The House adopted the Education Committee’s amendment recommendation and gave the bill third reading and sent the bill to the Senate. The Education Committee recommended a strike-and-replace amendment outlining several provisions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in state and quasi-state agencies, including public institutions of higher learning, school districts, charter schools, and other political subdivisions in South Carolina. This amendment would prohibit the creation of DEI-specific offices, prevent DEI statements, mandate that these entities cannot require or give preferential treatment based on DEI statements, prohibit preferential or differential treatment of individuals, and ensure that hiring and admissions processes do not discriminate based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics. It also ensures that each entity complies with the Equal Protection Clause and that no individual’s First Amendment rights are infringed upon. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing this act and can bring legal action if necessary. This act requires each entity to annually report by August 1st each year complaints and violations of this act to the South Carolina Department of Administration, including the resolution or status of the complaint. The DOA must then summarize and share this report with the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate by October 1st each year. This act contains whistleblower protections.

H. 3046 Identifiable Minors Sexual Exploitation

The House has sent the Senate, H. 3046. By defining "identifiable minors” and “morphed images,” this legislative effort would add these depictions into current state criminal laws covering sexual exploitation of minors.

They would also be added to the offense of criminally using morphed child images, including employing anyone under eighteen years old to appear in public in a state of sexually explicit nudity. It also would amend South Carolina’s Sexually Violent Predator Act and sex offender registration requirements to include this crime in its purview.

Depending on the nature of the offense committed, as either a Tier I or a Tier II crime, sentencing minimums and maximums would apply, and any registration requirements could be applied to be removed after 15 or 25 years elapse.

Law enforcement officials and prosecutors properly handling these materials in enforcement actions or prosecutions would be exempt from being charged with these crimes.

H. 3387 Ejectment of Unlawful Occupants of a Residential Dwelling

Also headed to the Senate for its consideration is H. 3387, a proposed new code section that would be known as the "Ejectment of Unlawful Occupants of a Residential Dwelling." It also would establish an alternative remedy to removing anyone unlawfully occupying a residential dwelling and establish a criminal offense of criminal mischief.

Dwelling owners, their agents, or personal representatives, with buildings not open to the public, occupied without permission by anyone who is not a former tenant or family member, that have not been leased within the past three months, when no litigation is pending, and without any authority to be there, could be removed. Violators face up to three years in jail or fines of up to $3,000. Restraining orders could also be obtained.

It also grants immunity from civil liability for authorized enforcement officials removing these unwanted interlopers. Dwelling owners also could seek reimbursement for any damages done to their dwellings, a $1,000 statutory award, and court costs. Appeal of any order to vacate the premises would not stay its effect, and an appellant can file an affidavit, on a form set out in this pending legislation, to pay rent to the owner during the pendency of any appeal to stay the execution of any ejectment order.

As amended during the House Floor debate, this legislation now extends its scope to recreational vehicle parks. Any guest in these parks who has illegal drugs, engages in disorderly conduct, damages the park or its facilities, violates posted rules, or fails to pay space rent fees, can be removed once owners show they have complied with all prerequisites to effect the removal of that park user and their recreational vehicle.

H. 3524 Victim Service Provider Certifications

The House has passed, and sent to the Senate, H. 3524. This proposal would require crime victim service providers to be certified. In addition, this bill would exclude mental health clinicians licensed in South Carolina from being considered victim service providers.

H. 3525 Crime Victim Advocacy Legal Updates

Also, in the Senate after passing the House this week is H. 3525, a proposal to clarify incidents necessitating victim advocate assisting survivors of domestic violence incidents. This bill makes updates to existing training and technical assistance to be provided by the Department of Crime Victim Compensation for municipalities and counties. It would modify crime victim fund provisions, conduct of a victim or intervenor contributing to infliction of injury, update references to the definition of "intervenor," remove references to spouse abuse to reference domestic violence instead, and make other modifications to better reflect current areas of responsibilities for these workers and changes in state agency operations. This Department would name three members to serve on its board. This pending legislation also would remove consent as an exception to the offense of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

H. 4011 DMV May Issue Temporary Driver Identification Certificates

H. 4011 provides that the DMV may issue temporary driver identification certificates. The bill was amended and ordered to third reading. The bill would delete the term "temporary driver's permit" and replace it with the term "temporary driving certificate.”

The bill would allow the DMV to collect an expedited fee for the accelerated production and mailing of beginners, permits drivers licenses and identification hard cards. This is in response to the DMV’s moved to a central issue method [fall 2025] for providing cards.

