Promoting business-friendly policies
Early this year I reported on the House Republican Caucus Pillars for this legislative session, specifically including “Promoting Business-Friendly Policies.”
Over the past few weeks we have taken major steps to deliver on the promises we made to reduce burdensome regulations, providing relief to small business, cracking down on crime, and ensuring that property owners have the rights they deserve. From tackling government overreach stifling job growth with voluminous regulations, from skyrocketing liquor liability insurance costs to addressing illegal occupation of property (squatting), we are taking bold action to get results.
Government red tape and overreach hurts small business, limits job creation, and generally slows down our economy. This month the House passed the Regulatory Freedom Act, a bill which puts citizens and business back in charge instead of unelected bureaucrats. The legislation ends outdated and unnecessary regulations unless reapproved by the Legislature. It stops government agencies from creating new rules without legislative oversight and requires a regulatory budget, ensuring that for every new regulation, two outdated regulations are repealed. Finally, it strengthens transparency and accountability to protect small businesses.
I am extremely proud that the House unanimously passed the liquor liability insurance and tort reform bill (H3497 that I explained in this space last month) to address the skyrocketing insurance premiums and at the same time protect the public with alcohol server training and increased penalties for DUIs. As the lead sponsor of the bill, the unanimous approval in the House was both gratifying and reassuring -that public service is about providing real relief to South Carolinians with real problems and can transcend party (or inter-party) politics.
The legislation was a direct response to what we’ve heard from business owners across South Carolina that something must be done. The bill provides for a step down in coverage requirements based on hours of operation, greater percentages of food vs alcohol sales, and required alcohol server training. These measures along with eliminating the “joint and several” liability for bars, restaurants and VFW posts which opens the door to disproportionate legal responsibility, and which has been identified as the single largest factor for the skyrocketing insurance premiums should expand insurance options to increase competition and lower costs. The bill is narrowly structured to provide immediate relief while maintaining accountability and responsibility in alcohol service and promote public safety.
While we do not have a “squatter” problem in South Carolina, property owners should never have to jump through legal hoops or face legal obstacles just to have someone who is illegally occupying their home. To make sure we prevent this type of activity from becoming prevalent in South Carolina, my Judiciary Committee passed out a bill this week which creates a clear and fair process to remove squatters, giving homeowners the ability to take quick action instead of being forced into lengthy legal battles.
Finally, the smash and grab organized retail crime bill which passed out of the Judiciary Committee and the House last month, was recently passed by the Senate and is headed to the Governor’s desk to finally crack down on these large-scale shoplifting rings.
Over the next few weeks, we will begin debating the 2025-2026 State Budget and I am committed to fighting for a balanced budget that reflects our conservative values funding law enforcement, safer schools, better roads and includes tax relief for hardworking South Carolina families. It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of South Carolina District 120 in the House. If I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call me.
Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives. WestonNewton@schouse.gov
