Transportation reform bill that modernizes the South Carolina Department of Transportation by expanding financing tools and project delivery options.

The original bill proposed a stronger shift of transportation governance toward the executive branch, but amendments have moderated those changes, focusing instead on financing, project delivery, and coordination reforms within the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

It is a broad transportation modernization bill affecting the South Carolina Department of Transportation, focused on expanding financing tools, accelerating project delivery, and improving statewide coordination. As amended, the bill retains key provisions authorizing expanded tolling, bonding, public-private partnerships, and alternative delivery methods, while modifying or removing some earlier revenue proposals (including certain vehicle-related fees). It also adjusts local government roles in road projects and introduces updated governance and oversight structures. For freight stakeholders, the legislation signals a shift toward more flexible funding and faster development of capacity projects, with potential benefits for port access, inland corridors, and first/last-mile connectivity.

Effective 7/1/2025. Originally same as HB 5071.

01/20/2026 Introduced in Senate and read first time
01/20/2026 Referred to Senate Committee on Transportation.
03/04/2026 Reported favorably with amendment by Senate Committee on Transportation.
03/10/2026 Committee amendment adopted in Senate.
03/11/2026 Amended in Senate.
03/11/2026 Read second time.
03/19/2026 Amended in Senate.
03/19/2026 Read third time. Passed Senate. Sent to House.
03/24/2026 Introduced and read first time in House. Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.
04/02/2026 Reported favorably with amendment by House Committee on Ways and Means.
04/13/2026 Scrivener's error corrected.
04/15/2026 House Committee majority members request for debate.
04/23/2026 Debate adjourned.
04/29/2026 Amended in House. Read second time.
04/30/2026 Amended in House.
04/30/2026 Read third time. Passed House as amended. Returned to Senate with amendments.
04/30/2026 Senate insists upon amendment and conference committee appointed.
05/06/2026 House insists upon amendment and conference committee appointed.
05/12/2026 Conference report adopted in House and Senate.
05/12/2026 Enrolled for ratification.
05/14/2026 Ratified.
05/18/2026 Signed by Governor.