Bills & Legislation

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "FORMING OPEN AND ROBUST UNIVERSITY MINDS (FORUM) ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 148 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE MEASURES TO PROTECT EXPRESSIONS BY STUDENTS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS IN CERTAIN PLACES ON THE CAMPUSES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, AND TO PROVIDE MEANS OF REDRESS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

FORUM Act of 2026

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE NEWBERRY COLLEGE WOMEN'S FIELD HOCKEY TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO HONOR THEM FOR FINISHING AS NATIONAL RUNNER UP IN THE NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL TOURNAMENT.

Newberry College Women's Field Hockey

Ronnie W. CromerRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 2025 AND 2026 SESSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

House Rules

G. Murrell Smith, Jr.Republican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO PROHIBIT SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM REQUIRING TEACHERS TO ASSIGN A MINIMUM GRADE OR SCORE THAT EXCEEDS THE STUDENT'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE.

Public school grading

Fawn M. PedalinoRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-440, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE AND MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Increased Penalties for Driving Without a License

Sean M. BennettRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-3-25 SO AS TO DELINEATE ACTIONS THAT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN AND SPECIFY EXCLUSIONS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 40-3-5; 40-3-10; 40-3-20; 40-3-30; 40-3-80; 40-3-110; 40-3-115; 40-3-130; 40-3-140; 40-3-150; 40-3-200; 40-3-230; 40-3-240; 40-3-250; 40-3-260; 40-3-270; 40-3-280; 40-3-290; 40-3-300; 40-3-310; AND 40-3-320, ALL RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF ARCHITECTS, SO AS TO INCORPORATE PROVISIONS SIMILARLY REGULATING REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNERS; AND BY REDESIGNATING CHAPTER 3, TITLE 40, AS "ARCHITECTS AND REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNERS.

Interior Designers

Carla SchuesslerRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RULE 5.

House Rules, immediate consideration and questions during debate

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC EXPLOSION OF THE CHALLENGER SPACE SHUTTLE, AND TO REMEMBER THE ANNUAL DESIGNATION OF OCTOBER 21 AS "RONALD MCNAIR DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Challenger explosion

Roger K. KirbyDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTIONS 63-7-2630 AND 63-9-765 SO AS TO REQUIRE FAMILY COURTS TO CONSIDER THE APPROPRIATENESS OF NO-CONTACT ORDERS OR SUPERVISED-CONTACT ORDERS WHEN TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS OR FINALIZING ADOPTIONS; TO AUTHORIZE THESE ORDERS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Child Welfare

Carla SchuesslerRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SHARON B.

bench dedication to Sharon Brown Harriott for her leadership and service.

Christopher R. "Chris" HartDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, AND THE ENTIRE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SYSTEM, FOR ITS MANY AND SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND CIVIC LIFE OF OUR CITIZENS AND TO DECLARE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026, "CAROLINA DAY-225 YEARS OF SERVICE" AT THE STATE HOUSE.

Carolina Day

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE CADETS AND COACH OF THE LOWER RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL ARMY JROTC DRILL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR THEIR MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR.

Lower Richland JROTC

Robert T. ReeseDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY WITH THE TEAM COACHES, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED FOR CAPTURING THE 2025 NATIONAL HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES' CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

SC State football team Privilege of the Floor

Gilda Cobb-HunterDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BRIAN HUCKS, VARSITY HEAD BASEBALL COACH AT LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON BEING INDUCTED INTO THE SOUTH CAROLINA BASEBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME, CLASS OF 2025.

Brian Hucks, SCBCA 2025 Hall of Fame inductee

Paula Rawl CalhoonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE GAIL GINGREY UPON THE OCCASION OF HER FIFTY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS A REALTOR IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

Retirement Gail Gingrey

Charles V. HartzRepublican

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

Rev. Dr. Lillie Burgess sympathy

Christopher R. "Chris" HartDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND LEONARDO DRS FOR ITS SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA, ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL DEFENSE, AND ITS SUPPORT OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY'S SHIPBUILDING AND SUBMARINE PROGRAMS.

Leonardo DRS Charleston Naval Facility

Carl L. AndersonDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA FOSTERING FUTURES ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 111, TITLE 59, SO AS TO REQUIRE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO WAIVE TUITION AND FEES FOR CERTAIN CURRENT AND FORMER FOSTER YOUTH; TO PROVIDE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND LIMITS; AND TO REQUIRE INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AND REPORTING.

