The South Carolina House of Representatives has announced an innovative collaboration with Google, employing a tailored version of the company's Gemini artificial intelligence tool to pinpoint and potentially eliminate outdated regulations from the state’s code. House Speaker Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) expressed confidence in the initiative, stating in a social media post on November 27 that “South Carolina is leading the way with AI.” He noted that the House is setting an example for other states by using technology to streamline regulatory processes.
This initiative was initiated in September, as noted by AI Committee Chairman Jeff Bradley (R-Beaufort), who discussed the concept with Google executives during an event in Chicago aimed at government leaders. Bradley explained the strategy to Pluribus News on November 22, saying, “They’re taking our Code of Regulations and they’re using that as a large language model. We’re looking to use this to identify obsolete, duplicative, confusing regulations … [and then] get rid of them or change them.”
Supporters of the initiative, like fellow committee member Sylleste Davis (R-Berkeley), have praised the application of artificial intelligence in this context, asserting it will contribute significantly to making the regulatory framework more efficient. Davis referred to the effort as “a great use of AI” that will lead to better management of regulations.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism. Jordan Pace (R-Berkeley), chair of the S.C. Freedom Caucus, opposed the notion of simply "decluttering" regulations, asserting instead that a more aggressive approach is essential. In response to Speaker Smith’s announcement, Pace stated on social media, “We don’t need to ‘declutter’ the regulatory state. We need to attack it with chainsaws not scalpels.” He contended that the very concept of a regulatory state is detrimental to small businesses, arguing, “They don’t keep us safe, they keep us poor.”
The South Carolina House plans to address regulatory reform in the upcoming 2025-26 session, scheduled to commence in January. The status of this endeavour may evolve as further discussions take shape among lawmakers.
In addition to regulatory reform, the House's recent agenda has included discussions around a possible significant income tax cut slated for 2025, though questions persist regarding the funding mechanisms for such a reduction. Ongoing legal developments have also been highlighted, with a case involving an inmate, Steven Bixby, facing scrutiny over his competence for execution following the murder of two police officers in 2007.
Further, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently reviewing allegations concerning the deaths of 18 endangered long-tailed macaques at the Alpha Genesis monkey breeding facility in Yemassee, and the number of teaching vacancies in South Carolina’s K-12 schools remains above pre-pandemic levels, despite a noted decrease. Notably, a new veterinary school project at Clemson is underway, aimed at addressing the long-standing gap in veterinary education within the state.
Finally, Charleston hedge fund investor Scott Bessent has been announced as President-elect Donald Trump’s Treasury secretary, marking a significant political transition for the investor who previously supported Democratic candidates.
Source: Noah Wire Services