Bills & Legislation

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "GOLD STANDARD ELECTIONS ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 7-3-20, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SO AS TO REQUIRE SEPARATE LISTS FOR ACTIVE, INACTIVE, AND ARCHIVED VOTER REGISTRATIONS, TO UTILIZE U.

Gold Standard Elections Act

Robert J. "Rob" HarrisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 51-3-60, RELATING TO USE OF STATE PARK FACILITIES FREE OF CHARGE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IMMEDIATE GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBERS MAY ENTER ANY STATE PARK WITHOUT CHARGE.

State park admissions

Leon D. "Doug" GilliamRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-75, RELATING TO CONCUSSION PROTOCOL FOR STUDENT ATHLETES, SO AS TO REVISE PROTOCOLS BY REQUIRING CERTAIN CONCUSSION RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING, BY INCLUDING RETURN TO LEARN PROTOCOL REQUIREMENTS, BY IMPOSING REQUIREMENTS ON STUDENT ATHLETES, AND BY IMPOSING RECORD-KEEPING REQUIREMENTS ON SCHOOLS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Concussion protocols in schools

Jackie E. "Coach" HayesDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 11 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "INSURANCE SAVINGS PROGRAM," TO EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS TO SAVE PRIVATE FUNDS TO PAY INSURANCE POLICY DEDUCTIBLES ON REAL PROPERTY, AND TO MAKE RENOVATIONS TO REAL PROPERTY THAT MAKE THE PROPERTY MORE INSURABLE SO AS TO REDUCE INSURANCE POLICY PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIBLES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1140, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FROM INDIVIDUAL TAXABLE INCOME, SO AS TO DEDUCT AMOUNTS DEPOSITED INTO THE INSURANCE SAVINGS PROGRAM AND ANY EARNINGS THEREON.

Insurance Savings Program

Jordan S. PaceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-2645, RELATING TO ASSESSMENT RATIO FOR A PRIVATE PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR PICKUP TRUCKS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-630, RELATING TO VEHICLES CLASSIFIED AS PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR TRUCKS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-28-1920, RELATING TO OPERATION OF PERMANENT OR PORTABLE WEIGH STATIONS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE.

Truck weight

Dennis C. MossRepublican

A BILL TO TRANSFER THE SOUTH CAROLINA 211 NETWORK TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS; TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 37-6-515 SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA 211 NETWORK WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 1-11-770, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA 211 NETWORK, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

211 Network

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT PURCHASED BY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS.

Volunteer Fire Sales Tax Exemption Act

Luke S. RankinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 47-1-40, RELATING TO ILL-TREATMENT OF ANIMALS GENERALLY, SO AS TO ADD EXCEPTIONS.

Animal Cruelty

James Mikell "Mike" BurnsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-5-610, RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF THE STATE INTO SIXTEEN JUDICIAL CIRCUITS AND THE NUMBER OF JUDGES TO BE ELECTED FROM EACH CIRCUIT, SO AS TO INCREASE BY THREE THE NUMBER OF CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES IN CERTAIN CIRCUITS.

Additional circuit court judges

Micajah P. "Micah" Caskey IVRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-13-140, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE, EXECUTION, AND RETURN OF SEARCH WARRANTS FOR PROPERTY CONNECTED WITH THE COMMISSION OF CRIME, AND INVENTORY OF PROPERTY SEIZED, SO AS TO STRENGTHEN REQUIREMENTS THAT PERSONS WHO ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCHES BY WARRANT MUST BE PROVIDED A COPY OF THE WARRANT AND INVENTORY TAKEN, AND TO PROVIDE IF NO ARTICLES ARE SEIZED BY VIRTUE OF A WARRANT THAT THE PROPERTY MUST BE RETURNED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION AND THE PROPERTY SECURED.

Search warrants

John Richard C. KingDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-29, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF ATTEMPTED MURDER, SO AS TO PROVIDE A MANDATORY MINIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF FIVE YEARS FOR A VIOLATION.

