McMaster Calls New FOI Law "Big Step Forward"

Gov. Henry McMaster says a new law closing loopholes in South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act represents "a big step forward" in government transparency.

McMaster ceremoniously signed a law Wednesday that requires state and local governments, school districts, and other public entities to respond more quickly to public records requests and prevents them from charging excessive fees.

The law took effect with McMaster's signature May 19, which capped a seven-year effort to strengthen public access to government records.

McMaster says it doesn't go far enough.

To get past one senator's opposition, the Senate stripped out a section creating a state hearing officer to quickly and cheaply settle disputes.

McMaster says it's "cumbersome" for people to have to sue obstinate government agencies in Circuit Court.