NO. 14
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:
Isaiah 40:1
The prophet Isaiah declares to us: "Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God."
Let us pray: Dear Lord, how fervently do we all long for a sense of comfort, for a clear measure of security, for a renewed feeling of well-being. Quite sadly, a mood just the opposite of that seems to be affecting people from coast to coast these days, even all around the globe -- a mood of insecurity and unsettledness that seemingly won't go away. Consequently, O Lord, we bow before You today asking that You will touch the heart of each one of these leaders. May they consequently, by Your grace, speak words of hope to us, words which in turn can lead ultimately to that new sense of well-being for which everyone seems so desperate. In addition, dear God, be with and protect each of our women and men in uniform as they also continue serving the causes of freedom and hope. In Your loving name do we boldly pray, O 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 Cash Chaplin Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senator RANKIN recorded his presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.
The following appointment was transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Commission on Consumer Affairs, with the term to commence September 1, 2024, and to expire September 1, 2028
At-Large:
Amy Shapley-Farrell, 107 Graylock Court, Columbia, SC 29212 VICE Carole C. Wells
Referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
Senator CROMER introduced Dr. March Seabrook of Lexington, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
Senator YOUNG rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 695 (Word version) Sen. Walker
S. 717 (Word version) Sens. Sabb and Verdin
S. 881 (Word version) Sen. Young
H. 4920 (Word version) -- Rep. Caskey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF PLATT SPRINGS ROAD IN THE TOWN OF SPRINGDALE IN LEXINGTON COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH RAINBOW DRIVE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH WATTLING ROAD "MAYOR PAT G. SMITH MEMORIAL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 4923 (Word version) -- Rep. Caskey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF 12TH STREET FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH KNOX ABBOTT DRIVE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH JARVIS KLAPMAN BOULEVARD IN THE CITY OF WEST COLUMBIA IN LEXINGTON COUNTY "GUS MANOS MEMORIAL STREET" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
The following were introduced:
S. 896 (Word version) -- Senators Leber and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "CHATBOT PROTECTION ACT"; AND BY ADDING CHAPTER 80 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN CHATBOT ACTIVITIES AND TO PROVIDE FOR CIVIL REMEDIES.
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Senator LEBER spoke on the Bill.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
I never wanted to be an obstructionist, and I don't think that's appropriate. I don't think that -- I have nothing but immense respect for the institution, I really do. I think that this Body more closely resembles the way our founding fathers met and discussed items and discussed Bills and issues and I'm honored to be here. I count my blessings just being here and I want to speak about the Bill and why I oppose it. I want to be very careful because the last thing I want to do is disparage anyone or insult anyone in any way. If you could x-ray my heart right now you would know that is not what I'm about. I think my history working with you guys individually would recognize that is the place where I come from. I try to operate in good faith, and I don't disparage other Senators, and I do not want to do that with this. But it is okay to disagree in the Senate. I think that is what we are here to do and I've shared my respect for the Senate, but the most respect that I have to offer are the people I represent in South Carolina, the lowcountry.
I have nothing but immense respect for them, and I am humbled sometimes because I find myself remembering that I am it. Sometimes they have no other voice, and sometimes I am talking about things that are not necessarily about South Carolina, maybe Minnesota or something, Matt, what are you doing? Why is Russia talking about that? There is federal money involved but South Carolina taxpayers pay that money and, you know, if I don't bring it up who's going to and it doesn't really matter sometimes if other people bring it up, sometimes it must be one of us in this room, in this Chamber.
I have some constituents that manufacture these products, and they set out when they created their companies, to work in tobacco cessation. That was where their hearts were and they created products to make it easier to quit smoking. They worked in that area, and they've become very successful and they've got many stores and they are manufacturers. They are not just the vape stores -- the dingy vape stores that are selling all the other products; they are unsavory. Sometimes when you represent what society sees as sort of low, low folks, those are the ones you really got to get into a fight with. You really got to fight hard to represent those guys. It's hard -- unsavory. I've got to save the kids, vape products are bad. We have got to save the kids. I'm all for it. I dearly don't want children to be using vape products, but we've made that illegal in South Carolina. It's already illegal. There's no such thing as making something double illegal, and there is no need to make something double illegal. In this great history -- history of this Nation -- we've made mistakes; prohibition does not work. Let me introduce you to the 1920s, it does not work. Also, crony capitalism is creeping up. It is part of our economy and it's creating monopolies, Theodore D. Roosevelt said, "It is not the critic that matters, it is the man in the arena." He didn't create monopolies; he busted up monopolies. A simple reading of this Bill --the effective effect of this Bill is to create a monopoly.
