South Carolina Bills

in committee · South Carolina · House Jan 22, 2026

H 5005: Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated nature, certain victims

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-600, RELATING TO ASSAULT AND BATTERY OFFENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ASSAULT AND BATTERY OF A HIGH AND AGGRAVATED NATURE OCCURS WHEN A PERSON THREATENS, INTIMIDATES, HARASSES, STALKS, OR OTHERWISE INJURES A FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR CORRECTIONS OFFICER; A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL, HEALTHCARE WORKER, OR AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE EMPLOYEE; OR AN EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DURING OR BECAUSE OF THE PERSON'S OFFICIAL DUTIES.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · South Carolina · House Jan 22, 2026

H 5009: Child Welfare

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTIONS 63-7-2630 AND 63-9-765 SO AS TO REQUIRE FAMILY COURTS TO CONSIDER THE APPROPRIATENESS OF NO-CONTACT ORDERS OR SUPERVISED-CONTACT ORDERS WHEN TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS OR FINALIZING ADOPTIONS; TO AUTHORIZE THESE ORDERS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

in committee · South Carolina · House Jan 22, 2026

H 5010: Interior Designers

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-3-25 SO AS TO DELINEATE ACTIONS THAT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN AND SPECIFY EXCLUSIONS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 40-3-5; 40-3-10; 40-3-20; 40-3-30; 40-3-80; 40-3-110; 40-3-115; 40-3-130; 40-3-140; 40-3-150; 40-3-200; 40-3-230; 40-3-240; 40-3-250; 40-3-260; 40-3-270; 40-3-280; 40-3-290; 40-3-300; 40-3-310; AND 40-3-320, ALL RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF ARCHITECTS, SO AS TO INCORPORATE PROVISIONS SIMILARLY REGULATING REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNERS; AND BY REDESIGNATING CHAPTER 3, TITLE 40, AS "ARCHITECTS AND REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNERS."

in committee · South Carolina · House Jan 22, 2026

H 4749: FORUM Act of 2026

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "FORMING OPEN AND ROBUST UNIVERSITY MINDS (FORUM) ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 148 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE MEASURES TO PROTECT EXPRESSIONS BY STUDENTS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS IN CERTAIN PLACES ON THE CAMPUSES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, AND TO PROVIDE MEANS OF REDRESS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · South Carolina · House Jan 22, 2026

H 3217: Display of Ten Commandments in public schools

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-315 SO AS TO PROVIDE EACH PUBLIC ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, OR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THIS STATE SHALL DISPLAY IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN EACH CLASSROOM OF THE SCHOOL A POSTER OR FRAMED COPY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS THAT MEETS CERTAIN SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF SUCH POSTERS AND DONATIONS OF SURPLUS POSTERS.

Topics ✗ Education

in committee · South Carolina · House Jan 22, 2026

H 4306: Public school grading

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO PROHIBIT SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM REQUIRING TEACHERS TO ASSIGN A MINIMUM GRADE OR SCORE THAT EXCEEDS THE STUDENT'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · South Carolina · Senate Jan 21, 2026

S 840: Parental Bill of Rights

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "PARENTAL RIGHTS ACT"; BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 28, TITLE 59 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION; TO AFFIRM AND ENUMERATE THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF PARENTS TO DIRECT THE UPBRINGING, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THEIR CHILDREN; TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT MINIMUM STANDARDS TO IMPLEMENT PARENTAL RIGHTS; TO REQUIRE LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCIES TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT RELATED POLICIES; TO ESTABLISH ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR A LIMITED PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION UPON EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-5-340, RELATING TO A MINOR'S CONSENT TO HEALTH SERVICES, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO A MINOR'S CONSENT TO HEALTH SERVICES, TO EXPAND REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENTAL CONSENT FOR NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT OF MINORS, AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS ALLEGED BY PARENTS; BY DESIGNATING THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 28, TITLE 59 AS "GENERAL PROVISIONS"; BY REPEALING SECTION 63-5-350 RELATING TO HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED TO MINORS WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 63-5-370 RELATING TO THE PROVISION THAT ANY CONSENT GIVEN PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISAFFIRMANCE BECAUSE OF MINORITY WHEN SUCH MINOR REACHES MAJORITY.

in committee · South Carolina · Senate Jan 21, 2026

S 807: Special Doe Hunting Season

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-317 SO AS TO DEFINE "DOE" OR "DOES", AND TO ESTABLISH A DOE SEASON FROM JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 31; BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-42 SO AS TO REQUIRE LICENSES FOR HUNTING DOES DURING DOE SEASON; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 50-9-650, RELATING TO DEER HUNTING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ANTLERLESS DEER TAGS A PERSON MAY PURCHASE, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRODUCE LITERATURE ENCOURAGING HUNTERS TO TAKE ANTLERLESS DEER.

in committee · South Carolina · Senate Jan 21, 2026

S 841: Election Commission

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-3-10, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION AND FILLING VACANCIES ON THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE GOVERNOR MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO THE ELECTION COMMISSION UPON THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH VACANCIES ARE FILLED DEPENDING ON THE TIMING OF THE VACANCY.

