May 12th Weekly Update

Sunday, May 12, 2026

I hope all the mothers out there enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing Mother’s Day. As mentioned in an earlier email, whenever there is a holiday on Sunday, I will send the newsletter on Monday or Tuesday instead so as not to interrupt any festivities.
 
WEEK 17 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Public Safety, Election Integrity, Redistricting, and More
As the Session continues winding down, we are seeing major legislation advance, more bills head to the Governor’s desk, continued work on the state budget, and strong momentum on key House priorities. On a separate note, last week we were suddenly faced with the possibility of needing to redistrict the Congressional seats before the upcoming Primary. While there are many hurdles to be overcome, the motivation is real – if the Democrats succeed in taking the US House in November, we might see endless impeachment proceedings and other roadblocks for the President to accomplish his goals for the citizens of our nation before his term is over.Here’s what happened this past week in Columbia:
 
Budget Work Continues
The House continued work on the state budget last week after receiving Senate amendments, moving one step closer to delivering $1 Billion in tax relief while investing in South Carolina’s core priorities. The House budget remains focused on responsible, conservative budgeting that supports infrastructure, public safety, education, workforce development, and economic growth without expanding government. On a downside note, the Senate inserted a raise (again) for all General Assembly members through a Proviso that would increase “In District” pay, which is paid monthly and does not require turning in any receipts for expenses in district or otherwise. Once again, I voted against this measure. Although the Senate did follow the Constitutional guideline that the pay will not increase until after the upcoming election, I firmly believe a Proviso at the last minute is not the correct way to address this subject. While it is true there has not been a pay raise in over 20 years, and total compensation via salary and in-district pay is just $22,400, this should have been handled through a bill to have an outside group review our pay system versus others across the country, determine what is fair and reasonable, and have it vetted through the Committee process so that the public could weigh in on this as well.
 
Key investments included in the budget:
·       Major funding for road improvements, bridge modernization, and interstate construction projects
·       Investments in law enforcement, emergency communications, and public safety infrastructure
·       Increased support for teacher pay, school safety, and workforce development programs
·       Funding for scholarships and job training opportunities to strengthen South Carolina’s workforce
·       Support for local community organizations, volunteer emergency services, and programs serving families across the state
As negotiations continue between the House and Senate, House Republicans remain focused on delivering a final budget that keeps South Carolina financially strong, invests in core priorities, and puts more money back into the pockets of taxpayers.
 
H.3034 Fargo’s Law
Last week, the House concurred with Senate amendments on “Fargo, Hyco, Rico, Coba, Wick, Mikka, and Bumi’s Law” (H.3034), sending the bill to the Governor’s desk. This legislation strengthens protections for K9 officers and horses that serve alongside law enforcement officers across South Carolina. These highly trained animals play a vital role in protecting officers, tracking dangerous suspects, locating missing individuals, and helping keep communities safe every day. The bill increases penalties for individuals who seriously injure or kill police animals, ensuring stronger accountability for crimes committed against these dedicated law enforcement partners. By passing this legislation, South Carolina is sending a clear message that attacks on the animals who serve and protect alongside our officers will not be tolerated. South Carolina continues standing firmly with law enforcement and all those who help protect our communities.
 
Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act
The Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (H.3021) officially passed the Senate last week with amendments and now heads back to the House. This legislation is focused on cutting unnecessary regulations, reducing burdensome government red tape, and making it easier for South Carolina’s small businesses to grow, hire, and succeed. House Republicans remain committed to creating a stronger business climate that supports job creators and keeps South Carolina economically competitive.
 
Truth in School Grading
The Public School Truth in Grading Bill (H.5073) officially passed both chambers and was sent to the Governor last week. This legislation ensures grades reflect what students actually earn, not provide shortcuts that can hurt long-term success. Parents deserve an honest picture of how their child is performing, and schools should maintain strong academic standards that prepare students for college, careers, and real life. The bill restores integrity to GPAs and graduation data while reinforcing accountability across our education system. Real accountability today creates real opportunity for our students tomorrow.
 
Strengthening Protections Against Child Exploitation
Last week House Bill H.4804, the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Penalty Increase Bill passed on the Senate floor and is headed to the Governor's desk. This legislation closes dangerous loopholes, increases penalties for offenders, and ensures repeat offenders face mandatory prison time. Protecting children remains a top priority, and South Carolina continues taking strong action to hold predators fully accountable.
 
