H.3431 would prohibit any political subdivisions of the state (any form of local government) from requiring employers to provide any form of employee benefits. Employee benefits are defined as “anything of value that an employee may receive from an employer in addition to wages”.

Employee benefits are simply another form of compensation, and as SCPC has previously explained mandating the increase of certain forms of compensation will cause employers to either restrict hiring (either overall or among certain groups) or to reduce other forms of employee compensation.

By South Carolina Policy Council

Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.