Bill 1123

                    Current Status

Bill Number:               1123
Ratification Number:       467
Act Number:                423
Introducing Body:          Senate
Subject:                   Create the South Carolina Coordinating
                           Council for Economic Development

(A423, R467, S1123)

AN ACT CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TO PRESCRIBE ITS POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS.

Whereas, the General Assembly finds that the changing nature of South Carolina's economy requires a more diversified approach to promote economic growth and job creation, including small and minority business assistance, agriculture, technology-based businesses and industries, tourism, service industries, infrastructure needs, declining businesses, and job training; and

Whereas, numerous studies, including a review by the Committee on Economic Development, have identified the increased importance of state government efforts to promote economic development; and

Whereas, these state efforts must be based on a working relationship with private sector employers and organizations in all segments of the state's economy; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Legislative Audit Council, the Business-Education Legislative Partnership Committee, and the report on "Capital Markets in South Carolina" have called for improved planning and coordination of the state's economic development efforts, and have recommended the formal establishment of the Coordinating Council for Economic Development for that purpose; and

Whereas, the formal establishment of this Council will enhance the economic growth and development of the State through strategic planning and coordination of the various state and local agency programs, and the elimination of duplication of effort, and therefore improve the economic well-being of the citizens of this State. Now, therefore,

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

Coordinating Council for Economic Development

created

SECTION 1. There is hereby created the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development. The membership shall consist of the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Chairman of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission, the Chairman of the State Development Board, the Chairman of the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission, the Chairman of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, the Chairman of the South Carolina Ports Authority, the Chairman of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, the Chairman of the South Carolina Research Authority, the Chairman of the South Carolina Jobs Economic Development Authority, and the Chairman of the Small and Minority Business Expansion Council. The Chairman of the State Development Board shall serve as the chairman of the Council.

Meetings of the Council

SECTION 2. The Council shall meet at least quarterly and is charged with the duty of enhancing the economic growth and development of the State through strategic planning and coordination of the activities of various state and local agencies which shall include:

(a) the development of an annual state plan for economic development;

(b) an annual review of economic development activities for the previous year;

(c) the coordination of economic development activities on the state and local level, based on a partnership between public agencies and private organizations and businesses;

(d) the use of federal funds, foundation grants, and private funds to enhance economic growth and development in the State;

(e) the evaluation of plans and programs in terms of their compatibility with state objectives and priorities.

The Council may not engage in the delivery of services.

Reports

SECTION 3. The Council shall make reports to the Governor and the General Assembly at least annually on the status and progress of economic development goals which have been set for the State as a part of the ongoing planning process with those recommendations as may be appropriate.

Council to make recommendations

SECTION 4. The Council shall make such recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State Budget and Control Board as to the policies and programs involved in the state's economic development as it considers necessary.

The Governor, the General Assembly, the State Budget and Control Board, or any other state agency may refer to the Council for investigation, study, and advice on any matter involved in economic development.

The Council shall review any agency requests for legislative appropriations for the purpose of economic development, and may make recommendations to the State Budget and Control Board and the General Assembly concerning these as may be considered desirable, and may make further recommendations from time to time to the State Budget and Control Board as the Council may consider in the interest of improving economic development in the State. Nothing herein limits any agency's direct access to the General Assembly and comment by this Council is not a part of the budget process.

Funds

SECTION 5. Any funds for technical, administrative, and clerical assistance, and other expenses of the Council must be provided by the member agencies.

The Council may establish technical advisory committees in order to improve coordination among agencies of state government and to strengthen the partnership with local government and allies from the private sector.

The Council shall seek to utilize data relevant to the economic growth and development of the State which is available from the Department of Highways and Public Transportation, the University of South Carolina, and Clemson University, and other state agencies and organizations.

Conflicting provisions

SECTION 6. If any provision of this act is in conflict with any existing provisions of law pertaining to the member agencies of the Coordinating Council for Economic Development, notwithstanding the fact that the provisions of law contained in this act have a later effective date, the prior provision controls. Neither this act nor the Council shall infringe upon nor diminish the self-governing autonomy of the agencies involved.

Time effective

SECTION 7. This act shall take effect upon approval by the Governor and shall expire on July 1, 1989.