Research
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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... -
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,... -
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... -
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... -
Statehouse Update April 18-20
Update 4/21/23: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. The Senate this week will debate and vote on its version of the state budget, while the House has a busy schedule after being out last week. In our latest report, we examined the... -
FY24 budget proposals: SC needs (and can afford) a bigger tax cut
By Bryce Fiedler and Vance Ginn, Ph.D. In January, the South Carolina Policy Council published The 2024 SC Sustainable Budget (SCSB) – an ambitious new project with the goal of keeping state government spending under control. Specifically, it urges legislators to keep annual recurring general funds appropriations from rising faster than state population growth... -
Statehouse Update April 4-6
The House is out this week, while the Senate has a packed calendar of bills in committee and on the floor. Bills dealing with legal reform, education and regulation (some good, some not-so-good) are making progress, and several are nearing the finish line. Learn more about our policy positions on... -
Seven steps to improve SC’s judicial system
South Carolina’s judicial selection process is unusual and rife with issues that must quickly be addressed. Not only are higher-level state judges elected by the Legislature (a method used in just two states), but candidates for these seats must also be screened and nominated by a small legislatively controlled board.... -
Statehouse Update Apr 11-13
Update 4/14/23: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. The House is out this week, while the Senate has a packed calendar of bills in committee and on the floor. Bills dealing with legal reform, education and regulation (some good, some not-so-good) are... -
McMaster signs bipartisan bill to expedite road work
On Monday, Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law a unanimously passed bill (S.361) that will speed up road improvement projects in South Carolina. The bill simplifies how construction contracts that are awarded by S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) can be extended to include more work.