The bill S. 687 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 11-35-5350, which mandates that any public entity entering into a contract for a public works project or for the purchase of materials for such a project must require that any iron or steel products permanently incorporated into the project be produced in the United States. The bill defines key terms such as "public entity," "public works project," and "produced in the United States," and outlines the conditions under which exceptions to this requirement may apply. Specifically, exceptions can be made if the head of the public procurement unit determines that U.S.-produced iron or steel is insufficient, too costly, or not in the public interest.

Additionally, the bill allows for minimal use of foreign steel and iron materials under certain conditions, such as when these materials are incidental to the primary product or when they comprise a small percentage of the total materials cost. It also clarifies that electrical components and systems are exempt from the iron and steel requirements. The State Fiscal Accountability Authority is tasked with developing guidelines to implement this section, ensuring compliance with federal policies related to the American iron and steel preference law. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/10/2025: 11-35-5350
Latest Version: 11-35-5350