Also, the term "resident of South Carolina" shall expressly include all persons authorized by the United States Department of Justice, the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, or the United States Department of State to live, work, or study in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis who present documents indicating their intent to live, work, or study in South Carolina.” A driver's license or identification card issued pursuant to this item to a person who is not a lawful permanent resident of the United States shall expire on the later of: (1) the expiration date of the driver's license applicant's authorized period of stay in the United States; or (2) the expiration date of the applicant's employment authorization document provided the driver's license or identification card is valid for no more than eight years.

H. 4261 Blood Cancer Awareness Month

The House approved and sent the Senate H. 4261, a bill designating the month of September of each year as “Blood Cancer Awareness Month” to demonstrate the state’s commitment to the study, prevention, and eradication of blood cancers and encourage all South Carolinians to support patients and their families, as well as efforts to better understand and find cures for these diseases.

Committees

Education and Public Works

H. 3856 Comprehensive DMV changes and updates

H. 3856 relates to numerous issues regarding driver’s licenses and permits, including definitions related to veterans, rental trailers, blood type, medical information, dealer licenses, dealer and whole sellers plates, auction licenses and fees, revise the definition of the term “bus,” modifies driver instructor permits (regarding the expiration dates for the permits and provide a schedule of fees), and would modify the points system for evaluating performance records of dealers.

H. 3768 Transportation Improvement Projects

H. 3768 relates to highway system construction to change the sunset expiration provision regarding transportation improvement projects to July 1, 2031.

H. 3801 Repairs to Bridges, Highways, and Roads

H. 3801 relates to exemptions from the state procurement code, adding planning for repairs to bridges, highways, roads, and other improvements on South Carolina’s rights of way to the list of exemptions.

H. 3863 South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act

H. 3863 would enact the "South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act." The bill would establish the South Carolina Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Coalition (Coalition) by merging the existing South Carolina's Coalition for Mathematics & Science (SCCMS) and S2TEM Centers SC. The purpose of the coalition is to build public/private partnerships among state agencies, state funded entities, not for profits, private businesses, entities, organizations, and industries with the goal of building a technology-ready STEM workforce and ensuring South Carolina students are prepared for STEM career opportunities within this State. The bill would create a STEM Education Fund.

H. 3201 Computer Science Education Initiative Act

H. 3201 would enact the "South Carolina Computer Science Education Initiative Act" to provide for the expansion and enhancement of computer science education in public high schools. The bill seeks to create and implement a periodically reviewed statewide computer science education plan and requires that each public school offers at least one computer science course that meets certain criteria (beginning in elementary school) and to provide related requirements (creating certification pathways for teachers) of the State Board of Education and the State Department of Education. The House has repeatedly sent the Senate legislation since 2017.

H. 3578 Cursive Writing

H. 3578 relates to the requirement that cursive writing be taught in public elementary schools, so as to specify that the cursive writing instruction must begin in third grade and continue in each grade through fifth grade.

H. 3831 Smart Heart Act

H. 3831 would enact the "Smart Heart Act" and provide for the development and implementation of a cardiac emergency response plan in each public school. This would include the automated external defibrillator program in high schools - to provide that each public school would ensure the presence of an automated external defibrillator onsite and within certain proximity of school athletic venues (there are related testing, maintenance, and personnel training requirements).

Judiciary

The House Judiciary Committee met on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 and reported out seven bills:

H. 3058 Real or Fake Criminal Distribution of Intimate Images

A favorable report, with amendment, was given to H. 3058. It proposes new definitions for identifying violations of this proposed new criminal offense. In the current version of this bill, intentionally disseminating intimate images, or digitally created intimate images, without consent would constitute criminal activity. Penalties range from $5,000 and/or up to ten years in jail, and sentencing judges are provided factors –in addition to the number of the offense--to consider before imposing sentences.

H. 3285 Autism Spectrum Disorder Training

They gave a favorable report to H. 3285. Under this proposed bill, law enforcement officers and emergency medical technicians would have to complete training in autism spectrum disorders.

H. 3569 Domestic Violence Incident Survivors as Protected Tenants

A favorable report, with amendment, was also given to H. 3569. Domestic violence incident survivors could terminate their leases without penalty under this proposed legislation. They would have to show a documented qualifying incident within 60 days before ending their lease agreement obligations. As amended, landlords would be exempt from civil liability for exercising the procedures outlined in this proposed legislation.

H. 3924 Hemp-Derived Ingestibles

A favorable report, with several amendments, was also given to H. 3924. This bill proposes regulating the sale of hemp‑derived consumables at locations with valid off-premises beer and wine permit or a retail liquor store licenses. They could not be sold to anyone under 21 years old, and must have signage, shelf-talkers, and stickers on cooler doors, so as to clearly indicate to consumers the product contains hemp-derived cannabinoids. Also, everyone is still prohibited from consuming any of these edibles containing any controlled substances. Violators face from $200 to $500 in fines and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days for each infraction. Limited exceptions to these prohibitions are also contained in this bill.