South Carolina Fostering Futures Act

Carla SchuesslerRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF EBONY F.

Ebony F. Bowers, sympathy

Paula Rawl CalhoonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-17-410, RELATING TO EMERGENCY ADMISSIONS OF INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS WHO POSE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS, SO AS TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ADMISSION AND COMMITMENT PROCESS, TO ENSURE THAT THE TREATING FACILITY HAS A COMPLETE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THESE PATIENTS, INCLUDING PRIOR HOSPITALIZATIONS, TO SPECIFY INFORMATION THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN REPORTS OF DESIGNATED EXAMINERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-17-580, RELATING TO INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE COURT-ORDERED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT, SO AS TO ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL OR RULE TO SHOW CAUSE HEARINGS TO ADDRESS NONCOMPLIANCE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 44-12-70 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO MAINTAIN AN INTEGRATED DATABASE WITH COMPLETE MEDICAL RECORDS OF PATIENTS SERVED AT DEPARTMENT FACILITIES, A REGISTRY OF ORDERS OF TREATMENT, AND AN INVENTORY OF AVAILABLE FACILITY BEDS AND WAITLISTS.

Mental Illness

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS OVER THE AGE OF SEVENTY.

Property Tax Exemption

Donald G. "Don" ChapmanRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR ONE PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLE FOR INDIVIDUALS OVER SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE.

Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption

Donald G. "Don" ChapmanRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE POWDERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM ON AN IMPRESSIVE SEASON AND TO CELEBRATE THE PATRIOTS' CAPTURE OF THE 2024-2025 CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Powdersville HS boys soccer champs

Thomas BeachRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 53-1-20, RELATING TO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES EXEMPT FROM THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY PUBLIC SPORTS, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO CAMPUS EVENTS AND LAND USE APPROVAL, TO PROVIDE THAT NO COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY MAY PROHIBIT, RESTRICT, CONDITION, DELAY, OR REQUIRE LAND USE APPROVAL FOR EVENTS HELD ON THE CAMPUS OF A STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING BASED ON ZONING ORDINANCES OR LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS, AND TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF GENERALLY APPLICABLE SAFETY LAWS.

University Campus Events Zoning

Thomas F. "Tom" Hartnett, Jr.Republican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE MEMBERS OF THE CHESTERFIELD DIXIE YOUTH 8U SOFTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AS 2025 STATE CHAMPIONS, TO SALUTE THEM FOR REPRESENTING WELL THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT THE 2025 SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES IN LOUISIANA, AND TO COMMEND THESE FINE YOUNG ATHLETES FOR THEIR HARD WORK, DEDICATION, SPORTSMANSHIP, AND EXCEPTIONAL TALENT.

Chesterfield Dixie Youth 8U softball champs

Richard L. "Richie" YowRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR SHEILA ROBERTS, FORMER ACCOUNTING AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER FOR LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY, ON THE OCCASION OF HER RECENT RETIREMENT, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HER NEARLY THREE DECADES OF DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

Sheila Roberts, retirement

Cody T. MitchellRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 25-11-730 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS SHALL ADOPT CRITERIA FOR ADMISSIONS TO AND DISCHARGES FROM SOUTH CAROLINA VETERANS HOMES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF SUCH CRITERIA.

Veterans' homes

Wendell K. JonesDemocrat

A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AMERICAN REVOLUTION-ERA POET PHILLIS WHEATLEY AND TO RECOGNIZE JANUARY 29, 2026, AS THE OFFICIAL DATE ON WHICH THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE WILL ISSUE A STAMP COMMEMORATING HER ENDURING LITERARY LEGACY.

Observance of USPS release of Poet Phillis Wheatley Stamp January 29, 2026

Darrell JacksonDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO DECLARE MARCH 25, 2026, AS "OMEGA DAY AT THE SOUTH CAROLINA CAPITOL," TO CONGRATULATE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Day

Hamilton R. GrantDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR ALEX PRETTI AND HIS COMMITMENT TO CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND CIVIC VALUES, TO CONDEMN HIS MURDER BY FEDERAL AGENTS, AND TO CALL ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO HOLD TO ACCOUNT THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF UNITED STATES CITIZENS.

Alex Pretti

Heather BauerDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR NATHANIEL A.