Attempted murder, mandatory minimum

John R. McCravy IIIRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-23-170, RELATING TO ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE CONCERNING BATTERED SPOUSE SYNDROME, FOUNDATION, NOTICE, AND EXPERT AND LAY TESTIMONY, SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO FURTHER DEFINE ADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE TO ESTABLISH THE DEFENDANT SUFFERS FROM BATTERED SPOUSE SYNDROME, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION THAT THE DEFENDANT SUFFERS FROM BATTERED SPOUSE SYNDROME AND ACTED IN SELF-DEFENSE WHEN THERE IS A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF PRIOR VIOLENT ASSAULT ON THE DEFENDANT AND A THREAT OF A VIOLENT ASSAULT OR VIOLENT ASSAULT ON THE DEFENDANT BY THE VICTIM OCCURS WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS OF THE ALLEGED OFFENSE.

Battered Spouse Syndrome

John R. McCravy IIIRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-51-10, RELATING TO CIVIL ACTIONS FOR A WRONGFUL ACT CAUSING DEATH, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A WRONGFUL DEATH ACTION CAN BE MAINTAINED FOR AN UNBORN CHILD AT ANY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT AND TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF ARTICLE 6, CHAPTER 41, TITLE 44 IS PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE ENTITLING A PARENT TO MAINTAIN A WRONGFUL DEATH ACTION ON BEHALF OF THEIR DECEASED UNBORN CHILD; BY AMENDING SECTION 15-51-20, RELATING TO THE BENEFICIARIES OF ACTION FOR WRONGFUL DEATH AND WHO MAY BRING AN ACTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MOTHER, FATHER, OR BOTH THE MOTHER AND FATHER MAY BRING A WRONGFUL DEATH ACTION FOR A DECEASED UNBORN CHILD AND THE FATHER AND MOTHER SHALL BE THE ONLY BENEFICIARIES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 15-51-42, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENTS OF WRONGFUL DEATH OR SURVIVAL ACTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PARENT INITIATING THE WRONGFUL DEATH ACTION IS AUTHORIZED TO SETTLE THE ACTION.

Prenatal Wrongful Death

Cody T. MitchellRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AMEND SECTION 26, ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THEY SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BY AND WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RATHER THAN BY THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; TO PROVIDE FOR A MAJORITY VOTE OF EACH CHAMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO DELETE PROVISIONS PROVIDING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PROVIDE FOR MAGISTRATES' TERMS OF OFFICE AND THEIR CIVIL AND CRIMINAL JURISDICTION; AND TO PROVIDE FOR TERMS OF OFFICE OF MAGISTRATES OF FOUR YEARS AND UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS ARE APPOINTED AND QUALIFIED.

Constitutional Amendment

Melissa Lackey OremusRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-19-35 SO AS TO ESTABLISH ELECTION DISTRICTS FROM WHICH THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS ARE ELECTED BEGINNING WITH THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 7-19-45 RELATING TO ELECTION DISTRICTS FROM WHICH MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS WERE FORMERLY ELECTED; TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE TO INTERVENE IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL ACTION CONCERNING THIS LEGISLATION; TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE TO INITIATE OR OTHERWISE PARTICIPATE IN LITIGATION ON BEHALF OF THE SENATE REGARDING REDISTRICTING; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO INITIATE OR OTHERWISE PARTICIPATE IN LITIGATION ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSE REGARDING REDISTRICTING.

Reapportionment, Congressional Districts

Jordan S. PaceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-20, RELATING TO THE PUNISHMENT FOR MURDER AND THE SEPARATE SENTENCING PROCEEDING WHEN THE DEATH PENALTY IS SOUGHT, SO AS TO ADD THAT PREMEDITATED MURDER IS AN AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCE FOR WHICH THE DEATH PENALTY MAY BE SOUGHT.

Death Penalty, premeditated murder

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 47-1-40, RELATING TO THE ILL-TREATMENT OF ANIMALS, SO AS TO RESTRUCTURE THE STATUTE AND PROVIDE INCREASED, GRADUATED PENALTIES FOR VARIOUS LEVELS OF ILL-TREATMENT OF ANIMALS OFFENSES.

Ill-Treatment of Animals

Bill TaylorRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 83 TO TITLE 15 SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND TO PROHIBIT THE BRINGING OF A QUALIFIED CIVIL LIABILITY ACTION IN THIS STATE AGAINST A DEALER, MANUFACTURER, OR SELLER OF A QUALIFIED PRODUCT, WHICH INCLUDES CERTAIN FIREARMS AND RELATED ITEMS, OR A TRADE ASSOCIATION EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN DELINEATED CIRCUMSTANCES.

Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

Chris WootenRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 30-5-25 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS TO IMPLEMENT AND MAINTAIN A PROPERTY RECORDING NOTIFICATION SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, TO REQUIRE THAT THE SERVICE BE OFFERED AT NO COST TO PROPERTY OWNERS, TO AUTHORIZE COUNTIES TO CONTRACT FOR SYSTEM SERVICES, TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FOR SYSTEM FAILURES EXCEPT IN CASES OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT, AND TO ESTABLISH AN IMPLEMENTATION DEADLINE.

Property Recording Notification Systems

James Mikell "Mike" BurnsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-33-130 SO AS TO PROVIDE ALL K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHALL RECORD ALL SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE RETENTION AND DISCLOSURE OF RECORDINGS, TO PROVIDE CONSENT AND PRIVACY REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO PROVIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF SCHOOLS, AND TO PROHIBIT THE COMMERCIAL USE OF RECORDINGS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Mandatory recording of public school instruction

James Mikell "Mike" BurnsRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO RATIFY A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PROVIDING THAT EQUALITY OF RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW MUST NOT BE DENIED OR ABRIDGED ON ACCOUNT OF SEX.

Equality of rights; US Constitution

Tom DavisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 17-13-180 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCENT OF MARIJUANA ALONE DOES NOT PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH REASONABLE SUSPICION OR PROBABLE CAUSE TO SUPPORT A STOP, SEARCH, SEIZURE, OR ARREST.

Search and Seizure, Marijuana Odor

Deon T. TedderDemocrat

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY, RELATING TO STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5309, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.

JR to Approve Regulation Doc. No. 5309

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-1-460, RELATING TO EXCUSED SCHOOL ATTENDANCE FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION, SO AS TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO ADOPT A POLICY.

Excused School Attendance for Religious Instruction

Jeff ZellRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-5-130, RELATING TO CORONER QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO REVISE CORONER QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRE A FINGERPRINT AND BACKGROUND CHECK OF CORONERS BEFORE THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Coroner Qualifications

Jeff ZellRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-63-110, RELATING TO FEES CHARGED FOR COPIES OF BIRTH CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO WAIVE THE FEES FOR HOMELESS PERSONS AND CHILDREN WHO HAVE AGED OUT OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-3350, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS, AND FEES CHARGED, SO AS TO WAIVE THE FEES FOR HOMELESS PERSONS AND CHILDREN WHO HAVE AGED OUT OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

Waiver of fees for birth certificates and Special ID Cards for homeless and former foster care individuals

Jeffrey R. GrahamDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-250, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO INCREASE THE EXEMPTION TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS AND TO REDUCE THE AGE ELIGIBILITY TO SIXTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-266, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-280, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-290, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO GENERAL EXEMPTION FROM TAXES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 11-11-150, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FOR THE TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 12-37-245 RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.

Homestead exemption

Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.Republican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 13 TO CHAPTER 13, TITLE 63 SO AS TO ESTABLISH EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS APPLYING FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO FAMILIES WITH LOW INCOMES TO HELP COVER THE COSTS OF CHILDCARE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Childcare Assistance Program

Josh KimbrellRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-485 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "TRACKING DEVICE", TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL TRACKING, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

Unlawful Tracking

Matthew W. "Matt" LeberRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-40-245 SO AS TO REDUCE STATE AID TO CLASSROOM DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE DISTRICT'S LOCAL REVENUE PER PUPIL FOR EACH STUDENT IN THE DISTRICT THAT ATTENDS A STATEWIDE AUTHORIZED CHARTER SCHOOL.

School District Distribution of Local Revenue Per Pupil

Greg HembreeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 11 OF CHAPTER 3, TITLE 47, RELATING TO TAUNTING, TORMENTING, INJURING, OR KILLING POLICE DOGS OR HORSES, SO AS TO EXPAND THE CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN A VIOLATION, INCREASE THE PENALTIES, REQUIRE RESTITUTION TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY, AND MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES.

Injuring police dogs or horses

Jason ElliottRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-250, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES IN SCHEDULE IV, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ABORTIFACIENTS, INCLUDING MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL, ARE INCLUDED IN SCHEDULE IV; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-370, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES RELATED TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SENTENCE FOR VIOLATIONS RELATED TO ABORTIFACIENTS MAY NOT BE SUSPENDED OR PAROLE GRANTED.

