Statement of Economic Interests

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Case Brittain and 7 co-sponsors

Requires candidates to file proof of current state and federal income tax filing compliance at the same time as their Statement of Economic Interests.

Member(s) request name added as sponsor: W.Newton, Jordan, Brittain, Guest, T.Moore, Caskey

Overview

Title: Statement of Economic Interests (amendment to add Section 8-13-1357)

Purpose: Require a candidate for public office to file proof of current compliance with all state and federal income tax filing requirements at the same time the candidate files their Statement of Economic Interests.

Jurisdiction: South Carolina

Status: Introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee in Jan 2026; sponsor list updated in Apr 2026. Effective upon gubernatorial approval.

What the bill would do

Adds a new requirement to Article 13, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the South Carolina Code.

New Section 8-13-1357 mandates that, in addition to existing requirements, a candidate for public office must provide proof of current compliance with all state and federal income tax filing requirements.

This proof must be filed at the same time the candidate files their Statement of Economic Interests (SEI) under Section 8-13-1356.

Key provisions and changes

Filing Synchronization: Tax compliance proof must accompany the SEI filing, creating a joint submission requirement for candidates.

Scope of taxes: Applies to both state and federal income tax filing requirements.

Documentation: The bill specifies “proof of current compliance” but does not detail acceptable forms within the text provided. The form, timing, and verification process would be determined by implementing regulations or subsequent guidance.

who would be affected

Target: Candidates for public office in South Carolina.

Affected parties could include:

All elected office seekers at state and local levels who file SEIs.
Campaigns and political committees assisting candidates with compliance.

Potential administrative impact on election offices responsible for accepting SEIs and tax compliance documentation.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Introduction and First Reading: January 13, 2026.

Referral: Committee on Judiciary (Jan 13, 2026; re-referred Dec 16, 2025 prefill date).

Sponsorship: Multiple sponsors including Rep. Weston Newton and others; additional co-sponsors added in April 2026.

Effective Date: The act takes effect upon the Governor’s approval (no retroactive effect stated).

Implementation: Requires administrative processes to verify tax compliance, potentially affecting candidate submission timelines and verification workloads for election officials.

Potential impacts and considerations

Compliance Burden: Adds a new verification step for candidates, potentially increasing administrative requirements and candidate scrutiny.

Public Integrity: Could enhance transparency by ensuring candidates are tax-compliant at the time of SEI submission.

Verification Complexity: Depends on how proof of tax filing is defined (e.g., copies of tax returns, IRS transcripts, or other documents) and how long such proof remains valid if tax status changes.

Accessibility: The bill’s effectiveness may rely on clear guidance from the judiciary or election authorities about acceptable proof formats and deadlines.

Bottom line

H. 4699 would require candidates for public office in South Carolina to submit proof of current state and federal income tax filing compliance concurrently with their Statement of Economic Interests. If enacted, this creates a synchronized filing requirement intended to bolster financial transparency and tax compliance verification in the candidate qualification process. Further details on acceptable documentation and verification procedures would likely be provided through implementing regulations or future legislative guidance.

Bill