S.289 would impose thorough transparency requirements on local governments. Under this bill, counties, municipalities and school districts would have to post the following information on their websites: elected officials’ contact information, meeting agendas, FOIA guidelines, budget data, contracts with lobbyists, employee compensation, etc. On top of this, they would have set up a searchable database that tracks all of the revenue they collect.  If a county, municipality or school district don’t follow these guidelines, a resident located in that area may sue and ask the court to force compliance.

If passed, the database must be operational by January 1, 2020.

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.