Research

Transparency check-in: streaming at the Statehouse (2026)

The best way to build citizens’ trust in government is through greater transparency, and few modern innovations embody transparency more effectively than livestreaming.  For the fifth consecutive year, the SC Policy Council has tracked the livestreaming frequency of legislative committee meetings. Since then, several committees have improved their transparency efforts. 

Brendan Connors

Written by
June 11, 2026

  • Transparency check-in: streaming at the Statehouse (2026)

    The best way to build citizens’ trust in government is through greater transparency, and few modern innovations embody transparency more effectively than livestreaming.  For the fifth consecutive year, the SC Policy Council has tracked the livestreaming frequency of legislative committee meetings. Since then, several committees have improved their transparency efforts. 
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    June 11, 2026

  • 2026 Session Recap: Major progress on SCPC backed reforms

    The regular 2026 legislative session came to a close on May 14th and conference committees for outstanding pieces of legislation including the state budget still need to get over the finish line.   Massive reform packages for the state income tax and the Department of Transportation have been signed by the governor, with many crucial priorities making their...
    Neil Wolin

    Written by
    June 04, 2026

  • SCPC Primary Poll: May 2026

    Note: The margin of error for questions asked to the combined sample of both parties is +/-3.16%, while the margin of error for Republican and Democratic voters independently is +/-4.47%. Election day will be here before you know it, and primaries across the state are heating up. SCPC wanted to...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    May 26, 2026

  • Regulatory review bill awaits conference committee

    Last year, the House unanimously passed the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, or H.3021, with the goal of reducing the burden of overregulation in South Carolina. As the bill stands now, this still is the intent, but some state agencies and business sectors are concerned about unintended consequences. 
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    May 22, 2026

  • Conference committee has the potential to save taxpayers $137 million

    We now have finalized budget drafts from both the House and Senate. The two chambers will next appoint members to a conference committee to reconcile the differences between their proposals.
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    May 11, 2026

  • Statehouse Update May 12-14

    Update 5/14/26: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred throughout the week. With one week of the legislative session left, both chambers are making a final push to pass last-minute legislation on taxes, education, and legal reform. The state budget and a bill overhauling the Department...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    May 11, 2026

  • State regulatory system faces overhaul?

    Update 5/6/26: H.3021 has passed second reading on the Senate floor. Upon third reading the House will consider the Senate amendments. Update 5/7/26: H.4337, which grants subpoena power to the Legislative Audit Council, has passed second reading on the Senate floor. Upon third reading the House will consider the Senate...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    May 06, 2026

  • Statehouse Update May 5-7

    Update 5/6/26: Adjustments have been made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred throughout the week. The end of the 2025-26 regular legislative session is quickly approaching. Last week, the House passed a major bill reforming the Department of Transportation that the Senate assigned to conference committee. This week, the...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    May 04, 2026

  • House acts on Policy Council’s SCDOT recommendations

    Update: Governor Henry McMaster signed the bill into law on 5/18/26. The bill passed conference committee with a provision requiring CTCs to spend a portion of their funds on state highways. This summary has been updated to reflect the most current information. Earlier this week, the House passed a bill...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    April 30, 2026

  • Statehouse Update April 28-30

    Update 4/29/26: Adjustments have been made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred throughout the week. The Senate passed an amended state budget last week, sending the bill back to the House for consideration. With the end of the 2025-26 regular session quickly approaching, both chambers are meeting in committees...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    April 27, 2026