SCLA Newsletter

About Us

The South Carolina Landowners Association monitors and provides legal analysis of property-related legislation in the General Assembly. We also serve as a resource for public officials looking for unbiased research that clearly explains the potential benefits and consequences of state legislation, as well as local ordinances. In addition, we host seminars and organize area meetings to help our members and the public gain a better understanding of their property rights.

In 2004, we hope to offer 4 major property rights seminars in each region of the state to place greater emphasis on community outreach and education. Listed below are some of our highlighted successes over the past year.

• November 2002: The association, was selected to serve on the South Carolina Senate Property Rights Task Force Drafting Committee. Along with six other committee members, we drafted property rights legislation that would enable a landowner to seek relief through mediation. This would allow for a more cost efficient and expedient way for the landowner and government body to resolve disputes.
• February 2003: The South Carolina Landowners Association hosted its 2003 Property Rights & Land Use Seminar on February 12, 2003 at Seawell’s Conference Center in Columbia. Over 235 people attended this 6 hour seminar which featured continuing education credits in the areas of law, real estate, forestry and engineering. The faculty included Senator Larry Martin, South Carolina Senate, Bruce Yandle, Professor of Economics Emeritus, Clemson University, Randal O’Toole, Senior Economist, Thoreau Institute in Portland, Oregon, and Stephen Spitz, Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law.
• January – June 2003: The Association tracked and monitored all property and regulatory legislation, as well as proposed DHEC regulation. Senate Bill 204, the property rights bill, was of particular interest. With our support and input, it passed the Senate and the House and was signed into law in June by Governor Sanford. It provided a more time and cost efficient mechanism for the resolution of land disputes between landowners and governmental entities.
• In July 2003, the SC Landowners Association hosted its second annual Landowners Jubilee at the Holliday Alumni Center at the Citadel in Charleston. This membership dinner and auction featured special guest, former South Carolina Governor and retired MUSC President, the Honorable James Edwards.
• The Association continues its work on county issues, including the hotly debated Richland County proposed Land Development Code and the transportation sales tax in Charleston.
• The Association hosted a 4 hour Property Rights & Land Use seminar in Greenville November 21. It will featured Senator Larry Martin and David Lucas, plaintiff in the landmark property rights case, Lucas v. State of South Carolina, as well as others.
• The Association continues to produce bi-monthly newsletters. In addition, we have added Email Legislative Updates which notify members about up-to-date issues and meetings around South Carolina. (If you would like to be added to the email directory, please email your address to Ginger@SaveOurLandRights.com.)

If you would like to join the South Carolina Landowners Association, print the membership application and mail to the address below. To view and print this application you will need Adobe Acrobat.