Abortifacients

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 13 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 43, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS RELEVANT TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND EXEMPTIONS FROM FOODS AND BEVERAGES ELIGIBLE FOR PURCHASE UNDER THE PROGRAM; PROVIDE THAT CANDY, ENERGY DRINKS, SOFT DRINKS, AND SWEETENED BEVERAGES ARE NOT FOODS ELIGIBLE FOR PURCHASE USING SNAP BENEFITS AT SNAP-AUTHORIZED RETAILERS; AND CLARIFY CERTAIN LIMITATIONS OF THE ARTICLE'S APPLICATION.

Limits on SNAP Eligible Foods

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION ACT" BY AMENDING SECTIONS 44-41-630 AND 44-41-650, RELATING TO THE "FETAL HEARTBEAT AND PROTECTION FROM ABORTION ACT", SO AS TO PROHIBIT ABORTIONS AFTER CONCEPTION; BY PROVIDING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THE RIGHT TO INTERVENE IN LEGAL CHALLENGES TO THE ACT; AND TO RETITLE ARTICLE 6, CHAPTER 41, TITLE 44, AS "LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION".

Life Begins at Conception Act

Matthew W. "Matt" LeberRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PRENATAL EQUAL PROTECTION ACT" BY ADDING SECTIONS 16-3-6, 16-3-105, 16-3-106, 16-3-107, AND 16-3-108 SO AS TO DEFINE "PERSON" TO INCLUDE AN UNBORN CHILD AT ANY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, AND TO ENSURE THAT AN UNBORN CHILD WHO IS A VICTIM OF HOMICIDE IS AFFORDED EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE HOMICIDE LAWS OF THE STATE, WITH EXCEPTIONS; BY ADDING SECTIONS 16-3-760, 16-3-761, 16-3-762, AND 16-3-763 SO AS TO DEFINE "PERSON" TO INCLUDE AN UNBORN CHILD AT ANY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT AND TO ENSURE THAT AN UNBORN CHILD WHO IS A VICTIM OF ASSAULT IS AFFORDED EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE ASSAULT LAWS OF THE STATE, WITH EXCEPTIONS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act

Lee BrightRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-20, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DEMAND-SIDE PILOT PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-120, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR PERMIT, SO AS TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ANY APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT FOR AN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT AND TO REQUIRE NOTICE TO AFFECTED LANDOWNERS IF A PUBLIC UTILITY THAT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT, OR HAS ENTERED INTO AGREEMENTS TO CONSTRUCT, AN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT THAT MAY RESULT IN THE USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN AND TO PRESCRIBE THE METHODS AND CONTENT OF THE NOTICE; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-835 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ELECTRIC SERVICE TO COMMERCIAL DATA CENTERS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-836 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REPORTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES CONCERNING SURFACE AND GROUND WATER USED BY COMMERCIAL DATA CENTERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT EXEMPTION IS AVAILABLE TO A TAXPAYER THAT ENTERED INTO A FEE IN LIEU AGREEMENT ON OR BEFORE MAY 30, 2025; TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXEMPTION FOR ELECTRICITY USED BY A TECHNOLOGY INTENSIVE FACILITY IS NOT AVAILABLE TO A TAXPAYER THAT DID NOT CLAIM THE CREDIT PRIOR TO MAY 30, 2025; TO PROVIDE THAT TO CLAIM THE EXEMPTION FOR ORIGINAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPUTERS, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, AND COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PURCHASES USED IN A DATACENTER, THE TAXPAYER MUST HAVE NOTIFIED THE DEPARTMENTS OF REVENUE AND COMMERCE OF ITS INTENTION TO CLAIM THE CREDIT ON OR BEFORE MAY 30, 2025; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXEMPTION FOR ORIGINAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPUTERS, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, AND COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PURCHASES USED IN A DATACENTER THE TAXPAYER MUST HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PRIOR TO MAY 30, 2030.

Energy

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "REMEMBERING CHARLIE KIRK ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-700 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PUBLIC COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE MAY BE DISCHARGED FROM EMPLOYMENT FOR CAUSE FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-710 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION SHALL DEVELOP A SPEECH CODE FOR PUBLIC COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES THAT MUST BE ADOPTED AND ENFORCED BY THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF THE STATE'S PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR A PUBLIC COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY WHO DOES NOT ADOPT OR ENFORCE THE SPEECH CODE.

