NO. 7
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Jeremiah 29:11
In Jeremiah we read that the Lord says: " 'For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans for your welfare and not for harm, plans to give you a future and hope.' "
Friends, let us pray: Most Holy God, over and over each day we find ourselves catching the world's latest headlines there on our devices, and quite frequently we inevitably say to ourselves or to another, "Oh, my goodness." And it is no surprise that we so react; after all, this tumultuous period we are living through is certainly challenging. Yet, dear Lord, I believe that pushing a panic button is rarely the way to respond. Rather, each one of us in such moments needs more than ever to trust in You. So, dear Lord, today I pray that You will remind these Senators, their staff aides, and, indeed, all of us that Your plans for our future are ultimately full of hope. Consequently, by Your grace may all of us trust fully in that which you promise -- thereby doing what is right. And also, O God, we ask that You will keep safe all of our citizens as challenging if not menacing weather days loom ahead this weekend. Enfold us all in Your tender care. In Your loving name do we pray, Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, at 11:07 A.M., Senator FERNANDEZ was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator RICE, at 11:07 A.M., Senator CORBIN was granted a leave of absence for today.
Senator CASH rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Today, January 22, 2026, marks the 53rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that struck down state laws about abortion -- a decision that will live in infamy. You've heard the numbers -- over 65 million unborn babies -- staggering, absolutely mind-numbing. What a lot of people fail to grasp is that each generation since 1973, has been missing 25 percent or more of its members. That means that for every three members of the millennial generation, Gen Z, or the current generation -- for every three members, there is one person missing, one person willfully and intentionally killed in the sanctuary of the womb.
Genesis 1 tells us that of all creation, mankind alone is created in the image of God. The Bible teaches that men and women are situated somewhere above the animal kingdom and a little lower than the angels. The psalmist says this, "When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars which Thou hast ordained, what is man that Thou dost take thought of him, and the son of man that Thou dost care for him? Yet Thou have made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and majesty." So, in a way, what a grave offense against the Creator -- such confusion and deception, and yes, evil -- to destroy the innocent unborn boy or girl, each one created in the image of God.
So here we are, a General Assembly of state government, tasked with making laws for a good and just civil order -- laws which must certainly begin by protecting the most fundamental, inalienable, God-given right of all -- the right to life, the right without which no other right matters. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, the responsibility --and even the duty -- for protecting human life in the womb now resides with us at the state level. And you would think that the Republican Party, which for over 40 years has been strongly allied with the pro-life movement, would do everything in its power to bring an end to the killing of unborn children in South Carolina. And yet, in 2025, neither the House nor the Senate brought a Bill to the floor with the intention of ending abortion. I can remember saying in the fall of 2022 that if we didn't pass the Human Life Protection Act, it would be the spring of 2025 before we would have another good opportunity to pass such a Bill, because the makeup of the Senate would remain the same until after the 2024 elections. Unfortunately -- and to our shame -- the Human Life Protection Act failed in the Senate. So, we passed a revised Heartbeat Bill in 2023, and that's where we have been ever since. When we passed the Heartbeat Law, we were hopeful that several thousand unborn babies would be saved yearly as a result. And certainly, the statistics from the Department of Public Health show a decline in reported abortions. Unfortunately, those statistics are not the whole story. They simply do not account for the explosion of unreported abortions resulting from mail order abortion pills coming into the State. Perhaps you've seen pictures on social media of billboard trucks in South Carolina advertising the abortion pill. And in case you didn't know, there are now organizations that track how many people in each state are ordering abortion pills.
In South Carolina, that number is in the thousands per year. Thousands of individuals per year are ordering mail order abortion pills in our State. So here is the thing to understand -- abortions have moved from brick-and-mortar abortion clinics into the home. In 2024, statistics from the Department of Public Health show that 84 percent of all reported abortions were done using abortion pills. Now that does not include probably at least that many abortions that were unreported and also done using abortion pills. In the reported cases, the women got the pills from a brick-and-mortar abortion clinic, but took the pills at home, causing a miscarriage.