H. 3930 Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act

They gave a favorable report to H. 3930. This proposed “Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act” would restrict any government entity—other than law enforcement conducting legitimate criminal investigations—from keeping records of privately-owned firearms. Violators would face penalties set out in this pending bill.

H. 4160 More Resident Circuit Judges

A favorable report, with amendment, was also given to H. 4160. This bill would convert existing at-large circuit judge seats into resident circuit court judge seats in the third, seventh, ninth, eleventh, and twelfth judicial circuits.

S. 126 Judges and Law Enforcement Officer Personal Contact Information Protections

They gave a favorable report to S. 126. This Senate bill is follow-up legislation to further clarify how active and retired judges and law enforcement officers could better protect their personal contact information by applying to have that done. It adds these individuals’ names and real estate tax parcel numbers to the information to privacy protections already covered by existing state law. Applications to protect a home address would have to be updated any time it changes, however. This bill requires South Carolina’s Office of Court Administration and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to work together to develop an appropriate form for processing these requests.

It also allows this information to be kept from publicly available internet websites and indices maintained by state or local governments. Nevertheless, this restricted personal contact information would still be in judges and law enforcement officials records held by state or local government agencies. If the information appears on a UCC filing statement or other business filing with the SC Secretary of State, it would not be protected by this pending legislation.

This information could be disclosed to personal representatives of a deceased eligible requesting party, title insurance providers, title insurance agents, professional engineers, as well as South Carolina licensed lawyers and land surveyors. It would protect state or local government employees or agents from legal liability for handling this information.

This bill also would delay implementation of it from July 1, 2025 [the effective date set in 2023 Act 56] to January 1, 2026. A similar House bill, H. 3736, is also pending at this time.

Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

The Medical, Military, Municipal and Public Affairs Committee met on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, and reported out five bills.

S. 218 South Carolina Veterans Homes

With the creation of the SC Department of Veterans Affairs, the South Carolina Veterans Retirement Homes program (previously under the Department of Mental Health) was moved under the authority of Veterans Affairs. As a result, the committee gave a favorable report to S. 218, legislation that gives the Department the authority to fully manage and oversee operations by adopting policies and procedures for admissions and discharges. The legislation further allows the Department to set and collect residence and service fees, as well as to receive payments from the assignment of any state or Federal benefit.

S. 89 SC Military Affairs Advisory Council

The committee gave a favorable with amendment report to S. 89, a bill renaming the South Carolina Military Base Task Force to the South Carolina Military Affairs Advisory Council. The bill updates the purpose of the Council to coordinate with military communities to support mission readiness for installations and improve the quality of life for service members and their families. In addition, the bill adds Aiken and Edgefield as military counties, as well as City of North Augusta and makes appropriate changes. This council shall convene no less than once every calendar year at such times as requested by the council's chairperson, secretary, or the Governor.

H. 3333 Redevelopment of Military Installations

The committee gave a favorable recommendation to H. 3333, legislation that expands projects that can be undertaken in the redevelopment of a federal military installation to include affordable housing projects. The bill defines “affordable housing” as residential housing for rent or sale that is appropriately priced for rent or sale to a person or family whose income does not exceed 80% of the median income for the local area, with adjustments for household size, from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The bill outlines that all or part of the new property tax revenues generated in the tax increment financing(TIF) district will be used to provide or support publicly and privately owned affordable housing, including supporting infrastructure projects, in the district. The obligations for redevelopment projects has been extended to not later than thirty-five years after the adoption of an ordinance.

H. 3910 Jurisdiction Over Certain Lands Relinquished by the United States

The committee gave a favorable report to H. 3910, legislation that addresses crimes committed by children of military families. Currently, the only exception to the United States' exclusive jurisdiction over lands it acquires in South Carolina, including Department of Defense military installations, is for service by the state's civil and criminal process courts. This bill expands the concurrent jurisdiction with South Carolina and the United States over a military installation relating to any violation of federal law committed by a juvenile that is also an offense under state law with two conditions: (a) the United States Attorney, or the United States District Court, for the applicable district in South Carolina waives exclusive jurisdiction; and (b) the violation of federal law is also a crime or infraction under state law. The bill also states that when concurrent jurisdiction has been established, the Family court has exclusive original jurisdiction over these cases.

S. 2 Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

In an effort to consolidate efficient healthcare that will result in the reduction of administration duplication and improved public health outcomes, the committee gave a favorable with amendment recommendation to S. 2. The bill creates within the executive branch of state government an agency to be known as the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (the replacement agency for the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs). The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, must appoint the director to act as the head and governing authority.

There will be three components of this new agency; the Office of Substance Use Services (currently known as DAODAS); the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (currently known as DDSN). Each component office shall be headed by an office director who shall be appointed by the department's director.

