Bill > S0697

This bill transfers the South Carolina 211 Network, a system that provides consumers with access to community information and referral services for health and human needs, from the Budget and Control Board to the Department of Consumer Affairs, effective July 1, 2026. The bill also establishes the South Carolina 211 Network within the Department of Consumer Affairs, defining "211" as the abbreviated dialing code for accessing these services and outlining the responsibilities of the department and a designated "lead entity," which is a nonprofit agency responsible for managing the network. The lead entity will coordinate the statewide system, set standards for service providers, maintain a resource database, and report on call volume, caller demographics, reasons for contact, referrals made, and service gaps. The Department of Consumer Affairs will also report annually to the Governor and General Assembly on system usage. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing law to reflect this transfer and establishes that the procurement of services for the 211 Network will be exempt from the South Carolina Procurement Code.

Business and Industry

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0697&session=126&summary=B