The bill H. 5526 is a joint resolution introduced in the South Carolina General Assembly that aims to impose a moratorium on the acceptance and processing of permits or applications for data centers by governmental entities, including counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions. This moratorium will remain in effect until the General Assembly establishes a comprehensive oversight and approval process for new data centers in the state. The resolution also provides a definition for "data center," describing it as a facility or campus used for operating, managing, or maintaining computer systems primarily for data storage, retrieval, or transmission, with a peak demand of five megawatts or greater.

The resolution emphasizes the need for a structured approach to managing the development of data centers in South Carolina, reflecting concerns about their impact on local resources and infrastructure. It will take effect upon approval by the Governor, signaling the state's intent to regulate this growing sector more effectively.