The legislation outlines that the Director shall develop and execute a cohesive and comprehensive plan for services provided by the component offices housed within the Department. Among many things, the bill also outlines that the director may, to the extent authorized through the annual appropriations act or relevant permanent law,

1) organize the administration of the department, including the assignment of personnel to the offices and among its component departments, as is necessary to carry out the department's duties;

2) develop the budget for the department, including the component offices, to reflect the priorities of its comprehensive service plan; and

3) provide to the Governor and General Assembly, an annual accountability report containing the agency's mission, objectives to accomplish the mission, and performance measures that show the degree to which objectives are being met.

In addition, the department's annual accountability report shall include a review of efforts to maximize efficiency and identify any duplicative services, develop a plan to consolidate or coordinate identified duplicative programs and to eliminate redundancy, while ensuring that the quality, accessibility, and specialization of services are preserved or enhanced.

The bill makes conforming changes throughout the code to reflect the newly formed department and offices.

Ways and Means

The Ways and Means Committee met on Thursday, April 3, and reported out several bills.

H. 3645 State Employee Paid Parental Leave

The Committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H. 3645, a bill increasing state employee paid parental leave in the event of the birth or adoption of a child or the fostering a child in state custody. Paid parental leave is increased from six weeks to twelve weeks for state employees who have given birth and increased from two weeks to four weeks for those who have not given birth. The legislation includes among eligible state employees, any person employed full-time by a four-year or postgraduate institution of higher education under the control of the state or a technical college supported and under the control of the state.

S. 291 Budget Continuing Resolution

The Committee gave a favorable report on S. 291, a State Government Budget Continuing Resolution. This joint resolution provides for the continuing authority to pay the expenses of State government should the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year begin without a general appropriations act having been enacted.

H. 3841 Property Tax Exemptions and Special Assessment Rates

The Committee gave a favorable report on H. 3841, a bill authorizing the extension of property tax exemptions and special assessment rates following a homeowner’s death. The legislation provides that when an owner receiving the special property tax assessment rate on a residence dies, the property shall continue to receive the special assessment rate until the decedent’s estate is closed, upon the recording of a deed or deed of distribution out of the estate, or after December 31^st of the year following the date of death, whichever occurs first. This extension does not apply if the property is rented for more than seventy‑two days in or following the calendar year of the decedent’s death or if a change of use occurs. The legislation provides a similar extension for any property tax exemption that the deceased owner had been receiving.

H. 3800 Durable Medical Equipment

The Committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H. 3800, a bill revising the sales tax exemption on durable medical equipment and related supplies by eliminating the eligibility requirement that the seller’s principal place of business must be located in this state.

H. 3869 Protective Gear Used In Perishable Food Manufacturing Facilities

The Committee gave a favorable report on H. 3869, a bill providing a sales tax exemption for protective gear used in perishable prepared food manufacturing facilities. The legislation establishes a sales tax exemption for clothing required by current good manufacturing practices at perishable prepared food manufacturing facilities to prevent health hazards, including outer garments, gloves, hairnets, headbands, beard covers, caps, and other attire required for those working in direct contact with food, food contact services, and food packaging materials to protect against contamination of food.

H. 4134 High Growth Small Business Job Creation Act-Angel Investor Tax Credit Act

The Committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H. 4134, a bill that provides a ten-year extension for the “High Growth Small Business Job Creation Act of 2013” so that the provisions of the act are set to expire at the end of 2035 rather than 2025. The legislation also redesignates the act as the “High Growth Small Business Job Creation Act-Angel Investor Tax Credit Act.”

H. 3832 Film and Theater Incentives

The Committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H. 3832, a bill providing tax incentives for theater productions and revisions to motion picture production tax incentives. The legislation makes provisions for tax incentives for an accredited for profit live stage presentation in South Carolina that is either a pre‑Broadway or a post-Broadway production. The legislation revises tax rebate provisions for certain motion picture production companies to: increase the annual limit to a maximum of thirty million dollars, rather than ten million dollars; allow for unused rebates to be carried forward for three years; authorize the use of rebates for certain expenditures and expenses; and, repeal provisions relating to distribution of admissions taxes for rebates to motion picture production companies and certain departmental expenses.

H. 3925 Oversight of State Finances

The Committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H. 3925, a bill providing for more stringent oversight of state finances. The legislation requires the Comptroller General to confirm each year the accuracy of cash and investments in the treasury for the previous fiscal year. The State Treasurer is required to maintain an accounting of cash and investments in the treasury by agency and fund. Requirements for the Treasurer’s annual report to the General Assembly are revised to provide that the State Treasurer shall ensure accuracy of certain financial data and inform the General Assembly of any substantive concerns. The legislation revises provisions for the comprehensive annual financial report to provide that the State Auditor may not contract with the same external auditing firm that was hired in the previous five years without prior review by the Joint Bond Review Committee.

