South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

RATIFICATION OF ACTS

FOR MAY 20, 2025

Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on May 20, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. and the following Acts were ratified:

(R82, S. 28 (Word version)) -- Senators Hutto, Reichenbach, Goldfinch, Leber, Jackson, Alexander, Rice, Fernandez, Campsen, Chaplin, Devine, Adams, Young, Garrett, Elliott, Turner, Ott, Graham, Sutton, Cromer, Verdin, Kennedy, Climer and Zell: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-390 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, DEFINE TERMS, AND ESTABLISH PENALTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO ADD THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-462, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

(R83, S. 29 (Word version)) -- Senators Hutto, Reichenbach, Goldfinch, Leber, Jackson, Alexander, Rice, Fernandez, Campsen, Chaplin, Devine, Adams, Young, Garrett, Elliott, Turner, Ott, Graham, Cromer, Verdin and Kennedy: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-375, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE DISSEMINATION OF HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINORS, SO AS TO DEFINE "IDENTIFIABLE MINOR" AND "MORPHED IMAGE"; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-412 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR ARREST WARRANTS WHEN THE OFFENSE INCLUDES MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THOSE GUILTY OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS IN THE FIRST, SECOND, OR THIRD DEGREE ON THE APPROPRIATE TIERS OF THE REGISTRY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-462, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

(R84, S. 74 (Word version)) -- Senators Hembree, Leber, Elliott, Garrett, Ott, Kimbrell, Graham, Zell, Kennedy and Climer: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 17-13-142 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ISSUE ORDERS AND WARRANTS FOR CERTAIN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ISSUE A SUBPOENA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN STORED SUBSCRIBER OR CUSTOMER INFORMATION RELEVANT AND MATERIAL TO AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION BY THE INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN TASK FORCE.

(R85, S. 127 (Word version)) -- Senators Johnson and Peeler: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-11-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE CATAWBA NATION WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF EMPLOYER; AND BY ADDING SECTION 9-11-43 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CATAWBA NATION IS ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION TO THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROCESS FOR ADMISSION.

(R86, S. 136 (Word version)) -- Senators Tedder, Leber, Kimbrell and Rice: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-1-65, RELATING TO THE EXPUNGEMENT OF CONVICTIONS FOR THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HANDGUNS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE MUST DISMISS AND EXPUNGE CERTAIN PENDING UNLAWFUL HANDGUN POSSESSION CHARGES THAT OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY/SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION ACT OF 2024, AND TO PROVIDE THE DISMISSAL OF THESE CHARGES MAY NOT SERVE AS A BASIS OR SUPPORT FOR CIVIL ACTIONS DUE TO THE ARREST.

(R87, S. 156 (Word version)) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin, Garrett, Stubbs, Adams, Bennett, Kimbrell, Young, Turner, Peeler and Walker: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS, TO PROHIBIT AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE, AND TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH PERSONS SHALL NOT BE PROSECUTED UNDER THIS SECTION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO A LIST OF EXCEPTIONS FOR FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO ADD FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE.

(R88, S. 210 (Word version)) -- Senator Turner: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES AND TO ADD TERMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-20, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO AMEND MEETING REQUIREMENTS AND OUTLINE COMPONENTS OF A PLAN OF OPERATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-40, RELATING TO CAPITALIZATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO GIVE DISCRETION TO THE DIRECTOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-60, RELATING TO INCORPORATION OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-70, RELATING TO REPORTS, SO AS TO CHANGE A DEADLINE AND INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-75, RELATING TO DISCOUNTING OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES, SO AS TO ALLOW A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY TO FILE ONE ACTUARIAL OPINION; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-80, RELATING TO INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS, SO AS TO MAKE THE EXAMINATION OF SOME CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES OPTIONAL AND TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-140, RELATING TO TAX PAYMENTS, SO AS TO AMEND REQUIRED TAX PAYMENTS FOR A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-165, RELATING TO DECLARATION OF INACTIVITY, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN APPROVAL; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-175, RELATING TO THE CAPTIVE INSURANCE REGULATORY AND SUPERVISION FUND CREATED, SO AS TO INCREASE THE ALLOWED TRANSFER OF COLLECTED TAXES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-215, RELATING TO PROTECTED CELLS, SO AS TO REMOVE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.

(R89, S. 214 (Word version)) -- Senators Massey and Jackson: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-31-10, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS, SO AS TO RENAME THE COMMISSION AND TO REMOVE COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-31-20, RELATING TO SUBJECTS OF STUDY FOR THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO STUDY SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION OF COMMUNITIES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 1-31-40, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN DUTIES.

(R90, S. 507 (Word version)) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander and Turner: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-40, RELATING TO APPLICATION OF FEDERAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO STATE TAX LAWS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO THE YEAR 2024, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTIONS ADOPTED BY THIS STATE ARE EXTENDED, THEN THESE SECTIONS ALSO ARE EXTENDED FOR SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

(R91, S. 623 (Word version)) -- Senator Goldfinch: AN ACT TO EXEMPT GEORGETOWN COUNTY FROM CERTAIN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS AND TO ALLOW THE COUNTY TO INSTEAD ENFORCE AE STANDARDS IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY'S FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE.

(R92, H. 3292 (Word version)) -- Reps. Hixon, Pedalino, W. Newton, Forrest, B.L. Cox, Erickson, Taylor, Hartz, Atkinson and Pace: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-2-90 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS ALONG THE STATE'S PUBLIC HIGHWAYS, TO PROVIDE MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES MAY ADOPT ORDINANCES TO REGULATE THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PASSENGERS MUST WEAR SAFETY BELTS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-2-105, RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS.

