Latest Updates

Statehouse Update May 23-25

South Carolina continued its extended legislative session this week, with lawmakers passing a bill to ban abortion around the six-week mark, with certain exceptions. However, the Legislature still hasn’t passed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, meaning it will need to return yet again to Columbia in the coming...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
May 26, 2023

Cleaning up Columbia: How to fix South Carolina's broken campaign finance and ethics system

Read the print digital version HERE. By Dallas Woodhouse and Bryce Fiedler When it comes to campaign donations, government ethics and pay-to-play politics, South Carolina has a shockingly corrupt and unaccountable system. Citizens can’t find out who is giving political money and why. Donations of all kinds are secret. Campaign...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
May 18, 2023

Statehouse Update May 16-18

Despite the regular legislative session having concluded last week, the General Assembly failed to pass the a state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition, the General Assembly did not pass a sine die resolution, which normally governs when the Legislature can return and what issues it can take...

Written by Sam Aaron
May 16, 2023

2023 session review: SCPC helps achieve major policy victories

South Carolina is in a much stronger position than it was just a few months ago, thanks to key policy victories supported by SCPC’s research. With the regular legislative session now finished, it’s a great time to look back on some of these achievements. Each are part of the reforms...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
May 13, 2023

Statehouse Update May 9-11

Update 5/12/23: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. It may be the final week of the regular legislative session, but legislative business is far from over for the year. For starters, the House still needs to take up and pass (for...

Written by Sam Aaron
May 09, 2023

Certificate of Need repeal heads to governor’s desk

Lawmakers this week passed a historic bill that largely repeals South Carolina’s Certificate of Need program – a key policy priority on SCPC’s 2023-24 Legislative Agenda and a huge win for medical freedom. The House amended and unanimously passed the bill Tuesday. The following day, the Senate agreed to the version and gave it...

Written by Sam Aaron
May 05, 2023

Statehouse Update May 2-4

Just two weeks remain in the regular legislative session. The budget is back with the House after the Senate passed its version last month. Once it passes the House (again), lawmakers from both chambers will sit down in conference committee to decide on the final state budget. Also on the...

Written by Sam Aaron
May 02, 2023

Certificate of Need repeal passes major legislative hurdle

A proposal that would improve access to healthcare services and reduce medical costs passed a major legislative hurdle this week. The bill (S.164), advanced by the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee on Wednesday with amendments, would largely eliminate state Certificate of Need (CON) requirements for healthcare providers,...

Written by Sam Aaron
April 28, 2023

An interest rate cap would harm SC consumers, reduce options

A legislative proposal filed this year would reduce the borrowing options available to South Carolina consumers and could force lenders to leave the state. The Senate bill (S.518) would set a 36% cap on the annual percentage interest rate (APR) that can be charged for loans, which risks cutting off...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
April 28, 2023

Statehouse Update April 25-27

Update 4/28/23: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. With just three weeks left in the regular legislative session, things are in high gear at the Statehouse. Important legislation like a bill to repeal state Certificate of Need (CON) mandates is in...

Written by Sam Aaron
April 25, 2023