Bill
H 4136
A temporary study committee will review all dam-related reports since 2015 to assess dam regulation, classification, and funding for a potential permanent infrastructure bank.
Note on source materials
- The materials provided include two different texts from different jurisdictions: (1) a Massachusetts local act titled “An Act relative to stabilization funds in the town of Leicester” (House No. 4136 / local petition) and (2) a separate joint resolution creating a study committee on dams (text citing South Carolina committees and agencies). The summary below focuses on the dam study committee joint resolution (the “Dam study committee”), which matches the title you supplied. Please confirm the intended jurisdiction so the record can be reconciled.
Purpose and intent
- Create a temporary study committee to review all prior reports and studies (since 2015) concerning the regulation, inspection, maintenance, and improvement of public and private dams.
- Determine whether the current dam classification system should be improved and whether a permanent infrastructure bank (to support dam regulation, inspection, maintenance and improvement) is needed and how it could be funded.
Key provisions
- Scope of review: all prior reports/studies since 2015 related to dam regulation, inspection, maintenance, and improvement; assessment of current dam classification system; evaluation of need, structure, and funding options for a permanent infrastructure bank for dams.
- Membership (explicit composition):
- Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee (or designee)
- Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee (or designee)
- Director of the Dams Safety and Stormwater Permitting Engineer Division, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (or designee)
- Two civil engineers experienced in evaluating dam structural soundness, appointed by the Governor
- Two members of the public who own property with a private dam, appointed by the Governor
- Compensation and support:
- Members serve without compensation but are eligible for mileage, subsistence, and per diem allowed for state boards/commissions; costs to be paid equally from approved House and Senate accounts.
- Committee must choose officers and will receive clerical, administrative, and research support from both legislative chambers.
- Deliverable and timeline:
- Committee must report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026.
- The committee terminates upon submission of its report.
- Effective date:
- The joint resolution takes effect upon the Governor’s approval.
Who is affected
- State legislature (receives report and recommendations)
- Department of Environmental Services (role in committee and potential subject of recommendations)
- Owners of private dams (two eligible owners on committee; owners statewide may be impacted by future policy/funding changes)
- Municipalities, emergency management, and residents downstream of dams (indirectly affected by potential regulatory/funding changes)
- Engineering and construction sectors if recommendations lead to repair/retrofit programs or an infrastructure bank
Potential impact
- No immediate regulatory or funding changes—this is a fact-finding body.
- The report could recommend reclassification of dams, new inspection/maintenance standards, and creation of an infrastructure bank to finance repairs for hazardous/private dams, which could lead to future legislation, new funding mechanisms, or expanded administrative authority for the Department of Environmental Services.
- Recommendations may address financial assistance for private dam owners, prioritization of high-risk dams, and resource needs for state dam-safety programs.
Procedural notes / status
- The provided legislative actions show multiple readings, committee referrals, and eventual enactment and gubernatorial approval (signed Oct 17, 2025, Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2025). Because the source materials mix jurisdictions and measures, verify which legislative record and jurisdiction correspond to the dam study committee text before relying on the “enacted” status.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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