The new laws range from eliminating state permission for hospitals to expand to breaking up the state’s health and environment agency. The governor also signed a shield law into effect allowing South Carolina to keep secret anyone who provides drugs needed for lethal injections and employees and others who help executions take place.has passed 87 bills in 2023. More than 70 of them have been sent to the governor this month. McMaster signed 36 bills into law on May 16.
Supporters of eliminating the requirement said it stifled competition and limited care, especially in fast growing areas. Opponents said the requirement protected health care in rural areas and could prevent hospitals from overspending because of competition. Opponents said the secrecy prevents the kind of public oversight of executions that assure they are carried out professionally and without causing unwarranted pain to the condemned prisoner.