May 11th Weekly Update
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! I hope you are all getting a chance to relax and be pampered a little on this special day. As the gavel fell at 5 PM this past Thursday, the House officially adjourned Sine Die, Latin for “without a day,” bringing the first year of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session to a close. This week was a final sprint to the finish, and I was proud to work alongside my House Republican Caucus colleagues to advance several key priorities that reflect the promises we made to you at the start of the session. From delivering income tax relief and tackling the fentanyl crisis to reforming liquor liability laws and modernizing our energy infrastructure, this final week showcased what conservative leadership can accomplish. And as we close the books on the first year of session, I’m happy to report that we made progress on every single pillar of our House Republican Caucus agenda.
Income Tax Cuts Passed and Headed to the Senate:
I voted for H.4216, a strong, conservative plan to cut income taxes for hardworking South Carolinians. As you may recall from the past two week's lengthy discussions about this topic, I would have preferred we use the 3.99% flat tax, keep the Federal standard deduction, which would tremendously reduce the number of taxpayers paying more than the original plan, and plan on reducing our spending as needed if revenue growth in the first year does not continue as in the past several years. Still, I would much rather see us lower the highest rate, lower the middle rate, and reduce income taxes for as many of our citizens as possible. Please keep in mind from last week's discussion that the 24% of taxpayers who will pay more are either in high to very high income brackets but have substantial Federal itemizations, or will have very nominal increases. Once the Senate approves this plan, all working South Carolinians will see an immediate drop in their withholding rate, which means more money in their paychecks. This bill, now sent to the Senate, puts us on the path to eliminate the state income tax altogether without raising property or sales taxes. This plan devotes more than $400 million in year one to immediate tax relief. It lowers the top marginal rate from 6.2% to 5.39%, with a roadmap to reduce that to 1.99% over five years and ultimately eliminate it entirely. My colleagues and I worked late into the night to get this done, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure this relief makes it across the finish line early next year. You may have received an ugly text saying I voted for a plan that raises 1 in 4 taxpayer's bill, but keep in mind my comments above. Also, as you will see in the voting record below, those Republicans that claim this plan was not worthy because it doesn't do enough voted right along with all the Democrats. What does that tell us? I would rather get us started moving in the right direction than dig in my heels and say if it isn't what I want right now, I can't support it.
Landmark Liquor Liability Reform Sent to Governor:
Small businesses across South Carolina, especially bars, restaurants, and VFW posts, have faced unsustainable insurance premiums and the looming threat of massive jury verdicts. Providing relief has been a top priority, and I was proud to support H.3430, a landmark liquor liability bill that will bring real reform and help protect our hospitality industry. This bill pairs critical liquor liability improvements with updates to our state’s joint and several liability statutes. It ensures that businesses are only held responsible for their share of fault, not punished for the actions of others. It also establishes a responsible alcohol server training program and creates new liability risk mitigation incentives, giving businesses tools to reduce risk and lower premiums. H.3430 was passed by the House this week and quickly concurred in by the Senate. It now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. This is the third time in two years the House has led on this issue, and now, we finally got it across the finish line. The South Carolina House Republican Caucus is proud to stand with our small businesses and deliver real, lasting reform.
Securing South Carolina’s Energy Future:
The South Carolina Energy Security Act (H.3309), now also sent to the Governor, lays the foundation for a stronger, more reliable energy future. I was proud to support this forward-looking legislation, which was crafted in direct response to the surging demand caused by our state’s population and economic growth. This bill ensures smarter oversight of utilities, encourages investment in nuclear and renewable energy, and expands transmission and storage capacity. It also reflects our “all-of-the-above” strategy to protect ratepayers, promote innovation, and avoid dangerous disruptions like those nearly experienced during the 2022 Christmas freeze. With the Governor’s signature, we’ll take a major step forward in keeping South Carolina’s economy competitive and our power grid secure.
Tougher Penalties for Fleeing Police Sent to Governor:
This week the House also passed, and I proudly voted for, H.3127, a bill that makes fleeing from law enforcement a felony in cases involving high-speed chases or other aggravating circumstances. This legislation has been sent to the Governor for his signature. The bill includes enhanced penalties for actions such as exceeding 100 mph, driving on the wrong side of the road, or endangering others during a pursuit. It sends a clear message: if you put lives at risk to evade the law, you will be held accountable.
