Research

Statehouse Update March 4-6

Update 3/06/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. Liability legislation is set for debate on the Senate floor, along with a slew of other bills scheduled on the Senate calendar. Legislation allowing the governor to appoint the Director of Employment and Workforce is...

Written by Neil Wolin
March 04, 2025

South Carolina House passes universal school choice bill

On Thursday, the South Carolina House passed S.62, the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, by a vote of 80-32. The bill now returns to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to accept or reject the House amendments. Last week, the House Education Committee made several key changes to the Senate’s...

Written by Sam Aaron
February 27, 2025

Statehouse Update February 25-27

Update 2/27/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. The House chamber is set to hear the newly amended school choice bill that designates the general fund as the funding source. We await Senate floor debate on SC DOGE, elimination of the Comptroller General, and...

Written by Neil Wolin
February 25, 2025

Analysis: South Carolina’s unfair civil liability system

The civil liability system in South Carolina is placing an unfair burden on small and medium-sized businesses. This issue has been a focal point of legislative discussions for several years, though reform legislation died in the Senate in 2024.

Written by Sam Aaron
February 21, 2025

Statehouse Update February 18-20

Update 2/20/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. It's a cold week in Columbia but the legislature is hot with bill movement! Final subcommittee amendments are due from members by Thursday for liability legislation. A new SC D.O.G.E. committee, automatic renewal for gun permits,...

Written by Neil Wolin
February 18, 2025

Statehouse Update February 11-13

Update 2/13/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. With heightened committee activity on liability legislation, there is now a nation-wide focus on our state joint & several legal environment. The House Big Energy Bill is on the floor for debate, and a change...

Written by Neil Wolin
February 11, 2025

The South Carolina Policy Council’s 2025 Session Kickoff Poll

South Carolina occupies a unique position in American politics. The Palmetto State for years has remained a Republican stronghold, leading many national polling firms to focus on the state’s GOP presidential primary seasons. Consequently, however, critical insights into the policy priorities of South Carolinians are often overlooked. That changes now....

Written by Sam Aaron
February 06, 2025

Statehouse Update February 4-6

Update 2/5/25: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week. It’s a busy week at the South Carolina Statehouse, with major legislative debates on the horizon. The Senate is set for a third reading of the school choice bill on Tuesday, moving it one step...

Written by Neil Wolin
February 04, 2025

School Choice: Second Time’s the Charm?

Update: On February 19, 2025, the House Education & Public Works Committee considered the bill, adopted several amendments, and ultimately passed it. The amendments introduce several key changes. First, they eliminate lottery funding, instead drawing resources from the state general fund. These funds will be placed into a trust and managed...

Written by Sam Aaron
January 31, 2025

McMaster proposes SCPC legislative initiatives

On Wednesday, in a joint session of the House and Senate S.C. Governor Henry McMaster delivered his 2025 State of the State address. The South Carolina Governor notably showed strong support for reforms supported by the SCPC, specifically eliminating income tax, school choice, and civil liability reform.

Written by Neil Wolin
January 30, 2025