Bills & Legislation

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR BREAST PUMPS.

Sales tax exemption

Shannon S. EricksonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3995 SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLES WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

Hazard lights

Fawn M. PedalinoRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 55-11-320, RELATING TO THE RICHLAND-LEXINGTON AIRPORT DISTRICT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE DISTRICT'S MEMBERSHIP BY TWO MEMBERS WHO MUST BE RESIDENTS OF CAYCE OR WEST COLUMBIA.

Richland-Lexington County Airport District

Micajah P. "Micah" Caskey IVRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 12 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO CREATE THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND POLICY TO INCLUDE THE DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH FINANCING, PUBLIC HEALTH, AGING, INTELLECTUAL AND RELATED DISABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY OF THE OFFICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-10, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 8-17-370, RELATING TO THE MEDIATION OF GRIEVANCES BY THE STATE HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, SO AS TO ADD THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND POLICY AND CERTAIN STAFF OF THE COMPONENT DEPARTMENTS; BY REPEALING CHAPTER 49 OF TITLE 44 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 44-1-20, 44-1-80, 44-1-90, 44-1-100, 44-1-110, 44-1-130, 44-1-140, 44-1-151, 44-1-152, 44-1-165, 44-1-170, 44-1-180, 44-1-190, 44-1-200, 44-1-210, 44-1-215, 44-1-220, 44-1-230, 44-1-260, 44-1-280, 44-1-290, 44-1-300, AND 44-1-310, ALL RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-1-315, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION; BY REPEALING SECTIONS 44-1-30, 44-1-40, 44-1-50, 44-1-70, 44-1-143, 44-1-145, AND 44-1-148 ALL RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 44, AND SECTIONS 44-6-140, 44-6-146, 44-6-150, 44-6-170, 44-6-190, 44-6-400, 44-6-530, 44-6-540, 44-6-720, 44-6-730, AND 44-6-1010, ALL RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES PERTAINING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FINANCING; BY REPEALING ARTICLE 5 OF CHAPTER 6, TITLE 44 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 44-7-77, 44-7-80, 44-7-84, 44-7-90, 44-7-130, 44-7-150, 44-7-170, 44-7-190, 44-7-200, 44-7-210, 44-7-260, 44-7-265, 44-7-266, 44-7-370, 44-7-392, 44-7-510, 44-7-570, 44-7-1420, 44-7-1440, 44-7-1490, 44-7-1590, 44-7-1660, 44-7-1690, 44-7-2420, 44-7-2430, 44-7-2450, 44-7-2460, 44-7-2550, 44-7-2910, 44-7-2940, 44-7-3430, 44-7-3455, AND 44-7-3460, ALL RELATING TO HOSPITALS AND OTHER HEALTH SERVICES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY REPEALING SECTION 44-7-180 RELATING TO THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING COMMITTEE; BY AMENDING CHAPTER 9, TITLE 44, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES PERTAINING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH; BY ADDING SECTIONS 44-9-95 AND 44-9-105 SO AS TO ADD TO THE CHAPTER PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO SERVICES AND TREATMENT FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND TO ADDRESS SERVICE CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SERVICE PROVIDERS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 44-20-10, 44-20-20, 44-20-30, 44-20-210, 44-20-220, 44-20-230, 44-20-240, 44-20-250, 44-20-255, 44-20-260, 44-20-270, 44-20-280, 44-20-290, 44-20-300, 44-20-310, 44-20-320, 44-20-330, 44-20-340, 44-20-350, 44-20-355, 44-20-360, 44-20-365, 44-20-370, 44-20-375, 44-20-378, 44-20-380, 44-20-385, 44-20-390, 44-20-400, 44-20-410, 44-20-420, 44-20-430, 44-20-440, 44-20-490, 44-20-510, 44-20-710, 44-20-740, 44-20-900, AND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 20, TITLE 44, ALL RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES PERTAINING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INTELLECTUAL AND RELATED DISABILITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 44-20-372 SO AS TO ADDRESS SERVICE CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF INTELLECTUAL AND RELATED DISABILITIES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 43-21-10, 43-21-20, 43-21-40, 43-21-60, 43-21-70, 43-21-80, 43-21-100, 43-21-110, 43-21-120, 43-21-130, AND 43-21-140, ALL RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT ON AGING, ALL SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 48-6-60, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

Executive Office of Health Policy

Lee HewittRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-3-130, RELATING TO DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR A JURY TRIAL IN FINAL HEARINGS.