I could go on, but I will close by saying that there is much work that remains to bring an end to the devilish idea of killing our own offspring. The Heartbeat Law is not a good resting place. If you serve in this Body and you believe that human life begins at conception, then the task remains to pass a stronger and more comprehensive law aimed at ending the killing of unborn babies.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator CASH were ordered printed in the Journal.
Senator BRIGHT rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Senator MASSEY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Thank you, Mr. PRESIDENT. I thought about doing this yesterday but you may have seen earlier in the week that Senator CAMPSEN passed out something for us to read. It was an op-ed that was written about the Revolutionary War. And as you know, because of our new license plates, we have received some controversy. The folks in Virginia especially have not taken kindly to the claim that South Carolina is where the Revolutionary War was won.
There has been some dispute among the other original states regarding how important a role each of them played. I love the title of the article Senator CAMPSEN passed out, "Yes, Virginia, the Revolutionary War was Really Won in South Carolina." I bring this up also because last Saturday was the 250th anniversary of the battle of Cowpens, which was a major defeat of the British. In January of 1776, or shortly thereafter, Cornwallis was still in South Carolina, but he began to pack up to leave. But when Tarleton loses, the British start moving out of South Carolina because they're beaten here. And as this author wrote, "South Carolina may not be where Cornwallis surrendered, but, South Carolina was definitely where Cornwallis was beaten."
After Cowpens when the British start leaving, they meet George Washington's army. There are a lot of good educational opportunities for us to attend during this 250th Anniversary, and some great programming on television. I encourage you to take part and listen to some of those things. What I am learning more and more is that South Carolina's role is even more important than many of us understood it to be. South Carolina is where Cornwallis was beaten. We caused him to flee, and when he fled into George Washington's army, it was there that he surrendered.
South Carolina had some major battles here that directly led to our country's independence. There are all kinds of things on C-Span and public television these days talking about South Carolina's role in the Revolutionary War. For instance, did you know that before the Boston Tea Party in the Port of Charleston, they seized tea as well? But the people in Charleston were smart. They just didn't dump the tea into the water. They seized it and then sold it to finance the fight against the British. That happened here in Charleston before it happened in Boston.
The history in South Carolina is incredible and the role that our ancestors played in that fight is truly remarkable as well. Mr. PRESIDENT, maybe we could have more of these opportunities to point out the events that occurred here in South Carolina in 1775 that led to running the British out and establishing our country in 1776.
On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator MASSEY were ordered printed in the Journal.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 76 (Word version) Sen. Garrett
S. 111 (Word version) Sen. Garrett
S. 427 (Word version) Sen. Garrett
S. 428 (Word version) Sen. Garrett
S. 455 (Word version) Sen. Garrett
S. 768 (Word version) Sen. Garrett
S. 783 (Word version) Sen. Rice
The following was introduced:
S. 845 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-1930, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE CHILD FATALITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SO AS TO ADD THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-1930, SO AS TO INCLUDE 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 SOLICITOR AS MEMBERS WHO WILL SERVE EX OFFICIO AND MAY APPOINT A DESIGNEE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-1930, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMITTEE MUST BE APPOINTED AND DULY QUALIFIED.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
The following Resolutions were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 769 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Kimbrell, Verdin, Hembree, Turner and Bennett: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUING AUTHORITY TO PAY THE EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT IF THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR BEGINS WITHOUT A GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 HAVING BEEN ENACTED, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.
S. 779 (Word version) -- Senators Massey, Hutto, Zell, Devine and Adams: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL RECEIVE A MONTHLY LEGISLATIVE EXPENSE ALLOWANCE OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ALLOCATION OF LEGISLATIVE EXPENSE ALLOWANCE PAYMENTS BETWEEN MEMBERS WHOSE SEATS WERE VACATED DURING FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND THE MEMBERS ELECTED TO FILL THE VACANCY; AND TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHOSE SEATS WERE VACATED DUE TO THE MEMBER BEING CONVICTED OF OR PLEADING GUILT OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO A FELONY ARE NOT ENTITLED TO A LEGISLATIVE EXPENSE ALLOWANCE PAYMENT PURSUANT TO THIS ACT.
