The Greenville Chamber held its annual legislative breakfast Dec. 13, outlining an advocacy agenda ahead of the 2025 South Carolina Legislature session.
Matt Wills, the chamber’s vice president for government affairs, emphasized the top priorities are to seek protection for businesses from skyrocketing liability insurance rates, and improve the accessibility and affordability of child care.
The legislature convenes Jan. 14 and is scheduled to adjourn May 8.
South Carolina’s joint and several liability laws – sometimes referred to as liquor liability laws – have led to a drop in insurance companies willing to sell policies to businesses in the state and a subsequent rise in policy rates. The current laws can leave businesses open to partial fault in lawsuits even if they are not directly responsible for an incident. Locally-owned bars and restaurants have been particularly impacted, though the laws affect a wide range of businesses.
Child care cost and availability is a nationwide issue, especially in fast-growing areas like Greenville County and the Upstate.
The chamber’s advocacy agenda also includes education funding and teacher compensation, workforce sustainability and career development, and investments in infrastructure. The full 2025 advocacy agenda can be found at greenvillechamber.org/policyagenda.
The breakfast was held at Embassy Suites Verdae with more than 200 business and community leaders in attendance.
