The House gave third reading and sent to the Senate H. 4042, a bill that makes ivermectin tablets available as an over the counter purchase for persons 18 years old and older. Ivermectin tablets are approved by FDA to treat people with intestinal infections. The bill outlines that the Board of Pharmacy must create rules for safely dispensing ivermectin, including patient screening, education on proper use and risks, and restrictions on harmful formulations or drug interactions. Pharmacists who follow these rules in good faith are protected from disciplinary action and civil liability (unless there is gross negligence or misconduct). The bill notes that health insurers are not required to cover the cost of ivermectin.

H. 3022 Long-Term Care Council Membership

The House amended Senate amendments and returned to the Senate H. 3022, a bill updating the Long-Term Care Council’s membership references by adding “designee” for agency heads. In addition, the legislation provides for the sharing of data with member agencies for purposes of planning. The House amendment dealt with technical changes.

H. 3453 Residency Requirements Waived For Children Of Retired Service Members And Honorably Discharged Veterans

The House concurred in Senate amendments and enrolled for ratification H. 3453, a bill that waives residency requirements for children of retired service members and honorably discharged veterans who have been a resident of the state since birth.

H. 3842 Physical Therapist Certify Temporary Disability

The House concurred in Senate amendments and enrolled for ratification H. 3842, a bill allowing physical therapist to certify that an individual has a temporary disability on the initial application for a temporary disability placard. It further states that physical therapists may not certify the renewal of temporary placards.

S. 695 South Carolina Safeguarding American Veterans’ Benefits Act

The House amended and gave second reading, with unanimous consent for third reading on the next legislative day, to S. 695, a bill that enacts the “South Carolina Safeguarding American Veterans' Benefits Act.” The legislation is intended to protect veterans from excessive or unfair compensation practices by claims service providers and to ensure they receive responsible, qualified representation. Under the legislation, no person may charge an upfront or nonrefundable fee. Any person seeking compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting on a veterans’ benefits matter must first enter into a written agreement, signed by both parties, that clearly outlines the terms of payment before any services are rendered. Compensation is limited to a one-time fee contingent upon an increase in benefits awarded and may not exceed either five times the monthly increase in benefits or $9,500, whichever is less. Additionally, any installment payment plan agreed to by the parties must be interest-free and may not extend beyond twelve months. The provisions do not apply to licensed attorneys handling VA medical lien matters; accredited representatives, agents, or attorneys recognized under federal regulations governing those who assist veterans in preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits; or employees of South Carolina Veterans’ Homes acting within the scope of their employment.

S. 868 Gold Shield Day

The House gave second reading with unanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day to S. 868, legislation designating June first of each year as “Gold Shield Day” in honor of first responders who have been killed in the line of duty, as well as the surviving spouses and children.

H. 3872 Managed Lands Owned By The Department Of Natural Resources

The House concurred in Senate amendments and enrolled for ratification H. 3872, a bill concerning managed lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources under the “Hunting Heritage Protection Act.” The bill provides that, to the greatest practical extent, decisions made by the department must not result in any net loss of land acreage available for hunting opportunities. Additionally, the department is required to submit an annual report to the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee and the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee detailing the acreage available for hunting on wildlife management areas owned by the department, as well as any efforts made to offset the loss of hunting opportunities on those lands.

S. 961 Red Drum Fish Catch And Size Limits/Deer Tags

The House approved the committee’s amendment, gave second reading with unanimous consent for third reading on the next legislative day to S. 961, a bill revising the catch and size limits for red drum fish in order to remain in compliance with the Federal fishery management plan. This bill will help rebuild the population due to overfishing. The bill limits the catch to one red drum per person and no more than two per boat per day. In addition, the slot size requirement provides that the fish must measure between 18 and 25 inches in length to be kept. The bill was also amended to include deer tag legislation (previously passed by the House) aimed at reducing the deer population. The amendment increases the number of antlerless deer tags issued with the purchase of a hunting license and big game permit from two to three, while decreasing the number of antlered deer tags from three to two. This provision does not affect the ability to purchase additional tags.

H. 3556 Reforming Primary Protest And Local Government Election Procedures

The Senate has concurred with the House amendments to H. 3556, which would update primary protest and local government election procedures, that were recently sent to them. It has been enrolled for ratification.

In this bill’s current version, state executive committees would hear protests and contests in the case of partisan county officers, less than partisan county officers, and partisan municipal officers, within two weeks of being filed.

Municipal general elections would be held in odd-numbered years on designated dates in April or November, with some exceptions. It also would apply its provisions to municipal party primaries, conventions, and petition nominations. Municipal election contests would have to be filed by noon on the Monday following the certification of election results. County board of voter registration and elections would conduct and certify election results in municipal elections for populations less than ten thousand citizens. City ordinances would set out when successful candidates would assume office, but that would have to be at least forty-eight hours after all votes are certified and no more than eighty days after any that is done. Only municipalities of ten thousand or more people could have a municipal election commission after January 1, 2027 if this bill is signed by the Governor.

