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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's labor and licensing agency is eliminating 44 positions and reassigning nearly 30 employees.

The State newspaper reported the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is laying off 31 full-time and 13 temporary or contract workers. The agency has 417 employees.

Those affected are part of the Professional and Occupational Licensing Division that handles license applications and renewals, as well as investigating complaints.

The agency says it's expected to take about two weeks to make the changes.

The agency says the changes would make the division more effective and accountable. Spokeswoman Leisa Kudelka would not talk about any current inefficiencies or lack of accountability.

The agency has been criticized by lawmakers who say it takes too long to issue licenses.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)