Introductions

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 367 Abandoned Vessels, Derelict Vessels, and Sunken Vessels Sen. Campsen

It is unlawful for a person to cause or allow a vessel to become an abandoned vessel or a derelict vessel. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned for not more than sixty days, or both.

S. 425 Access to Free School Lunches Sen. Davis

This bill provides for each school district to annually identify the number of students who live in poverty and to increase access to free school breakfasts and lunches for these specific students. The bill provides for criteria for determining eligibility.

Education and Public Works

H. 4281 Certificates of Vehicle Titles and Similar Documents Rep. Taylor

H. 4281 relates to the transfer, surrender, and issuance of certain certificates of title, license plates, registration cards, and manufacturers' serial plates of vehicles sold as salvaged, abandoned, scrapped, or destroyed, so as to provide in addition to other requirements, the owners of rebuilt, salvage, salvage flood, or salvage fire vehicles may not be issued certificates of title unless the vehicles are equipped with certain safety features.

H. 4298 Concussion Protocols for Student Athletes Rep. Hayes

H. 4298 relates to concussion protocols 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.

H. 4304 Failure to Stop for a School Bus Rep. Sanders

H. 4304 would require operators of school buses to notify the Department of Education when vehicles do not stop when the drivers have amber signals actuated; provide that the Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend vehicle registrations for outstanding judgments for passing school buses and new laws relating to suspension of vehicles' registrations for failure to pay tolls.

H. 4306 Grades or Scores Rep. Pedalino

H. 4306 would prohibit school districts from requiring teachers to assign a minimum grade or score that exceeds the student's actual performance.

Judiciary

H. 4282 Deporting State Criminal Code Violators Rep. Pace

This bill would allow sentencing judges to deport convicted felon non-citizens, in lieu of having them serve time for their crimes, after they are determined to be in the United States and South Carolina illegally, whether undocumented or otherwise here. Violators so arrested would also face penalties of at least five years in jail under this legislative proposal. Deportation can replace jail time for qualifying offenders, and in the discretion of the court.

H. 4292 Roadway Protection and Safety Act Rep. Martin

Once it becomes law, this bill would prohibit defined participants, organizers, and abettors from taking over highways, streets, and right-of-way should it become South Carolina law. These defined violators face from $3,500 to up to $25,000 in fines and from five to up to ten years in jail depending upon their role --and nature of involvement-- in violating this new, proposed crime.

H. 4295 Gold Standard Elections in South Carolina Rep. Harris

This bill sets out a comprehensive list of factors that would earn a Gold Standard designation for election procedures and provisions.

H. 4300 Judicial Retirement System Vesting and Judicial Retirement Age Changes Rep. Bannister

This proposal would vest judges in the judicial retirement system after serving for eight years. In addition, it would raise the retirement age for judges from 72 to 74 years of age.

H. 4301 Minimum Automotive Liability and Property Damage Insurance Limits for Drunk Drivers Rep. White

If enacted, this bill would set minimum $250,000 individual, $500,000 total, and $250,000 property damage limits of insurance coverage for motorists convicted of driving under the influence or driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration.

H. 4302 Birth Certificate Sex as Sex for Foster Care Placements Rep. McCabe

This proposal would require foster care placement authorities to use a minor’s sex as indicated on their birth certificate when making sex–specific facility placement assignments.

S. 233 Propensity to be a Sexual Predator Sen. Leiber

This bill would revise South Carolina’s legal definition of ‘likely to engage in acts of sexual violence’ for purposes of enforcing this criminal statute. The revised definition would take into consideration someone’s propensity to commit acts of sexual violence to a degree that poses a threat to members of society.

S. 235 Prostitution Prosecution Upgrades Sen. Kimbrell

Prostitutes, and their handlers, would face stiffer sentences for promoting their services, or engaging customers in paid sex liaisons. The crime of prostitution would be more clearly defined as anyone engaging in sexual activity for money or for anything of value. Penalties would range from $200 to $3,000 in fines and jail sentences ranging from thirty days to one year. Minors coerced into sex trafficking, prostitution, and other such activities would have an affirmative defense to this criminal charge.

S. 244 Tort and Alcoholic Beverage Service Liabilities -- Reforms and Premium Reductions Sen. Massey

Among other things, this pending bill would enact comparative negligence percentage assignments to plaintiffs, severally liable defendants, and any nonparty tortfeasors, allow for other tort liability reforms, and set out alcoholic beverage on-premises licensees obligations as well as managers and servers training. Defendants in these lawsuits would not be able to claim any set offs, however.

