CRMCA Legislative Update for February 2026

Compiled by Ben Homeyer, CRMCA Lobbyist for South Carolina

DOT Reform & Transportation Policy (House vs. Senate)

Where things stand

• The House DOT reform bill is currently being debated in House Ways & Means, not Transportation — signaling that funding, structure, and governance are the central issues.
• The Senate version is moving through Senate Transportation, where members are focused on project delivery tools and revenue mechanisms.
• Both chambers are working from similar concepts, but governance and control remain the major point of divergence.

Key provisions under discussion

• • Expanded use of public-private partnerships (P3s) and alternative financing tools
  • Express/managed lanes and tolling authority
  • Higher EV fees to address road-use equity
  • Greater flexibility for DOT in procurement and project delivery
  • House proposal would make DOT a Cabinet agency, giving the Governor appointment authority over DOT leadership (subject to confirmation)
  • These bills directly affect the volume, timing, and certainty of road and bridge projects.

• Expanded financing and delivery tools could accelerate lettings, which benefits concrete demand—but only if governance changes don’t slow decision-making.

CRMCA should expect amendments and negotiations well into the spring as House and Senate leaders reconcile differences.

House Ways & Means is finalizing its version of the budget.

• Full House budget debate is expected later this winter, with Senate consideration to follow.
• DOT funding outlook
• The Governor’s executive budget proposes over $1 billion for roads and bridges.
• House budget leaders have publicly discussed a lower transportation number, potentially closer to $500 million, split between bridges and interstate priorities.
• DOT has submitted an amended request emphasizing:
• Budget writers are weighing funding levels against delivery capacity and cost inflation, which could influence how aggressively projects are advanced.