Bill S. 632 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to strengthen regulations surrounding lobbying at the local government level. It introduces new definitions for "covered local governing body actions" and "local governing body," clarifying the scope of lobbying activities that require reporting. The bill expands the definition of "lobbying" to encompass actions related to local governing bodies and prohibits local governing body members from serving as lobbyists while in office and for one year thereafter. Additionally, the State Ethics Commission is tasked with publishing online lists of registered lobbyists and their principals to enhance transparency.

The bill also establishes specific filing periods for lobbying reports, requiring both state agencies and local governing bodies to submit detailed reports to the State Ethics Commission by June 30 and January 31 each year. These reports must include information on lobbying activities, expenditures, and contributions made by lobbyists' principals to candidates or public officials. Key amendments include prohibiting lobbyists from soliciting compensation based on legislative outcomes, restricting lobbyists from serving on state or local boards unless they were already serving before certain dates, and forbidding lobbyists from hosting fundraising events for public officials. Violations of these provisions may result in misdemeanor charges, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Statutes affected:
05/01/2025: 2-17-10, 2-17-15, 2-17-20, 2-17-25, 2-17-30, 2-17-35, 2-17-40, 2-17-45, 2-17-80, 2-17-90, 2-17-100, 2-17-110, 2-17-130
Latest Version: 2-17-10, 2-17-15, 2-17-20, 2-17-25, 2-17-30, 2-17-35, 2-17-40, 2-17-45, 2-17-80, 2-17-90, 2-17-100, 2-17-110, 2-17-130