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Bill

S 697

211 Network

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gambrell

Creates a centralized, certified statewide 211 Network within the Department of Consumer Affairs to coordinate and standardize health and human services information and referrals.

Act No. 126
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 697

Summary of Bill S.697 (2025-2026) – South Carolina 211 Network

Purpose and Intent

  • Transfer and reorganize the South Carolina 211 Network by moving its oversight from the Budget and Control Board era to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).
  • Create and formalize a statewide South Carolina 211 Network within DCA to serve as the single point of coordination for health and human services information and referral.
  • Align statutory framework and governance to centralize certification, standards, and operation of 211 services.

Key Provisions

Section 1 – Transfer of the 211 Network

  • Effective July 1, 2026, the South Carolina 211 Network is transferred from its existing location under the Budget and Control Board (as established by prior statute) to the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Section 2 – New 211 Network within DCA (added section 37-6-515)

  • Establishment and Objectives:

    • Create a statewide 211 Network within DCA to coordinate information and referral for health and human services.
    • Objectives include:
    • Provide comprehensive, cost-effective access to health and human services information.
    • Improve accuracy and accessibility of information; enhance local/state information and referral systems; foster collaboration.
    • Electronically connect local information and referral systems with providers and consumers.
    • Establish data collection standards and distribute information across entities.
    • Promote a common dialing access code and raise public awareness of services.
    • Provide a management/administrative structure with technical assistance, training, and support programs.
    • Test integration approaches with health and human services programs and streamline eligibility/case-management processes.
    • Provide access to standardized data to identify gaps/needs.
    • Develop a unified systems plan with a platform, taxonomy, and data-management standards.

  • Certification and Compliance (Subsection B):

    • 211 providers must be certified by DCA to participate in the Network. DCA will develop and adopt certification criteria via regulation.
    • If a 211 provider (or entity leasing a 211 number from a local exchange company) is not certified, DCA, after consulting with the local exchange provider and the Public Service Commission (PSC), may request the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to direct revocation of the 211 number.
    • DCA will seek guidance from the PSC and FCC to resolve jurisdictional disputes related to 211 numbers.

Section 3 – Amendment to Section 1-11-770 (Transfer Confirmation)

  • Codifies that the South Carolina 211 Network program authorized by Section 1-11-770 is transferred to DCA and established within DCA as described in Section 37-6-515.

Section 4 – Effective Date

  • The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Who Is Affected

  • Health and human services information providers that operate 211 services or lease 211 numbers.
  • Local exchange carriers and consumers using the 211 dialing code.
  • Department of Consumer Affairs (responsible for certification, standards, and administration of the Network).
  • Public Service Commission and Federal Communications Commission in matters of jurisdiction and regulatory coordination.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Preceded by statutory framework created in 2002 (Act 339) and subsequent administrative arrangements.
  • Key effective date: July 1, 2026, for the transfer and establishment of the Network within DCA.
  • Certification process for 211 providers to participate in the Network will be developed via regulations by DCA.
  • Potential regulatory actions involving 211 numbers may require coordination with PSC and FCC, including possible revocation of 211 numbers if non-certified providers lease numbers.

Potential Impacts

  • Centralized, standardized approach to health and human services information and referrals.
  • Improved data sharing, coordination, and alignment across state and local agencies.
  • Clear certification standards may affect which 211 providers can participate.
  • Enhanced public awareness and simplified access to services through standardized dialing and interfaces.
  • Regulatory coordination among DCA, PSC, FCC, and local exchanges to resolve disputes and ensure consistent 211 numbering.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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