University Employee Free Speech

Mike ReichenbachRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-1732 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DOXING OF A MINOR, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR DOXING A MINOR, AND TO PROVIDE RELEVANT DEFINITIONS.

Prohibit Doxing of a Minor

Lawrence K. "Larry" GroomsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS RELATED TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY; TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO ASSIST IN PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPORT IN THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY WHERE THE CLIENT'S THERAPEUTIC SESSION IS RECORDED UNLESS THE PATIENT IS INFORMED THAT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL BE USED AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE AND THE PATIENT CONSENTS TO THIS USE; TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATION, OR ENTITY MAY NOT OFFER THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES, INCLUDING THROUGH THE USE OF INTERNET-BASED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, UNLESS THE THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED BY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL; TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL MAY NOT ALLOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MAKE INDEPENDENT THERAPEUTIC DECISIONS; TO REQUIRE THAT ALL RECORDS KEPT BY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL; TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

Artificial Intelligence and Therapy or Psychotherapy

Allen BlackmonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-4140, RELATING TO GROSS WEIGHT OF VEHICLES, COMBINATIONS OF VEHICLES, AND LOADS, SO AS TO LIMIT THE GROSS WEIGHT OF FARM TRUCKS.

Weight Limit of Farm Trucks

JD ChaplinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-317 SO AS TO DEFINE "DOE" OR "DOES", AND TO ESTABLISH A DOE SEASON FROM JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 31; BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-42 SO AS TO REQUIRE LICENSES FOR HUNTING DOES DURING DOE SEASON; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 50-9-650, RELATING TO DEER HUNTING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ANTLERLESS DEER TAGS A PERSON MAY PURCHASE, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRODUCE LITERATURE ENCOURAGING HUNTERS TO TAKE ANTLERLESS DEER.

Special Doe Hunting Season

JD ChaplinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-7-10, RELATING TO ILLEGAL ACTS DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THAT HARASSING OR THREATENING A WORKER RESTORING CRITICAL SERVICES IS A MISDEMEANOR, AND THAT ASSAULTING OR ENDANGERING A WORKER RESTORING OR DESTROYING OR TAMPERING WITH AN ELECTRIC UTILITY SYSTEM IS A FELONY, AND TO DEFINE CRITICAL SERVICES.

Interference with workers providing critical services

Luke A. RankinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 2 TO TITLE 63, SO AS TO REQUIRE YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS TO REQUIRE ALL COACHES TO UNDERGO A BACKGROUND CHECK.

Mandatory Background Checks in Youth Sports

Thomas D. "Tom" CorbinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-25-425 SO AS TO LIMIT TEACHER DUTIES UNDER SCHOOL DISTRICT SALARY SCHEDULES TO CLASSROOM AND CERTAIN RELATED DUTIES, TO PROHIBIT THE ASSIGNMENT OF EXTRACURRICULAR DUTIES WITHOUT CONSENT AND EXTRA COMPENSATION AS STATED IN THE TEACHING CONTRACT, TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DEVELOP RELATED PLANS FOR IMPLEMENTING THESE PROVISIONS, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND TO MAKE THESE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE BEGINNING WITH TEACHING CONTRACTS ISSUED FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR.

Non-teaching duties of public school educators

Jeff ZellRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 54-3-10, RELATING TO THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP, SO AS TO ADD THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER AND TO PERMIT EX OFFICIO MEMBERS TO ATTEND EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 54-3-20, RELATING TO THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP, SO AS TO EXCLUDE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION FROM APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 54-3-60, RELATING TO THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO EXCLUDE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-31-20, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SO AS TO ADD THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER.

Retirement System Investment Commission- ex officio board member

Sean M. BennettRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AMEND SECTIONS 1 AND 2 OF ARTICLE X, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, BOTH RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY DETERMINE BY LAW THE CLASSIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT RATIOS OF SUCH PROPERTY.

Constitutional amendment

Sean M. BennettRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 62-1-113 SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR THE TERM "TRUST BUSINESS.

Trust Business

Stephen L. GoldfinchRepublican