S.C. Code Ann. § 8-11-930: Competitiveness report; determination of base pay increases; adjustment of minimum and maximum in salary grades.

The board and the General Assembly shall give first consideration to keeping the pay program for state employees competitive with the prevailing salaries, wages, and benefits in the private sector. To accomplish this, the board's Division of Human Resource Management shall submit an analysis of prevailing state and private sector salaries, wages, and benefits to the board, the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives, and the Senate Finance Committee. This report must be completed every other year with the first report submitted no later than July 31, 1991. In determining the percentage of increase to be applied as a base pay increase, the board and the General Assembly and its committees shall consider the relative market value of each job classification. The minimum and maximum salary of each grade may be adjusted by law for the applicable year.