Bills & Legislation

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-295 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS AND TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO THE FEDERAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR PURPOSES OF COST SHARING; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-2270 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS AND TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO THE FEDERAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR PURPOSES OF COST SHARING.

Cost sharing

Michael W. GambrellRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-81-40, RELATING TO RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES, SO AS TO REQUIRE AT LEAST NINETY DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE TO RESIDENTS IF A FACILITY PLANS TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE.

Long-Term Care Facilities

Russell L. OttDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-40, RELATING TO SAFE HAVENS FOR ABANDONED BABIES, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE USE OF NEWBORN SAFETY DEVICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Infant Safe Havens

Brian AdamsRepublican

A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE ORGANIZERS AND PARTICIPANTS OF THE INAUGURAL SOUTH CAROLINA RELIGIOUS LIBERTY CONFERENCE AND THEIR EFFORTS TO REINFORCE PRINCIPLES OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN THE PALMETTO STATE, TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY TO ANY AND ALL PEOPLE, AND TO DECLARE MARCH 1, 2025, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA, FIRST IN RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DAY" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

SC, "First in Religious Liberty Day"

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

H 3253

Wm. Weston J. NewtonRepublican

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 59-63-100, RELATING TO PRIVATE SCHOOL AND CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOL INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITED SITUATIONS IN WHICH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ATTEND A PRIVATE OR CHARTER SCHOOL MAY PARTICIPATE IN HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE SPORTS OFFERED AT PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.

Public school sports participation by private and charter school students

Brandon GuffeyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-485 SO AS TO PROVIDE ALL K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHALL RECORD ALL 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 BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-5, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION CREATION, APPOINTMENT, AND TERMS, SO AS TO REQUIRE ATTORNEY-LEGISLATORS WHO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION TO RECUSE THEMSELVES FROM THE VOTE AND SCREENING PROCESS OF JUDGES OR JUSTICES THEY APPEAR BEFORE OR HAVE APPEARED BEFORE IN THE PRECEDING FIVE-YEAR PERIOD; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-90, RELATING TO ELECTION OF JUDGES AND JUSTICES BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION, SO AS TO REQUIRE ATTORNEY-LEGISLATORS WHO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION TO RECUSE THEMSELVES FROM THE VOTE AND SCREENING PROCESS OF JUDGES OR JUSTICES THEY APPEAR BEFORE OR HAVE APPEARED BEFORE IN THE PRECEDING FIVE-YEAR PERIOD.

Judicial Elections, lawyer-legislators

William M. "Bill" ChumleyRepublican

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

H 3028

Bond release

William H. BaileyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-11-420, RELATING TO INTENT AND FINDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELATING TO THE ARTICLE COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS STAND YOUR GROUND, SO AS TO INCLUDE PLACES OF WORSHIP; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-11-430, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF STAND YOUR GROUND PROVISIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "PLACE OF WORSHIP"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-11-440, RELATING TO THE PRESUMPTION OF REASONABLE FEAR OF IMMINENT PERIL WHEN USING DEADLY FORCE AGAINST ANOTHER UNLAWFULLY ENTERING A RESIDENCE, OCCUPIED VEHICLE, OR PLACE OF BUSINESS, SO AS TO INCLUDE PLACES OF WORSHIP IN THE PURVIEW OF THE STATUTE.

Stand Your Ground, religious services

William M. "Bill" ChumleyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 58-31-205 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY TO JOINTLY OWN WITH DOMINION ENERGY SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.

Public Service Authority Construction Authorization

Jordan S. PaceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CLEAN AIR ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 48-1-110, RELATING IN PART TO UNLAWFUL DISCHARGES OF AIR CONTAMINANTS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE INTENTIONAL EMISSION OF ANY AIR CONTAMINANT WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO AFFECT TEMPERATURE, WEATHER, OR SUNLIGHT INTENSITY; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

