an employee of the Department of Health and Environmental ControlAgriculture. The inspections of local confinement facilities shall be based on standards established by the South Carolina Association of Counties and adopted by the Department of Corrections, and appropriate fire and health codes and regulations. The division, the inspecting fire marshal, and the food service inspector of the Department of Health and Environmental ControlAgriculture shall each prepare a written report on the conditions of the inspected facility. Copies of the reports shall be filed with the chairman of the governing body of the political subdivision having jurisdiction of the facility inspected, the chairman of the governing body of each political subdivision involved in a multi-jurisdictional facility, the administrator, manager, or supervisor for the political subdivision, the responsible sheriff or police chief if he has operational custody of the inspected facility, and the administrator or director of the inspected facility. All reports shall be filed through the Director of the Department of Corrections.

SECTION 11. Section 39-37-120 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 39-37-120. The Department of Agriculture shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and shall from time to time, after inquiry and public hearing, adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to supplement and give full effect to the provisions of this chapter. The Department of Health and Environmental ControlAgriculture shall establish and enforce sanitary regulations pertaining to the manufacture and distribution of frozen desserts, including the sanitary condition of (a) buildings, ground and equipment where frozen desserts are manufactured, (b) persons in direct physical contact with frozen desserts during manufacture, (c) containers in which frozen desserts are held or shipped and (d) premises, buildings, surroundings and equipment where frozen desserts are sold. Such rules and regulations shall be filed and open for public inspection at the principal office of the Department department and shall have the force of law.

SECTION 12. Section 1-23-600(H)(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(H)(1) This subsection applies to timely requests for a contested case hearing pursuant to this section timely filed requests for a contested case hearing of decisions by departments governed by a board or commission authorized to exercise the sovereignty of the Statethe Department of Environmental Services. Emergency actions taken by the Department of Environmental Services pursuant to an applicable statute or regulation are not subject to the provisions of this subsection.

SECTION 13. (A) This SECTION is effective upon approval by the Governor.

(B) The Department of Administration shall identify, select, retain, and procure the services of independent, third-party experts, consultants, or advisors to analyze the missions and delivery models of all state agencies concerned with the overall public health of the state, as well as certain specific populations including, but not limited to, children and adolescents, newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, disabled, mentally ill, special needs individuals, those with chemical dependencies, the chronically ill, economically disadvantaged, and veterans. This analysis will include, but not be limited to, the Department of Health and Environmental Control and its successor entities, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Department on Aging. Any agencies identified by the Department of Administration as being subject to this analysis shall provide the department with any and all information requested and shall fully participate as requested and required.

(C) The analysis procured by the Department of Administration shall consider whether structural changes are necessary to improve health services delivery in the state, recognize operational efficiencies, and maximize resource utilization. Structural changes to be analyzed include reorganizations or mergers of existing health agencies, or divisions or components thereof, as well as the establishment of any new health agencies or the privatization of services currently provided by existing health agencies.

(D) The third-party experts, consultants, or advisors must make appropriate recommendations based on the analysis required pursuant to this section and the benefits of each recommendation.

(E) The Department of Administration shall prepare a final report summarizing the aforementioned analysis and recommendations and shall submit the final report to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairmen of the Medical Affairs Committee, the Chairman of the Medical, Military and Municipal Affairs Committee, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, and the Governor by April 1, 2024, and shall submit interim reports on October 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024. Procurements by the Department of Administration of all experts, consultants and advisors pursuant to and required by this SECTION are exempt from the purchasing procedures of the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code in Chapter 35, Title 11 of the S.C. Code. If requested by the Executive Director of the Department of Administration, staff from the State Fiscal Accountability Authority's Procurement Services Division shall assist in procuring the necessary services.

(F) The Department of Health and Human Services shall give support to the Department of Administration in fulfilling the purposes of this SECTION.

SECTION 14. (A) When the provisions of this act transfer particular state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, committees, or entities, or sections, divisions, or portions thereof (transferring departments), to another state agency, department, division, or entity or make them a part of another department or division (receiving departments), the employees, authorized appropriations, bonded indebtedness if applicable, real and personal property, assets, and liabilities of the transferring department also are transferred to and become part of the receiving department or division unless otherwise specifically provided. All classified or unclassified personnel of the affected agency, department, board, commission, committee, entity, section, division, or position employed by these transferring departments on the effective date of this act, either by contract or by employment at will, shall become employees of the receiving department or division, with the same compensation, classification, and grade level, as applicable. The Department of Administration shall cause all necessary actions to be taken to accomplish this transfer and shall in consultation with the agency head of the transferring and receiving agencies prescribe the manner in which the transfer provided for in this section shall be accomplished. The Department of Administration's action in facilitating the provisions of this section are ministerial in nature and shall not be construed as an approval process over any of the transfers.

(B) When an agency, department, entity, or official is transferred to or consolidated with another agency, department, division, entity or official, regulations promulgated by that transferred agency, department, entity or official under the authority of former provisions of law pertaining to it are continued and are considered to be promulgated under the authority of present provisions of law pertaining to it. When powers and duties of an agency, department, entity, or official are transferred to and devolved upon another department, agency, or subdivision thereof, the power and duty to promulgate regulations is also transferred to and devolved upon that department, agency, or subdivision thereof.

(C) References to the names of agencies, departments, entities, or public officials changed by this act, to their duties or functions herein devolved upon other agencies, departments, entities, or officials, or to provisions of law consolidated with or transferred to other parts of the S.C. Code are considered to be and must be construed to mean appropriate references.

(D) Unless otherwise provided herein or by law, all fines, fees, forfeitures, or revenues imposed or levied by agencies, personnel, or portions thereof, so transferred to other agencies or departments must continue to be used and expended for those purposes provided prior to the effective date of this act. If a portion of these fines, fees, forfeitures, or revenues were required to be used for the support, benefit, or expense of personnel transferred, these funds must continue to be used for these purposes.

SECTION 15. The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION 16. The provisions contained in SECTION 8 of this act relating to South Carolina Veterans Homes go into effect on July 1, 2024 for the veterans homes for which the Department of Mental Health has a service contract with a third party provider as of May 1, 2023. The provisions contained in SECTION 8 of this act relating to South Carolina Veterans Homes go into effect on July 1, 2025 for the veterans homes for which the Department of Mental Health does not have a service contract with a third party provider as of May 1, 2023.

SECTION 17. This act takes effect on July 1, 2024, except that the provisions of SECTION 2 and SECTION 13, relating to the Department of Administration's duties, take effect upon approval by the Governor.

/s/Sen. Verdin III /s/Rep. Hewitt III

/s/Sen. Hutto /s/Rep. Cobb-Hunter

/s/Sen. Davis /s/Rep. Herbkersman

On Part of the Senate On Part of the House

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