Ethics Commission tightens SC plane ride rules

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s Ethics Commission says political candidates will have to change how they calculate the value of free plane trips that donors provide.

The commission unanimously approved rules Wednesday that require candidates to record the value of flights by the hourly operating costs of planes.

It’s similar to the way the state records use of its aircraft by public figures.

There was no rule on how to report flight values, so candidates could put their own value estimates on the travel.

The issue has come up as The Post and Courier of Charleston reported on Gov. Nikki Haley’s use of donors’ planes to travel and raise campaign cash.

South Carolina limits campaign contributions, whether they’re in-kind or in cash with a $3,500 maximum for statewide candidates.