Family Court

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPARENCY AND INTEGRITY IN EDUCATION ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 29, TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING CURRICULUM CONTENT AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO PROVIDE MEANS FOR ADDRESSING VIOLATIONS, TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCIES AND THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND TO PROHIBIT SCHOOLS FROM USING, MAKING AVAILABLE, PROMOTING, OR PROVIDING ACCESS TO PORNOGRAPHIC OR PROHIBITED MATERIALS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-28-180, RELATING TO PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS IN THE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN REGARDING MORALS, ETHICS, AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY, AND TO PROVIDE A PARENTAL PLEDGE OF EXPECTATIONS MUST BE PROVIDED TO PARENTS AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT PROCESS.

Transparency and Integrity in Education Act

Josiah MagnusonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3632, RELATING TO EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE CREDIT IS REFUNDABLE.

Earned income tax credit

Gilda Cobb-HunterDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-511 SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE IMPOSITION OF THE INCOME TAX ON INDIVIDUALS, ESTATES, AND TRUSTS; BY REPEALING SECTION 12-6-510 RELATING TO TAX RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS, ESTATES, AND TRUSTS; BY REPEALING SECTION 12-6-515 RELATING TO INCOME TAX BRACKETS; BY REPEALING SECTION 12-6-520 RELATING TO ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS TO INCOME TAX BRACKETS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 12-6-545 RELATING TO INCOME TAX RATES FOR PASS-THROUGH TRADE AND BUSINESS INCOME.

Elimination of individual income tax

Justin T. BambergDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 15-38-15, 15-38-20, 15-38-40, AND 15-38-50, ALL RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONTRIBUTION AMONG TORTFEASORS ACT, SO AS TO INCLUDE PERSONS OR ENTITIES FOR THE PURPOSES OF ALLOCATION OF FAULT, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Contribution Among Tortfeasors

Marvin "Mark" SmithRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1120, RELATING TO MODIFICATIONS OF GROSS INCOME, SO AS TO EXCLUDE INCOME DERIVED FROM THE RECEIPT, SALE, EXCHANGE, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSAL OF DIGITAL ASSETS SUCH AS CRYPTOCURRENCY.

Taxation of digital assets

Justin T. BambergDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 68 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL BUS PRIVATIZATION ACT OF 2025," INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL NOT OWN, PURCHASE, OR ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL SCHOOL BUSES ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2029, AND ITS PRESENT FLEET OF SCHOOL BUSES BE SOLD OR DISPOSED OF ON A PHASED-IN BASIS BEGINNING IN 2026, TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR, SCHOOL DISTRICTS ON A PHASED-IN BASIS INDIVIDUALLY OR TOGETHER WITH OTHER DISTRICTS SHALL PROVIDE SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OR BY CONTRACT MAY ENGAGE A PRIVATE ENTITY TO PROVIDE SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WITH THE PRIVATE ENTITY PROVIDING ALL SCHOOL BUSES, PERSONNEL TO OPERATE, AND AUXILIARY SERVICES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR TERMS, CONDITIONS, PROCEDURES, AND REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO THE PROVISION OF THESE SERVICES, TO PROVIDE THAT STATE SCHOOL BUS MAINTENANCE FACILITIES, ON A PHASED-IN BASIS BEGINNING IN 2026, SHALL BE LEASED OR SOLD TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS OR PRIVATE SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS OR IN THE ABSENCE OF A SALE OR LEASE CLOSED, TO ESTABLISH A "SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT FUND" CONSISTING OF SPECIFIED FUNDS WHICH MUST BE USED TO REIMBURSE SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR THE COST OF SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ON A FORMULA BASIS AND TO INCREASE TEACHER SALARIES FROM SAVINGS RESULTING FROM PRIVATIZATION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO PRIVATE ENTITIES PROVIDING SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND FOR SCHOOL BUS, DRIVER, PASSENGER, AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS IN REGARD TO THESE SERVICES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-67-460, RELATING TO CONTRACTS BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WITH PRIVATE CONTRACTORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SCHOOL DISTRICT OR A GROUP OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS IS AUTHORIZED BY CONTRACT TO HAVE THEIR SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY A PRIVATE ENTITY WHICH FURNISHES ITS OWN BUSES, PERSONNEL, AND AUXILIARY SERVICES PRIOR TO THE REQUIRED IMPLEMENTATION DATE OF THE DISTRICT'S ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT AS REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 68, TITLE 59; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 59-67-460 EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2029, RELATING TO SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WHEN THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES IS TRANSFERRED FULLY TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THIS STATE.