We all know that big tobacco is the interior of this Bill -- the author of this Bill -- the same company that created it knew it was harmful. I come from a long history of folks that live a long time. I had three grandparents that lived to their 100s. I have a 99-year-old grandfather that is still alive, my grandmother died at 98. My World War II grandfather died in his 90s, because he smoked Pall Mall cigarettes since he was 9 years old. He smoked packs and packs of those on the beaches of Normandy. It's how they comforted themselves smoking those cigarettes. Those are the people that did that -- killed our great grandparents -- wrote this Bill. And are we going to trust them? Just don't. I think any time that we write words on paper and the effect of those words is that we kill jobs in South Carolina, we should pause. We should pause and think about that. This Bill is literally going to kill jobs and the folks that have these jobs -- these South Carolina manufacturers. All they want is an opportunity to take part in the market. There is an arbitrary date in this Bill that is a cutoff date. If you didn't have your FDA application in before that cutoff date you don't get to sell your product. Even though their product is exactly the same chemical makeup of the product that the FDA has already approved.
I want to do amendments, but I also don't want to kill this Bill. I have come to understand by whom I trust greatly -- I trust their honor and their honesty -- that this Bill would die if we amend it more. I don't want to do that. I don't want to be known as an obstructionist here. I want to work with my colleagues. I want to get things done. I want to advance the Bill. I wish I could amend it. I think it needs to be amended. We need to think about it. We need to pause when we kill jobs. It is already illegal for minors to use these vape products. There were amendments in the House that suggest we only allow American products to be sold, and that was shot down. But that was sort of the narrative early on -- we've got to save kids from these dangerous Chinese products. I don't have an affinity for vape products. I've never even tried one. I took on this fight when I was in the House and went into the Judiciary. It was like the East India Company. I don't have any affinity for vape products, I really don't. But what I do have an affinity for is simple fairness, and I do not believe that we should be in the business of picking winners and losers and we shouldn't be choosing to officiate a monopoly-- to organize a monopoly. The folks in South Carolina, who they are, where they come from, where they started out, who they are today, should have a chance to participate in the market. And this Bill arbitrarily excludes people from the market, and it shouldn't. We should have an open market for any product. We should regulate it. We need regulations. That is why I don't want to kill this Bill. We need to regulate. Thank you Mr. PRESIDENT.
I'm just going to wrap it up here. In closing, some of you may have been here for a very long time, you've never been on the losing side of something, never been out on the limb. You hear the sawing sound behind you -- don't shy away from a fight like this. We take too much glee sometimes winning on our issues. I'm not talking to my Democrat friends; they face this all the time. I appreciate how this experience has humbled me. I have no regrets on it, but I do object to this Bill because of the arbitrary nature of it, and the fact that it creates a monopoly, and I believe that these things are already illegal. We have an enforcement issue. We don't need more words on paper. We need to enforce our current laws. I appreciate you listening to me.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator LEBER were ordered printed in the Journal.
S. 897 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-29-180, RELATING TO VACCINATION AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS OF SCHOOL PUPILS AND DAY CARE CENTER CHILDREN, SO AS TO REMOVE THE RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FOR THE MMR VACCINE FOR CHILDREN ATTENDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-110, RELATING TO EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE AN ELIGIBLE STUDENT AS ONE WHO HAS HAD A MMR VACCINE OR A MEDICAL EXEMPTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-41-20, RELATING TO CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR GRANTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT THAT AN ELIGIBLE CHILD HAS A MMR VACCINE OR MEDICAL EXEMPTION; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-600 SO AS TO MANDATE A PERSON MUST HAVE A MMR VACCINE TO ATTEND A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING.
