SC Supreme Court throws out lawsuit on sales taxes

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Supreme Court has thrown out a lawsuit challenging billions of dollars in sales tax exemptions.

The high court ruled Wednesday that Richland County resident Matthew Bodman did not have a reason to sue and failed to make his case anyway.

The justices say his arguments wrongly focused on the sheer number of tax exemptions and limits, rather than their worthiness.

But Chief Justice Jean Toal seemed to invite lawyers to try again. Toal stressed the ruling does not preclude a future challenge on the constitutionality of specific exemptions.

She says many could not survive even a minimum level of scrutiny.

Attorney Dick Harpootlian says his firm is considering its options.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brian White says the ruling removes a cloud from the budget.