SC School Bus Privatization

Wendell G. GilliardDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "U.

U.S. Senate Accountability Act

Josiah MagnusonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 46-13-250 SO AS TO REQUIRE A PERSON TO REGISTER WITH AND OBTAIN A LICENSE FROM CLEMSON UNIVERSITY BEFORE ADMINISTERING A BARRIER MOSQUITOCIDE TREATMENT AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY.

Pesticides

David R. HiottRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "BAN THE BOX ACT OF 2025" BY ADDING SECTION 41-1-23 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO JOB APPLICATION MAY INCLUDE QUESTIONS RELATED TO CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS UNLESS THE CONVICTION DIRECTLY RELATES TO THE EMPLOYMENT OR LICENSURE SOUGHT, TO PROVIDE A RELATED POLICY STATEMENT, AND TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS, EXCLUSIONS, AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS.

Ban the Box Act

Gilda Cobb-HunterDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-3-25, RELATING TO NONCOMPLIANT COUNTY BOARDS OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DUTIES OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION PROVIDING SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE TO COUNTY BOARDS REGARDING THE CONDUCT OF POST-ELECTION PROCESSES, AND TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO INTERVENE IN COUNTIES POST-ELECTION PROCESSES WHEN A BOARD'S NONCOMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS, POLICIES, OR PROCEDURES COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE ACCURACY OF THE ELECTION RESULTS OR THE ABILITY TO TIMELY CERTIFY THE RESULTS.

State Election Commission

Cody T. MitchellRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RULE 5.

House Rules, placement of bills on House Calendar

Josiah MagnusonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-1910, RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE HANDICAPPED LICENSE PLATES TO AUTISTIC AND NEURODIVERGENT PERSONS.

Handicapped license plates

Kathy LandingRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 57-1-410, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2028, THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SHALL SERVE AS SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, TO PROVIDE IN SELECTING A CANDIDATE FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, A CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR SHALL EXAMINE WHETHER THE PERSON POSSESSES CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS, AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION RELATING TO THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION'S COMPENSATION.

Secretary of Transportation

Josiah MagnusonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO UNDERTAKE AN IMMEDIATE INQUIRY AS TO WHETHER OR NOT UNDER SECTION 1, ARTICLE XV, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE, THE STATE TREASURER, CURTIS LOFTIS, SHOULD BE IMPEACHED FOR SERIOUS MISCONDUCT IN OFFICE INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DERELICTION OF DUTY AND BREACH OF THE PUBLIC TRUST AND, IF BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE SUFFICIENT GROUNDS ARE FOUND, TO REPORT ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT TO THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Impeachment, State Treasurer

Heather BauerDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-10, RELATING TO VOTING PRECINCTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE POLLING PLACES FOR THE VOTING PRECINCTS TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE COUNTY BOARDS OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CERTAIN CRITERIA; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-710, RELATING TO A REPORT BY THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION OF POLLING PRECINCTS WITH GREATER THAN ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED REGISTERED ELECTORS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PRECINCTS THAT MUST BE LISTED IN THE REPORT; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-720, RELATING TO THE NOTICE TO PERSONS WHOSE REGISTRATION IS TRANSFERRED, SO AS TO CONFORM THE SECTION TO AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 7-7-710; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-910, RELATING TO ALTERNATIVE POLLING PLACES, SO AS TO REVISE THE NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES WHEN AN ALTERNATIVE POLLING PLACE IS SELECTED; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-920, RELATING TO PLACES WHERE ELECTORS SHALL VOTE IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A CITY OR TOWN WITH A POPULATION UNDER THREE THOUSAND TO VOTE AT ONE POLLING PLACE IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-1000, RELATING TO POLLING PRECINCTS IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE SECTION ONLY APPLIES TO ELECTIONS CONDUCTED BY MUNICIPAL ELECTION COMMISSIONS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 7-7-730, RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF PRECINCTS HAVING MORE THAN 750 ELECTORS.