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Senator MATTHEWS spoke on the Bill.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. PRESIDENT. I'd like to take this opportunity to provide some introductory remarks on this legislation. In 2025, there were 2,255 measles cases in the United States. The highest number since 1991. There were 49 outbreaks of measles in the U.S. previously -- 89% of the measles cases were associated with an outbreak in 2025, 93% of all measles cases in the U.S. had no history or unknown history of measles vaccination. That is 95 of the people who contracted measles had never been vaccinated. Just 7% had one or two doses. I'm here to tell you -- and I passed an update out yesterday, that measles aren't just a rash that kids simply recover from -- last year, 11% of measles cases were hospitalized for complications -- such as brain infection, but mostly from diarrhea, dehydration, and pneumonia.
Three people died from measles last year. The first deaths from measles in over a decade. We have to analyze this. I know we've gotten together in the last few weeks in a bipartisan way to solve the state's problems. I'm here to tell you that South Carolina leads the Nation in the number of measles cases -- with 789 reported cases. That's ridiculous. During the State of the State address, I heard nothing about that distinction and how we're going to solve it. I'd ask that we do what the Department of Public Health (DPH) has done. We're in trouble with this measles spread. South Carolina DPH declared measles, the current measles outbreak on October 8th -- but we've done nothing. We're in week 17 -- well 18 now as of January 27th with 789 cases. Guess what? 786 of those cases are in Spartanburg County alone. What are we doing about that? The remaining 33 cases are in Greenville, Anderson and Cherokee counties. We just learned that there is a case in Sumter County. It is touching all of us. Over 200 cases are under the age of five -- 44% are ages 5 - 11, and 19% are ages 12 - 17.
What happens when you have measles? First you have to be quarantined -- that means the child or the children are losing time from school. Twenty-seven public exposure sites have been identified. Most of these sites are in schools. Some are at restaurants. Some are at public places like stores. There is nothing we can do about that -- but we can do something about our schools. Currently there are two exemptions -- one for medical reasons and one for religious reasons. My Bill removes the religious exemption. I have a printout from DPH that I will be glad to share with you. Seventeen weeks into our response, South Carolina cases have now surpassed the total number of cases reported over a 7-month period in Texas -- in the large state of Texas before that outbreak was even declared. It is likely that South Carolina will have the largest measles outbreak in the United States since 1990 and 1991. The ultimate trajectory for South Carolina's measles outbreak is unknown. However, based on the number of people currently in quarantine -- with the latest quarantine existing period and extending into mid-February vaccination coverage remains below 95% -- the threshold needed for herd immunity in some areas. The outbreak is expected to continue for several more weeks and possibly months. We have got to get a grip on this outbreak. The reason I'm bringing this forward is because we need to do something about measles. We need to protect our children. We need to protect our adults.
I come to you because someone I loved very much -- she was originally from Horry County, and her name was Esther Gore. She was my sister-in-law. She had German Measles as a child, and it caused heart damage. Esther didn't make it -- she wasn't supposed to make it to her 20's but she died at age 47. What we're dealing with is serious. Let's do something about it here. Our children shouldn't have to go to school and worry about contracting measles. What are we going to do? If you don't agree with my Bill, come up with something. I'll be willing to work with you, but we have to protect our children. Thank you.
On motion of Senator SABB, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator MATTHEWS were ordered printed in the Journal.
H. 4760 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Oremus, G. M. Smith, Jordan, Crawford, Duncan, Erickson, Forrest, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Haddon, Hiott, Hixon, J. E. Johnson, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, McCravy, Martin, C. Mitchell, T. Moore, B. Newton, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Robbins, Sessions, Vaughan, Whitmire, Willis, Yow, Chumley, Edgerton, Taylor, Bowers, White and Burns: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 41, TITLE 44 SO AS TO CREATE CRIMES AND ASSOCIATED PENALTIES REGARDING THE USE OF ABORTION-INDUCING DRUGS, WITH EXCEPTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-250, RELATING TO SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO ADD MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-370, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSES AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO CREATE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OF MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL, WITH EXCEPTIONS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
H. 5108 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE FORTY-SEVEN TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2026 ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM BY THE PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SCHOLARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:
S. 453 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO TITLE 40, CHAPTER 15, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE PRACTICE OF TELEDENTISTRY IN THIS STATE, TO OUTLINE UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS RELATED TO TELEDENTISTRY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 717 (Word version) -- Senators Garrett, Sabb and Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "MOTHERS AND PREBORNS ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 44-37-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF THE HEALTHY NEWBORN OMBUDSMAN IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE OMBUDSMAN; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-340, RELATING TO THE PUBLICATION OF MATERIALS REGARDING AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE CONCERNING PREGNANCY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BROCHURE OR OTHER WRITTEN MATERIALS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 44-37-80 ARE INCLUDED IN THE MATERIALS PROVIDED TO A PREGNANT WOMAN PRIOR TO AN ABORTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator CAMPSEN from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry submitted a favorable report on:
Reappointment, South Carolina Forestry Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2030
At-Large:
Amy L. McFadden, 1181 Interstate Highway Graham Road, Kingstree, SC 29556
Received as information.