(R93, H. 3571 (Word version)) -- Reps. Hiott, Guffey, J.L. Johnson, Pedalino, Neese and B. Newton: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR "COMMENCEMENT DATE," "LARGE PROJECT," "LARGE PROJECT FACILITY LOCATION AGREEMENT," "NOTICE," "PRE-MARKING," "PRIVATE FACILITY," "PROJECT INITIATOR," AND "SOFT DIGGING," AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF "EXCAVATE," "EXCAVATOR," AND "OPERATOR"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-50, RELATING TO THE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION NOTIFICATION CENTER, SO AS TO CLARIFY OPERATOR PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION, THE NOTIFICATION CENTER'S DUTIES, AND OTHER CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-60, RELATING TO NOTICES OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE OR DEMOLISH, SO AS TO CLARIFY CERTAIN NOTICE REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TIME FOR NOTICE FOR CERTAIN EXCAVATIONS OR DEMOLITIONS, AND OTHER CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-70, RELATING TO INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY OPERATORS, SO AS TO REQUIRE NOTICE TO EXCAVATORS PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT DATE, REQUIRE QUARTERLY REPORTS OF DAMAGES CAUSED BY EXCAVATIONS OR DEMOLITIONS, AND TO CLARIFY PAYMENTS OF CIVIL PENALTIES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-80, RELATING TO EMERGENCY EXCAVATIONS OR DEMOLITIONS EXEMPT FROM NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES, SO AS ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AND TO MAKE A FALSE CLAIM OF AN EMERGENCY A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-90, RELATING TO NOTICES OF DAMAGES, SO AS TO REQUIRE EXCAVATORS TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY KNOWN DAMAGES TO THE NOTIFICATION CENTER AND FACILITY OPERATOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-100, RELATING TO DESIGN REQUESTS AND OPERATOR RESPONSES, SO AS TO ADD REFERENCES TO LARGE PROJECTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-110, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM NOTICE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO STRIKE CURRENT PROVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-120, RELATING TO PENALTIES AND CIVIL REMEDIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A COMPLAINT PROCESS AND TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 58-36-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR LARGE PROJECTS.

(R94, H. 3752 (Word version)) -- Reps. Gilliam, Lawson, Pope, Mitchell, Guffey, Oremus, Brewer, Chapman, M.M. Smith, B.L. Cox, W. Newton and Henderson-Myers: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOCIAL WORK INTERSTATE COMPACT ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE, FUNCTIONS, OPERATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE COMPACT, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY ADDING SECTION 40-63-32 SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS FOR SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE APPLICANTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND PERMITTED USES OF THE RESULTS OF THESE CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS; TO DESIGNATE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 63, TITLE 40 AS ARTICLE 1, ENTITLED "GENERAL PROVISIONS"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-23-60, RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE ISSUED BY THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COUNCIL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, SO AS TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALS SEEKING SUCH CERTIFICATION SHALL UNDERGO CERTAIN FINGERPRINT-BASED STATE AND FEDERAL CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS, TO AUTHORIZE THE RETENTION AND SPECIFIC USES OF SUCH FINGERPRINTS, AND TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATION CLASSIFICATIONS.

(R95, H. 4247 (Word version)) -- Reps. Herbkersman and Henderson-Myers: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-10, RELATING TO STATE COMMODITY CODE DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE STATE COMMODITY CODE BE THE SOUTH CAROLINA ATTORNEY GENERAL; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-40, RELATING TO TRANSACTIONS WHERE PROHIBITION IS NOT APPLICABLE, SO AS TO ADD AGENTS OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVES AS INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT TO ORDERS TO DENY, SUSPEND, OR REVOKE A PERSON'S LICENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-60, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS, SO AS TO REPLACE SECTION 39-73-310 WITH SECTION 39-73-30; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-315, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATOR ACTIONS TO PREVENT VIOLATIONS OR IMMINENT VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR CAN ISSUE ORDERS RELATED TO ANY ACTION THAT MAY VIOLATE THIS CHAPTER; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-320, RELATING TO LEGAL, EQUITABLE, AND SPECIAL REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO A COURT FOR ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY MAINTAIN AN ACTION IN THE RICHLAND COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-325, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY REFER VIOLATIONS TO THE APPROPRIATE DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OR OTHER AUTHORITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-330, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS CHAPTER, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-340, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, FORMS, AND ORDERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-350, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF SECTIONS 39-73-20, 39-73-50, AND 39-73-60 TO PERSONS WHO SELL, BUY, OR OFFER TO SELL OR BUY COMMODITIES IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR APPLICABLE RADIO AND TELEVISION COMMUNICATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-360, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-370, RELATING TO DEFENSE IN A CASE BASED ON FAILURE TO MAKE PHYSICAL DELIVERY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 39-73-375 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY RETAIN FUNDS FROM FINES AND PENALTIES TO OFFSET RELEVANT EXPENSES; BY REPEALING SECTION 39-73-355 RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 4-9-145, RELATING TO LITTER CONTROL OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE WHAT DATA IS USED TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF LITTER CONTROL OFFICERS.

(R96, H. 4267 (Word version)) -- Reps. Landing, Hager, Teeple, Hartnett, Vaughan, Wickensimer and Bustos: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-320 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY OF NOVEMBER AS "MAYFLOWER COMPACT DAY."

Last Updated: May 20, 2025 at 12:44 PM