Research

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....

Written by Bryce Fiedler
April 11, 2023

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...

Written by Sam Aaron
April 11, 2023

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.

Written by Sam Aaron
April 05, 2023

South Carolina should remove its cap on title insurance commission

South Carolina unnecessarily regulates the relationship between title insurance agencies and their underwriters. A recently filed state House bill would embrace the free-market system and allow the two parties to negotiate commission payments on their own terms. Title insurance is a way to protect yourself from financial loss and related legal expenses...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
March 10, 2023

Issue update: How South Carolina can tackle ESG

The ESG movement threatens to impact taxpayers across the nation. How should SC respond?

Written by Sam Aaron
March 09, 2023

Full expensing: an easy tax win for South Carolina

Full expensing is a tax policy that will put South Carolina at the front of the line for new capital investments as American businesses reshore their supply chains. Full expensing creates better economic growth, higher wages, and a better standard of living for South Carolinians. Pro-growth tax treatment of new investments will bolster...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
March 03, 2023

Two bills would reduce unfairness in SC’s civil liability system

A pair of House and Senate bills filed in February would move South Carolina’s civil liability laws in the right direction and a foster a legal environment that is fairer to businesses and more conducive to economic growth. The bills (S.533 and H.3933) would require juries or judges to consider nonparties in...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
March 02, 2023

Why SC should pass both school choice proposals

Update 3/16/23: After adopting the Finance Committee’s amendment and adding several other amendments on the floor, the full Senate passed S.285 by a vote of 28-9. One new amendment sets a family income limit of 400% of the federal poverty guidelines on the bill’s “general child” category. Accordingly, some of the details...

Written by Sam Aaron
February 23, 2023

The 2023-24 South Carolina Policy Council Free Market Legislative Agenda

The S.C. Policy Council believes that South Carolina has a bright and prosperous future. By embracing policies that limit government, allow for free enterprise, and stand for individual liberty and responsibility, we can ensure our state reaches its highest potential. During the 2023-24 S.C. legislative session, SCPC will pursue a...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
February 23, 2023

SC’s special-needs scholarship program needs reform

TWO LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS HAVE BIG POTENTIAL By Sam Aaron and Bryce Fiedler Despite good intentions, South Carolina’s special-needs scholarship program is failing to meet its goals, and major change is needed to ensure the state’s roughly 100,000 children with disabilities are getting the education services they need. Our state needs a better...

Written by Sam Aaron
February 07, 2023