Between May 19 and June 18, 2026, Ballotpedia tracked a significant legislative action (enactment, veto, passage through both chambers) for 36 bills related to the administrative state in 14 states. Some highlights include a bill modifying agency structure in South Carolina, a sunset provision extension in Colorado, and a veto related to immigration enforcement in Virginia:
In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed S 0325 on May 19. The bill transforms an existing independent agency called the Department of Consumer Affairs into an executive branch department. Under the bill, the administrator of the Department will be appointed by the governor (with the advice and consent of the state senate). The bill also requires the Department to receive gubernatorial approval before bringing class action lawsuits.
The bill was introduced in the South Carolina Senate February 6, and passed the Senate 41-1 on February 25 (one Democrat voted no, nine Democrats and 32 Republicans voted yes). It passed the state House of Representatives on May 13 with a vote of 91-9 (nine Democrats voted no, nine Democrats and 82 Republicans voted yes).
