Committee reports Hal Dillard and James Graves for reappointment to Residential Builders Commission

Hal Dillard and James Graves were both reported favorably for reappointment to the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission, the Labor, Commerce and Industry committee announced.

Dillard described a multigenerational building business with experience in rental and for‑sale housing and said he has served on the commission since his first appointment by Governor Sanford. Graves, who said he built roughly 2,000 houses over 35–40 years, described his focus on attainable single‑family housing for first‑time buyers and noted he retired from active building in 2015.

Senators used the screening to press the commissioners on housing affordability and the commission's role. Both men said the commission's core duties are licensing, registration and disciplinary oversight rather than setting housing policy. Dillard and Graves told the committee they had not led specific board efforts to lower housing costs but described how local impact fees, tap fees and permitting delays increase costs for smaller homes disproportionately. Dillard gave a concrete example that a $5,200 impact fee applies equally to a modest house and a much larger home, raising the cost burden on lower‑priced units.

Committee members encouraged the appointees to report back to legislators about specific local rules and fees that drive up costs, and senators said they would welcome that information when considering legislative changes to reduce barriers to attainable housing.

Motions to report both reappointments favorably carried by voice vote; the transcript does not record roll‑call tallies.

Votes at a glance: Favorable recommendations for Hal Dillard and James Graves for reappointment to the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission (motions moved/seconded; outcomes approved by voice vote).