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Senate approves plan to consolidate behavioral health, 42-2 on second reading
Summary
The Senate adopted a committee amendment and gave S.2 a second reading by roll call, 42-2, to combine three state agencies into a new Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and create sub-offices for mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.
The South Carolina Senate gave S.2 a second reading on Feb. 26 after adopting a committee amendment that would consolidate three state agencies into a single cabinet-level Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. A roll-call tally read later in the session recorded approval by 42 senators with 2 opposed.
Under the bill, the new cabinet agency would house three subordinate offices: the Office of Intellectual and Related Disabilities (replacing DDSN), the Office of Mental Health (replacing DMH), and the Office of Substance Abuse Services (replacing DAODIS). The cabinet-level director would be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Sponsor remarks and committee amendment: The sponsor explained that the consolidation aims to improve coordination of services for overlapping client populations, enable data-sharing and collaborative technology across offices, and reduce duplicative administrative costs. The committee amendment requires the new department to procure collaborative technology for coordination, clarifies regulation authority for the new director, adds language implementing Olmstead-related obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and codifies current practice for developmental evaluation centers serving children.
Senator from Cherokee (identified as sponsor) described the measure as a narrower step than a prior proposal, saying the consolidation of DMH, DDSN, and DAODIS would address fragmentation that "has left South Carolina with the most fragmented health services structure in the nation," citing an interagency report. The sponsor said the change is intended to improve accountability, streamline budget requests, and enable a coordinated approach to shared client needs.
Questions and concerns: Senators asked about fiscal effects, whether a new physical facility would be required, and whether the change would create a so-called "health czar." The sponsor and other supporters said the consolidation does not require a new headquarters and that the committee excised broader "medical freedom" provisions from the bill for separate consideration. Supporters also said the change had the governor's backing and the support of state agency leaders.
Roll call: After debate and the committee amendment's adoption, a roll call was requested and held. The clerk reported the second-reading vote as 42 in favor and 2 opposed; S.2 was given a second reading.
Next steps: The bill is now on the Senate calendar for subsequent consideration. Supporters said the measure is intended to finish a multi-year effort to align public health and human services agencies under the governor's cabinet and to improve service delivery and accountability.