Specifically, judges or juries would determine the percentage of fault of plaintiffs, defendants, and any nonparty causing injury or loss to plaintiffs. As defined in this bill, a nonparty would be any person who has settled their responsibility for causing a loss. All responsible for the loss could be added --within 180 days of the litigation commencing-- to a jury verdict form for percentage assignment of blame. Motions to add to these forms would have to have supporting affidavits. Of note, asbestos or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) litigation pending at the time this bill would become law are specifically excluded from its provisions.

Should any plaintiff be more than fifty percent at fault, the case would end there. Also of note, an appropriate motion to dismiss a case could still be made at any time.

After percentages of fault are determined, defendants or nonparties would, via a formula set out in this bill, pay their determined portion of the verdict. In so-called dram shop cases, an alcohol serving defendant or nonparty in no case would pay more than fifty percent of the plaintiff’s loss. Bankrupts, workers compensation determinations, sex offenders, vicariously liable tortfeasors, tortfeasors subject to strict liability, and, in cases brought by the State of South Carolina public authorities, special purpose districts, utilities, and other similarly situated public entities could not be added to these lawsuits. In addition, cases brought under the State Tort Claims Act would have total awards limited to $1,000,000. Individual plaintiffs could be awarded no more than $500,000.

Dram shops determined to be liable for losses could also be fined $2,500 and have their on-premises licenses suspended or revoked depending on the nature and number of the violations it commits. Licensees serving after 5:00 p.m. would be required to have alcoholic beverage liability policies with at least $500,000 in minimum coverage. Nonprofits would have to have $300,000 policy limits. On premise licensees serving alcoholic beverages between the hours of 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. would have to use forensic digital ID systems to validate patron identifications before entering their locations.

The uninsured motorist coverage would be required to provide at least $50,000 of coverage for injury to or destruction of property of the insured in any one loss incident but could provide an exclusion for the first $250,000 of the loss or damage incurred.

Automobile insurance carriers could offer uninsured motorist coverage that includes coverage for punitive or exemplary damages but would not be required to do so.

Persons seeking to recover from any governmental entity, in losses caused by the tort of a licensed physician or dentist, employed by a governmental entity and acting within the scope of their profession, could not exceed $2,000,000. Such limitations to healthcare providers would not apply if the jury or court determines that the defendant acted in a wilful, wanton, or reckless manner, has pled guilty to a felony arising out of the same act or course of conduct that is the proximate cause of the plaintiff's damages, acted under the influence of drugs and alcohol to the degree they were materially and appreciably impaired, and if the limitations for noneconomic damages are found to be inapplicable by the jury or court; however, this sum could not exceed ten times the current limitation on noneconomic damages.

A ten-year statute of limitations, up from the current limit of eight years, would apply to any negligent real estate improvement cases.

Automobile insurance policies would be required to provide minimum coverages of $50,000 for bodily injury for one person in any loss incident, $100,000 total bodily injury coverage for two or more persons in any loss incident, and $50,000 for property damage in any one loss incident.

S. 405 Homicide By Child Abuse Age Modifications Sen. Alexander

This bill would address an identified prosecutable age gap under existing state criminal law by raising the maximum age of minors considered to have been killed by child abuse from eleven years old up to less than eighteen years old, once enacted.

S. 415 Kinship Foster Care Parent Qualifications Sen. Young

Eighteen year olds could qualify to be kinship foster parents under the provisions in this pending legislation.

Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

S. 190 Redevelopment of Federal Military Installations Sen. Adams

This bill revises the definition of “redevelopment projects” to include affordable housing projects where all or a part of new property tax revenues generated in the tax increment financing district is used to provide or support publicly and privately owned affordable housing in the district or is used to provide infrastructure projects to support publicly and privately owned affordable housing in the district.

H. 4293 Zoning Classifications Rep. Martin

This bill provides that if certain county or municipal zoning officials determine that the use of a property is not permitted under applicable zoning classifications, then any related permits are no longer valid and any development or construction on the property must cease.

H. 4296 Military, Civil Defense and Veterans Affairs Rep. Mitchell

This bill cleans up outdated language throughout Title 25 (Military, Civil Defense and Veterans Affairs) of the South Carolina Code of Laws. NOTE: This bill was placed on the calendar without reference.

H. 4297 State Parks Rep. Wooten

This bill adds that any South Carolina resident who is an immediate Gold Star Family member, as classified by the United States Department of Defense, may enter any state park without charge.

Labor, Commerce, and Industry

S. 150 South Carolina Rental Kart Age Act Sen. Blackmon

This bill revises requirements governing the operation of rental karts, which have been referred to as super karts in statutory provisions. The legislation revises minimum age provisions for operators and safety requirements for these open-wheel motorsport vehicles, with or without gearbox or shifter capability, used for racing in excess of 40 mph.

