A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 11-35-710, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO ADD PLANNING FOR REPAIRS TO BRIDGES, HIGHWAYS, ROADS, AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ON THE STATE RIGHT-OF-WAY TO THE LIST OF EXEMPTIONS.

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

SECTION 1.   Section 11-35-710(A)(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   (A) The board, upon the recommendation of the chief procurement officer, may exempt governmental bodies from purchasing certain items through the respective chief procurement officer's area of responsibility. The board may exempt specific supplies, services, information technology, or construction from the purchasing procedures required in this chapter and for just cause by unanimous written decision limit or may withdraw exemptions provided for in this section. The following exemptions are granted from this chapter:

      (1) the planning, construction, maintenance, and repair of bridges, highways, and roads, and other improvements on the state right-of-way; vehicle and road equipment maintenance and repair; and other emergency-type parts or equipment utilized by the Department of Transportation or the Department of Public Safety. This exemption does not apply to welcome centers;

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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