AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 11-1-130 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT STATE DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, INSTITUTIONS, AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS MAY NOT USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO PURCHASE CERTAIN FLAGS UNLESS THE FLAGS ARE MADE IN THE UNITED STATES.
Summary
H3514 creates a new state purchasing restriction for flags. It prohibits state departments, agencies, institutions, political subdivisions, and school districts from using public funds to buy a United States flag or South Carolina state flag unless the flag is 100% manufactured in the United States from U.S.-grown or U.S.-produced materials and supplies. The bill also allows government entities to keep using flags already purchased until they need to be replaced.
The bill is framed as a procurement and patriotic-manufacturing measure rather than a broad policy change. It would add Section 11-1-130 to Title 11 of the South Carolina Code, placing a new condition on how public entities spend money for flags. The act would take effect upon approval by the Governor.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend South Carolina law to restrict public spending on certain flag purchases and require domestic manufacturing standards for those flags. It would affect state agencies, local governments, institutions, and school districts by limiting eligible vendors and products for U.S. and South Carolina flags, while grandfathering existing flags until replacement is necessary.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong bipartisan or at least broad legislative support. The bill passed the House 112-0 and later passed Senate second reading 43-0, indicating no recorded opposition in floor votes. No committee transcript is available, but the unanimous votes point to generally favorable sentiment toward the bill.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials, and the recorded votes show no opposition. Potential issues that could arise from the bill’s text include the cost or availability of fully U.S.-manufactured flags, the administrative burden of verifying compliance, and whether the restriction could limit purchasing options for schools and local governments. However, none of those concerns are reflected in the available discussion or votes.