State executive committees could adopt resolutions at least sixty days prior to an election to require election protest or contest filers to post a bond with a surety for up to $750 to cover the costs of reviewing and hearing any protests. Successful election disputers and protesters whose complaints are accepted by our Supreme Court would trigger refunds of this payment. An appeals process for state executive committee decisions would be directly to our South Carolina Supreme Court.

S. 508 Memorial And Monument Protection Revisions

The House has amended, and returned to the Senate for its deliberations, S. 508, updating memorial and monument protections under South Carolina law. Through revisions including, but not limited to, adding new definitions for affinity organizations, historic figures, and monument preservation organizations, which would be regulated by our Department of Archives and History, this legislative effort would require a Joint Resolution passed by the General Assembly before any projected monument, memorial, name plate, or other installation going back to our colonial wars and also involving any armed conflict South Carolinians served in, could be moved or modified, with only limited exceptions being set out in it.

However, museums, archives, libraries, educational institutions, or accredited historical societies, temporary displays, interpretive structures, contextual materials, and similar items would not be subject to the restrictions set out in this pending legislation. This exemption would not be in any way interpreted to allow the destruction of a monument or memorial otherwise protected by this law.

The Department of Archives and History also would be responsible for replacing any lost items as well as repairing any of these objects that are damaged.

In addition, affinity organizations would be declared to be proper parties for bringing civil actions against violators. Declaratory judgment actions are included in this right. Affinity organizations bringing declaratory judgment or other civil actions for court awards would be able to collect only their actual damages as restitution for costs to repair these damages, along with their reasonable attorney fees and legal costs. However, before any such legal action could be filed, an affinity organization must give notice at least ninety days' notice of any issue it has identified to allow for a cure of the damage or destruction of any monument or memorial.

In its current version, application of this law would have to be done with respect to protecting freedom of speech and the press to peacefully assemble, to associate with others, as set out in our federal and state constitutions. In addition, it would not seek to limit adding conforming names to monuments-- including, but not limited to, names of service members in the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, reserve components, law enforcement, firefighters, or first responders who are killed in action or die in the line of duty, were prisoners of war, are missing in action, or otherwise honored for their service-- set up to have that done from time to time, have so-called QR codes and other electronic formats to add relevant, non-editorial information to the monument or memorial. As amended during debate on the House floor, monuments which have opportunities for the addition of names by their original design could have those names added without any violation occurring.

In addition, the merger, consolidation, realignment, relocation, abandonment, modification, alteration, repair, or reconfiguration of public rights of way as part of bona fide public projects unrelated to the original monument or memorial installation could not be considered a renaming or rededication under this version.

H. 4813 Magistrates Court Fees And Assessments

The House has concurred in Senate amendments to H. 4813 Magistrates Court Fees And Assessments. The bill has been enrolled for ratification. In its current proposed version, various magistrate court fees, costs, and filing fees, would be increased under the provisions contained in this bill. These increases include, but are not limited to, filing bonds in civil cases to ten dollars, issuing a summons and complaint to sixty-five dollars, twenty dollars for executions, forty dollars in eviction actions, and to ten dollars for issuing other documents. The Sente amendments raise the filing fee for complaints to forty dollars, and assessments to twenty-five dollars. All of these collected fees and costs would be designated for magistrate court operations, and, as amended by the Senate, would have to be used to supplement, and not supplant, all existing appropriations to magistrate court operations. A final Senate amendment extends the effectiveness of magistrate test results to eighteen months before, and after, any magistrate is appointed.

H. 3034 Harming Or Killing Law Enforcement Service Dogs Or Horses

The House has concurred in Senate amendments to H. 3034, also known as "Fargo's, Hyco's, Rico's, Coba's, Wick's, Mikka's, and Bumi’s Law." As such, it has been enrolled for ratification.

Anyone tormenting, otherwise harming, or killing law enforcement dogs or horses would face fines from up to one thousand dollars and/or one year in jail to up to twenty thousand dollars and five years in jail, depending on the nature of the crime committed. Courts could require offenders to pay restitution including paying acquisition, training, and veterinary expenses for a killed service animal.

Violations would also include shooting into a vehicle while these service animals are inside them. Agencies losing these animals would have claims with the State Accident fund of fifteen thousand dollars; and agencies with injured animals could recover treatment and recovery costs from them as well.

Animal biting incidents would have to be documented in detail, and would be disclosable under our SC Freedom of Information Act. As a final feature, the defense of self-defense will be available to anyone charged with injuring or killing these law enforcement animals.

S. 582 Only A Citizen May Vote Constitutional Amendment Ratification

S. 582, to ratify an amendment to Section 4, Article II of the 1895 Constitution of South Carolina, has passed the House. It has been enrolled for ratification. This amendment, which was prepared under the terms of General Assembly 2024 Joint Resolution S. 1126 (Act 227 of 2024) was approved by the voters in a 2024 referendum. It sets out that only a U.S. and South Carolina citizen, who is properly registered to vote, can participate in elections held within South Carolina’s borders.