S. 220 Insurer Financial Stability Requirements Sen. Cromer

This bill revises financial stability requirements for insurance companies in keeping with the standards of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

S. 307 Peer‑to‑Peer Car Sharing Programs Sen. Climer

This bill establishes guidelines governing the operation of a peer‑to‑peer car sharing program, including insurance and liability requirements.

H. 4299 Insurance Savings Program Rep. Pace

This bill creates the Insurance Savings Program for the purpose of authorizing the establishment of savings accounts empowering 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 on real property.

H. 4305 Wellness Reimbursement Programs Rep. Herbkersman

This bill establishes provisions governing the operation of wellness reimbursement programs that apply to an insurer that has issued a contract to provide services and pay claims pertaining to reimbursements of qualified medical expenses relating to Section 213(d) of the federal Internal Revenue Code.

Ways and Means

S. 11 State Employee Paid Parental Leave Eligibility Sen. Jackson

This bill revises eligibility provisions for state employee paid parental leave to provide that an eligible employee is any person employed by any department, institution, commission, board, or any other unit of government of this state who occupies a position eligible to earn annual leave. This includes any person employed by a four-year or postgraduate institution of higher education under the control of the State or a technical college supported and under the control of the State who occupies a position eligible to earn annual leave.

H. 4294 Income Tax Exemption for First Responder Retirement Benefits Rep. Schuessler

This bill revises income tax provisions to provide that South Carolina gross income does not include retirement benefits received from the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System or any other retirement benefits received by a police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician through a retirement system or pension.

H. 4303 Taxation of Cigarettes for Heating Rep. Gatch

This bill would revise tax rates on products containing tobacco, so as to tax cigarettes for heating one and one‑quarter mills on each cigarette.

Index

H. 3333, 12

H. 3910, 12

S. 002, 13

S. 089, 12

S. 218, 11

Acts

Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act, 5

High Growth Small Business Job Creation Act-Angel Investor Tax Credit Act, 15

Roadway Protection and Safety Act, 17

Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, 10

Smart Heart Act, 9

South Carolina Computer Science Education Initiative Act, 9

South Carolina Rental Kart Age Act, 21

South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act, 8

affordable housing, 12, 20

S. 367, 16

S. 425, 16

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, 16

alcoholic beverage on-premises licensees obligations, 18

angel investor, 15

autism spectrum disorders, 10

automated external defibrillator, 9

birth certificate, 18

Blood Cancer Awareness Month, 8

Budget Continuing Resolution, 14

car sharing, peer-to-peer, 21

cardiac emergency response plan in each public school, 9

certificates of title, license plates, registration cards, and manufacturers' serial plates, 16

Committees, 8

comparative negligence, 18

Comptroller General, 16

Computer Science Education Initiative Act

for the expansion and enhancement of computer science education in public high schools, 9

concussion protocols for student athletes, 17

continuing resolution, budget, 14

cursive writing, 9

DAODAS, 13

DDSN, 13

DEI, 5

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, 13

Office of Mental Health and the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 13

