Bills & Legislation

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-80-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES THROUGH WHICH A FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT ASSUMES THE COST OF TRAINING A FIREFIGHTER MAY BE REIMBURSED FOR THESE COSTS BY OTHER FIRE DEPARTMENTS THAT SUBSEQUENTLY HIRE THE FIREFIGHTER WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME.

Firefighter training reimbursement

Steven Wayne LongRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 26-1-100, RELATING TO FEES FOR NOTARIAL ACTS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FEES THAT NOTARIES MAY CHARGE FOR NOTARIAL ACTS TO TEN DOLLARS.

Notary fees

Thomas R. "Randy" LigonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "TRUMP CRIMINAL BACKGROUND RECORDS CHECK BAN ACT"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 41-1-35 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE REHABILITATION OF CRIMINAL OFFENDERS AND TO ASSIST THEM IN THE RESUMPTION OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP BY PROVIDING THAT NO PERSON MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, NOR MAY A PERSON BE DISQUALIFIED FROM PURSUING, PRACTICING, OR ENGAGING IN ANY OCCUPATION FOR WHICH A LICENSE IS REQUIRED SOLELY OR IN PART BECAUSE OF A PRIOR CONVICTION OF A CRIME, UNLESS THE CRIME FOR WHICH HE WAS CONVICTED DIRECTLY RELATES TO THE POSITION OF EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT OR THE OCCUPATION FOR WHICH THE LICENSE IS SOUGHT, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED DEFINITIONS, EXCEPTIONS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES.

Trump Criminal Background Records Check Ban Act

Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.Democrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-85 SO AS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC ACCESS TO SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS BY REQUIRING SCHOOL BOARDS TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES THAT PROVIDE LIVE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SUCH MEETINGS, TO EXTEND APPLICABILITY OF THESE PROVISIONS TO THE GOVERNING BODIES OF CHARTER SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS, TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION; AND TO PROVIDE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT MUST BE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE JULY 1, 2027.

School board meeting transparency

Shannon S. EricksonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION INITIATIVE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS THROUGH THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION PLAN AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFERS AT LEAST ONE COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE THAT MEETS CERTAIN CRITERIA, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Computer Science Education Initiative Act

Sylleste H. DavisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-26-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE AFTER JULY 1, 2027, A PERSON WHO RECEIVES, RENEWS, OR MAINTAINS ANY EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE AUTHORIZED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND ISSUED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL HOLD A MASTER'S DEGREE THAT MEETS DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS APPROPRIATE TO HIS TEACHING FIELD AND LEVEL, TO PROVIDE THE BOARD MAY NOT AUTHORIZE, AND THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT AWARD, AN EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE TO A PERSON WHO DOES NOT HOLD SUCH A MASTER'S DEGREE, AND TO PROVIDE SCHOOL DISTRICTS MAY NOT EMPLOY A TEACHER WHO DOES NOT HOLD SUCH A MASTER'S DEGREE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-3-10, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT, COMPENSATION, AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE A CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION SHALL MEET REQUIRED STATUTORY ACADEMIC AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THAT OFFICE, INCLUDING HAVING BEEN AWARDED THE RELEVANT MASTER'S DEGREE, PRIOR TO FILING FOR CANDIDACY OR THE FILING IS RENDERED VOID AND THE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE MAY NOT APPEAR ON ANY PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT FOR THE OFFICE OF STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION IN THE ELECTION FOR WHICH THE FILING WAS MADE.