S. 357 Mail Theft

The House also passed S. 357, pending legislation which sets out proposed elements of a proposed new state mail theft crime. It has been enrolled for ratification. Depending on the nature and number of violations, as well as whether any attempt to defraud the addressee is involved, offenders would face fines ranging from five thousand to ten thousand dollars and/or three to ten years in jail.

H. 3285 Autism Spectrum Disorder Training

The Senate has passed H. 3285. It has been enrolled for ratification. Under this pending bill, law enforcement officers and emergency medical technicians would have to complete training in autism spectrum disorders, including how to identify and interact properly with these individuals.

H. 4720 Second Pretrial Intervention Participation Opportunities

H. 4720 has been amended by the Senate and returned to the House. Defendants accused of nonviolent crimes could apply for pretrial intervention program participation a second time. Applicants would have to have successfully completed their prior pretrial intervention [PTI] program participation at least twenty years prior, should this legislative effort be successful. Circuit solicitors would retain their authority to decide whether these applicants will be admitted to PTI for a second time.

S. 831 Department of Transportation Modernization

The House appointed members to a conference committee to address differences with the Senate on S. 831, a bill providing for South Carolina Department of Transportation modernization.

H. 5126 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act

The House appointed members to a conference committee to address differences with the Senate on H. 5126, the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act.

S. 769 State Government Budget Continuing Resolution

The House approved S. 769, a state government budget continuing resolution, and enrolled the legislation for ratification. This joint resolution provides authority for the recurring expenses of state government to continue to be paid at the level of amounts set under the current 2025-2026 Fiscal Year General Appropriations Act should the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year begin without a General Appropriations Act in effect.

S. 238 Extends the Legislative Session for the General Assembly to Adopt a State Government Budget (Not the Sine Die Resolution)

(This is not the sine die (s.d.) resolution)

The House returned S. 238, a bill revising the protocol for extending the legislative session for the General Assembly to adopt a state government budget, to the Senate with amendments. The legislation provides that if the general appropriations bill or Capital Reserve Fund resolution is not completed by the deadline for sine die adjournment of five o'clock p.m. on the second Thursday in May, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives may call their respective bodies into session at any time after the date of sine die adjournment and until the last day in June to complete those matters.

S. 163 Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrency and Other Digital Assets

The House approved S. 163, a bill establishing a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and other digital assets, and enrolled the bill for ratification. The legislation establishes comprehensive provisions addressing cryptocurrency and blockchain protocol, including provisions relating to the acceptance of digital assets to purchase legal goods or services and provisions governing the conduct of digital asset mining.

S. 196 Insurance Adjuster Consumer Protection Provisions

The House approved S. 196, a bill establishing insurance adjuster consumer protection provisions, and enrolled the legislation for ratification. The legislation provides comprehensive revisions for the licensure and regulation of insurance adjusters and public insurance adjusters to protect policy holders from unscrupulous practices. The provisions are designed to put a stop to fraudulent and inflated claims that are particularly prevalent following natural disasters when catastrophic losses incentivize adjusters to inflate claim amounts.

S. 857 Contingent Deferred Annuities

The House approved S. 857, a bill that allows life insurers to sell contingent deferred annuities as a safety net should retirement account investments fail or pension accounts are otherwise depleted, and enrolled the legislation for ratification. The legislation revises insurance statutes to make provisions for a contingent deferred annuity, which is an annuity contract that establishes a life insurer’s obligation to make periodic payments for the annuitant’s lifetime at the time-designated investments, which are not owned or held by the insurer, are depleted to a contractually defined amount due to contractually permitted withdrawals, market performance, fees, or other charges.

S. 619 Insurers Rehabilitation and Liquidation Act

The House approved S. 619 and enrolled the bill for ratification. The legislation revises provisions of the "Insurers Rehabilitation and Liquidation Act" that establish the priority of distribution for claims by adding insurance funding agreements to the list.

S. 697 South Carolina 211 Network

The House approved S. 697 and enrolled the bill for ratification. The legislation transfers to the Department of Consumer Affairs the South Carolina 211 Network which coordinates information and referral services provided through the use of the dialing code 2-1-1 that are intended to promote and provide access to health and human services and to aid in disaster response and recovery.

S. 780 Consumer Home Loans

The House approved S. 780, a bill conforming South Carolina’s consumer home loans statutes with federal provisions and practices, and enrolled the legislation for ratification. The legislation revises statutory definitions relating to high‑cost and consumer home loans definitions to provide that the conventional mortgage rate means the average prime offer rate and to provide for how that average is calculated.

S. 830 Limited Issuance of Insurance to a Non-Profit Organization

The House approved S. 830, a bill addressing limited issuance of insurance to a non-profit organization, and enrolled the legislation for ratification. The legislation revises provisions prohibiting insurers and agents from refusing to issue automobile insurance policies due to certain factors, by providing that nothing in these provisions prohibits any insurer from limiting the issuance of motor vehicle insurance policies only to members of a non‑profit member organization.