Polling Locations

George E. "Chip" Campsen IIIRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 5-15-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPIRATION OF THE TERMS OF OFFICE FOR CERTAIN MUNICIPAL OFFICEHOLDERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-50, RELATING TO THE TIME FOR MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTIONS BE HELD ONLY ON CERTAIN ENUMERATED DATES; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-100, RELATING TO THE FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE MUNICIPAL ELECTION COMMISSIONS CERTIFY RESULTS NOT LATER THAN THREE DAYS FOLLOWING AN ELECTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-120, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A CANDIDATE WHO IS DECLARED ELECTED BY CERTIFICATION OF THE ELECTION RESULTS HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE THE OATH OF OFFICE AND TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE PENDING THE OUTCOME OF A CONTEST; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-130, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR CONTESTING THE RESULTS OF AN ELECTION, SO AS TO REVISE THE DATE IN WHICH A WRITTEN NOTICE OF CONTEST MUST BE PROVIDED; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-140, RELATING TO APPEALS FROM DECISIONS OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE APPEALS BE GRANTED FIRST PRIORITY OF CONSIDERATION BY THE COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-145, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO UPDATE TERMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-3-25, RELATING TO THE DUTY OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO DETERMINE AND CERTIFY THE OUTCOME OF CERTAIN ELECTIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO DETERMINE AND CERTIFY THE OUTCOME OF CERTAIN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-13-1160, RELATING TO THE REPORTING OF ELECTION RESULTS TO THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO REQUIRE ELECTION RESULTS TO BE REPORTED CONTINUOUSLY AND WITHOUT UNDUE DELAY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-15-420, RELATING TO THE TABULATION OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE EARLY VOTING TABULATION DATA TO BE LOADED INTO THE ELECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT THE SAME TIME AS ABSENTEE BALLOT TABULATION DATA.

Municipal Elections

George E. "Chip" Campsen IIIRepublican

H 3507

Leonidas E. "Leon" StavrinakisDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PREGNANCY CENTER AUTONOMY AND RIGHTS OF EXPRESSION (CARE) ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 141 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROVIDE PREGNANCY CENTERS CERTAIN PROTECTIONS FROM GOVERNMENT REGULATION TO ENSURE THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES CONSISTENT WITH THEIR LIFE-AFFIRMING OPERATING PRINCIPLES; TO CREATE A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION FOR EQUITABLE RELIEF AND MONETARY DAMAGES FOR VIOLATION OF A PROVISION OF THE CHAPTER; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Pregnancy CARE Act

Sarita L. EdgertonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 36-1-201, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "MONEY", SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MONEY DOES NOT INCLUDE A CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY.

Central Bank Digital Currency ban

Bill TaylorRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE AN OPEN ENROLLMENT OPTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-102 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC SCHOOL MAY NOT CONTRACT WITH A PRIVATE ENTITY THAT SUPERVISES, SANCTIONS, OR REGULATES INTERSCHOLASTIC COMPETITIONS UNLESS THE ENTITY ALLOWS STUDENTS WHO ATTEND A SCHOOL OUTSIDE OF THEIR ATTENDANCE ZONE TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC COMPETITIONS, AND TO PROVIDE A LIMITED TRANSFER OPTION TO CERTAIN CURRENT STUDENTS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 59-63-30 AND 59-63-32, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND PENALTIES FOR PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION, AND SECTION 59-63-480, RELATING TO ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOLS IN ADJACENT COUNTIES, ALL SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 59-63-500 RELATING TO TRANSFER WITHOUT CONSENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE.

Open enrollment in public schools

Shannon S. EricksonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-5-15, RELATING TO SECURING DEPOSITS OF FUNDS BY LOCAL ENTITIES, SO AS TO INCLUDE PROVISIONS CONCERNING CREDIT UNIONS AND THE NATIONAL CREDIT UNION SHARE INSURANCE FUND.

Local entity secured deposits

Nathan BallentineRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA DEPENDENT MATERNITY COVERAGE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-142 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL HEALTH INSURERS OPERATING IN SOUTH CAROLINA THAT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR DEPENDENTS UP TO AGE TWENTY-SIX TO INCLUDE MATERNITY CARE COVERAGE FOR THOSE DEPENDENTS, TO THE EXTENT NOT PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL LAW.

South Carolina Dependent Maternity Coverage Act

John R. McCravy IIIRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 48-14-40, RELATING TO CERTAIN LAND-DISTURBING ACTIVITIES EXEMPT FROM PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 14, TITLE 48, SO AS TO INCLUDE AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES USED TO HOUSE LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, CROPS, OR OTHER AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, MATERIAL, OR EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS OTHER TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES OF ONE OR MORE ACRES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Land Disturbing Exemptions from Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction Act

Donald Ryan McCabe, Jr.Republican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE SELLING PROVIDER HAVE THEIR PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Medical Equipment

Ronnie W. CromerRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-7-920, RELATING TO COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP, SO AS TO RECONFIGURE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION AND TO ADD THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS A NON-VOTING ADVISORY MEMBER; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-7-940, RELATING TO DUTIES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 24-3-550, RELATING TO WITNESSES AT A STATE EXECUTION, SO AS TO ADD THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR HIS DESIGNEE TO THOSE WHO MAY BE PRESENT AT A STATE EXECUTION.