Protecting Election Integrity
The House also passed the Citizens-Only Voting Constitutional Amendment (S.582), which would ensure that only United States citizens can vote in South Carolina elections. As other states like California, Vermont, and Maryland move toward allowing non-citizens to participate in certain local elections, South Carolina is taking action to protect the integrity of our elections and make clear that voting is a right reserved for American citizens only. This constitutional amendment reinforces secure elections, strengthens public confidence in our system, and ensures our laws are clearly enforced. This was already the law, but due to a slightly weaker word, we had to strengthen it to provide absolute clarity.

S.508 Protecting our Monuments
On Tuesday, we debated the Senate's strengthened version of the Heritage Act in full Judiciary Committee. It passed favorably along party lines. Then on Thursday, it was brought to the House floor. After hours of speeches by Democrats on why this bill is racist and wrong, which is simply not true, we finally passed it favorably. It did have a couple of amendments that should not cause any problems for the Senate, so it will go back to them to hopefully concur this week. The main features of this bill are that monuments do not need updated explanations such as new plaques, QR codes, or other commentary based on modern ideology. They should be appreciated or not for the time they were erected, both as art and as historical reminders of the life and period of that individual, event or group that was being memorialized. As I have said many times, rather than tearing down our history or trying to erase it, we should be erecting more statues and monuments to commemorate those figures who might have been overlooked due to circumstances at the time. The groundbreaking this week of the Robert Smalls Monument on the State House Grounds came about because of Act 183, which I voted for in 2024. Robert Smalls' many achievements being highlighted through this new statue is a great example of how we can add to our historical knowledge rather than trying to destroy or modify it. 
 
Redistricting for Congressional Seats in South Carolina
After the disastrous referendum in Virginia several weeks ago that redistricted Congressional seats possibly knocking out all but one Republican Representative from that state, states all over the country have been scrambling to see what they could do in response. The Supreme Court decision regarding Louisiana that clarified that gerrymandering for race reasons is unconstitutional sent shock waves through the Democrat Party throughout the country. Then suddenly, at the end of this past week the Virginia Supreme Court threw out their newly drawn Districts as being unconstitutional. What a complete mess! Here in the SC General Assembly, I am sure you have heard on the news and social media all the speculation about what could happen, specifically to the 6^th District held for many, many years by Congressman Jim Clyburn. This gerrymandered District is approximately 47% African American, which is not representative of the overall demographics of South Carolina. On Wednesday, SC House Republicans introduced two bills: one to redraw the state’s congressional map and another to delay congressional primaries by two months. If approved by the Senate, this would require parties to reopen candidate filing for Congress next month. 
 
The Constitutional Law Subcommittee of Judiciary held a hearing on the proposed changes, which took place on Friday morning. In a 3-2 vote along party lines, the Subcommittee advanced legislation to push back South Carolina’s congressional primaries to August, and to redraw voting lines. Holding a second set of primaries in August could cost taxpayers at least $2.2 million, not including the redistricting process itself. Then there is the issue that all of us here in SC State House District 80 would possibly now be in Congressional District 7 with Congressman Russell Fry out of Myrtle Beach as the incumbent candidate. I will be heading to Columbia early on Tuesday for the Judiciary Committee meeting, where we will vote on these two bills. At this point, while I do believe this will pass the House, there is significant doubt about whether the Senate will take this up. We have already voted on the Sine Die resolution to be able to be called back to address this topic, but once we have voted on these bills, the ball is truly in the Senate’s court.

Honoring our SC National Guard Sharpshooters
Last Thursday, we welcomed the SC National Guard sharpshooters, who recently competed in a national event against members of the US Army, US Army Reserves, and Army ROTC to win first place for their incredible marksmanship. What a fantastic accomplishment these young men and women brought home to South Carolina! It was a pleasure to stand and honor them for their service, along with their remarkable skill.

Around the District and the Lowcountry 
With a longer-than-usual day in Columbia on Thursday, I can say that there was not much time to participate in any events back here at home. Mother’s Day was lovely, going to church with my family, then to Sunday Brunch at Water's Edge. The scenery with kayakers, boaters, and of course, shrimp boats reminds us how very blessed we are to live in this special seaside community. Joe always finds such pretty flowers to brighten my day! Like many of you, Joe and I miss our mothers, who left us way too soon. Their example, influence, and especially love still stay with each of us to this day, even though it was many decades ago. Happy Mother's Day in Heaven, Doris, Anne, and all of your mothers who are here on Earth or in Heaven with them.