Bill H. 4518 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to strengthen regulations for residential builders, trade contractors, and registrants. A key feature of the bill is the introduction of a requirement for residential builders and trade contractors to obtain surety bonds of at least $15,000, allowing homeowners to recover damages through claims against these bonds. The bill also revises the composition of the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission, updates definitions for various licensees, and establishes new categories such as "residential trade contractors" and "residential trade registrants." Additionally, it streamlines licensing processes, mandates biennial fees, and introduces a tiered licensing system, while removing certain requirements like the annual distribution of builder rosters to county clerks.

Further amendments clarify the roles and responsibilities of residential trade registrants, including the stipulation that they cannot construct additions to residential buildings without supervision from a licensed builder. The bill also outlines penalties for unlicensed contracting and establishes the commission's authority to impose civil penalties for violations. It allows the commission to issue cease-and-desist orders for regulatory breaches and clarifies the process for license denial or revocation. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and regulatory oversight in the residential construction industry while providing specific exemptions for homeowners and charitable organizations.

Statutes affected:
05/06/2025: 40-59-225, 40-59-10, 40-59-20, 40-59-25, 40-59-30, 40-59-50, 40-59-105, 40-59-110, 40-59-140, 40-59-220, 40-59-230, 40-59-240, 40-59-250, 40-59-260, 40-59-300, 40-59-400, 40-59-410, 40-59-530, 40-59-580, 40-59-600, 40-59-820
Latest Version: 40-59-225, 40-59-10, 40-59-20, 40-59-25, 40-59-30, 40-59-50, 40-59-105, 40-59-110, 40-59-140, 40-59-220, 40-59-230, 40-59-240, 40-59-250, 40-59-260, 40-59-300, 40-59-400, 40-59-410, 40-59-530, 40-59-580, 40-59-600, 40-59-820