NFIB, a major advocacy group for small businesses in South Carolina and across the country, joined state lawmakers and other business organizations at a news conference to call for the passage of H.3021, known as the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act. The bill, which passed the House last year, is currently under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Ben Homeyer, NFIB State Director, said that the proposed legislation would increase oversight on state regulations that can add costs for small employers. The act aims to strengthen how regulations are reviewed for their effects on small businesses, economic development, and state agencies.
The bill also seeks to ensure that agencies have clear legal authority before issuing new rules. In addition, H.3021 would introduce updated requirements for cost estimates and reviews of regulations and establish an automatic expiration schedule so older rules must be periodically reviewed and renewed.
“Small businesses do not have teams of lawyers and compliance staff,” Homeyer said. “When agencies add rules, it can mean more paperwork, more delays and higher costs. This bill helps make sure regulations are truly needed, within the law and fully reviewed for their impact on small employers.”
Homeyer added that these changes would give lawmakers and the public a better understanding of regulatory costs before they take effect.
“South Carolina’s small businesses want a fair process,” he said. “If a regulation will cost millions of dollars, elected leaders should have a clear role in reviewing it. H.3021 adds accountability and encourages agencies to focus on results, not red tape.”