Duties of the AG

Billy GarrettRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3830 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR A GROCER THAT OPENS A NEW LOCATION IN A FOOD DESERT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX SO AS TO PROVIDE A SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PURCHASES MADE BY A GROCER THAT OPERATES A NEW STORE LOCATED IN A FOOD DESERT.

Food Desert Tax Credit

Tameika Isaac DevineDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "STATE EMPLOYMENT SKILLS-BASED HIRING ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 8-11-188 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES TO CONDUCT PERIODIC REVIEWS OF THE EDUCATIONAL, EXPERIENTIAL, AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS WITH A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON WHETHER A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE IS NECESSARY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES SHALL REDUCE THE REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES SHALL REPORT ITS ACTIONS PURSUANT TO THIS ACT; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE FIRST PERIODIC REVIEW SHALL COMMENCE WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.

Skills Based Hiring

Tom DavisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-11-10, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, SO AS TO MOVE THE PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-11-20, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF OFFICES, DIVISIONS, AND OTHER AGENCIES FROM THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO APPROPRIATE ENTITIES, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION FROM THE STATE FISCAL AFFAIRS AUTHORITY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 11-35-310, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Procurement Services Division

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-39-410, RELATING TO PROPERTY THAT MAY BE ORDERED TO BE APPLIED TOWARD THE SATISFACTION OF A JUDGMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, INSTEAD OF A COMPLETE EXEMPTION OF THE EARNINGS OF A JUDGMENT DEBTOR FOR HIS PERSONAL SERVICES, ONLY SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE EARNINGS OF THE DEBTOR FOR HIS PERSONAL SERVICES CANNOT BE APPLIED, AND THAT THE EARNINGS OF THE JUDGMENT DEBTOR FOR HIS PERSONAL SERVICES TO BE WITHHELD MAY NOT EXCEED THE LIMITS SET FORTH BY THE FEDERAL CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT.

Property that may be applied to satisfy a judgement

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 41-35-40, RELATING TO THE WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT AMOUNT, SO AS TO SET THE MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT AT THREE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS AND TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT BE PUBLISHED ON THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE WEBSITE.

UI Weekly Benefit Amount

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-6540, RELATING TO THE ADMISSIBILITY AS EVIDENCE OF NEGLIGENCE IN A CIVIL ACTION REGARDING THE USE OF SAFETY BELTS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT A VIOLATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO SAFETY BELTS IS NOT NEGLIGENCE PER SE OR CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE, AND TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT A VIOLATION IS NOT ADMISSIBLE AS EVIDENCE IN A CIVIL ACTION.

Safety belts, evidence admissibility in civil action

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-29-120(B), RELATING TO TOPICS OF STUDY ON VETERANS DAY AND ATTENDANCE AT VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES, SO AS TO REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THIS STATE TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE HOUR OF INSTRUCTION ON NOVEMBER ELEVENTH ON THE HISTORY AND MEANING OF VETERANS DAY.

Veteran's Day studies

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3830 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR CERTAIN TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE A CHILD WHO ATTENDS A QUALIFYING PRIVATE SCHOOL, PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, OR HOME SCHOOL.

Education tax credit

Jordan S. PaceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 46 BY ENACTING THE "FARMERS PROTECTION ACT" SO AS TO PREVENT DISCRIMINATION IN FINANCING AGAINST FARMERS.

Farmer Protection Act

Patrick B. HaddonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-260 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL DISSEMINATION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIALS.

Unlawful dissemination of sexually explicit materials

Chris WootenRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-1810, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS AND FEES, SO AS TO AMEND CERTAIN FEES FOR ESTABLISHMENTS THAT ARE AUTHORIZED TO SELL ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS BY THE DRINK ON SUNDAYS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-2010, RELATING TO TEMPORARY PERMITS, SO AS TO AMEND A CERTAIN FEE AND REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE DEPARTMENT OFFER CERTAIN ANNUAL FIFTY-TWO WEEK TEMPORARY PERMITS.

