Bills & Legislation

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO FIVE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY FOR REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS WHO VIOLATE THE STATUTE; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO THREE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY FOR REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS WHO VIOLATE THE STATUTE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES BASED ON THE NUMBER OF IMAGES POSSESSED, INCLUDING A PENALTY OF UP TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE ONE TO TWENTY-FIVE IMAGES, ONE TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE TWENTY-SIX TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES, AND A PENALTY OF TWO TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES; AND TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM PENALTY OF FIVE YEARS FOR A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER WHO VIOLATES THE STATUTE - RATIFIED TITLEView full text View Vote History View Fiscal Impact12/16/25House Prefiled12/16/25House Referred to Committee on Judiciary01/13/26House Introduced and read first time (House Journal-page 95)01/13/26House Referred to Committee on Judiciary (House Journal-page 95)01/20/26House Member(s) request name added as sponsor: White01/28/26House Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Cromer, Edgerton, Burns, Beach, Morgan, Terribile, Pace, Kilmartin, Gilreath, Magnuson, Frank, McCravy, Hartz, D.

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, penalties

Travis A. MooreRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-15-15, RELATING TO THE DEPOSIT OF CASH PERCENTAGES IN LIEU OF BOND, ASSIGNMENT OF DEPOSITS, AND RESTITUTION TO VICTIMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF A COURT FINDS THAT A DEFENDANT MAY BE RELEASED ON BOND WHO HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH A VIOLENT OFFENSE OR ANY FELONY OFFENSE INVOLVING A FIREARM OR DRUGS, THE BOND MUST BE SET AT THE FULL UNITED STATES CASH CURRENCY BOND; BY AMENDING SECTION 17-15-30, RELATING TO MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING CONDITIONS OF RELEASE, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE CONSIDERATION OF A PERSON'S MENTAL CONDITION THE DIRECT OBSERVATIONS OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER THAT CAUSE REASONABLE CONCERN WITH A PERSON'S MENTAL CONDITION AND TO ALLOW THE COURT TO INCLUDE IN THE BOND CONDITIONS THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT TRANSPORT THE PERSON FOR AN EMERGENCY PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION OR THE PERSON IS REQUIRED TO SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT UPON RELEASE.

Bond Reform

Chris WootenRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TWENTY-FIVE YEAR MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE FOR A VIOLATION OF THE OFFENSE IF THE MINOR VICTIM IS LESS THAN ELEVEN YEARS OF AGE.

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, first degree

Chris WootenRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 29 TO TITLE 1, CHAPTER 1, SO AS TO DEFINE A "DIGITAL FORM OF IDENTIFICATION", AND PROVIDE THAT A PUBLIC ENTITY IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO USE SUCH FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION; BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-560, SO AS TO DEFINE "MOBILE DRIVER'S LICENSE", AND PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A MOBILE DRIVER'S LICENSE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 39-1-100, SO AS TO ALLOW A PRIVATE ENTITY TO USE A DIGITAL FORM OF IDENTIFICATION WHEN INTERACTING WITH A PERSON, TO PROVIDE THAT FOR THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA, AND TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN A PERSON MAY BRING A CAUSE OF ACTION IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION.

Digital forms of identification

Thomas Lee GilreathRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 51-3-60, RELATING TO USE OF FACILITIES FREE OF CHARGE BY DISABLED VETERANS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT DISABLED VETERANS ALSO MAY USE CAMPSITES, OVERNIGHT LODGING, AND RECREATION BUILDINGS FREE OF CHARGE.

Park Admissions

Fawn M. PedalinoRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING "EGYPT'S LAW" BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-5, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST PROSECUTING PERSONS FOR HOMICIDE WHO CAUSE INJURIES WHICH RESULT IN DEATH AT LEAST THREE YEARS LATER, SO AS TO REMOVE THIS LIMITATION AND ALLOW PROSECUTION REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT OF TIME BETWEEN INJURY AND DEATH.

Homicide

Wendell K. JonesDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PROTECTING SOUTH CAROLINA CITIZENS FROM THE RISKS OF SOLAR STORMS AND ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 29 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS OF "CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE" AND "ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE", AND TO REQUIRE THE SC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION TO PROVIDE DETAILED PLANS IN ITS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN TO HARDEN CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AGAINST ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES AND PLAN FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR GRANTS; AND TO ESTABLISH THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL MAKE CERTAIN APPROPRIATIONS.