S. 787 Bridge Loans

The House returned S. 787, a bill authorizing bridge loans, to the Senate with amendments. The legislation provides authorization for a bridge loan, which is a consumer loan with a maturity of less than twelve months to facilitate the acquisition or construction of residential real property intended to be occupied by the borrower. All bridge loans shall be offered under the following terms and conditions: (1) the loan may be prepaid by the borrower at any time, without penalty; and (2) the ballon payment, upon coming due, is allowed to be extended one time at the borrower's request for a period of three months, provided that the borrower continues to make monthly installments set forth in the original loan agreement.

S. 863 Applied Baccalaureate in Culinary Arts Management Degree

The House approved S. 863 and enrolled the bill for ratification. The legislation provides for an Applied Baccalaureate in Culinary Arts Management Degree from institutions that are part of the State Technical and Comprehensive Education System. These degree programs are only allowed if state funds are not appropriated to fund the programs.

S. 439 Manufacturing Property Tax Exemptions

The House approved S. 439, a bill addressing manufacturing property tax exemptions, and enrolled the bill for ratification. The legislation revises property tax exemption provisions to increase the maximum annual reimbursement amount for the exemption on certain manufacturing property allocated to the state’s political subdivisions, including school districts, from $170 million to $300 million.

S. 893 State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank

The House approved S. 893, a bill revising State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank provisions, and enrolled the legislation for ratification. The legislation increases the amounts of fees paid into SUPERB accounts to alleviate contamination from underground petroleum storage tanks and revises the membership of the Superb Advisory Committee.

S. 585 Safeguarding American Families Everywhere (SAFE) Act

S. 585, would provide applications for motor vehicle registrations must include language allowing applicants to voluntarily indicate they or their family members have been diagnosed with certain disabilities or disorders, and to require the Department of Motor Vehicles to include the notation "SAFE" (Safeguarding American Families Everywhere) in the motor vehicle's records. The application form for motor vehicle registration must include language allowing an applicant to voluntarily indicate that he has been diagnosed with, or is the parent or legal guardian of a child or ward who has been diagnosed with, any of the following disabilities or disorders by a licensed physician: autism; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; down syndrome; Alzheimer's disease; traumatic brain injury; posttraumatic stress disorder; diabetes; an autoimmune disorder; deafness; blindness; or any other mentally or physically limiting disorder. The Department must allow a motor vehicle owner or co-owner to update a motor vehicle registration to include or remove the "SAFE" designation at any time. Amendments added autism and that “no cause of action may arise, nor may liability be imposed against any person, government entity, or government entity officer, agent, or employee arising from any action taken by any person in reliance upon information indicated on a person's driver's license” -- language to protect law enforcement.

S. 812 Traffic-Control Signals and Bicycles

S. 812 relates to the traffic-control signal legend, so as to require a person riding a bicycle to stop fully at a red light but to allow the person to proceed when it is safe to do so; and to allow a person riding a bicycle to yield at stop signs when it is safe to do so. The bill has been enrolled for ratification.

S. 711 School Guards Requirements

S. 711, has been given third reading. The bill relates to school guard requirements, so as to provide authority to direct and control traffic on public roadways near schools.

H. 5064 Northeastern Technical College Area Commission

H. 5064 has been enrolled for ratification. The bill would create the Northeastern Technical College Area Commission, so as to provide that the representation from local industry may include certain ex officio members.

H. 5073 Requirements for Public School Grading Practices

H. 5073 has been enrolled for ratification. The would provide requirements for public school grading practices, to condition eligibility for credit recovery and content recovery on completion of required assignments, to limit the use of certain assessments in calculating final course grades, to provide enforcement through withholding of state aid to classroom funds, to direct the state board of education to establish a task force to evaluate and recommend revisions to the uniform grading policy, and to require the state board of education and local school districts to adopt the recommended revisions. The legislation includes charter schools and also contains clarifications regarding assessments.

H. 5131 Tribal Government License Plates

H. 5131 has been enrolled. This bill relates to permanent license plates and fees for vehicles of state political subdivisions, so as to create a permanent license plate for tribal governments located in South Carolina.

H. 5205 Higher Education Comprehensive Safety Training Program

H. 5205 has been enrolled. The bill asserts that Beginning with the 2027-2028 School Year, each institution of higher learning would be required to develop and implement a safety training program for all new students. The training must be administered during the student's “initial orientation or within the first thirty days of the student's arrival on campus.” The safety training would cover topics such as personal safety and situational awareness, emergency procedures, access to campus security services, prevention of and response to sexual assault and dating violence, behavioral intervention team resources, and bystander intervention and reporting practices, specifically: personal safety and situational awareness on campus; emergency procedures, including evacuation, lockdown, and shelter-in-place protocols; how to access campus security services, emergency alerts, and communication systems; and prevention of and response to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, including Title IX rights and reporting procedures. Each public institution of higher learning in this state shall make opioid and fentanyl prevention education and awareness information available to enrolled students. The bill also requires institutions of higher learning to submit their annual security report required by the Clery Act to CHE or the Tech System as well as SLED by October 31 of each year for ensuring compliance with the bill. CHE, the Tech System, and SLED must make the reports publicly available on its website no later than November 15 of each year. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and first applies to students enrolling for the academic year beginning in the fall of 2027 with the annual summary analysis data being first produced in November 2027. Each institution, the Commission on Higher Education, the State Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education, and the State Law Enforcement Division shall make reports required pursuant to this section available on their websites and provide a summary to the House Education and Public Works Committee and the Senate Education Committee no later than December first each year.

