Advocacy

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SCAC has a rich history of working with county and state leaders to advocate for county government and safeguard Home Rule. By partnering with county officials who work with local delegation members throughout the year, SCAC successfully amplifies the collective voice of all 46 counties at the state and federal levels.

SCAC’s legislative program success is due to the relentless efforts of our Governmental Affairs team and hundreds of county officials actively engaging throughout the policy development process, staying informed and making timely contact with General Assembly members.

The state legislative year

The S.C. General Assembly convenes each January in Columbia and adjourns sine die in May. During that four-month period, approximately one in every three bills introduced affects county governments.

See key dates in the legislative session. [Link to Key Dates graphic]

Download and print our helpful overview on how a bill becomes a law in South Carolina.

Our policy focus

SCAC annually releases its policy positions, voted on by the Association’s Legislative Committee. These positions are organized into four areas, which align with the following steering committees.

  • County Government and Intergovernmental Relations
  • Land Use, Natural Resources and Transportation;
  • Revenue, Finance and Economic Development; and
  • Public Safety, Corrections and Judicial Steering.

Get involved

Stay informed with detailed action during the legislative session with SCAC’s Friday Reports, sent by email and available online weekly from January to May. This publication features exclusive content including in-depth discussion of bills and their potential impact on counties, timely budget information and calls to action on critical issues that could affect county functions.

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When legislative action happens quickly, our team sends Legislative Alerts by email and text to notify county officials of imminent action on crucial bills.

Sign up for emails and texts.

Analysis

SCAC publishes Technical Bulletins to address the impact of significant laws and Supreme Court decisions and Acts That Affect Counties, an annual publication which provides a brief description of laws passed during the legislative session.