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SC H5313

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/4/2026

Primary Sponsor

Heather Bauer

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

126th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Creates the "Eliminate Illegal Immigration Whistleblower Act" allowing private citizens (relators) to file civil lawsuits on behalf of South Carolina against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers.

  • Establishes civil penalties of $5,000-$15,000 per unauthorized worker for first violations and $15,000-$30,000 for subsequent violations, plus triple the economic benefit gained from the unlawful employment.

  • Requires whistleblower complaints to be filed under seal for at least 60 days while the Attorney General decides whether to intervene; relators may proceed independently if the state declines.

  • Grants the Attorney General authority to issue civil investigative demands for documents, written answers, and oral testimony during investigations.

  • Allows courts to bar violating employers from state contracts, grants, loans, and tax credits for up to five years, with a six-year statute of limitations on actions.

Legislative Description

Eliminate Illegal Immigration Without Assistance from Paramilitary Thugs Act

Last Action

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available