Statehouse Update February 11-13

Neil Wolin

Written by
February 11, 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 to the way our State Auditor is appointed is up for consideration.

Legal Reform 
  • Tort Reform S.244 – Provides that a jury determine percentage of fault of the claimant and of any nonparty, using those percentages as a basis for damages. Update: A Senate Judiciary subcommittee has been rescheduled for 9:30am on Thursday Feb. 13 to consider the bill.  
  • Liability Regulation S.184 – Allows for a licensee that sells, serves, or otherwise furnishes alcohol (bar or restaurant owners) to be held civilly liable to a third party for damages arising out of the sale or furnishing of alcohol. Update: A Senate Judiciary subcommittee has been rescheduled for 9:30am on Thursday Feb. 13 to consider the bill.  
  • Liquor Liability H.3497 – Establishes a liquor liability risk mitigation program where if qualified, a business can have discounts applied to their insurance premium by the provider. This bill is set to be heard by a constitutional laws subcommittee on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 9am. 
Government Structure 
  • SC Department Of Government Efficiency S.318 – This bill would create a South Carolina version of the widely recognized Department of Government Efficiency. It establishes a Commission on Fiscal Restraint and Government Efficiency to evaluate state spending, regulations, and government structure, with the goal of identifying cost-saving measures and improving efficiency. Update: The bill was assigned to the Senate Finance Committee
  • State Auditor Appointment H. 3430 – The Governor appoints the State Auditor with advice and consent of the Senate. This bill is on the House floor for debate. 
Constitutional Law
  • Disclosure of Economic Interests H.3570 – Amends the definition of public members who are required to file SCIs to include individuals who are nominated and appointed to a non-compensated part-time position on commission or include individuals who are nominated be required to file a confidential statement which will be made public only upon their ultimate appointments, while clarifying and strengthening the reporting requirement of all candidates for elective office (as amended by the subcommittee). This bill is on the House floor for debate. Update: This bill passed on second reading.
Energy 
  • The Big Energy Bill H. 3309 - This bill is the SC House’s aim at generating more energy to meet demands, the bill restructures the public service commission and mandates the departmental transfer of consumer advocacy responsibilities. It also encourages the deployment of new nuclear facilities. This bill is on the House floor for debate. Update: This bill passed on second reading.
Education 
  • Debit Cards Used for Lottery Purchases S.169 – Allows for the use of debit cards for lottery game ticket purchases. The full Senate Education Committee hears this bill at 10am on Wednesday, Feb.12. Update: This bill has advanced to the Senate floor as amended.
  • Streaming School Board Meetings S.77 – Requires school boards to adopt policies for electronic transmission of meetings. The full Senate Education Committee hears this bill at 10am on Wednesday, Feb.12. Update: This bill has advanced to the Senate floor as amended.
Miscellaneous  
  • Exempting EV Manufacturers from State Law H.3777 - Allows car manufacturers of entirely electric or partially electric motor vehicles to sell directly to consumers. A House Business and Commerce Subcommittee hears this bill at 9am on Wednesday, Feb. 12. 
Budget Hearings 

Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Subcommittee 

  • Thursday Feb. 13 at 10am hearing from Clemson PSA, Department of Commerce, Rural Infrastructure Authority, and Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation 

Senate Constitutional Subcommittee 

  • Thursday Feb. 13 upon Senate adjournment hearing from Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, State Fiscal Accountability Authority, and Department of Administration 

Senate Criminal Justice Subcommittee 

  • Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 8:45am hearing from Department of Corrections, Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, and Department of Juvenile Justice 

House Public Education and Special Rules Subcommittee 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 11:30am hearing from the State Library 

House Transportation and Regulatory Budget Subcommittee 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1.5 hours after House adjournment hearing from Department of Insurance, Public Service Commission, Office of Regulatory Staff, and Provisos 

House Proviso Subcommittee 

  • Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 9am hearing on Budget Provisos and H. 3843 – Budget Proviso Codification