South CarolinaState universities can hold approved events without local zoning permits
State-supported colleges and universities can hold board-approved campus events without local zoning permits, while certain large or outdoor events near homes require advance notice and a chance to speak.
What it does
State-supported colleges and universities may hold governing-board-approved campus events without local zoning restrictions or permits. General safety laws still apply.
Some large speaker events and outdoor concerts near homes require public notice at least 30 days before the university board vote. Nearby residents and recognized neighborhood groups must get a chance to speak.
Argument forColleges could hold board-approved campus events without waiting for local zoning permits, while still following general building, fire, health, and traffic rules.
Argument againstNearby residents may have less say over campus event locations because local governments cannot use zoning rules to limit approved events, even though some groups get notice and a chance to speak.
More detail
Counties and municipalities may not use zoning or land use rules to block, limit, delay, or require local approval for qualifying campus events. This applies to events on property owned, leased, or controlled by state-supported colleges and universities, including venues and related grounds inside or outside city boundaries. The event must be approved by the governing board of the state-supported institution. Generally applicable building, fire, life safety, health, and traffic laws and regulations still apply. The law took effect when the Governor approved it on May 18, 2026.
Give public notice and let affected residents and neighborhood associations speak before the governing board votes on certain events. This applies to nonathletic events featuring speakers reasonably expected to attract 1,000 or more attendees, and to outdoor musical concerts in outdoor venues within 1,000 feet of a residential neighborhood. Notice must go to any impacted neighborhood association recognized by the municipality. The public and associations must have an opportunity to appear before the board before approval; the law does not guarantee event approval. Notice must be given at least 30 days before the scheduled governing-board vote.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 5Effective date 05/18/26Latest
- Jun 2Act No. 197
- May 18Signed By Governor Henry McMasterBecame Law
- May 15Ratified R 233
- May 14Roll call Ayes-35 Nays-7
- Vote recorded to concur. Result: pass.Upper
- May 14Concurred in House amendment and enrolledTo Governor
- May 14Read third time and returned to Senate with amendmentsPassed 2nd Chamber
- May 13Roll call Yeas-69 Nays-39
- Vote recorded Table Amendment 5. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Passage of Bill. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Table Amendment 6. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Reconsider the Vote. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Table Motion to Reconsider. Result: fail.Lower
- May 13Read second timeMinor
- May 13AmendedMajor
- May 7Requests for debate-Rep(s). Gilliard, McDaniel, King, Garvin, Hosey, Rivers, Waters, Reese, Williams, Luck
- May 5Committee report: Favorable Education and Public WorksMinor
- Mar 11Referred to Committee on Education and Public WorksMinor
- Mar 11Introduced and read first timeMinor
- Mar 5Read third time and sent to HousePassed 1st Chamber
- Mar 4Roll call Ayes-40 Nays-2
- Vote recorded 2nd Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 4Read second timeMinor
- Mar 4AmendedMajor
- Jan 28Committee report: Favorable Family and Veterans' ServicesMinor
- Jan 20Referred to Committee on Family and Veterans' ServicesMinor
- Jan 20Introduced and read first timeIntroduced
EducationGovernment & Ethics