Nathaniel A. Barber

Hamilton R. GrantDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ARMY MASTER SERGEANT (RET.

Alfonso Boyd, award

Hamilton R. GrantDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE STUDENTS AND TEACHER COACHES FROM RIVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE WE THE PEOPLE COMPETITION AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA WE THE PEOPLE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

River Bluff High We the People Champs

Chris WootenRepublican

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR PEARL TODD BOYD OF LORIS, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS, AND TO APPLAUD HER BEING NAMED HORRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE'S 2026 LADY OF THE YEAR.

Ms. Pearl Boyd - Horry Electric's Lady of the Year 2026

Kevin HardeeRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE FIRST SERGEANT (RET.

Alvin King

Hamilton R. GrantDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-116-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ADDITIONAL INCOME EARNED BY A CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER IS EXEMPT FROM THE DUAL EMPLOYMENT LIMITATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Campus police officer dual employment

Seth RoseDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR (RET.

Robert Clark- Veteran of the Year

Hamilton R. GrantDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 60-2-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PUBLIC EVICTION NOTICES THAT DID NOT RESULT IN AN ORDER OF EVICTION OR WRIT OF EJECTMENT BE REMOVED FROM THE PUBLIC INDEX IF AN ORDER OF EVICTION OR WRIT OF EJECTMENT WAS NOT FILED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT RESOLVED EVICTION FILINGS AND RECORDS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PUBLIC INDEX SIX YEARS AFTER THE FINAL DISPOSITION.

Removal of Certain Public Records

Ed SuttonDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CLINT AND ERIN HENDERSON, FOUNDERS OF COLE'S VICTORY LAP, FOR THEIR COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP AND FIVE YEARS OF IMPACTFUL SERVICE TO CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES.

Cole's Victory Lap

Tom DavisRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND APPLAUD THE GREEN SEA FLOYDS HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM ON CAPTURING THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO CONGRATULATE THESE ATHLETES AND THEIR COACHES ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON.

Green Sea Floyd Boys Cross Country

Lucas AtkinsonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND SUPPORT "INTRODUCE A GIRL TO ENGINEERING DAY"; TO ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, ENGINEERS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS ACROSS THE STATE; AND TO DECLARE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026, AS "INTRODUCE A GIRL TO ENGINEERING DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Carla SchuesslerRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "CHILD RAPIST DEATH PENALTY ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-655, RELATING TO CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEATH PENALTY SHALL BE ENFORCED UNDER THIS SECTION NOTWITHSTANDING PREVIOUS DECISIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES.

Child Rapist Death Penalty Act

Jordan S. PaceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-58-50, RELATING TO REGULATION OF A QUALIFIED LOAN ORIGINATOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR EXPERIENCED QUALIFIED LOAN ORIGINATORS.

Qualified Loan Originator

Jason ElliottRepublican

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

Rev. Dr. Elijah Washington-sympathy

Michael F. Rivers, Sr.Democrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SKILLSUSA FOR ITS EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT AMERICA HAS A SKILLED WORKFORCE.

SkillsUSA

David R. HiottRepublican

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED DESIGN AND LOCATION FOR THE ROBERT SMALLS MONUMENT, AS REQUIRED BY ACT 183 OF 2024, WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE.

Robert Smalls Monument

Brandon L. CoxRepublican

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY VETERANS HALL OF FAME.

South Carolina Military Veterans Hall of Fame

Tom Young, Jr.Republican

A SENATE RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE ENGAGEMENT IN ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE PEACE, MINDFULNESS, SELF-CARE, INTEGRATIVE THERAPY, AND COMPASSIONATE LIVING AND TO DECLARE APRIL 14, 2026, AS "PEACE MEDITATION, MINDFUL WELLNESS, AND WORLD OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DAY" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Peace Meditation, Mindful Wellness, and World Occupational Therapy Day

Tameika Isaac DevineDemocrat

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS SYMPATHY FOR THE LOSS OF MR.

Roy C. Henderson Memorial Street

Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers, Ph.D.Democrat

A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE BRANDY "BEASY BAYBIE" HENSHAW ON HER EXCEPTIONAL RADIO HOST CAREER AND HER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO COUNTLESS COMMUNITIES ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA.

Brandy "Beasy Baybie" Henshaw

Tameika Isaac DevineDemocrat