Research

  • S.C. Senate moves to expand property tax homestead exemption

    As home value assessments rise, South Carolina residents 65 and older are increasingly calling for property tax relief. 
    Neil Wolin

    Written by
    February 19, 2026

  • S.C. House advances small business tax proposal

    South Carolina lawmakers are continuing to look for ways to make the state a more supportive place for small businesses, including proposals that would lower taxes and reduce paperwork.  
    Cameron Rumpp

    Written by
    February 18, 2026

  • Statehouse Update February 17-19

    Update 2/19/26: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. The House passed a comprehensive overhaul of the judicial selection process last week empowering the Governor to control judicial nominations while the General Assembly would still confirm judges, more closely mirroring the federal model....
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    February 17, 2026

  • A trio of data center bills filed in the Senate

    Last year, the governor signed energy legislation that expedited energy projects in the state, most notably the Canady’s natural gas plant. Before signage, the House removed requirements that would protect ratepayers from massive energy infrastructure costs driven up by commercial data centers.   In the absence of these protections and heightened concerns about where and how data centers operate in the...
    Neil Wolin

    Written by
    February 13, 2026

  • Statehouse Update February 10-12

    Update: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Reform is the word of the week at the Statehouse. Judicial reform is on the House floor, tax reform is on the floor in both chambers, and various committees and subcommittees will hear bills on...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    February 09, 2026

  • Big spending, bigger choices for South Carolina

    South Carolina lawmakers are once again facing an important choice. As budget subcommittees meet through early February and the Senate prepares to debate income tax reform on the floor, the state must decide whether strong revenue growth will be used to expand government or to deliver lasting tax relief.
    Vance Ginn Ph.D.

    Written by
    February 09, 2026

  • The South Carolina Policy Council’s 2026 Winter Poll

    With the start of 2026, the second half of the legislative session is underway. Both new and existing proposals are moving through the South Carolina Statehouse. To provide lawmakers, members of the media, and the public with the most up-to-date insight into where likely South Carolina voters stand on key...
    Sam Aaron

    Written by
    February 04, 2026

  • Statehouse Update February 3-5

    Update 2/4/26: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. After another snowy weekend in South Carolina, lawmakers in the Senate are starting to work on data center reform with a major reform bill scheduled for committee this week. The House has unveiled its...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    February 02, 2026

  • Analysis: Bill seeks to modernize South Carolina’s regulatory framework

    The burden of overregulation is one of the largest obstacles preventing South Carolina from reaching its full economic potential. H.3021, also known as the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, seeks to limit overregulation and help businesses flourish.   Summary
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    January 30, 2026

  • Statehouse Update January 28-29

    Update 1/29/26: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Although South Carolina was spared the brunt of the winter storm this past weekend, it was enough for the Statehouse to cancel all but two committee hearings on Tuesday. Despite the one-day delay, lawmakers...
    Brendan Connors

    Written by
    January 27, 2026