The subcommittee voted favorably on Senate Bill 218, which clarifies language in state code to transfer administrative authorities for South Carolina veterans homes from the Department of Mental Health to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to adopt admissions and discharge criteria, set and collect resident fees and to receive state and federal benefits charged by the veterans homes.

Secretary McCaffrey described the measure as "conforming language" to clean up state code as responsibility for the homes transfers. "We assumed responsibility for 5 of the current 6 homes in July of 2024. We will receive responsibility for the final home here in Columbia on 1 July of 2025," he told the committee, and said the bill essentially codifies authorities the homes have operated under while under the Department of Mental Health.

The committee had no further questions and moved the bill favorably by roll call. The roll call recorded the five subcommittee members present voting in favor: Representative Bobby Cox, Representative Brandon Cox, Representative Celeste Davis, Representative Harriet Holman and Representative Joe White.

Ending: Members said they plan a site visit to one of the veterans homes to observe operations under the new departmental responsibilities.