What a week! The General Assembly was back in Columbia, and primary runoff elections wrapped up.
In a major victory for the entire business community, the General Assembly gave final approval to the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act – a top SCMC legislative priority. The bill will make it easier to do business by reducing regulatory burden, increasing state agency accountability, and ensuring new regulations receive greater legislative oversight.
This week also marked the end of a hard-fought primary election season. It takes courage to run for office, and we thank everyone who stepped up to serve. Congratulations to the nominees, and we look forward to working with our next governor, lieutenant governor, and constitutional officers to keep South Carolina moving forward for businesses and families.
You can find the full runoff election results here.
Let’s keep this momentum rolling throughout the summer!
In This Issue
Four on Friday
1. Legislative Update – Overtime Week Six
Lawmakers returned to Columbia on Thursday for what we are calling “Week Six” of this year’s post-Sine Die special session to finalize a number of bills that had been sent to a conference committee. Read the full legislative update here.
2. Last Call for the SCMC Membership Survey
Time is running out to participate in the SCMC Membership Survey. As we continue to strengthen our organization and advocate for the business community, your feedback will help shape our priorities, evaluate our programs, and identify opportunities to enhance the value of your membership. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, and all respondents will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of goodr sunglasses of their choice. Take the survey now.
3. Connect with South Carolina’s Future Workforce Through Tallo
Looking for new ways to connect with South Carolina’s future workforce? Through SC Future Makers’ partnership with Tallo, employers can engage students and young professionals, promote internships and job opportunities, and build awareness of career paths within their organizations. Tallo’s platform makes it easy to connect with the next generation of workers and strengthen your talent pipeline. Click here to get started. Questions? Contact Elisabeth Kovacs at Elisabeth.Kovacs@myscmc.org.
4. Registration Now Open for Washington Night
Washington Night returns this August! South Carolina’s congressional delegation will be on hand to meet with you, the state’s business leaders. Join us for an evening of networking and conversation focused on the federal issues that matter the most to the business community. Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Click here to register and reserve your place today.
Legislative Update – Overtime Week Six
Lawmakers returned to Columbia on Thursday for what we are calling “Week Six” of this year’s post-Sine Die special session to finalize a number of bills that had been sent to a conference committee.
Notably, lawmakers did not take up the state’s FY2026-27 budget as members of the budget conference committee are still negotiating the differences between the House and Senate versions. The conference committee plans to meet again on Tuesday, June 30.
With no Sine Die agreement in place, lawmakers technically remain in special session and can come back at a later date to finalize the FY2026-27 budget.
Regulatory Reform Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk
Following Wednesday’s meeting of the conference committee on the “Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act” (H.3021), during which conferees worked out a compromise version of the bill, the House and Senate both unanimously adopted the conference report, sending the bill to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
The final version of the bill seeks to reduce the regulatory burden on South Carolina job creators by strengthening the state’s existing regulatory review process. It adds independent oversight to ensure regulations remain within statutory authority and are not outdated, holds agencies accountable for noncompliance, and requires proposed regulations with an estimated financial impact exceeding $1 million to receive joint approval by the General Assembly. It also ends judicial deference to state agencies in legal disputes.
Following the bill’s passage, SCMC President and CEO Sara Hazzard released a statement saying, “By passing this bill that reduces the regulatory burden businesses face, we boost our economy by encouraging employers to take risks that pay off: creating jobs, attracting investment, and driving innovation. That’s why the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act was an SCMC priority, and that’s why smarter, commonsense reforms to our regulatory framework – that make it easier for businesses to do what they do best – will always be something we fight for.”
Other Notable Action
- Guarantee Banking Act (H.5538) – This week, the House concurred in Senate amendments to a bill that would prohibit financial institutions from discriminating against individuals for their political or religious beliefs, or other economic activity. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
- Buy American Iron and Steel Act (H.4709) – This week, lawmakers adopted the conference report outlining requirements for public works projects to use domestically produced iron and steel. The bill includes many exceptions for increased costs and longer timelines and is headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Lawmakers did not elect to adopt conference reports on THC-related products and DUI reform.
Upcoming Events
SC Energy Summit | Aug. 4, 2026
SC Workforce and Manufacturing Summit | Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2026
2026 SCMC Annual Meeting | Nov. 10-12, 2026
Member Spotlight
Jody Bryson, president and CEO of the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center, awarded the Order of the Palmetto.
The longtime head of South Carolina’s largest business park has received the state’s highest civilian honor. Jody Bryson, president and CEO of the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center, was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Henry McMaster. Bryson has directed SCTAC for nearly two decades. Read more.
