South Carolina · S.697 / Act 126

SC 211 helpline (S.697, Act 126): the 2-1-1 network moves to the Department of Consumer Affairs

Effective July 1, 2026

Published October 18, 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026

What it does

Effective July 1, 2026, the South Carolina 211 Network, created by Act 339 of 2002 within the Budget and Control Board, is transferred to the Department of Consumer Affairs. (Act No. 126, Sections 1 and 3, § 1-11-770) The act adds a new Part 7 to Chapter 6, Title 37 of the S.C. Code to set out how the network works. (Section 2)

• What 211 is. The act defines 211 as the abbreviated dialing code the Federal Communications Commission assigned for community information and referral services, and “211 services” as information and referral services that promote access to health and human services and aid disaster response and recovery. (§ 37-6-710(A)(1)–(2))
• One point of coordination. Subject to appropriations, the department may run the statewide network as the single point of coordination for health and human services information and referral. Its stated objectives include connecting local referral systems, setting data standards and promoting awareness of the common dialing code. (§ 37-6-720(A))
• The lead entity. The department must contract with the state’s established 211 lead entity, a South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which must run and evaluate the statewide system, set standards consistent with national standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act (including TTY access), and maintain a statewide resources database. (§§ 37-6-710(A)(4), 37-6-730(A))
• Approved providers only. Only a service provider approved by the lead entity may provide 211 telephone services. Approval considers national accreditation, financial stability, community support, information security and compliance with laws including HIPAA. Providers can be removed for not meeting requirements. (§ 37-6-740)

Who it affects

• Anyone who uses 211 to find help with needs such as health and human services or disaster recovery. (§ 37-6-710(A)(2))
• The nonprofit lead entity and local 211 providers, which now work under a contract with, and report to, the Department of Consumer Affairs. (§§ 37-6-730, 37-6-740)

What it means for you

• The act does not change how you reach 211. SC 211 describes 2-1-1 as a free, confidential, 24/7 service and says residents can dial 2-1-1 or 866-892-9211, or text their ZIP code to 211-211. (SC 211 website)
• The lead entity’s reports must cover the number of calls, chats, texts and web inquiries; average response times; caller demographics such as age, gender and location; reasons for contact; referrals; and requests that could not be referred to any existing provider. The department must report yearly to the Governor and General Assembly on use by region and county. (§ 37-6-730(A)(2)(d), (A)(3))

Cost and impact

The act does not set a dollar amount or include a cost estimate; the department’s authority to run the network is “subject to appropriations.” Buying services needed to run the network is exempt from the state Procurement Code. (§ 37-6-720(A); § 37-6-730(C))

Current status

The Senate approved the bill 44–0 on second reading on February 18, 2026. The House approved it 108–0 on second reading on May 5, 2026, and gave it third reading May 6. It was ratified May 14 and signed by the Governor on May 15, 2026, as Act No. 126. (Bill history)

What happens next

The lead entity’s first report to the department is due on or before December 31, 2026, and then on or before March 1 each year for the prior calendar year. (§ 37-6-730(A)(2)(d))

Sources

• SC Legislature: 2025-2026 Bill 697, status, history and ratified text
• Ratified text of Act No. 126 (Word)
• SC 211

Legislators connected to this bill

Current members listed as sponsors on the official bill page, or with a sourced public statement about it. Details and sources are on each member page.

SC Senate

• Sen. Michael W. Gambrell (Senate District 4): sponsor

Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.