Open records requests in South Carolina

How the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act works

South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) is notable for applying to all three branches of state government, executive, legislative, and judicial, as well as all local government entities. Any person may request records, and agencies must respond within 10 business days for records less than 24 months old, and up to 20 days for older records. Extensions are available with notice for complex requests. The first 15 minutes of search time must be provided free of charge; reasonable duplication fees apply beyond that.

Willful violations are subject to a civil penalty up to $500, and courts may award attorney's fees to requesters who prevail after a denial found to be without reasonable justification. Common exemptions include attorney-client privileged materials, personnel records, law enforcement investigative records, and trade secrets. South Carolina's legislature coverage, unusual among states, reflects a broad commitment to governmental transparency across all branches.