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Bill

S 686

Prohibition of Discrimination in Contracts

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Alexander and 5 co-sponsors

S 686 prohibits contract discrimination based on protected characteristics in South Carolina, creating legal remedies for excluded individuals while raising questions about exemptions and enforcement scope.

Referred to Committee on Finance
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Bill Summary · S 686

Legislative bill overview

S 686 prohibits discrimination in contracts based on specified protected characteristics in South Carolina. The bill aims to establish enforceable protections that prevent individuals and businesses from being excluded from contractual relationships based on protected status. It represents an expansion of anti-discrimination principles into general contract law.

Why is this important

Contract discrimination protections affect economic access and opportunity across sectors including employment, housing, services, and commerce. This legislation would create potential legal remedies for individuals denied contracts based on protected status, though the scope and enforcement mechanisms depend on specific bill language not yet publicly available.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of protected classes: Whether the bill includes race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or other categories remains unclear and will be contentious
  • Religious exemptions: Likely debate over whether religious organizations, individuals, or businesses can claim exemptions from the prohibition
  • Business impact and compliance: Concerns from business groups about liability exposure, enforcement burden, and whether blanket prohibitions apply to all contracts or specific sectors

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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