Electromagnetic Pulse Protection

Kathy LandingRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW PREVENTION ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROHIBIT UNLICENSED INDIVIDUALS FROM PROVIDING LEGAL SERVICES FOR COMPENSATION, TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO ESTABLISH CRIMINAL PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CIVIL ENFORCEMENT, INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, AND THE DISGORGEMENT OF COMPENSATION RECEIVED IN VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Unauthorized Practice of Law Prevention Act

David MartinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 42-9-10, RELATING TO AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION FOR TOTAL DISABILITY UNDER WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM WEEKLY AMOUNT TO ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS, AND TO ESTABLISH A MECHANISM FOR PERIODIC INFLATION-BASED INCREASES.

Workers Compensation Total Disability Calculation

Tiffany R. Spann-WilderDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA AMERICAN REVOLUTION SESTERCENTENNIAL COMMISSION TO USE THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR ITS MEETING ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026.

Liberty Day at the State House, use of chamber Fri., Jan. 16, 2026

Neal A. CollinsRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE BRAELYN DAVIS, MAELLE WONG, AND SARAH FANG OF RIVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL'S CHINESE IMMERSION PROGRAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE 2025 CLASS NATIONAL TALENT SHOW COMPETITIONS AND TO COMMEND THEIR TEACHER, REBECCA FENG, FOR HER DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP.

River Bluff HS Chinese Immersion Program

Chris WootenRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DELORICE B.

Delorice B. Barrington retiring as Marlboro County Treasurer and serving the State of SC for over five decades

Jason LuckDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Cardinal Newman boys soccer champs

Beth E. BernsteinDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE COLT SHOPE, A NURSE MANAGER AT PRISMA HEALTH BAPTIST EASLEY HOSPITAL, FOR INTRODUCING BAPTIST EASLEY'S NEW TRADITION TO HONOR AMERICAN VETERANS IN END-OF-LIFE CARE.

Colt Shope

Thomas BeachRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA MORTICIANS ASSOCIATION FOR THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE THESE DEDICATED MORTUARY PROFESSIONALS PERFORM FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE PALMETTO STATE AND UPON THE ONE HUNDRETH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR SIGNIFICANT WORK THROUGH THE ASSOCIATION.

Morticians Association, Inc.- A Living Monument to the Black Morticians in SC

John Richard C. KingDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JACOB HILL JENNINGS OF BISHOPVILLE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Jacob Jennings, sympathy

G. Murrell Smith, Jr.Republican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF INEZ GINYARD CRUMBLIN OF JENKINSVILLE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Inez Ginyard Crumblin, sympathy

Annie E. McDanielDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND HONOR COACH KIP HERLONG OF LAKE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL FOR HIS HALL OF FAME CAREER OF THIRTY-TWO YEARS AS COACH AND MENTOR TO COUNTLESS STUDENT-ATHLETES, TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Coach Kip Herlong

Lucas AtkinsonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE ELLEN CLOTELLA DAVIS SIMMONS ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

Ellen Simmons 100th Birthday

Terry AlexanderDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR DR.

Dr. Calvin E. Robinson, Jr., 10th pastoral anniversary

Terry AlexanderDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE CHRISTIAN COVENANT FELLOWSHIP OF MINISTRIES ON THE OCCASION OF ITS TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, TO CONGRATULATE THE MEMBERS OF THIS FINE ORGANIZATION FOR A QUARTER CENTURY OF SERVING THE LORD AND HIS PEOPLE, AND TO WISH THE GROUP AND ITS LEADER, BISHOP MICHAEL BLUE, MANY MORE YEARS OF BLESSING AS THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE.

Christian Covenant Fellowship of Ministries, 25th anniversary

Terry AlexanderDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE TOD AUGSBURGER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF LEXINGTON HEALTH, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS TWENTY-SIX YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

Tod Augsburger, retirement

Micajah P. "Micah" Caskey IVRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF SOUTH CAROLINA NATIVE AND FORMER SPRINGDALE MAYOR PAT G.

