South Carolina committee approves tax credits for maternity homes and human trafficking programs

The South Carolina Senate Finance Committee convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss significant legislative amendments, including tax credits for maternity homes and changes to the state's paid family leave policy.

One of the primary topics was an amendment to extend tax credits to maternity homes and residential programs for victims of human trafficking. This amendment aims to broaden the scope of existing tax credits, which previously applied only to pregnancy resource centers and crisis pregnancy centers. While the exact number of maternity homes and trafficking programs in South Carolina remains unclear, the amendment was introduced in response to requests from existing facilities. The legislation is modeled after successful programs in Mississippi and Missouri.

The committee unanimously adopted the amendment after a brief discussion, signaling strong support for the initiative.

Another key discussion centered on the eligibility criteria for the state's paid parental leave program. An amendment was proposed to redefine eligible state employees to include full-time employees across various state departments and institutions, including those at four-year colleges and technical schools. The amendment specifically ensures that only employees in positions eligible to earn annual leave can qualify for parental leave, addressing concerns about temporary or grant-funded positions that previously fell outside the existing definition.

This amendment also received unanimous support from the committee, reflecting a commitment to expanding parental leave benefits while maintaining eligibility standards.

The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment as the committee fulfilled its agenda, paving the way for these important legislative changes. The discussions highlighted the committee's focus on supporting families and vulnerable populations in South Carolina.