MWC’s Brian Flynn, Amber Barnes Secure Enactment of South Carolina Disability Rights Law

In a victory for the disabled and disability rights activists, South Carolina has enacted a new law that bars employers from paying subminimum wages to workers with certain types of disabilities. Gov. Henry McMaster signed S.533 into law on February 6, 2022.

MWC Senior Vice President Brian Flynn, the director of the South Carolina government relations team, and Senior Vice President Amber Barnes headed the effort.

The bill, S.533, prevents employers from using federal 14(c) waiver programs to limit pay. The law, which goes into effect on August 1, 2024, will also establish a task force to help transition these workers.

“This is important victory for the disability community with the enactment of a ban on subminimum wage work,” Brian said. “We are proud to have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of South Carolinians with disabilities."

South Carolina is the 14th state to adopt laws ending subminimum wage.