State Government Actions
that affect Isle of Palms
Keeping abreast of state government actions allows residents to be proactive in understanding broader impacts to our city and community.
2023-2024 Legislative Recap
The Legislative Session that ended in early summer 2024 was the second year of the 2-year legislative session. Thus, any bills that did not get passed by both the House and the Senate “die.” Should a legislator wish to rekindle a particular bill, it must be refiled in the new session, and the process begins anew.
Several bills were of particular interest:
HB3253: Short-term Rentals
Introduced by: Rep. Lee Hewitt (Murrells Inlet), Melissa Oremus (Aiken), and Jay Kilmartin (Columbia) and others in January 2023
Bill Summary: ln effect, this bill would prohibit cities and towns from banning short-term rentals through an ordinance, resolution, or regulation
Committee assignment: Medical, Military, and Municipal Affairs
Outcome: No action in 2024. However, as in 2023, a failed attempt was made to include certain provisions of this bill as a budget amendment.
HB3258: Political Signs
Introduced by: Rep. King (Rock Hill) in January 2023
Bill Summary: The bill authorizes a homeowner or tenant to display a political sign on the property premises within a certain timeframe.
Committee Assignment: Judiciary
Outcome: No action in 2024.
Note: Isle of Palms City Council’s new ordinance regarding political signs on the property premises is in line with this bill, should it again be filed in the 2024-2025 legislative session.
HB4685: Septic Tanks
Introduced by: Rep. Joe Bustos (Mt. Pleasant/Isle of Palms) and Rep. Tom Hartnett (Mount Pleasant)
Bill Summary: Prohibits the construction or installation of septic tanks within a two-mile straight-line distance of any waterway or the coast of South Carolina.
Committee assignment: Labor, Commerce, and Industry
Outcome: No action in 2024.
S282: Beach Renourishment Funding
Introduced by: Sen. Chip Campsen (Isle of Palms) and others in January 2023
Bill Summary: This bill would allocate a certain percent of the entertainment tax to build a reserve for beach renourishment.
Committee Assignment: First to Fish, Game, and Forestry (Passed), then committed to Finance
Outcome: No action in 2024
2024-2025 Legislative Session (Year 1 of a 2-year session)
The South Carolina General Assembly convenes on the second Tuesday in January, which is January 14, 2025. Since 2024 is an election year for the General Assembly, no one can predict at this stage what we should expect for the upcoming session.