Register of Deeds briefs council on state privacy law and county's software workaround

Register of Deeds Foxworth told the council the recent state law originally included broad redaction requirements that proved unworkable and were later rewritten. He said the final rewrite narrowed the requirements to "disclosed records" on publicly available web sites and defined exemptions that local governments could use to implement the law.

"What they did basically is completely rewrite the law," Foxworth said, describing the statute's evolution from an initial redaction requirement to a narrower set of fields the county must hide online. He explained that Horry County used a targeted code change to its recording software to hide PIN/tax-map/parcel identification numbers from the public index and relied on an existing payment/account model so records behind a paywall remain accessible to account holders.

Foxworth warned the council that the law had created headaches statewide for departments without modern recording software or a paywall model, noting some smaller counties still use physical books and would face operational burdens if forced to maintain dual records. He gave the council handouts that include the enacted statutes and a memorandum from South Carolina court administration and said the county's attorneys believe the chosen approach meets the exemption criteria in the law.

Council members asked technical questions about GIS parcel integration and were referred to Foxworth's deputy for follow-up; Foxworth said the county expects some public inquiries but does not anticipate noticeable changes for paying users.

No formal action was required; the presentation served to inform council and prepare staff for incoming public inquiries.