All Roll Calls
Yes: 416 • No: 212
South CarolinaS 0832126th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 53-1-20, RELATING TO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES EXEMPT FROM THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY PUBLIC SPORTS, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO CAMPUS EVENTS AND LAND USE APPROVAL, TO PROVIDE THAT NO COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY MAY PROHIBIT, RESTRICT, CONDITION, DELAY, OR REQUIRE LAND USE APPROVAL FOR EVENTS HELD ON THE CAMPUS OF A STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING BASED ON ZONING ORDINANCES OR LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS, AND TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF GENERALLY APPLICABLE SAFETY LAWS.
Sponsored By: Ed Sutton (Democrat)
Signed by Governor
Summary
University Campus Events Zoning
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Safety and traffic rules still apply on campus
Beginning May 18, 2026, local governments still enforce building, fire, life-safety, health, and traffic laws for campus events. The law only blocks zoning-based land-use permits, not general safety inspections or public-health rules.
Cities cannot use zoning on campus events
Starting May 18, 2026, counties and cities cannot block, delay, or require zoning-based permits for events on state college campuses when the school’s governing board approves the event. They cannot require special exceptions, conditional uses, variances, site plans, or similar zoning approvals. This rule applies to events on campus property, as defined in the law.
Sunday sports allowed on college campuses
Beginning May 18, 2026, state-supported college and university campuses are exempt from South Carolina’s Sunday public sports ban. Events on campus can include public sports on Sundays. Other laws still apply.
Advance notice for big outdoor campus events
Starting May 18, 2026, schools must give public notice at least 30 days before the board votes on certain outdoor campus events within 1,000 feet of a residential neighborhood. They must also notify any recognized neighborhood association that is affected and allow the public and those groups to speak before approval. This rule covers nonathletic events, outdoor concerts, and events with speakers expected to draw 1,000 or more people.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ed Sutton
Democrat • Senate
Cosponsors
Stephen L. Goldfinch
Republican • Senate
Jeffrey R. Graham
Democrat • Senate
Jeff Zell
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/14/2026
(University Campus Events Zoning)to concur
Yes: 35 • No: 7
House vote • 5/13/2026
(University Campus Events Zoning)Table Motion to Reconsider
Yes: 25 • No: 85
House vote • 5/13/2026
(University Campus Events Zoning)Table Amendment 5 Amendment number 5
Yes: 83 • No: 25
House vote • 5/13/2026
(University Campus Events Zoning)Passage of Bill
Yes: 69 • No: 39
House vote • 5/13/2026
(University Campus Events Zoning)Table Amendment 6 Amendment number 6
Yes: 81 • No: 27
House vote • 5/13/2026
(University Campus Events Zoning)Reconsider the Vote
Yes: 83 • No: 27
Senate vote • 3/4/2026
(University Campus Events Zoning)2nd Reading
Yes: 40 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Effective date 05/18/26
6/5/2026legislatureAct No. 197
6/2/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
5/18/2026GovernorRatified R 233
5/15/2026legislatureRoll call Ayes-35 Nays-7
5/14/2026SenateConcurred in House amendment and enrolled
5/14/2026SenateRead third time and returned to Senate with amendments
5/14/2026HouseRoll call Yeas-69 Nays-39
5/13/2026HouseRead second time
5/13/2026HouseAmended
5/13/2026HouseRequests for debate-Rep
5/7/2026HouseCommittee report: Favorable Education and Public Works
5/5/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Education and Public Works
3/11/2026HouseIntroduced and read first time
3/11/2026HouseRead third time and sent to House
3/5/2026SenateRoll call Ayes-40 Nays-2
3/4/2026SenateRead second time
3/4/2026SenateAmended
3/4/2026SenateCommittee report: Favorable Family and Veterans' Services
1/28/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Family and Veterans' Services
1/20/2026SenateIntroduced and read first time
1/20/2026Senate
Bill Text
Introduced
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