South Carolina law keeps state spending going during a budget gap

The law continues authority to pay recurring state government expenses at the amounts set for those expenses in Act 69 of 2025. The amounts are those appropriated in Act 69 of 2025 for recurring state expenses in fiscal year 2026–2027. This applies only if the 2026–2027 fiscal year begins with no annual appropriations act in effect. This authority continues until appropriations in the 2026–2027 General Appropriations Act take effect.

The law treats nonrecurring appropriations in Act 69 of 2025 as already made and dissolves study committees formed under that act. These provisions apply to nonrecurring appropriations and study committees under Act 69 of 2025. The nonrecurring appropriations are not subject to funding under this joint resolution. A study committee continues only if another act of the General Assembly authorizes it.

The law provides general fund money for timely state debt payments and other amounts the Constitution requires the state to fund. This covers state obligations and other constitutionally required appropriations. The amount is whatever is necessary for those payments and required amounts, including the Capital Reserve Fund. The law establishes the General Reserve Fund at the amount required by law. This funding applies until appropriations in the 2026–2027 General Appropriations Act take effect.