South Carolina has proposed a significant legislative change with the introduction of the “Entrepreneur Freedom Act.” This act, under Bill 3515 in the 2023-2024 legislative session, is aimed at promoting entrepreneurial freedom by repealing various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws that pertain to certain professions.
Key Features of the Entrepreneur Freedom Act
- Repeal of Registration Requirements: The act repeals Section 40-7-255 of the S.C. Code, which relates to the registration of hair braiding practitioners. This change reduces the regulatory burden on individuals in this profession.
- Impact on Various Professions: In addition to hair braiding practitioners, the act repeals chapters relating to embalmers and funeral directors, licensed dietitians, landscape architects, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists and audiologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psycho-educational specialists, geologists, and the state athletic commission.
- Repeal of Teachers’ Qualifications Section: The act also includes the repeal of Section 59-25-20 of the S.C. Code, which pertains to the qualifications of teachers. This suggests a move towards deregulating certain aspects of professional qualifications and certifications.
- Legislative Intent and Support: The Entrepreneur Freedom Act reflects an intent to reduce regulatory burdens and barriers for entrepreneurs and professionals in various fields. It is primarily supported by Republican members of the South Carolina legislature.