Workforce and Regulation

An interest rate cap would harm SC consumers, reduce options

A legislative proposal filed this year would reduce the borrowing options available to South Carolina consumers and could force lenders to leave the state. The Senate bill (S.518) would set a 36% cap on the annual percentage interest rate (APR) that can be charged for loans, which risks cutting off...

  • An interest rate cap would harm SC consumers, reduce options

    A legislative proposal filed this year would reduce the borrowing options available to South Carolina consumers and could force lenders to leave the state. The Senate bill (S.518) would set a 36% cap on the annual percentage interest rate (APR) that can be charged for loans, which risks cutting off...
  • 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.
  • 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...
  • Bridging the divide: A balanced approach to short-term rental regulation

    The annual college football game between South Carolina and Georgia kicks off in Columbia this weekend, and local short-term renters couldn’t be happier. A recent search of Airbnb listings in Columbia indicated that far more homes were booked ahead for gameday weekend than the weekend prior (when the UofSC football team was out of...
  • As session wraps up, promising bills near the finish line

    South Carolina’s regular legislative session ends May 12, meaning just three weeks remain (including this one) to send most bills to the governor’s desk for signing. Fortunately, there’s some great legislation near the finish line.  Below is an overview of these proposals, several of which SCPC has supported or sought...
  • Analysis: Bill would let for-profit pipeline companies take citizens’ property

    A House committee this week deliberated a bill that would allow for-profit pipeline companies to take citizens’ property using eminent domain. Two similar bills were filed in 2020.    
  • Bills to watch in 2022

    At the end of each year, state lawmakers file a series of bills (known as “prefiles”) in anticipation of the upcoming legislative session. The following report looks at some of the most significant House prefiles, organized by category, as well as two bills gaining traction relating to state Coivd policy.    
  • Eight reforms to take your power back

    SOUTH CAROLINA HAS SOME OF THE MOST POWERFUL POLITICIANS IN THE COUNTRY. THEY EXERCISE UNWARRANTED POWERS OVER STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE ECONOMY, AND FACE VERY LITTLE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THEIR DECISIONS – CREATING A BREEDING GROUND FOR CORRUPTION. HOW CAN SOUTH CAROLINIANS TAKE THEIR POWER BACK?