South Carolina House approves sales tax exemption for durable medical equipment

The South Carolina House of Representatives convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss several key legislative matters, including amendments to existing bills and updates on upcoming initiatives.

One of the primary topics was House Bill 3800, which aims to amend the sales tax exemption for durable medical equipment. Representative Brandon Newton explained that a recent court ruling had invalidated the previous exemption due to a provision that violated the commerce clause. The amendment removes this problematic provision, allowing the sales tax exemption to be reinstated. This change is significant as it addresses financial burdens on businesses that provide medical equipment not reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid. The amendment was adopted with a vote of 99 in favor.

The House also addressed House Bill 3931, which pertains to coastal zone consistency certifications. The bill includes amendments that clarify the processing of applications for permits affecting coastal lands. The first amendment establishes a timeline for when applications are considered complete, while the second amendment allows the department to engage third-party reviewers to expedite the permit process. Both amendments were adopted, and the bill received a second reading.

Additionally, House Bill 3996, which proposes increasing the supervision ratio for certified anesthesiologist assistants from 1:2 to 1:4, was discussed. This change aligns South Carolina with the standards of other states. The bill passed unanimously, reflecting broad support among representatives.

The meeting concluded with updates on future activities, including a potential trip planned for the following day, contingent on weather conditions. Overall, the session highlighted the House's ongoing efforts to refine legislation and address pressing issues affecting the state.