S. 76 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Grooms, Young, Goldfinch, Sabb, Alexander, Kennedy, Cromer, Zell, Williams and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-230, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-240, RELATING TO USE OF OR THREAT OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE BY CRIMINAL GANG MEMBERS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH UNLAWFUL CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-245 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY OF CRIMINAL GANG AND CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY EVIDENCE DURING A TRIAL OR PROCEEDING; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-250, RELATING TO PREVENTING WITNESSES OR VICTIMS FROM TESTIFYING AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM TO ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE OF REAL PROPERTY USED BY A CRIMINAL GANG; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-275 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY IN A CRIMINAL PROCEEDING OF THE ACCUSED'S COMMISSION OF CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-520 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS FOR THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-530 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO ENGAGE IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-540 SO AS TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ENGAGING IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-550 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT COURT MAY ENJOIN VIOLATIONS OF THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT BY ISSUING APPROPRIATE ORDERS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-560 SO AS TO ESTABLISH JURISDICTION FOR RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-570 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM DISCLOSURE OF INFORMANTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 14-7-1630, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF JURIES, NOTIFICATION TO IMPANEL JURIES, POWERS AND DUTIES OF IMPANELING AND PRESIDING JUDGES, THE TRANSFER OF INCOMPLETE INVESTIGATIONS, EFFECTIVE DATES AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO ORDERS OF JUDGE, AND APPEALS, SO AS TO ADD THE CRIME OF RACKETEERING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE GRAND JURY.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Bill was carried over.
S. 768 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Kimbrell, Verdin, Massey, Hembree, Turner, Williams, Rice, Stubbs, Davis and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-250, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO INCREASE THE EXEMPTION TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS AND TO REDUCE THE AGE ELIGIBILITY TO SIXTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-266, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-280, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-290, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO GENERAL EXEMPTION FROM TAXES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 11-11-150, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FOR THE TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 12-37-245 RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.
Senator PEELER objected to the consideration of the Bill.
H. 4216 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Pope, G.M. Smith, B. Newton, Hiott, Murphy, Moss, Crawford, Bradley, Hager, M.M. Smith, Bustos, Landing, Lowe, Lawson, B.J. Cox, Jordan, Brittain, Forrest, Neese, Vaughan, Long, Montgomery, Davis, Sessions, C. Mitchell, Gatch, Herbkersman, Schuessler, Caskey, T. Moore, Hewitt, Erickson, Bowers, Gilliam, Teeple, Guest, Bailey, Guffey, Holman, Yow, Ballentine, Martin, Calhoon, Taylor, Hartnett, Robbins, Willis, B.L. Cox, Ligon, Brewer, Gagnon, Hartz, Hixon and Pedalino: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-510, RELATING TO INCOME TAX RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS, ESTATES, AND TRUSTS, SO AS TO REDUCE THE INCOME TAX RATE TO A FLAT 3.99 PERCENT AND TO SET FORTH STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONAL REDUCTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-50, RELATING TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTIONS SPECIFICALLY NOT ADOPTED BY THE STATE, SO AS TO NOT ADOPT THE FEDERAL STANDARD DEDUCTION AND ITEMIZED DEDUCTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1140, RELATING TO INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR A SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME ADJUSTED DEDUCTION (SCIAD); BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-4910, RELATING TO PERSONS REQUIRED TO FILE A TAX RETURN, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE TO THE CALCULATION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1720, RELATING TO ADJUSTMENTS TO THE TAXABLE INCOME OF NONRESIDENT INDIVIDUALS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE.
Senator PEELER objected to the consideration of the Bill.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.
S. 52 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Cash, Gambrell, Grooms, Jackson, Devine, Climer, Johnson, Adams, Turner, Kimbrell, Sutton, Blackmon, Williams, Alexander and Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2930, RELATING TO OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. (Abbreviated title)
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the second reading of the Bill.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
At 11:40 A.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.
This web page was last updated on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 9:59 A.M.