Latest Updates

Statehouse Update Apr 23-25

With just three weeks left in the regular session, the pace has picked up at the Statehouse as legislators work to turn bills into law. Of those is the proposed FY25 state budget, which the Senate will debate starting on Tuesday. Among other things, the Senate budget plan would double...

Sam Aaron

Written by
April 23, 2024

  • Statehouse Update Apr 23-25

    With just three weeks left in the regular session, the pace has picked up at the Statehouse as legislators work to turn bills into law. Of those is the proposed FY25 state budget, which the Senate will debate starting on Tuesday. Among other things, the Senate budget plan would double...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    April 23, 2024

  • Transparency efforts could illuminate SC’s budget process

    Giving citizens a clearer picture of where their tax dollars are going, and why As a research intern for the S.C. Policy Council, I attended many legislative hearings over the spring months to learn about the state’s next budget. My objectives were twofold: see firsthand how the budget is constructed...
    Ella Williams

    Written by
    April 19, 2024

  • Statehouse Update Apr 16-18

    With just four weeks left in the regular session, things are ramping up at the Statehouse to get bills over the finish line. On the calendar this week are several noteworthy proposals, including a bill that would push all S.C. school boards to livestream their meetings, and another to streamline...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    April 16, 2024

  • Mystery money: How to return the $1.8 billion to taxpayers

    Update 4/19/24: The Senate Finance subcommittee investigating the $1.8 billion issued an interim report on Tuesday. It recommends a forensic audit of the bank account in question, legislation to make the State Auditor more independent, and a constitutional amendment to make the Treasurer an appointed position instead of being elected by...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    April 12, 2024

  • Bills to watch ahead of this year's crossover deadline

    Update 4/5/24: Bills that passed or made progress this week are specified below.  As we near the end of South Carolina’s 2024 legislative session, a critical deadline is on the horizon. Bills that want a chance of becoming law this year must receive initial passage in the House or Senate by...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    April 02, 2024

  • Statehouse Update Apr 2-4

    Update 4/5/24: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Important update! South Carolina’s “crossover” deadline is just around the corner. Bills that haven’t passed at least one chamber, House or Senate, by April 10 are effectively dead for the year. While the...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    April 02, 2024

  • South Carolina looks to ditch DEI in higher ed

    South Carolina is one step closer to banning the discriminatory DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) practices that have undermined many of the nation's institutions of higher learning. 
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    March 28, 2024

  • Don't ignore these red flags in South Carolina's energy mega-bill

    Update 4/4/24: The bill passed the House and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.    RATEPAYERS COULD BE CHARGED FOR ABANDONED UTILITY PROJECTS A massive utility bill (H.5118) awaiting debate on the floor of the S.C. House threatens to blur the line between economic development and energy policy. To...
    Bryce Fiedler

    Written by
    March 26, 2024

  • Statehouse Update Mar 26-28

    Update 3/28/24: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Heads up! South Carolina’s “crossover” deadline is swiftly approaching. By April 10, any bills that haven't passed at least one chamber, House or Senate, are effectively dead for the year. With the deadline...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    March 26, 2024

  • Energy mega-bill reduces checks and balances, pushes new ecodevo projects

    Update 3/20/24: The House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee on Wednesday advanced the bill with amendments. Certain details in this summary may not be reflective of the amended bill. Read our updated summary here.  A massive energy bill (H.5118) gaining steam in the House bears resemblance to past legislation that wound up...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    March 19, 2024