Teacher and State Superintendent of Education credentials

Neal A. CollinsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-200 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN LOCAL PLANNING AND PERMITTING ENTITIES SHALL REVIEW AND RENDER DECISIONS ON APPLICATIONS FOR BUILDING PERMITS, CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY, ZONING VARIANCES AND APPEALS, OR OTHER LICENSES WITHIN FORTY-FIVE CALENDAR DAYS AFTER SUBMISSION OR THE APPLICATION MUST BE DEEMED APPROVED, AND TO PROVIDE REMEDIES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Local government permit application reviews

James Mikell "Mike" BurnsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 41-8-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTITIES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE COPIES OF E-VERIFY DOCUMENTATION MAINTAINED BY EMPLOYERS, TO PROVIDE EMPLOYERS SHALL PROVIDE SUCH COPIES UPON REQUEST, AND TO PROVIDE SUCH REQUESTING PARTIES SHALL RELY ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO VERIFY THE EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY OF AN EMPLOYEE AND MAY NOT INDEPENDENTLY MAKE A FINAL DETERMINATION REGARDING SUCH A VERIFICATION.

E-Verify documentation

Thomas BeachRepublican

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 ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 59, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SERVICE YEAR PROGRAM" IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE PROGRAM, TO ESTABLISH THE OFFICE OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION IN THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AND TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE, TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SERVICE YEAR PROGRAM FUND" AND TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSES OF THE FUND, TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PRIVACY AND RELATED MEASURES.

South Carolina Service Year Act

Kambrell H. GarvinDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO REQUIRE ONE UNIT OF INSTRUCTION IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING BE OFFERED IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-260 SO AS TO REQUIRE ONE UNIT OF INSTRUCTION IN HARBOR PILOTAGE BE OFFERED IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS; AND TO PROVIDE THE INSTRUCTION PROVIDED IN THIS ACT MUST BE OFFERED BEGINNING WITH THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR.

Advanced manufacturing and pilotage instruction

Wendell G. GilliardDemocrat

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE "WEAPONS DETECTORS IN SCHOOLS STUDY COMMITTEE" TO EVALUATE WHETHER IT IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF WEAPONS DETECTORS AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE.

Weapons Detectors in Schools Study Committee

Wendell G. GilliardDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-116-10; SECTION 59-116-20; SECTION 59-116-30; SECTION 59-116-80; AND SECTION 59-116-120, ALL RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND CONDUCT OF CAMPUS SECURITY DEPARTMENTS BY PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS, THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOR AGRICULTURE AT JOHN DE LA HOWE, AND THE GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOR ARTS AND HUMANITIES AMONG THE INSTITUTIONS THAT MAY ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN SUCH CAMPUS SECURITY DEPARTMENTS.

Campus security

Patrick B. HaddonRepublican

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 REPEALING SECTION 59-104-250 RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT TECHNICAL COLLEGE LIBRARIES CONVERT TO COMPUTER-BASED AUTOMATED SYSTEMS COMPATIBLE WITH STATE LIBRARY SYSTEMS.

State library compatibility requirements

Timothy A. "Tim" McGinnisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-1-460, RELATING TO OPTIONAL EXCUSED SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICIES FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION, SO AS TO MANDATE THAT DISTRICTS ADOPT POLICIES AUTHORIZING STUDENTS UNDER THEIR JURISDICTION TO BE EXCUSED FROM SCHOOL FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION, TO ALLOW FOR THE PAYMENT OF RELATED DE MINIMIS ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS WITH PUBLIC FUNDS, AND TO REVISE THE PROHIBITION ON RELEASING STUDENTS FROM CORE SUBJECT CLASSES TO INSTEAD ONLY PROHIBIT THEIR RELEASE FROM CORE ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION IN ENGLISH, MATH, AND SCIENCE.

Excused school attendance for religious instruction

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 42-9-50 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A FIRST RESPONDER TO FILE A WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIM FOR A STRESS OR MENTAL INJURY UNACCOMPANIED BY A PHYSICAL INJURY.

Workers compensation for first responders

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-9-65, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF CONSTRUCTION OR IMPROVEMENTS OF FARM STRUCTURES, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN CONVERTED FARM STRUCTURES USED FOR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE EVENTS.