South Carolina Clean Air Act

Thomas Lee GilreathRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-175 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING BODY OF A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY TO IMPOSE A ONE-TIME IMPACT FEE ON PRIVATE DEVELOPERS FOR EACH NEW RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL UNIT CONSTRUCTED BY THE DEVELOPER WITHIN THE COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FUNDS MAY BE USED ONLY TO FUND THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENTRIFICATION TRUST FUND, AND TO PROVIDE THAT DEVELOPERS WHO DEDICATE AT LEAST FIFTEEN PERCENT OF THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO LOW-INCOME HOUSING ARE EXEMPT FROM THE IMPACT FEE; BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-250 SO AS TO CREATE THE "SOUTH CAROLINA GENTRIFICATION TRUST FUND" TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR RELOCATION TO LOW-INCOME AND FIXED-INCOME INDIVIDUALS, CHURCHES, AND GROUPS ADVERSELY IMPACTED AND DISPLACED BY GENTRIFICATION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT EACH YEAR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE FIVE MILLION DOLLARS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-5060, RELATING TO VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY INDIVIDUALS BY MEANS OF THE INCOME TAX RETURN CHECK OFF, SO AS TO ADD THE "SOUTH CAROLINA GENTRIFICATION TRUST FUND.

Impact fee

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

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 37-29-110, RELATING TO PALMETTOPRIDE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SO AS TO ADD THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE, AS A TWELFTH MEMBER; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 37-29-130, RELATING TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS, AND THE RECEIPT AND EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS, BY PALMETTOPRIDE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PUBLIC FUNDS ALLOCATED TO PALMETTOPRIDE MUST FLOW THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

PalmettoPride

William M. "Bill" HixonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3440, RELATING TO THE TAX CREDIT FOR EMPLOYEE CHILDCARE PROGRAMS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM CREDIT AND TO ALLOW THE CREDIT TO BE APPLIED AGAINST OTHER TAXES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3595 SO AS TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT FOR INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS THAT ARE EMPLOYED FULL TIME AS A CHILDCARE DIRECTOR OR CHILDCARE STAFF PERSON.

Childcare

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

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-57-20, RELATING TO LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL ESTATE BROKERS, SALESPERSONS, AND PROPERTY MANAGERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RENTAL OR MANAGEMENT OF THREE OR MORE PROPERTIES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-57-240, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY OF THE CHAPTER REGULATING REAL ESTATE BROKERS, BROKERS-IN-CHARGE, ASSOCIATES, AND PROPERTY MANAGERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Rental property management licensure

Lee HewittRepublican

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

Sales tax exemption

Daniel B. "Danny" Verdin IIIRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 29 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS AND TO REQUIRE THE SC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION TO ADD DETAILED PLANS REGARDING HARDENING ALL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AGAINST ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES OR GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCES, TO REQUIRE ELECTRICAL UTILITY DISTRIBUTORS IN THIS STATE TO OFFER PROGRAMS TO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WHO CHOOSE TO RECEIVE ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE/GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE PROTECTION FROM THE UTILITY AND TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT PLANS THROUGH THE CUSTOMERS' MONTHLY BILLS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR GRANTS; AND TO ESTABLISH THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL MAKE CERTAIN APPROPRIATIONS.

Electromagnetic Pulse Protection

Kathy LandingRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ENACT THE "COMMISSION ON FISCAL RESTRAINT AND GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY"; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMISSION'S DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS; TO PRIORITIZE SPENDING CUTS AND ESTABLISH A DATE THAT THE SPENDING CUTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE GOVERNOR; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPORT ON THE COMMISSION'S OTHER DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS; AND TO SUNSET THE COMMISSION.

Government Efficiency

David R. HiottRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "COMMERCIAL FINANCING DISCLOSURE ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 81 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE TO WHICH COMMERCIAL FINANCING TRANSACTIONS THE PROVISIONS APPLY, TO PROVIDE FOR WRITTEN DISCLOSURES, TO PROVIDE FOR PROHIBITIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT.

Commercial Financing Disclosure

Tom DavisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-101-620, RELATING TO EDUCATIONAL FEE WAIVERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT HIGHER INSTITUTIONS MAY OFFER UP TO AN ADDITIONAL FOUR PERCENT OF EDUCATIONAL FEE WAIVERS.

Educational Fee Waivers

Darrell JacksonDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 20-3-132 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE USE OF CERTAIN SPOUSAL BENEFIT PAYMENTS TO OFFSET ALIMONY OWED BY THE PAYOR SPOUSE.

Alimony

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-4160, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS ON CERTAIN DAYS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES MAY AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS ON SUNDAYS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Liquor Sales

Marvin "Mark" SmithRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 20 TO CHAPTER 53, TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF THE SALE OF KRATOM PRODUCTS BY RETAILERS AND PROCESSORS AND TO CREATE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ARTICLE.