Senator MARTIN from the Committee on Corrections and Penology submitted a favorable report on:
Initial Appointment, Director of Department of Corrections, with term coterminous with Governor
Joel E. Anderson, 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 VICE Bryan P. Stirling
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
S. 26 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-107 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT OWNERS OF WATERCRAFT OF MORE THAN SEVENTY HORSEPOWER MUST CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE OF AT LEAST FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS OF COVERAGE PER OCCURRENCE, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF FINES.
Senator TURNER objected to the consideration of the Bill.
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 BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 768 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Kimbrell, Verdin, Massey, Hembree, Turner, Williams, Rice, Stubbs, Davis, Garrett and Campsen: 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.
On motion of Senator PEELER, the Bill was carried over.
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.
On motion of Senator PEELER, the Bill was carried over.
S. 832 (Word version) -- Senators Sutton, Graham, Goldfinch and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 53-1-20, RELATING 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, TO 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 TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF GENERALLY APPLICABLE SAFETY LAWS.
On motion of Senator SUTTON, the Bill was carried over.
S. 695 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Graham, Devine and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN VETERANS' BENEFITS ACT"; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 11, TITLE 25, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, SET GUIDELINES AND LIMITS FOR COMPENSATION, MEMORIALIZE TERMS, AND STATE PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Family and Veterans' Services proposed the following amendment (SR-695.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 25-11-820(D) and inserting:
(D) No person shall receive excessive or unreasonable fees as compensation for preparing, advising, presenting, or prosecuting a claim for any veterans' benefits matter. The factors articulated within Section 14.636 of Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and any successor regulations, that shall govern determinations of whether a fee is excessive or unreasonable include:
(1) the extent and type of services the representative performed;
(2) the complexity of the case;
(3) the level of skill and competence required of the representative in giving the services;
(4) the amount of time that the representative spent on the case;
(5) the results that the representative achieved, including the amount of any benefits recovered;
(6) the level of review to which the claim was taken and the level of the review at which the representative was retained;
(7) rates charged by other representatives for similar services;
(8) whether, and to what extent, the payment of fees is contingent upon the results achieved; and
(9) if the representative was terminated, then the reasons for the termination and when the termination occurred in the claims process.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 25-11-830 and inserting:
Section 25-11-830. A person seeking to receive compensation for preparing, advising, presenting, or prosecuting a claim for any individual with a veterans' benefits matter shall, before rendering any services, memorialize all terms regarding the individual's payment of fees for services rendered in a written agreement, that includes: signed by both parties, that adheres to all criteria specified in Section 14.636 of Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations and any successor regulations.
(1) signatures of the claimant and the agent or attorney;
(2) specific details determining the amount of the fee and any costs that should be paid;
(3) identification of the veteran's name and date of birth, the claimant's name, and the VA file number; and
(4) if a third party pays the fee, then the third party's name and relationship to the claimant.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GAMBRELL explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator YOUNG proposed the following amendment (SR-695.QG0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 25-11-810, by adding a subsection to read:
(5) "Claimant" means the veteran or the surviving spouse, dependent children, dependent parents, fiduciary, or legal representative of the veteran who is applying for, or submitting a claim for, any benefit under this article.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GAMBRELL explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 718 (Word version) -- Senator Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 45-2-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH AN OPERATOR OF ANY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK MAY HAVE ANY TRANSIENT GUEST OF THE PARK REMOVED, AND TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR REMOVAL OF THE GUEST.
