Bill > S0686

This bill amends South Carolina law to prohibit public entities—which include state agencies, political subdivisions, higher education institutions, public school districts, and public charter schools—from implementing any procurement preferences, set-asides, quotas, goals, or similar programs that classify, prioritize, or discriminate based on race when awarding contracts, subcontracts, grants, or other public benefits. The legislation declares that any policy, rule, regulation, practice, or contract provision that violates this prohibition is void and unenforceable. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing statutes that may conflict with this new provision, and includes a standard severability clause ensuring that if any part of the act is found unconstitutional, the remaining portions will still be valid. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving the Governor's approval, representing a significant effort to eliminate race-based considerations in public contracting and grant processes.

Budget and Finance

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0686&session=126&summary=B