South Carolina Kratom Consumer Protection Act

Donald G. "Don" ChapmanRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "UNIVERSITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND INCENTIVE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-163 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA BY PROVIDING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES AND ESTABLISHING A TRANSPARENT APPROVAL PROCESS.

University Housing Development and Incentive Act

Wendell K. JonesDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-1-320, RELATING TO THE LIMITATION ON MILLAGE INCREASES SO AS TO ALLOW THE GOVERNING BODY OF A RURAL COUNTY TO SUSPEND THE LIMITATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING A FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT.

Millage increases

Cody T. MitchellRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 57-11-30 SO AS TO CREDIT CERTAIN FINES AND FEES TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND WITHOUT ANY REDUCTIONS FOR TRANSFERS TO THE STATE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK; AND BY REPEALING CHAPTER 43 OF TITLE 11 RELATING TO THE STATE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK.

Transportation Infrastructure Bank

John Gregory "Jay" KilmartinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-29-10, RELATING TO REPORTABLE DISEASES AND CONDITIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE ALPHA-GAL SYNDROME TO BE REPORTED.

Reportable Diseases and Conditions

Thomas F. "Tom" Hartnett, Jr.Republican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY AND RESILIENCE ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 39 TO TITLE 6 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE FOR APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION, TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR ASSESSING AND COLLECTING LIENS, TO PROVIDE FINANCING, AND TO DEVELOP STANDARDS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Programs (C-PACE)

Beth E. BernsteinDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION, AND TO PROHIBIT AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO THE CATEGORIZATION OF FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO ADD DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE.

Drug-induced homicide

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 2 TO CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 SO AS TO REQUIRE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS BEFORE ANY SALE, EXCHANGE, OR TRANSFER OF FIREARMS IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE BACKGROUND CHECKS; TO REQUIRE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS AT GUN SHOWS AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE BACKGROUND CHECKS; AND TO EXEMPT RECORDS KEPT FROM DISCLOSURE AS PUBLIC RECORDS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ARTICLE.

Firearms Criminal Background Checks

JA MooreDemocrat

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 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 22-5-940 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE OF ONE MAGISTRATE'S LEVEL OFFENSE WITH THE CONSENT OF THE PROSECUTOR OR PROSECUTING OFFICER.

Conditional discharge, magistrate level offenses

Seth RoseDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "BOOSTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL STARTUPS (BOSS) ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-532 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX FOR CERTAIN SMALL BUSINESSES.

Boosting Opportunities for Small Startups Act

David MartinRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE A SALES TAX EXEMPTION DURING THE MONTH OF JULY 2025 FOR HANDGUNS, RIFLES, SHOTGUNS, AND AMMUNITION.

Sales Tax Holiday

John Gregory "Jay" KilmartinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "EXPANDING PHYSICIAN ACCESS ACT OF 2025" AND BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-39 SO AS TO REMOVE BARRIERS THAT PREVENT HIGH-QUALITY, INTERNATIONALLY LICENSED PHYSICIANS FROM FILLING VACANCIES IN THIS STATE BY ELIMINATING UNNECESSARY TRAINING DUPLICATION WHILE MAINTAINING CARE STANDARDS AND OTHER LICENSURE AND PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS, TO EMPOWER THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS TO CONTINUE PERFORMING ITS ROLE TO ENSURE ALL INTERNATIONALLY LICENSED PHYSICIAN APPLICANTS HAVE THE REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES RELATED TO THE ISSUANCE AND REVOCATION OF PROVISIONAL LICENSES AND REGULAR LICENSES TO INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIANS SPONSORED BY HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND CERTAIN OTHER INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIANS.

Expanding Physician Access Act of 2025

Tom DavisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-11-720, RELATING TO ENTITIES WHOSE EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR STATE HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS, SO AS TO INCLUDE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS.

School board members

Darrell JacksonDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-42-40 SO AS TO ENABLE CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE SERVICES USING TELEHEALTH TO CLIENTS IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH PROVIDERS, TO PROVIDE A NECESSARY DEFINITION, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED DUTIES ON LICENSING BOARDS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-37, RELATING TO ENABLING CERTAIN PHYSICIANS TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE SERVICES USING TELEHEALTH TO CLIENTS IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH PHYSICIANS, TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED DUTIES OF THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS.

