Committee Report

January 21, 2026

S. 769

Introduced by Senators Peeler, Alexander, Kimbrell, Verdin, Hembree, Turner and Bennett

S. Printed 1/21/26--S.

Read the first time January 13, 2026

________

The committee on Senate Finance

To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (S. 769) to provide for the continuing authority to pay the expenses of state government if the 2026-2027 fiscal year begins without a General Appropriations Act for Fiscal, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

HARVEY PEELER for Committee.

_______

A joint Resolution

TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUING AUTHORITY TO PAY THE EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT IF THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR BEGINS WITHOUT A GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 HAVING BEEN ENACTED, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   (A)(1) If the 2026-2027 State Fiscal Year begins with no annual appropriations act in effect for that year, then the authority to pay the recurring expenses of state government continues at the level of amounts appropriated in Act 69 of 2025 for the recurring expenses of state government for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 except as provided in subsection (B).

      (2) Nonrecurring appropriations contained in Act 69 of 2025 are deemed to have been made and are not subject to funding pursuant to this act.

      (3) Study committees formed and authorized pursuant to Act 69 of 2025 are deemed to have completed their work and are dissolved unless authorized by another act of the General Assembly.

      (4) The effective dates of Parts IA and IB of Act 69 of 2025 are extended until the effective date for appropriations made in the general appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, after which appropriations made pursuant to this joint resolution are deemed to have been made pursuant to the general appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

   (B) Notwithstanding debt service appropriations in Act 69 of 2025 and until the effective date of the appropriations made in the general appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, there is appropriated from the general fund of the State whatever amount is necessary for the timely debt service on state obligations and other amounts constitutionally required to be appropriated, including the Capital Reserve Fund. The General Reserve Fund is established in the amount required by law.

SECTION 2.   This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

----XX----