Regulatory reform and business personal property tax relief will be NFIB’s top priorities when the South Carolina General Assembly gavels into session on Jan. 13, one week from today.

NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer said small businesses across the Palmetto State are struggling under too many regulations and an outdated tax system that places a heavy burden on local employers.

“Small business owners are weighed down by unnecessary regulations and a tax system that makes it harder to grow and invest,” Homeyer said. “Fixing these problems is needed so Main Street businesses can stay competitive.”

On regulatory reform, NFIB supports the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (H. 3021), a REINS-style bill that passed the House unanimously and is now awaiting action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would require lawmakers to approve major new regulations before they take effect. It would also improve transparency, require cost analyses, and remove outdated rules.

“Major regulations should not be created without accountability,” Homeyer said. “H. 3021 makes sure lawmakers have a say and that small businesses are protected from expensive and unnecessary rules.”

He said small business owners also are asking their legislators for meaningful business personal property tax relief. The tax applies to items like furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

“Small businesses pay sales tax when they buy equipment and then pay property taxes on that same equipment year after year,” Homeyer said. “That double tax discourages investment and hurts job creation.” Homeyer said NFIB supports legislation such as H. 3358, which would exempt the first $10,000 of net depreciated business personal property from taxation each year. He said the measure would ease the burden on small and mid-sized businesses and encourage growth.

“These issues affect real people and real businesses,” Homeyer said. “Regulatory reform and tax relief will help small businesses expand, hire workers, and serve their communities. NFIB looks forward to working with lawmakers to move these priorities forward early in the session.”