South Carolina News

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley asked legislators in her second State of the State address Wednesday evening to reduce income taxes, further clamp down on unions, restructure government, and pass a loser-pays provision on civil lawsuits.

A lawsuit by a kidnapper against his victims for not helping him evade police tops the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform's (ILR) survey of the Top Ten Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2011, released today.

The award, announced Wednesday, recognized Haley for her commitment to legal reform in South Carolina. Republican Haley and the GOP-controlled state Legislature passed a bill last session that caps punitive damages in S.C. lawsuits.

Under the proposal, it would be "an unlawful employment practice" if a business with 15 or more employees refused to hire a person "because of the individual's status as unemployed." Although it would be almost impossible to prove this, unsuccessful job applicants could sue and recover damages for violations, just as when an employer discriminates on the basis of a person's race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson wants two law firms, accused of making pay-to-play political contributions in other states, to monitor transactions in South Carolina's multi-billion-dollar retirement system. Wilson received $12,000 in campaign contributions from one of the firm's partners in 2010 although he says that money played no role in his recommendation.