The fate of South Carolina’s health agency merger bill, S.915, hangs in the balance as lawmakers consider whether to revive it during their sporadic special session in June or wait until the next legislative session in January 2025.
The bipartisan bill aims to restructure the state’s public health delivery system by merging six separate state agencies into one, creating a new “Executive Office of Health and Policy.” This move is intended to streamline services and improve health outcomes for South Carolinians.
Despite the bill’s overwhelming support in both chambers of the legislature, it died on the final day of the legislative session due to a procedural move by the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus. Now, Governor Henry McMaster and other influential voices are urging lawmakers to resurrect it as soon as possible.
However, the process to reconsider S.915 during the current year’s legislative session is complex. Lawmakers must first amend the sine die resolution, which outlines the reasons for reconvening, to include the restructuring bill. This requires a two-thirds vote of all members present in both chambers.
While there is bipartisan acknowledgment of the bill’s importance, its fate remains uncertain. Some lawmakers believe it’s a longshot to finalize it this year, but there is still a push to make an effort to get it done.
Lawmakers have the opportunity to attempt amending the resolution as early as Wednesday when they reconvene in Columbia, or later in the month during scheduled sessions for other matters.
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