S. 1133 Lonnie Hosey Purple Heart Highway

S. 1133, is a concurrent resolution directing the Department of Transportation name the portion of Highway 78 from the Bamberg county line to the Aiken county line the "Lonnie Hosey Purple Heart Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing the designation.

Committees

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 961 Red Drum Fish

The full committee met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and gave a favorable report with an amendment to S. 961, a bill revising the catch and size limits for red drum fish in order to remain in compliance with the Federal fishery management plan. This bill will help rebuild the population due to overfishing. The bill limits the catch to one red drum per person and no more than two per boat per day. In addition, the slot size requirement provides that the fish must measure between 18 and 25 inches in length to be kept. The bill was also amended to include deer tag legislation aimed at reducing the deer population. The amendment increases the number of antlerless deer tags issued with the purchase of a hunting license and big game permit from two to three, while decreasing the number of antlered deer tags from three to two. This provision does not affect the ability to purchase additional tags.

Education and Public Works

S. 1038 Religious Liberty Day

S. 1038 would designate the first day of March of each year as "Religious Liberty Day" in South Carolina.

S. 832 Sunday Public Sports

S. 832 relates 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; 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, clarifies the application of generally applicable safety laws.

H. 3851 Sunscreen Devices

H. 3851 relates to sunscreen devices, so as to provide the provisions contained in this section do not apply to law enforcement vehicles.

S. 858 Foster Care Of Children's Board

S. 858 relates to the division for review of the foster care of children's board, so as to change the standards for serving on the board and the procedure for terms of office; to authorize the department of children's advocacy to establish certain standards for local review boards; among other revisions.

S. 70 Model Code of Ethics for Local School Board Members

S. 70 would enhance local school governance so as to require the State Board of Education to adopt and revise as necessary a model code of ethics (consistent with standards established by the South Carolina Ethics Commission) for local school board members. The Committee made several amendments. All persons elected, reelected, or appointed, or reappointed as members of a school district board of trustees after July 1, 1997 regardless of the date of their election, reelection, appointment, or reappointment, shall complete successfully the required training program in the powers, duties, and responsibilities of a board member including, but not limited to, topics on policy development, personnel, superintendent and board relations, instructional programs, district finance, school law, ethics, nepotism, conflicts of interest, and community relations. A local school board shall certify compliance with the provisions by all board members within nine months of the election, reelection, appointment, or reappointment of the board and publish this certification in the minutes of the next regularly scheduled school board meeting.

Judiciary

The Judiciary Committee met on May 5, 2026 and reported out nine bills.

S. 829 Joint Authority Water and Sewer System Reforms

A favorable report was given to S. 829 updating Joint Authority Water and Sewer System provisions in state law. It proposes revising existing state law to allow General Assembly involvement, through local Legislative Delegations, to recommend joint authority commission members to be appointed by the Governor. It also updates how these authorities could be established, commissioners selected, entities using its services added to its customer listings, dissolutions once specified conditions exist, operational oversight conducted, as well as how bonds could be issued, contracts entered into, and other memberships increased.

S. 922 Requiring or Ending Senate Advice and Consent for Gubernatorial Appointments

A favorable report, with amendment, was given to S. 922, redefining Senate advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments to state boards, commissions, and agencies. It sets out how the Governor could make interim appointments when the Senate is not in session. As proposed, the Committee has reported an amendment to remove the Senate-imposed cap on the number of interim appointments the Governor could make in any particular instance.

Also as proposed is the inclusion of the entire provisions of H. 4544 covering medical malpractice damage caps to become part of this bill. [The full text of this House-passed bill can be viewed online at: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?search=DOC&searchtext=4544&category=LEGISLATION&session=126&conid=80702257&result_pos=0&keyval=1264544&numrows=10]

It also would require members of the State Election Commission to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. In addition, cabinet members would only serve coterminously with the governor who appointed them.

As a final feature of this bill, Commission on Human Affairs, Commission on the Status of Women, Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement, Commission for Community Advancement, Advisory Committee of the Division of State Development, the Midlands Authority, Edisto Development Authority, Board of Trustees for The Veterans' Trust Fund, the Day Care Joint Underwriting Association Board of Directors, the Board of Barber Examiners, Board of Cosmetology, the Panel for Dietetics, Board of Massage Therapy, Board of Long Term Health Care Administrators, the Medical Disciplinary Commission, the Board of Podiatry Examiners, the Real Estate Commission, Residential Builders Commission, the Real Estate Appraisers Board, the Board of Social Work Examiners, the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, the State Athletic Commission, State Agency of Vocational Rehabilitation, Donate Life South Carolina, the Dare Fund, the Agricultural Commodities Advisory Commission, the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Commission of Forestry, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact, the Old Jacksonborough Historic District Board of Regents, the Maritime Security Commission, the Commission of Archives and History, the Arts Commission, and the Division for Review of the Foster Care of Children appointments would no longer require the advice and consent of the Senate if this bill is enacted.