Office of Substance Use Services, 13

Department of Crime Victim Compensation, 7

Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, 13

deportation of convicted felon non-citizens, 17

diversity, equity, and inclusion, 5

DMV, 7, 8

Domestic violence incident survivors, 10

domestic violence incident survivors as protected tenants, 10

driver identification certificates, 7

driver’s licenses and permits, 8

Driver’s Records and Identification, 8

Education

H. 3201, 9

H. 3578, 9

H. 3768, 8

H. 3801, 8

H. 3831, 9

H. 3856, 8

H. 3863, 8

H. 3927, 5

H. 4011, 7

H. 4281, 16

H. 4298, 17

H. 4304, 17

H. 4306, 17

Education and Public Works, 8

Ejectment of Unlawful Occupants of a Residential Dwelling, 6

Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act, 5

Equal Protection Clause, 5

expedited fee for the accelerated production and mailing of cards, 7

film incentives, 15

firearms, 10

First Amendment, 5

food, 15

food manufacturing facilities, 15

Gold Standard designation for election procedures and provisions, 17

Gold Star Family, 21

grades or scores, 17

guns, 10

H. 3046, 5

H. 3058, 9

H. 3201, 9

H. 3285, 10

H. 3333, 12

H. 3524, 6

H. 3525, 7

H. 3578, 9

H. 3645, 14

H. 3768, 8

H. 3800, 15

H. 3801, 8

H. 3831, 9

H. 3832, 15

H. 3841, 14

H. 3856, 8

H. 3863, 8

H. 3869, 15

H. 3910, 12

H. 3924, 10

H. 3925, 15

H. 3927, 5

H. 3930, 10

H. 4011, 7

H. 4134, 15

H. 4160, 10

H. 4261, 8

H. 4281, 16

H. 4282, 17

H. 4292, 17

H. 4293, 21

H. 4294, 22

H. 4295, 17

H. 4296, 21

H. 4297, 21

H. 4298, 17

H. 4299, 21

H. 4300, 18

H. 4301, 18

H. 4302, 18

H. 4303, 22

H. 4304, 17

H. 4305, 22

H. 4306, 17

hemp‑derived consumables, 10

High Growth Small Business Job Creation Act-Angel Investor Tax Credit Act, 15

higher education, 14

identifiable minors, 5

identification card, 7

increment financing district, 20

Index, 27

insurance companies

financial stability requirements, 21

Insurance Savings Program, 21

intimate images, dissemination of, 9

Jud

H. 4282, 17

H. 4292, 17

H. 4293, 21

H. 4295, 17

H. 4296, 21

H. 4297, 21

H. 4300, 18

H. 4301, 18

H. 4302, 18

S. 126, 10

S. 190, 20

S. 233, 18

S. 235, 18

S. 244, 18

S. 405, 20

S. 415, 20

judges, 10

judicial retirement system

retirement age for judges, 18

vesting, 18

Judiciary, 9, 17

H. 3046, 5

H. 3058, 9

H. 3285, 10

H. 3524, 6

H. 3525, 7

H. 3569, 10

H. 3924, 10

H. 3930, 10

H. 4160, 10

karts, 21

Labor, Commerce, and Industry, 21

law enforcement officers, 10

law enforcement officers and emergency medical technicians, 10

LCI

H. 4299, 21

H. 4305, 22

S. 150, 21

S. 220, 21

S. 307, 21

managers and servers training, 18

Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs, 11, 20

military installations, 12

minor’s sex as indicated on their birth certificate, 18

Minors, 18

motion picture production companies, 15

occupying a residential dwelling, unlawfully, 6

paid sex liaisons, 18

parental leave

state employee paid, 22

personal information protections

judges and law enforcement, 11

property damage limits of insurance coverage for motorists convicted of driving under the influence, 18

prostitution, 18

qualified medical expenses

reimbursements, 22

redevelopment of a federal military installation to include affordable housing projects, 12

redevelopment projects to include affordable housing projects, 20

Rep. Bannister, 18

Rep. Cox, B. J., 10

Rep. Gatch, 22

Rep. Harris, 17

Rep. Hayes, 17

Rep. Herbkersman, 22

Rep. Landing, 10

Rep. Martin, 17, 21

Rep. McCabe, 18

Rep. Mitchell, 21

Rep. Moore, T., 5

Rep. Newton, W., 10

Rep. Pace, 17, 21

Rep. Pedalino, 17

Rep. Sanders, 17

Rep. Schuessler, 22

Rep. Smith, M. M., 10

Rep. Taylor, 16

Rep. White, 18

Rep. Wooten, 9, 10, 21

Roadway Protection and Safety Act, 17

S. 002, 13

S. 011, 22

S. 089, 12

S. 126, 10

S. 150, 21

S. 190, 20

S. 218, 11

S. 220, 21

S. 233, 18

S. 235, 18

S. 244, 18

S. 291, 14

S. 307, 21

S. 367, 16

S. 405, 20

S. 415, 20

S. 425, 16

salvaged, abandoned, scrapped, or destroyed, 16

Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, 10

Sen. Adams, 20

Sen. Alexander, 20

Sen. Blackmon, 21

Sen. Campsen, 16

Sen. Climer, 21

Sen. Cromer, 21

Sen. Davis, 16

Sen. Jackson, 22

Sen. Kimbrell, 18

Sen. Leiber, 18

Sen. Massey, 18

Sen. Young, 20

severally liable defendants, 18

sex offender registration requirements, 5

sexual violence, 18

Sexually Violent Predator Act, 5

Smart Heart Act

cardiac emergency response plan in each public school, 9

South Carolina Military Affairs Advisory Council, 12

South Carolina Rental Kart Age Act, 21

South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act, 8

State Board of Education, 9

State Department of Education, 9

state employee paid parental leave, increasing, 14

state park, 21

state procurement code, exemptions from

planning for repairs to bridges, highways, roads, and other improvements, 8

State Treasurer, 16

super karts, 21

taxes

homeowner’s death, 14

products containing tobacco, 22

property tax exemptions and special assessment rates, 14

property tax revenues, 12, 20

sales tax exemption for protective gear used in perishable prepared food manufacturing facilities, 15

sales tax exemption on durable medical equipment, 15

tax increment financing(TIF), 12

theater productions and revisions to motion picture production tax incentives, 15

technical college, 14

temporary driving certificate, 7

Tort and Alcoholic Beverage Service Liabilities -- Reforms and Premium Reductions, 18

tort liability reforms, 18

tortfeasors, 18

transportation improvement projects, sunsetting, 8

Veterans Retirement Homes program, 11

Ways and Means, 14, 22

wellness reimbursement programs, 22