Telemedicine and telehealth

Tom DavisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CLEAN AIR ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 48-1-110, RELATING IN PART TO UNLAWFUL DISCHARGES OF AIR CONTAMINANTS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE INTENTIONAL EMISSION OF ANY AIR CONTAMINANT WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO AFFECT TEMPERATURE, WEATHER, OR SUNLIGHT INTENSITY; TO ESTABLISH CRIMINAL PENALTIES; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

South Carolina Clean Air Act

Thomas Lee GilreathRepublican

A BILL TO PROHIBIT NEW DEFERRED PRESENTMENT LICENSES FROM BEING ISSUED; TO PROVIDE THAT NEW DEFERRED PRESENTMENT LOANS AND LOAN RENEWALS MAY NOT BE MADE AFTER JUNE 30, 2025; TO PROVIDE THAT OUTSTANDING LOANS AFTER JUNE 30, 2025 MAY BE SERVICED UNDER A PAYMENT PLAN; TO PROVIDE THAT EXISTING DEFERRED-PRESENTMENT LICENSEES MAY TRANSITION WITHIN THE NATIONWIDE MULTISTATE LICENSING SYSTEM WITHOUT COST FROM BEING LICENSED AS A DEFERRED PRESENTMENT PROVIDER TO BEING LICENSED AS A SUPERVISED LENDER FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE EXISTING LICENSING PERIOD; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 39 OF TITLE 34.

Payday Loans

Ronnie W. CromerRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 27-1-80 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN COMPANIES OWNED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA OR THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY MAY NOT OWN, LEASE, POSSESS, OR EXERCISE ANY CONTROL OVER ANY LAND OR REAL ESTATE LOCATED WITHIN FIFTY MILES OF A STATE OR FEDERAL MILITARY BASE OR INSTALLATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF INSTALLING OR ERECTING CERTAIN TOWERS.

Chinese Land Ownership Prohibition

Leon D. "Doug" GilliamRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-410 SO AS TO REQUIRE AN INSURANCE POLICY COVERING A PERSON OPERATING A RENTED OR LEASED VEHICLE IS PRIMARY TO OTHER SOURCES OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND MUST BE EXHAUSTED BEFORE RECOVERING UNDER ANOTHER POLICY.

Automobile insurance

Joseph S. "Joe" WhiteRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 9-1-1085 AND 9-11-225, BOTH RELATING TO EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION RATES UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, RESPECTIVELY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN EMPLOYER, UP TO CERTAIN LIMITS, MAY ELECT TO PAY ALL OR A PORTION OF REQUIRED EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS DURING A FISCAL YEAR; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 9-1-10 AND 9-11-10, BOTH RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM DEFINITIONS AND TO THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM DEFINITIONS, RESPECTIVELY, SO AS TO PROVIDE WHAT IS NOT EARNABLE COMPENSATION AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN CONTRIBUTIONS PAID BY AN EMPLOYER ARE ACCUMULATED CONTRIBUTIONS OR AGGREGATE CONTRIBUTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 9-11-260, RELATING TO DEPOSIT OF ASSETS IN THE SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN AMOUNTS PAID BY THE EMPLOYER IN LIEU OF EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 9-1-1020, 9-1-1160, AND 9-11-210, ALL RELATING TO CONTRIBUTIONS OF MEMBERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EMPLOYER MAY PICK UP CERTAIN CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE AMOUNT DESIGNATED AS AN EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Employer and employee contribution rates under SCRS and PORS

Dennis C. MossRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1700, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS REGARDING HARASSMENT AND STALKING OFFENSES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PATTERN" TO INCLUDE INCIDENCES IN WHICH ONE ACT IS COMMITTED AGAINST ONE VICTIM AND ANOTHER ACT IS COMMITTED AGAINST ANOTHER VICTIM EQUALING TWO ACTS SIMILAR IN NATURE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1710, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR CONVICTIONS OF HARASSMENT IN THE SECOND DEGREE, BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1720, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR CONVICTIONS OF HARASSMENT IN THE FIRST DEGREE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1730, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR CONVICTIONS OF STALKING, ALL SO AS TO REMOVE THE TEN-YEAR RESTRICTION FOR PRIOR OFFENSES AND PROVIDE THAT PROVISIONS REGARDING RESTRAINING ORDERS APPLY NO MATTER THE VICTIM.

Harassment and Stalking

Chris WootenRepublican