S. 235 Prostitution Prosecution Upgrades

The committee also voted a favorable report, with amendment, on S. 235 covering grooming individuals for, soliciting for, or engaging in prostitution. Sex workers, their recruiters, and their handlers, would face stiffer sentences for promoting these illicit services, or engaging customers to participate in paid sex liaisons. The crime of prostitution would be more clearly defined as anyone engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money or for anything else of value.

Penalties would range from two hundred dollars to ten thousand dollars in fines and jail sentences ranging from thirty days to ten years, depending upon the type of criminal activity proven in court. These workers who can show they were coerced into sex trafficking, prostitution, and other such activities would have an affirmative defense to this criminal charge available to them. In addition, first offenders may qualify for conditional discharge orders that could result in dismissal of these charges if successfully completed. An order of expungement could also be sought after that occurs.

S. 399 Trespassing After Notice at Public Transportation Facilities

A favorable report was given to S. 399 putting individuals on trespass notice at public transportation facilities. In addition to the prohibitions and penalties contained in current trespassing statutes, anyone disrupting operations at these facilities as set out in existing state laws could be placed on trespass notice for a specified time under this pending legislation. Violators would face up to $200 in fines, or up to 30 days in jail, but would have a right to appeal any issuance of a written trespass notice by the officials with responsibility for these facilities.

S. 428 Check Fraud and Mistaken Identity Arrest Expungements

A favorable report was given to S. 428, criminal convictions involving fraudulent checks qualifying for expungement, including multiple convictions within a three-year period for multiple bad checks being written, would be available after ten years have passed since the writers’ last conviction. It also would require the destruction of arrest records of anyone taken into custody in cases of mistaken identity.

S. 845 Child Fatality Advisory Committee Membership Revisions

S. 845 received a favorable report. In its current version, it would add members to the state Child Fatality Advisory Committee, including the executive director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement, the State Child Advocate, a county coroner or medical examiner, and a circuit solicitor with all of them to serve ex officio. These members could designate a person to attend these meetings. While these members can serve more than one term, they could not be in holdover status for more than 180 days.

S. 996 Fingerprint-Based Criminal Background Check in DSS Cases

Also given a favorable report, with amendment, was S. 996. It represents an effort to clarify that all volunteers or employees of contractors or subcontractors who contract to deliver child welfare services or programs in SC DSS cases must undergo fingerprint-based criminal background checks.

S. 823 No Contact Orders in Termination of Parental Rights Cases

S. 823, to require family courts to consider the appropriateness of no contact or supervised-contact orders when terminating parental rights or finalizing adoptions, also received a favorable report.

S. 751 No Nitrous Oxide Sales to Minors and Other Unqualified Individuals

An additional favorable report, with amendment, was reported on S. 751, covering nitrous oxide or nitrous oxide product sales to minors, or anyone else not qualifying for the exemptions listed below, who would be prohibited in our state if this bill passes. However, health care, restaurant, home culinary, mechanical or garagemen, manufacturing and industrial site, academic, as well as research and laboratory users would be exempt from these prohibitions.

In addition, our state Department of Public Health would be authorized to promulgate regulations to meet their statutory obligations for enforcing violations.

Criminal penalties are also included, and range from up to one thousand dollars and six months in jail to ten thousand dollars and three years in jail, depending on the nature of any violation. Minors faking their age and other violators would face civil penalties that could include business license revocations, and other potential legal actions once this bill would become effective. Should the Department of Public Health become aware of any criminal activity attached to these acquisitions or sales, they would be required to turn the information they have gathered over to appropriate law enforcement authorities for follow up.

Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

The full committee met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and reported out several bills.

S. 695 South Carolina Safeguarding American Veterans’ Benefits Act

The committee gave a favorable report to S. 695, legislation establishing clear definitions, guidelines, and limits on the fees that individuals or companies may charge for assisting veterans with disability or other VA benefits under the “South Carolina Safeguarding American Veterans’ Benefits Act.” The legislation is intended to protect veterans from excessive or unfair compensation practices by claims service providers, ensuring they receive responsible, qualified representation. The provisions do not apply to licensed attorneys handling VA medical lien matters; accredited representatives, agents, or attorneys recognized under federal regulations governing those who assist veterans in preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits; or employees of South Carolina Veterans’ Homes acting within the scope of their employment.

S. 868 Gold Shield Day

The committee gave a favorable recommendation to S. 868, legislation designating June first of each year as “Gold Shield Day” in honor of first responders who have been killed in the line of duty, as well as the surviving spouses and children.

