2012 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 37 - Consumer Protection Code
Chapter 6 - ADMINISTRATION
Section 37-6-605 - Access to records of state agencies and insurance companies.

In the performance of his assigned functions, the Consumer Advocate shall have reasonable access to records of all state agencies which are not classified by law as confidential, and all state agencies must cooperate with the Consumer Advocate in the performance of his duties. In addition, the Consumer Advocate must have reasonable access to confidential records and information if he enters a proprietary agreement to ensure their confidentiality. The South Carolina Department of Insurance and Consumer Advocate also shall have access to records, information, and data of the insurance companies as well as all of their sister affiliates, subsidiaries, and parent companies. During the course of a ratemaking or other proceeding initiated before the South Carolina Department of Insurance, the Consumer Advocate, as a party of record, may request in writing, in addition to all other methods of discovery as provided by law, the issuance of an order compelling a witness or company to either produce or allow inspection of documentary evidence relevant to the matter. If an order is not issued, the aggrieved party may appeal. The written request, in addition to showing a general relevance and reasonable scope of the evidence sought, must also specify with particularity the books, accounts, papers, records, or other materials of the business desired and the facts expected to be proved thereby. In lieu of a written request, the request for such an order may be made orally upon the record at the hearing, for good cause shown. Any objections to the issuance of the order must be filed within three days of being notified of the written request or the order. Any objections so filed must list the specific grounds for objection. Objections must be ruled on within ten days or the objection is denied.

HISTORY: 1978 Act No. 644, Part II, Section 31; 1983 Act No. 138 Section 17; 1989 Act No. 148, Section 16; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 527; 2004 Act No. 175, Section 3, eff January 1, 2005.