Transportation (Roads & Highways)

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 57-5-200 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN ROADS TO THE COUNTY IN WHICH IT IS LOCATED; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-28-2740, RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE GASOLINE USER FEE AMONG COUNTIES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, SO AS TO REMOVE A REQUIREMENT THAT TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF A COUNTY'S APPORTIONMENT OF "C" FUNDS BE EXPENDED ON THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, AND MAINTENANCE.

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 57-1-410, RELATING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT THE SECRETARY INSTEAD OF THE COMMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; TO DEVOLVE THE DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UPON THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-10, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT AND THEIR GOVERNING BODIES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROVIDES THAT PART OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS A SEVEN-MEMBER COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-105, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 11-43-140 AND 11-43-150, BOTH RELATING TO THE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK, SO AS TO REMOVE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AS A DIRECTOR, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION IS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD, AND TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 57-1-10, 57-1-40, 57-1-430, 57-1-500, 57-3-50, 57-1-90, 57-3-210, 57-3-700, 57-5-10, 57-5-50, 57-5-90, 57-5-310, 57-5-340, 57-13-10, 57-13-20, 57-13-40, 57-13-50, 57-25-120, 57-25-140, 57-25-150, 57-25-170, 57-25-200, 57-25-210, AND 57-1-370, ALL RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, AND ITS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REGARDING THE COMMISSION; BY REPEALING SECTIONS 57-1-310, 57-1-320, 57-1-325, 57-1-330, 57-1-340, 57-1-350, AND SECTIONS 6, 7, AND 8 OF ACT 114 OF 2007 ALL RELATING TO THE CREATION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND ITS COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-1-360, RELATING TO AUDITS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO SET FORTH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CHIEF INTERNAL AUDITOR AND TO REQUIRE AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT EVERY FOUR YEARS; TO AMEND SECTION 57-3-20, RELATING TO THE DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN DEPUTY SECRETARIES; BY ADDING SECTION 57-3-205 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER ENTITIES AND TO SET FORTH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-3-615, RELATING TO CERTAIN TOLLS AND USAGE CHARGES, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH TOLLS AND USAGE CHARGES MAY BE IMPOSED; BY ADDING SECTION 57-3-790 SO AS TO WAIVE THE STATE'S IMMUNITY UNDER THE 11TH AMENDMENT OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION FOR CERTAIN ACTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND TO SPECIFY THE CIRCUMSTANCES FOR WAIVING IMMUNITY; BY ADDING SECTION 57-3-800 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ENTER INTO CERTAIN RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND TO SPECIFY THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH AGREEMENTS ARE ENFORCEABLE; BY ADDING SECTION 57-5-1345 SO AS TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO ADMINISTER AND COLLECT TOLLS AND USAGE CHARGES; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 57-5-820 AND 57-5-830, BOTH RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS AND MUNICIPALITIES, SO AS TO SET FORTH THE PROCESS BY WHICH A MUNICIPALITY MAY OBJECT TO THE PROJECT; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 57-5-1320, 57-5-1330, 57-5-1335, 57-5-1340, 57-5-1350, 57-5-1360, 57-5-1370, 57-5-1380, 57-5-1390, 57-5-1400, 57-5-1410, 57-5-1420, 57-5-1430, 57-5-1440, 57-5-1450, 57-5-1460, 57-5-1470, 57-5-1480, 57-5-1490, AND 57-5-1495, ALL RELATING TO TURNPIKE PROJECTS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF SUCH PROJECTS TO CHOICE LANE FACILITIES, TO SPECIFY THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH CHOICE LANE FACILITIES MAY BE CONSTRUCTED, TO SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH BONDS MAY BE ISSUED FOR SUCH CHOICE LANE FACILITIES PROJECTS, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 57-5-1710 SO AS TO SET FORTH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO SELECT AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO A PHASED DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR; BY ADDING SECTION 57-5-1720 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO AWARD HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS USING A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/GENERAL CONTRACTOR PROCEDURE; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 56-5-4210 AND 56-5-4220, BOTH RELATING TO CERTAIN ROAD RESTRICTIONS ON LOCAL ROADS, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH RESTRICTIONS MAY BECOME EFFECTIVE; BY AMENDING SECTION 11-35-710, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE EXEMPTION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND TO EXEMPT CERTAIN ROAD-RELATED ACQUISITIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-28-2740, RELATING TO "C" FUNDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEES AND PROCEDURES FOR USING "C" FUND REVENUES; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-28-2920, RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN ROADS, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE USE OF USAGE CHARGE REVENUES; BY ADDING SECTION 57-5-1800 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE POTHOLE MITIGATION PROGRAM FOR THE PUBLIC REPORTING OF POTHOLE LOCATIONS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 57-1-375 SO AS TO SET FORTH A PROCESS BY WHICH COUNTY-FUNDED PROJECTS MAY REPRIORITIZE THE STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN WITHIN THE COUNTY. - RATIFIED TITLE

