Legislators hold the power and the responsibility to pass laws that expand access to affordable housing across South Carolina. While HUD defines housing cost-burdened households as those spending more than 30% of income on housing (rent, mortgage, utilities), thoughtful legislation can help ensure fewer families face this burden.

Here are key bills currently in the South Carolina Legislature that aim to move us toward equity and affordability:

Equitable Development and Affordable Housing Act (H.3750)

• Requires that 15% of land provided or subsidized by the government for economic development be used for affordable housing.
• If land isn’t suitable for housing, a contribution to a local affordable housing trust fund is required.
• The Department of Commerce will monitor local jobs-to-housing ratios.
• Committee: House Ways and Means
• Sponsor: Rep. Jones

University Housing Development and Incentive Act (H.3970)

• Creates a $50 million revolving loan fund for student and workforce housing near public universities (within 2 miles).
• Includes infrastructure grants for qualifying projects.
• Committee: House Ways and Means
• Sponsors: Reps. Jones, King, J.L. Johnson, Cobb-Hunter, Rivers, Gilliard, Howard, Clyburn, Hosey, Spann-Wilder, Dillard, Bauer, Reese, Grant

SC Housing Development Revenue Enhancement Act (H.3738)

• Expands financing tools like Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to support affordable housing.
• Encourages public-private partnerships to grow the supply of affordable units.
• Permits use of project-generated revenues to repay housing bonds.
• Committee: House Ways and Means
• Sponsor: Rep. Jones

Palmetto Heroes Program (2025 Initiative)

• Provides $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance to public service professionals.
• Offers fixed-rate mortgage loans for teachers, nurses, law enforcement and military members.
• Aims to support stable homeownership among South Carolina’s essential workers.
• Not currently a bill but a 2025 legislative initiative.

Why It Matters

April is National Fair Housing Month, a time to honor the legacy of the 1968 Fair Housing Act and advocate for equitable housing policies that protect everyone—regardless of race, income or zip code. These bills represent more than just policy—they’re opportunities to turn principles of justice and affordability into action.

Learn more about ways to advocate for fair, safe and attainable housing by joining the Regional Housing Coalition. Email clogan@charlestonchamber.org to learn more.  

Take Action

• Contact your legislator to express support for these bills.
• Join local coalitions advocating for housing equity.
• Stay informed and engaged—because housing justice is community justice.