NFIB, the nation’s and South Carolina’s leading small business advocacy organization, joined legislative leaders and other South Carolina business groups today at a news conference urging the state Senate to pass H.3021, the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act. The measure passed the House last year and is awaiting action in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer said the bill would put more oversight on state regulations that can raise costs for small employers. It would strengthen review of regulations for their impact on small business, economic development and state agencies.

It would also tighten the requirement that agencies have clear legal authority before issuing regulations. H.3021 also would set new rules for cost estimates and review and create an automatic expiration schedule so older regulations must be reviewed and renewed.

“Small businesses do not have teams of lawyers and compliance staff,” Homeyer said. “When agencies add rules, it can mean more paperwork, more delays and higher costs. This bill helps make sure regulations are truly needed, within the law and fully reviewed for their impact on small employers.”

Homeyer said the bill would help lawmakers and the public better understand the real cost of regulations before they take effect.

“South Carolina’s small businesses want a fair process,” he said. “If a regulation will cost millions of dollars, elected leaders should have a clear role in reviewing it. H.3021 adds accountability and encourages agencies to focus on results, not red tape.”