Mayor Pat G. Smith sympathy reso

Micajah P. "Micah" Caskey IVRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE YORK TECHNICAL COLLEGE SKILLSUSA TEAM ON WINNING THE 2025 SKILLSUSA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SKILLS CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN THE FIELDS OF NURSING ASSISTING AND CAREER PATHWAYS IET AND TO EXTEND TO THE TEAM BEST WISHES FOR MUCH CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL ITS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

York Technical College, SkillsUSA national champs

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ARRINGTON WESTON, A SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AT SCHOFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL IN AIKEN, AND TO COMMEND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE.

Arrington Weston-contributions to education

William "Bill" ClyburnDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF TEAM ON WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CLASS AAAAA DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Lexington HS girls golf champs

Paula Rawl CalhoonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE ANDREA MASSIE VAUGHN, U.

Andrea Vaughn, retirement

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF SOUTH CAROLINA NATIVE DR.

Dr. Everett L. Dargan, sympathy

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF EUGENE SEAWRIGHT, A NATIVE OF SWANSEA, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Eugene Seawright, sympathy

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF CAROLE JENKINS COOPER AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Carole Jenkins Cooper sympathy

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE PATRICIA MARIE BLASSINGAME OF ORANGEBURG ON THE OCCASION OF HER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Patricia Blassingame, 90th birthday

Gilda Cobb-HunterDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACHES FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025 NATIONAL HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES' CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

SC State HBCU football champs

Gilda Cobb-HunterDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE TAYLORS NATIVE DELORES ANNETTE PEOPLES ON THE OCCASION OF HER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Delores Peoples, 90th birthday

Gilda Cobb-HunterDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE ITTRISS JERMAIN JENKINS OF CHARLESTON COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Judge Ittriss J. Jenkins condolence

Tiffany R. Spann-WilderDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF ELIS CURTIS NELSON, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

E.C. Nelson sympathy

Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.Democrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE JUDEA AND SAMARIA AS THE ANCESTRAL HEARTLAND OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE, TO AFFIRM THE HISTORICAL, BIBLICAL, AND LEGAL CONNECTION OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE TO JUDEA AND SAMARIA, TO REJECT THE POLITICIZED TERM "WEST BANK" AND TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE STATE OF ISRAEL.

Judea and Samaria

John R. McCravy IIIRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO SET THE ELECTION OF CHAPLAIN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CALL OF THE ROLL OF THE HOUSE, TO SERVE THE REMAINING UNEXPIRED TERM OF THE HONORABLE CHARLES E.

Election of House Chaplain

G. Murrell Smith, Jr.Republican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF REBECCA K.

Rebecca Keller, sympathy

Jerry N. Govan, Jr.Democrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DEACON WILLIE E.

Deacon Willie Snipes

Jerry N. Govan, Jr.Democrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR S.

Deacon Ike Holman

Jerry N. Govan, Jr.Democrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE REVEREND CHARLES E.

Chap. Seastrunk retirement

G. Murrell Smith, Jr.Republican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR A'JA WILSON FOR HER REMARKABLE BASKETBALL CAREER AS A CENTER FOR THE LAS VEGAS ACES AND TO CONGRATULATE HER FOR HER TEAM'S 2025 WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY.

A'ja Wilson congratulations

Hamilton R. GrantDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE RIDGE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2025 AAAAA DIVISION ONE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO CONGRATULATE THE TEAM'S OUTSTANDING PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL SEASON.

Ridge View High School Track State Championship

Hamilton R. GrantDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR.

Phillip Reynolds retirement

Fawn M. PedalinoRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE REVEREND DR.

Dr. Reginald Thackston Retirement Resolution

Fawn M. PedalinoRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR NEW HOLLAND FIRE CHIEF DENNIS JACKSON UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS CHIEF AFTER NEARLY FOUR DECADES OF DISTINGUISHED CIVIL SERVICE IN THE FIREFIGHTING COMMUNITY.

New Holland Fire Chief Dennis Jackson, retirement

Bill TaylorRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THE LIFE, SERVICE, AND SACRIFICE OF ALLEN MOORE HAWKES JR.

Allen Hawkes Jr. Sympathy

Bill TaylorRepublican