S. 819 Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

The committee gave a favorable report to S. 819, legislation that codifies current practices by establishing procedures for tuberculosis (TB) testing for applicants with prior or newly positive TB test results, those exhibiting symptoms, and new employees at nursing homes and community residential care facilities.

S. 894 Electronic Filing and the Transmission of Death Certificates

S. 894, a bill relating to electronic filing and the transmission of death certificates, received a favorable report with amendment by the committee. The legislation revises that the death certificates must be electronically filed within five days after a Burial Removal Transit Permit (BRTP) is issued or upon the funeral director assuming the physical in-person custody of the decedent, whichever is later. If the funeral director, after a good faith effort, is unable to collect the personal data of the decedent, the funeral director must immediately inform the bureau of the reason for the delay. The bill adds in that in the event that a five-day period terminates on a weekend or a federal or state holiday, then the death certificate must be electronically filed at the end of the next business day.

S. 453 Teledentistry

The committee gave S. 453, a bill dealing with teledentistry, a favorable recommendation. The legislation establishes standards and regulations for providing dental services through teledentistry. It defines key terms, outlines when and how teledentistry services may be provided, and requires dentists to establish a bona fide patient relationship. It further states to obtain informed consent, verify patient identity and location, and maintain appropriate records. It prohibits treatment based solely on online questionnaires, bans experimental or non-evidence-based care, and limits delegation of duties outside an individual’s legal scope of practice. Also, it directs the Board of Dentistry to adopt regulations governing teledentistry services.

Ways and Means

The Ways and Means Committee met on Thursday, May 7, and reported out two bills.

S. 933 Compensation of Legislators

The committee gave a favorable report on S. 933, a bill addressing the compensation of legislators. The legislation provides that, beginning with the 128^th General Assembly, members of the General Assembly shall annually receive as legislative compensation fifteen thousand dollars at a daily renumeration rate and an in‑district legislative service allowance of thirty-two thousand five hundred dollars. The legislative compensation and the in-district legislative service allowance shall be adjusted biennially after elections for the House of Representatives by an amount equal to the increase of the consumer price index using the chained methodology during the two previous years not to exceed five percent.

S. 688 State of South Carolina Small Business Tax Cut of 2026

The committee gave a favorable with amendment report on S. 688. The amendment adopted by the committee proposes to replace the language of the Senate bill with the “State of South Carolina Small Business Tax Cut of 2026” previously approved by the House in H. 5006. This legislation establishes a property tax exemption for the first ten thousand dollars of net depreciated value of business personal property owned by a small business. The property tax exemption applies to each of the state’s independently owned and operated small businesses that employs fewer than one hundred full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than ten million dollars. A taxpayer who submits a form, on an annual basis, to the Department of Revenue certifying that he has less than ten thousand dollars of net depreciated value of business personal property is not required to pay business personal property taxes or file the pertinent tax returns. The legislation provides that all business personal property required to be returned for ad valorem taxation must be returned to the Department of Revenue, and that the property is subject to the tax imposed by the taxing jurisdiction in which the property is situated. The legislation revises provisions governing the license tax on corporations to provide that a corporation whose corporate headquarters is in South Carolina may exclude the first fifty million dollars of equity contributions from a qualifying source from its paid-in or capital surplus subject to the annual license fee. To qualify for this exclusion, the corporation must obtain certification from the South Carolina Research Authority that the exclusions result from equity contributions from a qualifying source, such as a venture capital fund, an angel investor, and a private investment firm that does not solicit capital from investors, excluding another qualifying entity or the general public, and meets one of the exemptions outlined in the Investment Company Act of 1940. Reporting and record keeping requirements are included for a corporation claiming this exclusion. The legislation also revises provisions establishing standards of conduct of a corporate officer to provide an exception that relates to refraining from competing.

Introductions

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 1151 Lake Conestee Dam Authority Sen. Garrett

This bill hereby creates the Lake Conestee Dam Authority, providing for the membership and the responsibilities of the Authority.

Education and Public Works

S. 222 Utility Terrain Vehicle Sen. Ott

This bill would define the term "Utility Terrain Vehicle" and provide for the registration and operation of them on the highways and streets of the state. It would also revise the definition of the term "off-road use only” and revise the definition of the term "individual private passenger automobile" to include certain utility terrain vehicles.

Judiciary

H. 5666 Vaping And Related Products Oversight Rep. Bamberg

A legislative effort to regulate the sale of nicotine delivery products in our state.

H. 5667 Apothecary Retailer Act Rep. Bamberg

The "Apothecary Retailer Act" would regulate hemp-derived cannabinoid product sales, smoking cessation products, and wellness products through defined licensed apothecary retailers. This oversight would include age and other restrictions applicable to the sale of covered products, but exempt apothecary retailers and covered products from alcohol beverage control regulations. Our Department of Revenue would license these entities and enforce any restrictions or violations.

