State agencies direct leftover funds to named public projects

The State Treasurer must distribute listed supplemental funds to named projects and organizations. The funding covers projects across education, health, public safety, transportation, environmental services, housing, recreation, and other public purposes. The money comes from leftover, one-time funds from the 2026-2027 state budget. Projects are listed in priority order, and later projects receive money only after earlier projects are fully funded, unless available revenue permits partial funding. Unused money may carry forward to later fiscal years for the same purposes. The State Treasurer must distribute the appropriations by September 30, 2026, after the state's 2025-2026 books close and the money becomes available for fiscal year 2026-2027.

State agencies must verify eligible recipients before sending the funds directly to them. The rule covers grant recipients that are businesses, nonprofits, or charitable organizations, but not government entities or organizations created by statute. Funds cannot be distributed until the recipient's registration with the South Carolina Secretary of State is verified. After all requirements are verified, the funds must be transferred directly to the recipient within ten business days. The Executive Budget Office may move items among state agencies after the agencies consult the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee. The verification and ten-business-day transfer rule applies when each recipient meets the act's requirements.

The Department of Transportation must use the marine transportation allocation to attract private participation and report on its efforts. The provision covers the marine transportation system serving Beaufort and Jasper Counties, including possible ferry, water taxi, and hospitality businesses. The department must work with the counties and other listed stakeholders on terminals, vessels, charging equipment, permits, environmental coordination, and related investments. Spending must prioritize projects that bring in private investment and must not duplicate completed planning work. The act provides $3 million for this purpose. The department must report on private-sector commitments, spending, and the expected start of system operations by January 31, 2027.