Sunday sales

John Gregory "Jay" KilmartinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 41-1-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE A BASE STATE MINIMUM WAGE OF SEVENTEEN DOLLARS PER HOUR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2027, TO PROVIDE FOR THE NOTIFICATION OF THIS MINIMUM WAGE TO EMPLOYERS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, 2026, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR AN EMPLOYER TO FAIL TO PAY THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE OR TO RETALIATE AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE FOR CERTAIN ACTIONS REGARDING ENFORCEMENT OF THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE LAW, TO PROVIDE REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS, TO PROVIDE A FIVE-YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ACTIONS BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THIS ACT MAY BE BROUGHT AS A CLASS ACTION UNDER STATE LAW.

Minimum wage

Christopher R. "Chris" HartDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-77-250, RELATING TO THE RELEASE OF COVERAGE INFORMATION UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE REQUEST ALSO TO BE MADE BY ELECTRONIC MAIL OR FAX ACCOMPANIED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE'S FORM FR-10.

Automobile insurance

Christopher R. "Chris" HartDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 58-27-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE AN ELECTRICAL UTILITY OPERATING IN THIS STATE SHALL BURY ALL OF ITS NEW ELECTRICAL POWER TRANSMISSION LINES INSTALLED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF A MUNICIPALITY IN THIS STATE BEGINNING JANUARY 2, 2026, AND SHALL BURY ALL OF ITS EXISTING ELECTRICAL POWER TRANSMISSION LINES LOCATED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF A MUNICIPALITY IN THIS STATE ACCORDING TO A GRADUATED SCHEDULE BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2031; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-27-20, RELATING TO AREAS IN WHICH THE CHAPTER IS INAPPLICABLE, SO AS TO MAKE THE CHAPTER APPLICABLE TO SECTION 58-27-25.

Burying Electrical Lines

Christopher R. "Chris" HartDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "WEAPONS DETECTOR SYSTEMS IN SCHOOLS ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 10 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE WEAPONS DETECTOR SYSTEMS MUST BE INSTALLED IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING AND ATHLETICS VENUE ENTRANCES, TO PROVIDE RELATED TRAINING MUST BE GIVEN TO APPROPRIATE STAFF, TO PROVIDE EVERYONE ENTERING THE BUILDINGS AND VENUES MUST BE SCREENED BY TRAINED PERSONNEL, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TEMPORARY USE OF HANDHELD METAL DETECTORS UNTIL MORE COMPLETE SYSTEMS MAY BE IMPLEMENTED, AND TO PROVIDE WEAPONS DETECTORS MAY INCLUDE METAL DETECTORS AND OTHER MEANS FOR SCREENING FOR WEAPONS AS TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES.

Weapons Detector Systems in Schools Act

Wendell G. GilliardDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3895 SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR PERSONS TO OPERATE MOTOR VEHICLES WHILE USING CELLULAR TELEPHONES, PAGERS, PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT DEVICES, OR OTHER WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH HANDS-FREE MECHANISMS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.

Driving while using wireless communication devices

Christopher R. "Chris" HartDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-200 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE INSTANT RUNOFF METHOD OF CONDUCTING CERTAIN LOCAL ELECTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-20, RELATING TO METHODS OF ELECTION FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR MULTIPLE MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-60, RELATING TO METHODS FOR NOMINATING CANDIDATES FOR AND DETERMINING RESULTS OF NONPARTISAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE INSTANT RUNOFF METHOD; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-610, RELATING TO THE METHOD FOR DETERMINING WHICH CANDIDATES HAVE RECEIVED A MAJORITY VOTE FOR A PARTICULAR OFFICE, SO AS TO CLARIFY ITS APPLICATION TO ELECTIONS UNDER THE INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING METHOD.

Ranked choice voting

Michael JohnsonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 48-39-130, RELATING TO PERMITS REQUIRED IN CRITICAL AREAS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE EXEMPTION FOR NORMAL MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR OF CERTAIN STRUCTURES.

Beachfront Critical Areas

William H. BaileyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RENT CONTROL ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 27-39-370 SO AS TO PROVIDE RESTRICTIONS ON RAISING RESIDENTIAL RENT.

South Carolina Rent Control Act

Wendell G. GilliardDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-20, RELATING TO TERMS DEFINED IN THE "PROTECTION FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE ACT," SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION FOR "HOUSEHOLD MEMBER" AND TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR "DATING RELATIONSHIP.

Orders of Protection

M. Brian LawsonRepublican