SC House passes bill overhauling state government

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The House has again approved a government restructuring bill that transfers many bureaucratic duties to the governor’s office.

The reform plan approved 91-23 Wednesday would eliminate the powerful but little-understood Budget and Control Board and transfer its employees to other existing and newly created agencies.

The measure is ultimately headed to a conference committee of House and Senate members to work out the differences in their chambers’ plans.

House leaders note it’s that chamber’s fifth time approving a bill creating a Department of Administration. A similar bill came close to passing last year but died as senators failed to vote on a compromise before the session ended.

Advocates say it streamlines government and makes it more accountable. Opponents say it just rearranges and renames government offices.