H. 5680 Adverting Storage Unit Content Sales Online Reps. Willis

As part of paying off liens filed against occupants of self-service storage units, operators would be able to advertise public sales of unit contents online with auction websites for ten consecutive days prior to sales day.

H. 5683 Redrawing Congressional Districts In South Carolina Rep. Rankin

Election districts for U.S. House of Representatives are proposed to be redrawn/remapped statewide under this proposed legislation.

H. 5684 Congressional Election Date Rescheduling Rep. Rankin

This joint resolution proposes revising election dates for the 2026 US House of Representatives races. Filings would be changed to be between June eighth and June fifteenth. Primaries would be held on August 11, 2026. Any necessary runoffs would be held on August 25, 2026. Names to be on the November election ballots would be due September 8, 2026. Also, any ballots cast for the June 9, 2026 statewide primary, and any special primary, are not to be counted for these Congressional elections.

S. 355 Tastings and Liquor Sales Sen. Bennett

Under the provisions of this pending legislation, micro-distillery liquor tastings and retail sales hours would be extended.

S. 1001 Licensing Caterers To Sell Alcoholic Beverages At Events Sen. Hembree

This bill would set up defined caterers as entities who could be licensed by our Department of Revenue to sell alcoholic beverages at defined events they cater. As such, they could purchase alcohol at wholesale or retail outlets.

S. 717 Mothers and Preborns Act Sen. Garrett

The "Mothers and Preborns Act" would modify our state definition of a child to include unborn fetuses. Financial responsibility of unwed fathers of these children would be specifically on the hook to pay one-half of the prenatal, post-partum recovery, and birth expenses.

It also seeks to create an Office of the Healthy Newborn Ombudsman in our Department of Public Health. This office would monitor pregnancy and infancy programs in our state; refer parents to appropriate programs, act as a liaison between parents, interested parties, and programs; review and attempt to resolve complaints it receives. As part of these duties, it would also prepare informational materials for expectant mothers and others.

S. 822 Criminal Deed Theft and Other Real Estate Frauds Sen. Corbin

This proposed new section for our state Code of Laws would create a new felony offense covering real estate fraud and deed theft. Any attempts to make, or actual, conveyances, transfers, encumbrances, or file on the public record other documents obtained, or created, to adversely affect legitimate ownership interests in real estate held by fee simple entities and people would become a felony should this legislative effort become South Carolina law. Violators would face up to five thousand dollars in fines and/or up to five years in jail.

The only listed exception to this criminal responsibility in this current version would be attempts by licensed lawyers who seek to correct mis-prepared documents or other errors discovered on real estate registry rolls.

Labor, Commerce, and Industry

S. 936 South Carolina Nuclear Innovation Campus Support Joint Resolution

Sen. Davis

This joint resolution affirms the commitment of General Assembly to securing South Carolina’s role as the nation’s premier host for a nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, recognizing the state’s unmatched leadership in nuclear energy, national security, and advanced manufacturing. The resolution directs a unified, competitive state response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s request for information.

H. 5665 Funeral Director And Embalmer Apprentices Rep. Long

This bill revises the definition of “apprentice” in provisions relating to embalmers and funeral directors, eliminating provisions that restrict the ability of apprentices to train in multiple establishments served by the licensee in whose service the apprentice is engaged.

H. 5681 South Carolina‑Belize Trade Commission Rep. J. Moore

This bill establishes the South Carolina‑Belize Trade Commission to advance bilateral trade and investment between South Carolina and Belize.

Sources

The versions of bills and acts that these summaries are based on can be found in the House and Senate Journals of the 125th Session (First and Second Sessions, 2023-2024) and other webpage resources: (https://www.scstatehouse.gov).

Citation Style (Chicago Manual of Style) for Students/Researchers

South Carolina General Assembly, South Carolina House of Representatives, Legislative Update, 2024. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/hupdate.php

Online Resources

These summaries are on the South Carolina General Assembly homepage (http://www.scstatehouse.gov). Go to “Publications” and then “Legislative Updates” (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/publications.php). This lists all the Legislative Updates.

1) a Word document showing that week’s bill activity.

2) a Webpage (the Bill Summary Index) with hypertext links to the bills (by bill number, date, and the different stages in the legislative process).

3) the end of session summaries (with index).

Style

The House Research Office uses the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style (with in-house style modifications, esp. regarding numbers/numerals).

NOTE: In the Word file within the Table of Contents, you can go directly to the act or bill summary by pointing the cursor at the line, pressing the Ctrl key + left click the mouse.]

An indexed version of the Weekly Update will be available in Weekly Summaries on the “Publications” page: (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/hupdate.php)

Use

'THE BELOW CONSTITUTED SUMMARY IS PREPARED BY THE STAFF OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND IS NOT THE EXPRESSION OF THE LEGISLATION'S SPONSOR(S) OR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. IT IS STRICTLY FOR THE INTERNAL USE AND BENEFIT OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED BY A COURT OF LAW AS AN EXPRESSION OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT'. House Rule 4.19

Tuesday, May 12, 2026