H.3187 aims to rectify a constitutional issue in South Carolina’s code. Due to a 2010 court ruling which found South Carolina’s definition of “ committee” unconstitutional, the state is without a legal definition on the matter. This bill would apply a legal definition of a “committee” – that is, political action committee or PAC – to a group or individual that has the “major purpose” of nominating, electing, or defeating a candidate, or promoting or defeating a ballot measure. This is important for two reasons: 1) because the Supreme Court has ruled that the definition of committee “need only encompass organizations that are under the control of a candidate or the major purpose of which is the nomination or election of a candidate”, and 2) because committees are subject to certain public disclosure requirements.
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.