Research

Statehouse Update Feb 27-29

Update 3/1/24: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. A bill establishing a public option for liquor liability insurance, backed by taxpayers’ money, is under consideration this morning. The proposal would also reduce the state’s mandatory $1 million policy requirement – but...

Written by Sam Aaron
February 27, 2024

SC taxpayers asked to fund new liquor liability insurance program

Update 2/28/24: Following this report, which revealed that H.5066 would create a state-run liquor liability insurance program funded with taxpayers' money, the House Judiciary Committee voted to remove that section of the bill. The amended bill, advanced by the full committee Tuesday, would still reduce the $1 million liquor liability insurance...

Written by Sam Aaron
February 24, 2024

Alcohol delivery bill watered down by regulations, licensing requirements

A bill (H.4364) recently passed by the S.C. House would allow retailers to offer curbside pickup or at-home delivery of beer and wine, subject to licensing requirements, fees and other regulations.

Written by William Morton
February 23, 2024

Statehouse Update Feb 20-22

Update 2/23/24: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. After weeks of smaller budget hearings, the full House Ways and Means Committee begins work on South Carolina’s FY25 spending bill this afternoon. With billions of dollars in taxpayer money on the line,...

Written by Sam Aaron
February 20, 2024

Judicial Reform Action Page

NEW DASHBOARD A ONE-STOP SHOP TO LEARN ABOUT JUDICIAL REFORM PROGRESS, TAKE ACTION Things can move quickly at the S.C. Statehouse, change on short notice, or come to a screeching halt without explanation. In any event, it’s our commitment at the South Carolina Policy Council (SCPC) to keep you informed...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
February 15, 2024

Statehouse Update Feb 13-15

Update 2/16/24: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Major developments this week! This afternoon, a Senate subcommittee considers a bill that would create a fairer, more balanced legal environment for our state’s small- and medium-sized businesses, while still providing justice for...

Written by Sam Aaron
February 13, 2024

Impact: Upstate county pushing conservative budget ordinance

Weeks after the Policy Council released its 2025 SC Sustainable Budget – a data-driven report aimed at reining in state government spending – an ambitious budget proposal was introduced to Upstate taxpayers.

Written by Bryce Fiedler
February 09, 2024

Statehouse Update: Feb 6-8 (Judicial Reform Special)

Update 2/8/24: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Important updates on judicial reform South Carolina’s judicial elections, originally planned for this week, are seemingly on hold after S.C. Senator Wes Climer and fellow senators look prepared to block nearly all elections...

Written by Sam Aaron
February 06, 2024

Analysis: SC lending bill would reduce consumer options, harm competition

A proposal filed this year would reduce the financial options available to S.C. consumers and could force lenders to exit the state. The Senate bill (S.910) aims to heavily restrict lenders’ ability to market their products, among other measures, potentially making South Carolina untenable for business and cutting off borrowers’...

Written by Bryce Fiedler
February 02, 2024

Statehouse Update Jan 30-Feb 1

Update 2/2/24: Several adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Big news this week! On Wednesday, a Senate subcommittee considers a bill that would cause fewer businesses to have to pay excessive and disproportionate damages in civil cases, while still looking after injured South Carolinians....

Written by Sam Aaron
January 30, 2024