Farm structures

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT PHYSICAL PRIVACY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 23, TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE VARIOUS MEASURES TO PROMOTE AND ENSURE PRIVACY AMONG SEXES USING CERTAIN RESTROOMS AND CHANGING FACILITIES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Student physical privacy

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-444 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM ON MEDIA LITERACY AND CRITICAL THINKING INSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Pilot Program

Seth RoseDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-32-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM TEAMS SHALL CONSIDER THE NEED FOR AGE-APPROPRIATE AND DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION FOR THE SUBJECTS TAUGHT UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM WHEN DEVELOPING INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, TO PROVIDE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH GUIDELINES FOR TEAMS TO USE WHEN CARRYING OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS OF SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARDS AND SCHOOLS.

Individualized education programs

Seth RoseDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-75-70 SO AS TO PREVENT AN INSURER FROM DENYING A CLAIM ARISING FROM A LEAK UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Insurance

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-77-140, RELATING TO BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE LIMITS, SO AS TO REQUIRE ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR LIMITS FOR BODILY INJURY RESULTING IN DEATH.

Bodily injury and property damage limits

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 4-1-190 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION MAY, BY THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION, APPOINT THE MEMBERS OF A COUNTY RECREATION COMMISSION THAT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF HOME RULE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERS OF A COUNTY RECREATION COMMISSION WHO THE COUNTY DELEGATION APPOINTS PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION AND MAY BE REMOVED AT ANY TIME BY THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION.

Local government

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-15-220, RELATING TO DENTAL SPECIALTIES RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION FOR WHICH SPECIAL LICENSURE BY THE BOARD OF DENTISTRY IS REQUIRED, SO AS TO INCLUDE DENTAL SPECIALTIES RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF DENTAL SPECIALTIES SUBJECT TO THESE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-15-250, RELATING TO THE GRANTING OF DENTAL SPECIALTY LICENSES WITHOUT BOARD EXAMINATION TO DIPLOMATES OF CERTAIN NATIONAL CERTIFYING BOARDS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE AMERICAN BOARD OF DENTAL SPECIALTIES AMONG SUCH NATIONAL CERTIFYING BOARDS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-15-260, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF DENTAL SPECIALTY LICENSES TO APPLICANTS WHO COMPLY WITH EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE COMPLIANCE WITH EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF DENTAL SPECIALTIES AS AN ALTERNATIVE.

Dental specialties needing special licensure

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-440 SO AS TO PROVIDE A STUDENT MUST BE EXEMPT FROM PAYING OUT-OF-STATE TUITION AT A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND MUST BE ELIGIBLE FOR CERTAIN STATE-SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIPS AND TUITION ASSISTANCE IF HE ATTENDED A HIGH SCHOOL IN THIS STATE FOR THREE OR MORE YEARS, GRADUATED FROM A HIGH SCHOOL IN THE STATE OR RECEIVED THE EQUIVALENT OF A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IN THIS STATE, REGISTERS AS AN ENTERING STUDENT OR IS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION NO EARLIER THAN THE FALL SEMESTER OF THE 2026-2027 ACADEMIC YEAR, AND, IF LACKING LAWFUL IMMIGRATION STATUS, FILES AN AFFIDAVIT WITH THE INSTITUTION STATING HE HAS FILED AN APPLICATION TO LEGALIZE HIS IMMIGRATION OR WILL FILE AN APPLICATION WHEN ELIGIBLE; TO PROVIDE A STUDENT WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A STATE-SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIP OR TUITION ASSISTANCE UNDER THIS ACT ALSO MUST MEET OTHER QUALIFICATIONS OF THE STATE-SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIP OR TUITION ASSISTANCE TO RECEIVE THE SCHOLARSHIP OR TUITION ASSISTANCE; TO PROVIDE STUDENT INFORMATION OBTAINED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT MUST BE CONFIDENTIAL; AND TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT.

In-State college tuition rates

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "BAN THE BOX ACT" 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

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 41-1-140 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE THAT A NONPROFIT CORPORATION WITH AN ANNUAL GROSS REVENUE EXCEEDING ONE BILLION DOLLARS HAS WITH CURRENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES IS NULL, VOID, AND UNENFORCEABLE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT NO SUCH COVENANT MAY BE ENTERED INTO WITH FUTURE EMPLOYEES.

