SCACPA works diligently to support legislation that benefits the profession, the business community, and the public, while fighting unfair legislation that produces roadblocks to successful practices and client service. SCACPA’s voice resonates at the State House, solidifying a position of influence with legislators.

As SCACPA grows, our voice becomes stronger. Legislators understand the power in numbers, and the more members we represent, the better we can serve the profession. We encourage all SCACPA members to offer their expertise as CPAs in the course of efforts at the State House. Members offer well-researched and objective knowledge in budgetary issues, economic forecasting, and audit controls.

The Legislator Connections Community is a group of members who build connections with legislators to build our advocacy effectiveness. These relationships are invaluable for helping representatives understand the impact of legislation on the profession and the business community. Even if you have never been active in the legislative arena, the LCC will help you gain confidence and support you as you develop connections. Find out more.

View from the Dome

“View From the Dome” is a weekly update on South Carolina legislative activities brought to you by SCACPA’s lobbying partners atCopper Dome Strategies. Updates are featured in Current Assets and posted on the SCACPA website.

Advocacy is a core value of SCACPA’s strategy and operations, as we constantly strive to represent and protect the CPA profession in the state. Thanks to our members’ support and dedication to legislative initiatives, SCACPA celebrates a strong and positive reputation among South Carolina’s legislators.

Several SCACPA members visited the State House on February 14, 2024, for the inaugural Love Our Legislators Day. CPAs were recognized in both chambers and enjoyed meeting with several elected officials, including Senator Wes Climer (R-York).

On the day we visited, Senate Bill 1049 was introduced. This licensure bill aimed to engage legislators in meaningful discussions regarding the CPA pipeline and how we can work together to ensure the ongoing success of the CPA profession. We successfully accomplished our goal of having those discussions, even though the bill intentionally never received a hearing.

In one of the biggest legislative victories, SCACPA proudly worked alongside Representative Shannon Erickson (R-Beaufort) on an initiative to open LIFE Scholarship availability to accounting majors. The bill’s language was adjusted to include accounting among STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to accomplish this. The acceptance of this language and the passage of this bill mark a significant step forward in the national initiative to establish accounting as a STEM subject. In South Carolina, students pursuing an accounting degree may now apply for LIFE scholarships to alleviate financial strain and assist them on the road to becoming a CPA.

During this session, SCACPA championed and supported several bills that journeyed to the Governor’s desk, including two federal tax conformity bills (one in 2023 and one in 2024). SCACPA partners with the SC Department of Revenue each year on a conformity bill that aligns the South Carolina Internal Revenue Code with the federal code.

SCACPA supported a bill brought by the SC Department of Workforce and Employment, which was signed into law on May 13, 2024. This new law helps organizations that are behind on their unemployment insurance payments. Previously, the law required that any money paid had to go toward the oldest debt first, and these organizations had to pay the highest rate until all their debts were cleared. This created a cycle of penalties that kept them stuck. With the new law, adjustments can be made based on agreed payment plans, allowing for changes to the rates and how payments are allocated.

SCACPA’s Legislator Connections Community played a significant role in the success of this session. Members nurtured and grew their relationships with their elected officials, strengthening the presence of CPAs at the State House. We aim to ensure every elected official has a direct line to at least one SCACPA member.

Get Involved

If you know your district’s House representative or Senator or would like to explore participating in SCACPA’s advocacy initiative, we invite you to get involved. SCACPA has the resources and support you need to participate successfully. Contact us at membership@scacpa.org to learn more and sign up. Your involvement can make a significant difference in shaping the future of the CPA profession in South Carolina.

During legislative sessions, SCACPA may call upon the membership to help amplify the voice of the CPA profession and contact elected officials. Those opportunities will be present here, allowing you an easy way to participate in the process and have a powerful impact!

Get involved with the LCC

Learn how

Legislative Priorities

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Connect With Your Legislators

Make Your Voice Heard

Donate to the CPA-PAC

The South Carolina CPA-Political Action Committee enables members of the CPA profession to support legislators who share their views.

It does this through making contributions to key leaders and members of the legislature.

The CPA-Political Action Committee is a non-partisan committee comprised of CPAs who oversee the investment of financial contributions from SCACPA members in state political leadership (state legislators and candidates for state office) who support CPAs and business interests.

SCACPA has one of the strongest grassroots networks in South Carolina, and the CPA-PAC is an important part of that effort. The profession has celebrated a long list of legislative victories, but none of those successes are possible without legislators who listen to and support our position.

With your donation to the CPA-PAC, we are able to:

  • Educate legislators about matters that are important to the profession

  • Realize greater legislative effectiveness

  • Send a clear, consistent message

  • Keep the SCACPA membership fully informed

Reach out to us!

Send your comments, ideas or challenges, and let us know which issues you deem most important to cpa-advocate@scacpa.org.