COLUMBIA, S.C. – State lawmakers in South Carolina are considering rule changes in the House of Representatives to enhance the vetting process for laws affecting millions of South Carolinians. While proponents argue that the changes will streamline the legislative process, critics warn that they may stifle conservative voices within the chamber.
In the current House of Representatives, there is no filibuster option, leaving opponents of a bill to file numerous amendments as a way to impede or delay its passage. The proposed changes aim to eliminate this tactic, emphasizing public participation and committee input.
Speaker of the House Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) stated, “It puts more emphasis on public participation and participation at the committee, rather than have 1,000 or 2,000 amendments put up that have not been vetted, that the public has had no input.”
The rule could come into play after a House debate surpasses the three-hour mark. At that point, members may vote to limit the debate, allowing the majority and minority leaders to select up to 12 amendments each from those already filed. The remaining amendments would be considered dead, although each party could propose one additional new amendment.
The proposal has garnered support from both Republican and Democratic caucus leaders. House Minority Leader Rep. Todd Rutherford (D-Richland) expressed confidence in the majority backing the changes, stating, “Now that we’ve talked about it enough, I believe that we are more than a majority going to support this.”
However, concerns have arisen from members of the ultraconservative Freedom Caucus, which includes more than a dozen representatives in South Carolina’s House. This group, often at odds with the larger and more moderate House Republican Caucus, argues that the rule changes would impede their ideas from being considered and debated.
Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Adam Morgan (R-Greenville) strongly opposed the proposal, stating, “It’s scandalous. We’re opposing it. We’re gonna oppose it at every turn. We think that the South Carolina House of Representatives should truly be representative and be a place of open debate.”
While the rule changes have not yet been debated in the House, members anticipate discussions could begin as early as next week. The proposed rule would still allow for over eight hours of total debate on a single bill.