Noncompete covenants

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-150-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE LOTTERY COMMISSION LAWFULLY MAY OWN, MARKET, AND REGULATE CERTAIN CASH DEPOSIT-ACTIVATED GAMES OF SKILL MACHINES THAT SKILLED PLAYERS MAY PLAY TO EARN PRIZES; TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION SHALL MAINTAIN OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF THESE GAMES OF SKILL MACHINES; AND TO PROVIDE PERSONS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER LAWFULLY MAY PLAY THESE MACHINES AND ESTABLISHMENTS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION LAWFULLY MAY POSSESS THE MACHINES.

Lottery Commission

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-5-20, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE SUPREME COURT TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF LAW AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BAR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SUPREME COURT MAY PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS DEFINING AND REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF LAW SUBJECT TO STATUTORY LAW AND DETERMINING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICE OF LAW AND THE LICENSURE OF ATTORNEYS IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PROVISION OF LAW OR RULE THAT REQUIRES AN ATTORNEY TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BAR IS SUPERSEDED AND OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT, AND TO DELETE INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE BAR; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-5-310, RELATING TO PRACTICING LAW OR SOLICITING THE LEGAL CAUSE OF ANOTHER WITHOUT BEING ENROLLED AS A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BAR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY PRACTICE LAW UNLESS HE IS LICENSED BY THE SUPREME COURT, AND TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON BE A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BAR.

Requirements for practicing law

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 24-13-40, RELATING TO THE COMPUTATION OF TIME SERVED BY PRISONERS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT ALLOWS PRISONERS TO USE TIME SPENT UNDER MONITORED HOUSE ARREST AGAINST THEIR SENTENCE WHEN COMPUTING TIME SERVED BY PRISONERS.

Credit for time served

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 23 TO TITLE 47 SO AS TO CREATE THE "SOUTH CAROLINA EQUINE PROMOTION ACT," TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO ESTABLISH THE EQUINE PROMOTION BOARD, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD AND THE TERMS OF THE BOARD MEMBERS, TO IMPOSE AN ASSESSMENT ON ALL COMMERCIAL FEED AND CUSTOM BLENDS LABELED FOR EQUINE USE, TO PROVIDE HOW THE FUNDS MAY BE USED TO PROMOTE THE EQUINE INDUSTRY IN SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO REQUIRE AN ANNUAL AUDIT OF THE EQUINE PROMOTION FUND.

SC Equine Promotion Act

Dennis C. MossRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 24-21-950, RELATING TO GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR PARDON SO AS TO MAKE GRAMMATICAL AND TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT REQUIRES INMATES BE CONSIDERED FOR PARDONS BEFORE PAROLE ELIGIBILITY DATES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Pardon eligibility guidelines

John R. McCravy IIIRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 18 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 23 SO AS TO CREATE THE "FALLEN FIRST RESPONDER SURVIVOR ADVOCATE" POSITION WITHIN THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION AND TO PROVIDE ITS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Fallen First Responders

John R. McCravy IIIRepublican

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 BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-23-420, RELATING TO POSSESSION OF FIREARMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY AND CONCEALED WEAPONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON HOLDERS OF CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS ON CARRYING FIREARMS ON POSTSECONDARY SCHOOL PROPERTIES, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-23-20, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF HANDGUNS AND EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE RESTRICTION PLACED ON THE CARRYING OF WEAPONS INTO COLLEGE ATHLETIC EVENTS.

CWP on college campuses

Steven Wayne LongRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-1538, RELATING TO EMERGENCY SCENE MANAGEMENT AND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL" TO INCLUDE TOW TRUCK OPERATORS.

