The South Carolina State Senate today passed the Department of Administration bill on third reading. Senate Republican Majority Whip Shane Massey, who led GOP efforts on the Senate version of the bill, urged the House to take it up and pass it as soon as possible.
The bill will move administrative functions of government to a newly created Department of Administration that reports directly to the Governor. The Department will include human resources, general services, and an executive budget and strategic planning office along with other administrative functions of government.
The bill will also create a State Fiscal Accountability Authority made up of the Governor, Comptroller General, Treasurer, Ways and Means Chairman, and Senate Finance Chairman.
In addition, Deficit Recognition will now be handled by the General Assembly, when in session. A new Legislative Services Agency will now be responsible for all fiscal and revenue impact statements.
Finally, the bill will create a Rural Infrastructure Authority, which will assist rural counties and local governments to improve their infrastructure to help attract economic development.
“The Budget and Control Board proved time and time again the old adage that when everyone is in charge, no one is in charge,” Sen. Shane Massey said. “This bill is critical to making sure government functions in a transparent and accountable manner. We urge the House to take this bill up as quickly as possible, because it’s what the people of South Carolina deserve.”