Bill > H3209

This Joint Resolution, titled the "Permit Extension Joint Resolution of 2023," aims to address economic hardships in South Carolina resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national economic downturn by extending certain government approvals related to economic development. Specifically, it retroactively suspends the running of time for any "development approval" – which includes permits for land development, water or wastewater services, coastal resource management, and air quality issued by the state or its subdivisions – that was valid between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023, effectively extending their validity through December 31, 2023. However, this extension does not apply to federal permits, permits issued under federal authority, or certain specific state permits like Certificates of Need, and it does not prevent the revocation or modification of approvals by governmental entities. The resolution also requires state agencies to publish notices about these extensions, excluding local governments from this specific notice requirement.