Weekly Update for February 1st

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Week 3 Legislative Update - Protecting Families, Strengthening Justice & Keeping SC Strong
Last week at the State House was a busy and productive one. From committee work to votes on the House floor and the Governor’s historic State of the State address, House Republicans continued delivering common-sense solutions focused on families, safety, affordability and opportunity.

Supporting Small Businesses
House Republicans advanced major legislation, H.5006, the Small Business Tax Cuts Bill, to deliver real relief for local job creators and family-owned businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of South Carolina’s economy, and this bill helps them keep more of what they earn by easing the tax burden that holds growth back. By exempting the first $10,000 of business personal property taxes, this legislation provides meaningful savings for small businesses across our state, helping families reinvest, hire, and grow. It’s a practical step toward a more affordable, competitive South Carolina and sets our state up for long-term economic success.

Roads & Infrastructure
Last week, House leadership filed H.5071, which is focused on improving how South Carolina plans for and delivers road projects. This proposal is the result of more than nine months of work by the SC-DOT Ad Hoc Committee, including public hearings held across the state and extensive conversations with citizen stakeholders, business owners, local leaders, and transportation experts. Lawmakers also held a press conference to outline the goals of this effort: cutting red tape, demanding transparency, reducing congestion, and moving road projects faster so families spend less time in traffic and more time at home. This bill reflects a thoughtful, deliberate approach to fixing our roads — one that prioritizes safety, accountability, and responsible growth to keep South Carolina moving forward. Although I was not appointed to this Committee, I am a co-sponsor of this bill, and emphasized with Chairman Erickson that we need to bring responsibility for maintenance of local roads inside municipalities back to those places along with funding to help hire the labor needed to get the jobs done. This could dramatically improve our local roads and drainage ditches as SC-DOT simply cannot keep up with all of it.

Standing Up for Girls & Students
Last week, the House passed the Student Physical Privacy Act H.4756, legislation designed to protect student privacy and maintain clear, common-sense standards in our schools. Every child deserves to feel safe, and no student should have to sacrifice their privacy in locker rooms or restrooms. We’ve spoken with parents across our communities, and they’ve been clear, they don’t want their daughters placed in uncomfortable or inappropriate situations. They want schools focused on learning, safety, and respect. The Student Physical Privacy Act reflects that common sense, protects girls, provides clarity for schools, and ensures student privacy as the bill now heads to the Senate.

Protecting Kids & Public Safety
House lawmakers advanced legislation, H.4758 and H.4759 that put children’s safety first by addressing intoxicating hemp products. If a product can impair or intoxicate, it should not be marketed or sold in ways that put our kids at risk. This legislation received a favorable report from the House Judiciary Committee and continues moving forward. Throughout the process, lawmakers have worked closely with law enforcement, including SLED, and with the Senate to ensure the policy is enforceable, provides clear protections for children, and gives officers the tools they need to do their jobs. This effort is about public safety, protecting children, supporting families, and making sure the law is clear, enforceable, and effective.

Strengthening Our Courts & Judicial Accountability
Several important reforms advanced to strengthen trust and accountability in South Carolina’s judicial system. H.4755 moved forward to improve transparency and accountability in how judges are selected, reinforcing the separation of powers and ensuring proper oversight. We also advanced reforms to improve standards for magistrates, the judges many South Carolinians interact with most often. These changes help ensure those serving on the front lines of local justice meet clear qualifications and are held to consistent standards. In addition, lawmakers addressed outdated magistrate court fees that haven’t been updated in decades. Bringing these costs into the modern era helps courts function more effectively while maintaining fairness.

A Historic State of the State Address

Last week, I had the honor of attending Governor Henry McMaster’s ninth State of the State address. It was a great night for South Carolina and a reminder of the steady, conservative leadership that drives our state forward.
Governor McMaster spoke about putting South Carolina first, cutting taxes, strengthening public safety, fixing our roads, and continuing to grow our economy in a responsible, conservative way. His message was clear: “think big, be bold, and keep building a state where families can live, work, and thrive.” Because of that leadership, South Carolina is stronger today and well-positioned for an even brighter future.

Around the District and the Lowcountry

 Last Monday and Tuesday, the Lowcountry missed the winter storm that affected the Midlands and the Upstate. Due to the impact in those areas, the House did not have Session on Tuesday. We had a SC House GOP Caucus Reception scheduled for later that evening, which is an opportunity for the Members to thank the many supporters of the Caucus who help us get our message out to the public and re-elect Republicans. With this weekend's snowstorm that affected us, and especially hit counties north and northwest of us much harder, I anticipate we may see more changes to our schedule.

As mentioned in last week's newsletter and acted upon this week, I have submitted two new bills, both of which originated based on situations here in the Lowcountry. The first one is H.5065, "Sentencing Enhancements for Crimes Against Minors Act." This bill would not only require judges to impose additional jail time for crimes against children, but also prohibit the avoidance or reduction of criminal responsibility due to a plea of insanity. We all recall the terrible attack on the schoolyard on Sullivan's Island of the man driving his car straight into a group of children playing during recess in May of last year. This bill seeks to deter future potential attackers, but also make it clear that having a mental infirmity does not excuse someone from criminal acts. The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, on which I sit and will pursue a hearing as soon as possible. You can read the bill here.