S.C. Legislators Say 'No Agenda' on Trip to Turkey

Although South Carolina has a relatively small Turkish population and no major trade with Turkey,  eight S.C. senators apparently thought  it was important enough to go on a 10-day, all-expenses-paid trip to the Middle Eastern country last year.

Former SCRA Chairman: Turnover No Surprise

Former SCRA Chairman Bill Masters says problems at the agency are systemic.

Governor, Former Lt. Governor Cases Highlight House Ethics Secrecy

A judge’s recent dismissal of an ethics lawsuit against Gov. Nikki Haley serves as yet another example of secrecy surrounding ethics matters in the S.C. House. So does the case of former Lt. Gov. Ken Ard, who pleaded guilty to seven campaign finance violations and resigned earlier this month.

Democrats Lay Out Ethics Reform Plan for S.C.

S.C. Democrats unveil ethics-reform package.

Power Trip: The Legislature’s Double Standards on FOIA, Ethics and Spending

In South Carolina, there is one set of rules for state legislators, and another set of rules for everybody else – even state and local elected officials.

More Lawmakers Supporting Independence for Legislative Ethics

A third bill has been introduced to put the kibosh on ethics self-policing in the S.C. General Assembly, and the effort is now bipartisan.

Hundreds of Thousands Spent Annually Wining and Dining S.C. Lawmakers

An investigation by The Nerve found that several hundred thousand dollars likely will be spent before June wining and dining state lawmakers. A plethora of private organizations and public agencies host the events in an effort to get legislators’ ears – and ultimately, their votes – for the groups’ pet issues.

S.C. House Stands Alone in Shadow of Ethics Secrecy

Members of the S.C. House are the only state or local elected officials in South Carolina who remain wrapped in a cloak of ethics secrecy as this year’s legislative session begins.

Effort Grows to End Legislative Fox Guarding Ethics Henhouse

Legislation to end the practice of state lawmakers policing themselves in ethics matters is now pending in both chambers of the S.C. General Assembly.

Pearson: No Quid Pro Quo with Georgia

Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, asks Gov. Nikki Haley's chief of staff Tim Pearson if there was a quid pro quo arrangement between South Carolina and Georgia regarding the Savannah and Jasper ports.

Powerful Legislator Travels through Revolving Door

Legislature Still Polices Itself in Ethics Cases

Bill Strengthening Ethics Act Becomes Law

Recently enacted legislation strengthens South Carolina’s ethics law and gives the entity that enforces it, the State Ethics Commission, more power to do so.

But the Palmetto State still has a long way to go on ethics transparency and accountability when it comes to lawmakers themselves.

S.C. Senators to Introduce Whistleblower Bill

New Ethics Complaint Against Ex-Judge

House Members Fined $6,000 for Late Filings

Voters’ Rights Bills Introduced