South Carolina lawmaker proposes law similar to HB2

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A South Carolina senator has now pre-filed a new bill that would give the state what some are calling its own version of North Carolina’s House Bill 2.

The new bill would ban local governments from creating laws that force businesses to have transgender restrooms.

Sen. Ralph Norman, R-York, is predicting House Bill 3012 won't go far.

He said the proposed bill would have a negative impact on South Carolina's economy and doesn't think it will have the support to pass.

HB 3012 lets local governments designate bathroom use by biological sex saying that's not discrimination.

The author, Rep. Steven Long, said it aims to protect businesses saying local governments can't force them to allow a person to use a restroom "regardless of that person's biological sex".

"It allows business owners to make their own decisions as to what goes on in their place of business," Long said.

States like Missouri and Alabama will also introduce similar bills next year.

Norman questioned whether the bill has the support to pass.

"I think in South Carolina, you have a lot of strong feelings on home rule,” Norman said. “The government governs best is local. You've got a majority of House and Senate that say let’s leave it to the local government. I don't think it will go anywhere."

Long has a different opinion.

He said the session hasn't even started yet and the bill could draw support.

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Cox Media Group