Bill > H4615

This bill amends South Carolina law by prohibiting businesses that hire individuals on H-1B or Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas from receiving state economic development incentives. H-1B visas are temporary work permits for skilled foreign workers, while Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work in the United States for a limited time after completing their education. The bill defines economic development incentives broadly, including tax credits for jobs, employees, infrastructure, property rehabilitation, conservation, and energy efforts, as well as sales and property tax exemptions and fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements. The proposed legislation would effectively penalize companies that employ foreign workers with these specific visa types by making them ineligible for state financial benefits designed to encourage business growth and job creation. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, giving businesses and state agencies substantial time to prepare for the potential implementation of these restrictions.

Budget and Finance

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4615&session=126&summary=B