Emergency scene management

Steven Wayne LongRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 17, TITLE 47 SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO ADVERTISE, OFFER FOR SALE, OR SELL PLANT-BASED MEAT PRODUCTS AS "MEAT," "CLEAN-MEAT," OR "MEAT-FOOD" PRODUCTS AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.

Plant-based and insect-based meats

John Gregory "Jay" KilmartinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-2937 SO AS TO PROVIDE PERSONS CONVICTED OF RECKLESS VEHICULAR HOMICIDE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR ANY OTHER DRUG OR COMBINATION OF DRUGS, OR CONVICTED OF RECKLESS VEHICULAR HOMICIDE AND HAD AT LEAST ONE PRIOR CONVICTION FOR DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL, ANY OTHER DRUG, OR A COMBINATION OF OTHER DRUGS OR SUBSTANCES, OR DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLES WITH AN UNLAWFUL ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION AND WHOSE VICTIMS WERE PARENTS OF MINOR CHILDREN, MUST PAY RESTITUTION IN THE FORM OF CHILD MAINTENANCE TO EACH OF THE VICTIMS' CHILDREN UNTIL EACH CHILD REACHES EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND HAS GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL; AND BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-118 SO AS TO PROVIDE PERSONS CONVICTED OF OPERATING MOVING WATER DEVICES WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS WHEN DEATH RESULTS, OR RECKLESS HOMICIDE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS AND WHOSE VICTIMS WERE PARENTS OF MINOR CHILDREN, MUST PAY RESTITUTION IN THE FORM OF CHILD MAINTENANCE TO EACH OF THE VICTIMS' CHILDREN UNTIL EACH CHILD REACHES EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND HAS GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL.

Driving and boating under the influence

Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.Democrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 23-1-240, RELATING TO BODY-WORN CAMERAS, SO AS TO PROVIDE PERSONS WHO ARE SUBJECTS IN DATA RECORDED BY BODY-WORN CAMERAS MAY REQUEST AND MUST RECEIVE RECORDED DATA WITHOUT PURSUING ACTIONS UNDER THE RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE OR CIVIL PROCEDURE, OR BY OBTAINING COURT ORDERS.

Requesting body-worn camera data

Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.Democrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 23-47-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "FIRST RESPONDER"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE 911 PROFESSIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS ARE ENTITLED TO CERTAIN BENEFITS.

Statewide telecommunications system

Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.Democrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-11-320, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF TAGS FOR HUNTING AND TAKING DEER AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE PERSONS MAY USE PRINTED COPIES OF TAGS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND MUST POSSESS TAGS WHEN TAGGING DEER BUT NOT WHILE HUNTING; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 50-11-544, RELATING TO WILD TURKEY TAGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE PERSONS MAY USE PRINTED COPIES OF TAGS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND MUST POSSESS TAGS WHEN TAGGING WILD TURKEY BUT NOT WHILE HUNTING.

Deer and wild turkey tags

Jeffrey E. "Jeff" JohnsonRepublican

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 ENACTING THE "CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 23-1-260 SO AS TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES MUST CHECK THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF PERSONS ARRESTED THROUGH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SYSTEMATIC ALIEN VERIFICATION FOR ENTITLEMENTS PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS MUST BE RECORDED IN THEIR CRIMINAL RECORDS, AND TO PROVIDE SLED MUST PROVIDE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY A REPORT CONTAINING THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED, CONVICTED, OR BOTH.

Immigration

Thomas BeachRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 34-3-120 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A BANK MAY NOT ALLOW A GOVERNMENTAL TAX COLLECTION AGENCY TO COLLECT CERTAIN CUSTOMER DATA.

Banking reporting requirements

James Mikell "Mike" BurnsRepublican

AN ACT TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.

SC Public Expression Protection Act

Wm. Weston J. NewtonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-1625 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY VOTING SYSTEM PURCHASED FOR USE IN SOUTH CAROLINA MUST UTILIZE HAND-MARKED PAPER BALLOTS THAT ARE COUNTED BY HAND.

Paper ballots

James Mikell "Mike" BurnsRepublican