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE COST AND FEASIBILITY OF INSTALLING FENCING, NETTING, OR OTHER SAFETY BARRIERS ON HIGHWAY BRIDGES TO DETER PEOPLE FROM CLIMBING ONTO AND SUBSEQUENTLY JUMPING FROM THESE STRUCTURES AND TAKING THEIR LIVES.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-1538, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO EMERGENCY SCENE MANAGEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION APPLY TO EMERGENCY SCENES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-1539 SO AS TO REQUIRE A DRIVER TO MOVE OR SLOW THE VEHICLE WHEN PASSING AN AUTHORIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE THAT IS PARKED OR STANDING WITHIN FIVE FEET OF A ROADWAY, CONDUCTING A TRAFFIC RELATED STOP OR INVESTIGATION, AND GIVING WARNING SIGNAL BY APPROPRIATE LIGHT.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-15-150 SO AS TO PROVIDE COUNTY SHERIFFS SHALL SUBMIT REPORTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IDENTIFYING ROAD SEGMENTS THAT ARE HAZARDOUS, AND THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO THE SHERIFFS REGARDING ROAD CLOSURES OR REPAIRS AND MAINTAIN A DATABASE OF THE REPORTS.

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ACT 36 OF 2019, RELATING TO HIGHWAY SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION, SO AS TO CHANGE THE SUNSET EXPIRATION PROVISION TO JULY 1, 2032; AND BY ADDING SECTION 57-3-790 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE WAIVES IMMUNITY AND CONSENTS TO SUIT IN FEDERAL COURT FOR CERTAIN LAWSUITS RELATING TO THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT ASSIGNMENT PROGRAM, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF AN ANNUAL REPORT. - RATIFIED TITLE

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 57-11-30 SO AS TO CREDIT CERTAIN FINES AND FEES TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND WITHOUT ANY REDUCTIONS FOR TRANSFERS TO THE STATE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK; AND BY REPEALING CHAPTER 43 OF TITLE 11 RELATING TO THE STATE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK.

This joint resolution approves updated regulations by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for highway information signs (the "LOGO Program"), including new requirements that food signs must indicate prepared food service and alignment with federal traffic control standards. The regulations, designated as Document 5358, were drafted to comply with the latest federal MUTCD manual and amend criteria for signage categories. This approval is required for the updated rules to take effect, directly affecting businesses that use highway signage for information services, such as restaurants and travel centers.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-4905 SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO OPERATE MOTOR VEHICLES ALONG A HIGHWAY WITHOUT SPEEDOMETERS MAINTAINED IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS PROVISION, AND TO PROVIDE PERSONS CHARGED WITH OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES TWENTY MILES AN HOUR OR LESS IN EXCESS OF THE POSTED SPEED LIMITS THAT CAN PROVE THEIR VEHICLES' SPEEDOMETERS WERE NOT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, MUST BE CHARGED WITH OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES WITHOUT SPEEDOMETERS THAT ARE MAINTAINED IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HANDS-FREE AND DISTRACTED DRIVING ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-3890, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL USE OF A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE, SO AS TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING AND PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL REVISIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO POINTS THAT MAY BE ASSESSED AGAINST A PERSON'S DRIVING RECORD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A TWO-POINT VIOLATION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL NOTIFY MOTORISTS OF THE HANDS-FREE REQUIREMENTS AT CERTAIN POINTS ALONG THE STATE'S INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.