All Roll Calls
Yes: 239 • No: 25
South CarolinaH 4476126th General Assembly (2025-2026)House
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 80 TO TITLE 39 ENTITLED "SOUTH CAROLINA-BAHAMAS TRADE COMMISSION" SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA-BAHAMAS TRADE COMMISSION AND PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP AND PURPOSE.
Sponsored By: J. Todd Rutherford (Democrat)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Trade commissions
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New South Carolina–Bahamas Trade Commission
Effective May 19, 2026, the law creates the South Carolina–Bahamas Trade Commission. It works to grow trade and investment with The Bahamas. It also promotes business and college exchanges and joint policy steps. The commission must send its first report within one year of its first meeting, then every year by February 1. Each report includes recommendations to meet these goals.
Who serves on the trade commission
The commission has 15 members. The Speaker appoints 4; at least 2 must be House members. The Senate President appoints 4; at least 2 must be Senate members. The Governor appoints 7: the Commerce Secretary or designee; the Agriculture Commissioner or designee; two higher‑ed reps; two Bahamian‑American community reps; and one person from a South Carolina business or trade group. Members serve 4‑year terms and stay until successors qualify. First terms are staggered: Governor’s for 2 years, Senate’s for 3, House’s for 4. Initial appointments must be made within 90 days after May 19, 2026. Vacancies are filled the same way as the original appointments.
Commission members unpaid; basic meeting rules
Commission members serve without pay. They can be repaid for expenses only if the commission has funds. The Governor chooses the chair or co‑chairs. The chair may set up subcommittees and pick their chairs. A majority of members is needed to do business.
Commission funded by private gifts, no general fund
The commission can raise money by asking for donations and holding events. It can accept gifts, grants, and bequests. No state general fund money can support its operations or administration. All funds go to the State Treasurer and are routed to the Department of Commerce for commission use. Spending to run the commission is exempt from Chapter 35, Title 11 rules.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
J. Todd Rutherford
Democrat • House
Cosponsors
Justin T. Bamberg
Democrat • House
William G. "Bill" Herbkersman
Republican • House
JA Moore
Democrat • House
Michael F. Rivers, Sr.
Democrat • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/14/2026
(SC-Bahamas Trade Commission)Concur in Senate Amendments
Yes: 108 • No: 1
Senate vote • 5/12/2026
(SC-Bahamas Trade Commission)2nd Reading
Yes: 43 • No: 3
House vote • 4/23/2026
(SC-Bahamas Trade Commission)Passage of Bill
Yes: 88 • No: 21
Actions Timeline
Effective date 05/19/26
6/5/2026legislatureAct No. 236
6/3/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
5/19/2026GovernorRatified R 249
5/15/2026legislatureRoll call Yeas-108 Nays-1
5/14/2026HouseConcurred in Senate amendment and enrolled
5/14/2026HouseRead third time and returned to House with amendments
5/13/2026SenateRoll call Ayes-43 Nays-3
5/12/2026SenateRead second time
5/12/2026SenateAmended
5/12/2026SenateRecalled from Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
5/5/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
4/28/2026SenateIntroduced and read first time
4/28/2026SenateRead third time and sent to Senate
4/24/2026HouseUnanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day
4/23/2026HouseRoll call Yeas-88 Nays-21
4/23/2026HouseRead second time
4/23/2026HouseAmended
4/23/2026HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Rivers
4/23/2026HouseCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Labor, Commerce and Industry
4/22/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
5/1/2025HouseIntroduced and read first time
5/1/2025House
Bill Text
Introduced
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