On motion of Senator GARRETT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 880 (Word version) -- Senators Massey and Rankin: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT IF A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUBMITS AN IRREVOCABLE RESIGNATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-1-145 ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 2026, THEN THE ELECTION TO FILL THE VACANCY SHALL BE CONDUCTED CONCURRENTLY WITH THE CANDIDACY FILING AND ELECTION SCHEDULE APPLICABLE TO THE 2026 ELECTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution.
Senator MASSEY explained the Resolution.
The question being the second reading of the Resolution.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Resolution was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, with unanimous consent, S. 880 was ordered to receive a third reading on Friday, February 6, 2026.
S. 881 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO WELCOME THE NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, THE HONORABLE DAN K. WILEY, AND TO INVITE HIM TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION IN THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 12:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026.
The Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.
Senator MASSEY, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, moved under the provisions of Rule 32B to call S. 454 from the Contested Calendar.
The motion under Rule 32B was adopted.
At 12:06 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.
HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.
S. 287 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Hutto, Grooms, Verdin, Davis, Turner, Gambrell, Hembree, Cromer, Kimbrell, Elliott, Zell, Ott, Garrett, Graham and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-95-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE OF ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION; AND TO PROVIDE A TIMELINE FOR THE REQUIRED DEALER CERTIFICATION, DIRECTORY PUBLICATION, AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS.
The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.
Senator LEBER spoke on the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright Fernandez Leber Matthews Sutton Tedder
On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE SPECIAL ORDERS.
S. 52 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Cash, Gambrell, Grooms, Jackson, Devine, Climer, Johnson, Adams, Turner, Kimbrell, Sutton, Blackmon, Williams, Alexander, Verdin, Garrett, Zell and Walker: 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 third reading of the Bill.
On motion of Senator JOHNSON, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up a further amendment on third reading.
Senator JOHNSON proposed the following amendment (SJ-52.SW0022S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 29, by striking SECTION 29 and inserting:
SECTION 29. This act takes effect one year after upon approval by the Governor, except for SECTIONS 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, and 17, which take effect on December 31, 2026.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator JOHNSON explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question then was third reading of the Bill.
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House of Representatives with amendments.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE CONTESTED STATEWIDE AND LOCAL CALENDAR.
S. 454 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-40, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROM "SPONSOR" TO "AUTHORIZER" AND TO PROVIDE OTHER DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-50, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A CHARTER SCHOOL TO POST THEIR ANNUAL AUDIT ON THEIR WEBSITE AND TO NOTIFY AND PROVIDE A COPY OF ANY EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS TO THE AUTHORIZER; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-55, RELATING TO AUTHORIZER POWERS AND DUTIES AND THE RETENTION OF FUNDS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE AUTHORIZER TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICES THAT ENSURE GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-60, RELATING TO CHARTER APPLICATIONS AND COMMITTEES, SO AS TO EXPAND THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION TO INCLUDE ANY PROPOSED CHARTER OR EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS CONTEMPLATED BY THE CHARTER SCHOOL; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-70, RELATING TO APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES, SO AS TO SET A TIME FRAME TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE APPLICATION FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-75, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF AN AUTHORIZER OR MEMBER OF A DISTRICT OR GOVERNING BOARD, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO VACATE THE SEAT OF A MEMBER OF AN AUTHORIZER OR CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD WHO IS INDICTED FOR A CRIME; AND TO ALLOW THE GOVERNOR TO REMOVE A MEMBER FOR CHRONIC UNEXCUSED ABSENTEEISM, MEDICAL INCOMPETENCY, OR MEDICAL INCAPACITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-90, RELATING TO APPEALS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO ALLOW AN APPEAL FOR ANY FINAL DECISION MADE PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-115, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF A CONTRACT WITH AN AUTHORIZER, SO AS TO ALLOW A CHARTER SCHOOL TO TERMINATE ITS CHARTER AND CONTRACT WITH AN AUTHORIZER UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-150, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SERVE AS THE STATE EDUCATION AGENCY FOR EACH AUTHORIZER AND ANNUALLY REVIEW THE POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PERFORMANCE OF EACH AUTHORIZER FOR COMPLIANCE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-180, RELATING TO REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT GUIDELINES WILL BE APPLICABLE TO NEW AUTHORIZERS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.
Senator HEMBREE explained the Bill.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up amendments on third reading.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Bill was carried over.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
At 12:40 P.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 12:14 P.M.