South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 18 - SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
Here’s an enhanced overview of Chapter 18 – South Carolina Code of Regulations: Commission for the Blind, focused on the Business Enterprise Program:
📘 Chapter 18 – Commission for the Blind
Under statutory authority of S.C. Code §§ 43‑26‑10 et seq., this chapter (Regulations 18‑1 through 18‑18) establishes the state's Randolph‑Sheppard vending program, effective since October 20, 1981 (scstatehouse.gov).
🔹 Title 1 – Business Enterprise Program
Covers rules for blind individuals (Blind Licensees) to operate vending facilities under state and federal law, including CFR Part 395 (scstatehouse.gov). Key sections include:
Section
Title & Highlights
18‑1
Purpose & Definitions — Defines terms like “Agency,” “Blind Licensed Vendor,” “Vending Facility,” etc. (scstatehouse.gov, law.cornell.edu)
18‑2
Issuance of Licenses
18‑3
Termination of Licenses
18‑4
Training Program — Outlines required communication, math, vending skills
18‑5
Selection, Transfer & Promotion of Vendors
18‑7
Vendor Assistants — Vendor hires and trains assistants; preference for blind assistants
18‑8
Operating Agreement
18‑9
Record‑Keeping & Reporting
18‑10
Leave Policies — Vacation, sickness, maternity leave
18‑11
Supervision — Monthly inspections by BEP counselors
18‑12 to 18‑18
Topics include rights/responsibilities explanations, vendor grievances and hearings, equipment/stock maintenance, revenue distribution, committee governance, and transparency of program information
🛠 Program Overview & Administration
Randolph‑Sheppard Program: A federal initiative across states, empowering blind entrepreneurs to operate vending facilities. The Commission acts as the state licensing agency (law.cornell.edu).
Program Roles:
Training: Vendors must demonstrate core skills before license issuance.
Licensing: Agency issues and, if necessary, terminates or transfers licenses based on performance.
Management & Oversight: BEP counselors conduct at least monthly inspections and enforce compliance with state and property-agency rules (scstatehouse.gov).
✅ What You Should Do Next
If you’re involved with or applying to the Program:
Identify the specific section relevant to your concern (e.g., training in § 18‑4, assistants in § 18‑7).
Review definitions to understand your rights and obligations (found in § 18‑1).
Ensure you’re compliant with licensing procedures, record-keeping, inspections, and leave policies.
Consult Section 18‑12 onward for vendor protections and procedures for disputes, equipment management, and financial transparency.
📚 For Further Detail
The official PDF of Chapter 18 is available from the SC state legislature (e.g., “CHAPTER 18 South Carolina Commission for the Blind”) (law.cornell.edu, scstatehouse.gov).
Justia and Cornell provide online text, current through December 27, 2024 (regulations.justia.com).
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