Fentanyl-Induced Homicide Bill Sent to Governor:
I proudly supported the House’s adoption of the conference report on S.156, which has now been sent to the Governor. This critical legislation creates the offense of fentanyl-induced homicide, making it a felony to unlawfully provide fentanyl that results in someone’s death. The fentanyl crisis is devastating families across our state. This bill ensures justice for victims and holds drug dealers accountable for the lives they destroy. Three years ago while knocking doors in District 80, I met Kat Orr on her front step as my last house of the night. When I asked her what I could do to help her in Columbia, she told me the story about her beautiful daughter, Isabella. "Izzy" was a lovely rising senior in college, who had her wisdom teeth removed over the summer, and was overprescribed by mistake on the pain medication. When her last pill ran out, she accepted one from a friend who said it was OxyContin. That one pill was laced with fentanyl, and Izzy died sitting on her bed that night with her computer on her lap. This horrible poisoning of our young people must stop, and I promised Kat three years ago that I would do everything in my power to make sure we make it much harder both on drug dealers trafficking in fentanyl, which passed 2 years ago, and drug-induced homicide, which punishes anyone who sells or gives a poisoned drug that causes the death of the recipient. Hopefully we will see the number of deaths by fentanyl poisoning diminish greatly in South Carolina from now on.
Strengthening Distracted Driving Laws Sent to Governor:
I voted in favor of H.3276, which updates South Carolina’s distracted driving statute and creates the “Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act.” The bill has now been sent to the Governor. This legislation increases penalties for repeat offenders, protects privacy rights, and dedicates more resources to public education campaigns. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable accidents, and this bill helps save lives while respecting individual rights.
Protecting Victims from Online Exploitation Bill Sent to the Governor:
I was glad to vote for H.3058, now headed to the Governor’s desk, to crack down on the non-consensual sharing of private and digitally altered images. This bill criminalizes the unauthorized disclosure of intimate or AI-generated images — protecting South Carolinians from a growing form of digital exploitation. It’s another step forward in our commitment to prioritize public safety and law-and-order policies in a changing world. Technology tends to outpace regulations to rein in bad behavior, but hopefully this new law along with several others will help law enforcement crack down on criminals and bad actors.
Pillar Progress: A Conservative Agenda Delivered:
At the start of session, we set out to advance bold reforms tied to our six Pillars for Progress, and I’m proud to report we made major strides on every single one. From income tax relief to law enforcement support and from cutting red tape to expanding school choice, the South Carolina House Republican Caucus delivered. Although the regular session has now adjourned, the House is expected to reconvene later this month for one final day to finalize the state budget. I’ll be sure to provide an update once that work is complete. Even with the session winding down, my work doesn’t stop. Committee work will continue, and I’ll remain actively engaged on the issues that matter to our district. I am always available and welcome hearing from constituents. Your input is vital and helps guide my work on your behalf.
Around the District and the Lowcountry:
On Monday night, the Carolina Republican Coalition held its monthly Five @ 5 Reception at Henry's on the Market. The featured speaker was our fantastic Lt. Governor, Pamela Evette. If you have not gotten to know Pam yet, please take the time to read about her, go on her social media or webpage, or otherwise become informed. Our Lt. Governor gave a wonderful presentation updating us on many of the successes and initiatives going on here in South Carolina, some with direct ties to President Trump's efforts from D.C. Pam has been by Governor McMaster's side as his stand-in for 7 years, and goes all over this state every week meeting with businesses and individuals, learning about the needs and concerns of residents here, and doing her best to report back and bring real solutions. Prior to this, she started a business many years ago which became extremely successful to the point that she was able to sell it for a substantial sum. This is a good thing, because in case you don't know this, the role of Lt. Governor pays less than $50,000 a year. She is clearly not doing it for the money, but to serve the people of this state. She also has a beautiful family with her husband of many years and their three children. When asked whether she is planning to run for Governor in 2026, she said that she has a committee and is seriously exploring it. There is already a substantial PAC that formed with a number of President Trump's closest advisors to raise a lot of money and support Lt. Gov. Evette if she runs. Just keep in mind, when you are working hard every day doing the job the voters elected you to do, making headlines and drawing attention to yourself does not accomplish anything. It may give you extra name recognition, but it does not demonstrate your ability to do a job well. Pamela works tirelessly for the people of this state, and I know this because as Members of the General Assembly, we receive a copy of her and Governor McMaster's schedule every single week.
Every week, we have a "Doctor of the Day" in the State House. On Tuesday, we were lucky enough to have two, my dear friends Dr. Alec and Dr. Justine DeCastro. It was my honor to introduce them to the Members of the House, and we gave them a very warm welcome. Dr. Alec DeCastro is a family & sports medicine physician at MUSC, where he serves as Program Director for the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship & Associate Dean for Continuing Medical Education. He is also a Colonel in the US Air Force Reserves, serving as a flight surgeon & Commander of the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. Dr. Justine DeCastro runs a thriving private primary care practice in Mount Pleasant, and serves as President-Elect of the Charleston County Medical Society. She is a proud US Air Force veteran, having served as a Captain in the 2nd Medical Group at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, LA. The DeCastro's live right here in Mount Pleasant with their four children.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I’ll continue fighting for conservative solutions that make South Carolina stronger, safer, and more prosperous. Now that Session is over, I will continue keeping you updated once a month instead of every week. Please feel free to email me any time if you have issues that need addressing or want to discuss possible legislation for next year.