in committee · South Carolina · Senate Jan 21, 2026

S 825: Family Protection Act

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "FAMILY PROTECTION ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3632, RELATING TO THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL REFUNDABLE CREDIT; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3380, RELATING TO THE TAX CREDIT FOR CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE EXPENSES, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR AN ALTERNATIVE CREDIT; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN ITEMS RELATED TO CHILDBIRTH; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3715 SO AS TO CREATE A TAX CREDIT FOR EMPLOYING CERTAIN NONVIOLENT EX-FELONS; BY ADDING SECTIONS 12-6-3835, 12-6-3840, 12-6-3845, 12-6-3850, 12-6-3855, 12-6-3860, AND 12-6-3865 SO AS TO PROVIDE TAX CREDITS FOR LIVING IN A HOUSEHOLD WHERE ONE ACTIVE DUTY FAMILY MEMBER IS DEPLOYED, FOR VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES, FOR HIRING CERTAIN VETERANS, FOR EMPLOYERS VOLUNTARILY PROVIDING CERTAIN FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE, FOR EMPLOYERS PROVIDING CHILDCARE, FOR LIVING OR EMPLOYING PERSONS IN A COUNTY WITH A COMMUNITY JOBS PRIORITY ZONE, AND FOR UNPAID PRIMARY CAREGIVERS; BY ADDING SECTION 12-4-400 SO AS TO CREATE A SINGLE STATEWIDE WORKING FAMILIES TAX CREDIT PORTAL; BY ADDING SECTION 41-29-320 SO AS TO CREATE THE "WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY GRANT PROGRAM"; BY ADDING SECTION 27-40-795 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN WRITTEN NOTICE REQUIREMENTS IN RENTAL INCREASES; BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-200 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY MAY ESTABLISH A VOLUNTARY RENT STABILITY PROGRAM; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3830 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A STATE TAX CREDIT EQUAL TO THE FEDERAL LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT; BY ADDING SECTION 31-13-100 SO AS TO CREATE THE "COMMUNITY HOUSING GROWTH INCENTIVES FUND"; BY ADDING CHAPTER 36 TO TITLE 1 SO AS ESTABLISH THE OFFICE OF FAMILY PROTECTION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT AND PROTECT FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS BY IMPROVING EFFICIENCY, ELIMINATING DUPLICATION, AND MAXIMIZING THE USE OF FEDERAL AND PRIVATE RESOURCES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE OFFICE'S DUTIES AND AUTHORITY, TO CREATE THE FAMILY PROTECTION ADVISORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD AS AN ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE OFFICE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 15, TITLE 2 SO AS TO CREATE THE "JOINT CITIZENS AND LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY" TO SERVE AS AN ADVISORY BODY TO STUDY PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS AND TO MAKE RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE STATE EXPENDITURES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMITTEE'S MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES, TO REQUIRE THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COUNCIL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO STAFF THE COMMITTEE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; BY ADDING SECTION 44-6-42 SO AS TO GIVE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE SUPPLEMENTAL REBATES AND BULK-PURCHASING AGREEMENTS WITH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, TO ESTABLISH A PREFERRED DRUG LIST, AND TO DEVELOP A STATE PHARMACY CARD FOR UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED RESIDENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-364 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH TO COORDINATE A PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY; BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 35, TITLE 43 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN UNPAID PRIMARY CAREGIVER REGISTRY AND IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, TO ENTITLE ELIGIBLE CAREGIVERS TO CERTAIN FINANCIAL BENEFITS AND SERVICES, TO ESTABLISH A PRIMARY CAREGIVER GRANT FUND AND PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME PRIMARY CAREGIVERS, TO ESTABLISH A CAREGIVER RESPITE SERVICES PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT ON AGING TO OFFER RESPITE CARE FOR CAREGIVERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 41-1-140 SO AS TO PROHIBIT EMPLOYERS FROM RETALIATING AGAINST EMPLOYEES WHO ARE UNPAID PRIMARY CAREGIVERS AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE UNPAID LEAVE FOR CAREGIVING EMERGENCIES.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · South Carolina · Senate Jan 21, 2026

S 739: Incitement to Riot

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-5-5 SO AS TO DEFINE PERSON, FUNDING ENTITY, AND RIOT; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-5-90, RELATING TO PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY OWNER'S RIGHT OF ACTION AGAINST PARTICIPANTS IN MOB OR RIOT RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, SO AS TO INCLUDE ACTIONS AGAINST A FUNDING ENTITY AND ESTABLISH A FUNDING ENTITY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES TO PROPERTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-5-130, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR INSTIGATING, AIDING, OR PARTICIPATING IN RIOT, SO AS TO INCLUDE FUNDING OR PROVIDING MATERIALS AS PART OF OFFENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-5-140, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF CHAPTER, SO AS TO PERMIT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOLICITORS, OR THEIR DESIGNEES TO INSTITUTE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST FUNDING ENTITIES UNDER SECTION 17-25-322; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-7-20, RELATING TO POWERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO PERMIT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS CALLED TO DUTY BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER SECTION 1-3-450 DUE TO RIOT OR UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLAGE TO USE DYE OR PAINT TO IDENTIFY A PERSON THAT MAY BE CHARGED UNDER SECTION 16-5-130.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · South Carolina · Senate Jan 21, 2026

S 692: Education Scholarship Trust Fund

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-110, RELATING TO EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE ELIGIBLE EXPENSES TO INCLUDE EDUCATION CLASSES DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT A STUDENT'S LEARNING PROGRAM PROVIDED BY AN ELIGIBLE SCHOOL AND TO FURTHER REMOVE ANY OTHER EDUCATION EXPENSES APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE PERSONALIZED LEARNING; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-115, RELATING TO THE STANDARD APPLICATION PROCESS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A PARENT TO CERTIFY THAT AN ELIGIBLE STUDENT IS NOT PARTICIPATING IN A HOME BASED PERSONALIZED LEARNING PROGRAM NOT SPECIFICALLY APPROVED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 59-65-10 AND TO DELETE A PROVISION ALLOWING A PARENT'S SIGNATURE TO SATISFY THE STATE'S COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW.

Topics ✓ Education

Bill results