Dear Friends:

There was a lot of action at the State House during the second week of this year’s session. I’ll highlight key legislative actions, but first, let’s get to the breaking news – ICE-AGEDDON ’26?

State of Emergency

As we head into the weekend, please stay safe and prepared as winter weather approaches. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency, and state and local emergency officials are closely monitoring conditions. I encourage everyone to stay informed through trusted sources, prepare early, and take this storm seriously as forecasts continue to develop and can change rapidly. A little humor:

Let’s remember, in South Carolina, snow and ice are just God’s way of testing our grocery stores.”

Southerners see ice in the forecast and start acting like it’s Y2K.

Nobody can drive on ice… especially South Carolinians.

Helpful Links

• State’s Emergency Management Division: https://www.scemd.org/
• National Weather Service Forecast for Winter Storm Fern: https://www.weather.gov/
• Report a Power Outage: To report a power outage to Dominion Energy, call (888) 333-4465 or use the Dominion Energy app. To report an outage for Aiken Electric Co-operative, call (877) 264-5368. For other providers and the contact number, go A real-time map of electric cooperative outages in the state can be seen here. A map for Dominion Energy outages can be seen here. Duke Energy’s outage map can be seen here.

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Senate Panel Advances Income, Property Tax Cuts

South Carolina residents could see lower income and property taxes next year under two bills approved by the Senate Finance Committee.

Slashing Income Taxes: The committee approved H.4216, a bill that would lower the State’s income tax from 6% to 5.39%. The bill also sets a 1.99% rate on income up to $30,000. It also includes a measure that provides that if sufficient revenue continues to flow into the state, the rate will flatten to 1.99% before eventually phasing out completely. The House passed this tax reform last spring. If the Senate doesn’t amend it during floor debate, its approval will send it to Gov. McMaster, who promises to sign it into law, helping families keep more of their earnings and making the state more competitive.

Property Tax Relief: A second bill (S.768) would expand property tax relief for seniors. It would triple the Homestead Exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 for homeowners age 65 and older who have lived in their homes at least five years. The change would significantly reduce tax bills for thousands of retirees.

Together, the measures would cut state revenues by about $378 million. The state’s strong economic growth and budget surpluses can absorb the cost.

House to Vote on ‘Bathroom Bill’

The House Judiciary Committee has sent the “Bathroom Ban” bill (H.4756) to the House floor on a party-line vote. The bill would require students and users of public facilities to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on sex at birth, expanding a 2024 budget proviso. Supporters say the measure protects privacy, while opponents raise concerns about enforcement and discrimination. The proviso is currently under review in federal court.

House Amends Vape Regulation Bill

The House approved legislation to create a statewide regulatory system for electronic nicotine delivery systems, including vapes and e-cigarettes.

The bill (S.287) requires manufacturers to certify that their products are authorized by, or under review with, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and to register each product with the Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General would maintain a public directory of approved products, and only items listed could be sold in South Carolina beginning in 2027.

In addition, the measure restricts youth-targeted marketing by banning candy- and toy-style branding, limiting advertising to adult audiences, and prohibiting unverified health claims. The legislation will ensure that only federally compliant products are sold in the state, reduce youth access to vaping products, and strengthen enforcement efforts.

The bill was amended and sent back to the Senate.

Senate Moving on DOT Reform

After months of study, the House is still finalizing legislation to modernize SC’s transportation system. This week, the Senate charted its own reform plan.

A comprehensive infrastructure and Department of Transportation reform bill (S.831) is now under committee review. The proposal would allow toll roads and express lanes, reform county transportation committees, authorize developer impact fees, increase electric vehicle fees, strengthen audits, expand public-private partnerships, and revise DOT governance.

Funding challenges are also being discussed. DOT officials say construction inflation has reduced the impact of the 2017 gas tax increase. They also warn that federal transportation funding may decline later this year.

DERAILED: Closing SC’s Primary Elections

Republican Party activists have been clamoring for years to close partisan primary elections to only registered members of political parties. That would curtail the bulk of crossover voting. There were two competing bills, sparking warring factions among Republican legislators. The uber-right House Freedom Caucus stirred up grassroots activists in support of its version. That led to a nasty name-calling social media campaign that helped derail the bills, which appear to be dead for this session. (The SC Daily Gazette accurately dissected the political battle.)

Observation: Our nation’s Founding Fathers recognized the necessity of compromise. Representative government is the art of the practical, not perfection. Regrettably, the absolutists – those who insist on their way – most often fail, as in the closed primary war.

Reforming the Judge Selection Process

A House Judiciary subcommittee has advanced legislation that could remove lawmakers from SC’s judicial screening process. The panel voted 4–1 to move forward with H.4755, which would overhaul the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC). Under the proposal, the governor would gain full authority to appoint JMSC members, replacing the current system in which House and Senate lawmakers — all attorneys — hold most seats. The bill would remove legislators from the screening process.

Putting America & SC First

A House panel advanced legislation requiring the use of U.S. Produced Iron and Steel (H.4709) in state-funded public works projects. The bill passed out of subcommittee and has been referred to the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee. This legislation is focused on strengthening domestic manufacturing, protecting critical supply chains, and ensuring taxpayer dollars support American workers and industries. As South Carolina continues to grow, measures like this help reinforce a strong, reliable workforce and keep our state competitive. We’re putting America first right here in South Carolina!

Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License

This week, the Senate passed legislation (S.59) to stiffen penalties for driving a motor vehicle without a driver’s license by increasing minimum fines, lengthening terms of imprisonment, and incorporating a penalty of home confinement. The bill now heads to the House.  

Reining in Federal Spending

If Congress refuses to balance the federal budget and not put Americans deeper into debt, then the states have the authority to force it. The SC Senate passed a resolution to Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, calling for a convention of the states. The resolution (H.3007) specifies that a convention be limited to proposing a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution.

Convention of States National Update

This week, the Kansas House of Representatives made history by approving the Article V Convention of States resolution by a decisive vote of 80-42. The resolution was easily approved by the Kansas Senate last year by an equally impressive vote of 29-11. Kansas replaces SC as the most recent state to call for an amending convention. Kansas is #20, SC #19. This initiative calls for the first-ever Article V convention to LIMIT federal overreach, not just the balanced budget issue.

The initiative has renewed momentum. Since COS began in 2013, the COS Resolution has been filed in all 50 states, passed committees in 33 states, passed one legislative chamber in 27 states, and some leadership in the Ohio legislature has declared that THEY want to pass the COS Resolution this year.

The Ten Commandments

Legislation requiring SC public schools, colleges, and universities to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms and allowing districts and charter schools to authorize volunteer chaplains passed the House Judiciary Committee 18-3 and is heading to the House floor for debate. Proponents of H.4762 say the display reflects the historical influence of biblical law on American government and legal traditions. Opponents argue it violates the First Amendment’s ban on establishing religion and could marginalize students of other faiths. The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

Restoring Legislative Pay

SC legislators got whacked with a 54% pay cut last year (sorta like going from little to nearly nuttin’). Senators moved to repair the damage by approving a bill to restore lawmakers’ longstanding $1,000 monthly expense allowance, which was suspended last year following a court ruling. The bill (S.779) would provide back pay starting in July 2025, when the allowance was first paused. The payments were halted after the state Supreme Court ruled that a budget clause raising the allowance to $2,500 was unconstitutional, effectively cutting lawmakers’ pay by $12,000 annually. Legislators still receive a $10,400 annual salary.

Senate leaders emphasized that any future pay increases must be handled transparently through stand-alone legislation rather than the budget process. (See my response below.)

There is a Better Way!

Senators, there is a better way!

During the final day of last year’s session, late in May, I filed legislation to create the General Assembly Member Salary Commission. The House bill (H.4924) has 17 sponsors, including many in leadership.

The Commission would have seven governor-appointed members, one from each of the U.S. congressional districts. Those members must have experience or expertise in law, economics, finance, human resources, personnel management, business, salary surveys, compensation, and benefits. Every four years, the Commission would authorize a study of legislative compensation based on legislative job duties and responsibilities, as well as a comparison of legislators’ pay with that of other states. This approach is similar to the Agency Salary Review Commission, which evaluates and sets salaries for leaders of state agencies and statewide Constitutional officers.

The General Assembly Member Salary Commission will be responsible for providing an independent analysis of the compensation needed to attract everyday citizens and augment the current legislative makeup, which is primarily comprised of lawyers, entrepreneurs, and individuals like me who are retired from their careers.

A Salute to Rep. Bill Clyburn

This week, our Aiken legislative colleague, Rep. Bill Clyburn, announced his retirement at the end of this legislative session. Bill, a Democrat, has represented House District 82 since 1994. He is #2 in seniority in the House. Bill was 32 years old when he was elected to the Aiken City Council in 1980. He was a football coach and then principal at Aiken High School. Bill, who is 84, says he wants to spend more time with his wife, Beverly, and with his family. He has been a good friend, and we will be celebrating his many legislative accomplishments.

WINNING FOR AMERICA!

This week marked the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s first year back in office. It’s been a whirlwind of accomplishments. His supporters are thrilled with his actions to close our borders, bring peace to numerous conflicts around the world, and so much more.

To those with TDS, I get it that you don’t like him. Maybe the way he speaks or the way he swaggers. But I always ask them, “What policies do you oppose?”

Check out the list of accomplishments: 365 WINS IN 365 DAYS. I hope it gives you a better perspective on how he’s working to improve the life for all Americans.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

We honored a true public servant whose nearly 40 years of service have helped keep his community safe. Dennis Jackson retired as Chief of the New Holland Volunteer Fire Department, and it was my privilege to present him with a Resolution from the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizing his extraordinary dedication.

Dennis became Chief in 2005, leading with passion, vision, and purpose. At the time, the department operated out of a single firehouse with just two pieces of equipment. Today, thanks to his leadership, New Holland VFD operates 15 pieces of rolling equipment, three firehouses, and a fourth under construction. Last year alone, the department responded to more than 600 calls.

Chief Jackson leaves behind a legacy of service, growth, and safety that will benefit his community for generations. Thank you, Dennis, for answering the call for nearly four decades.

Last Sunday, we honored and remembered an American hero, Allen Hawkes Jr., of Aiken, who passed away last November. I presented his widow, Jackie, a Resolution from the SC House of Representatives honoring Allen for his service and sacrifice. Sgt. Hawkes served in the army during the Vietnam War and distinguished himself through extraordinary courage and valor in combat. He was awarded two bronze stars for heroism along with numerous other medals, commendations, and honors. A man of deep faith, Allen was a devoted member and Deacon of Lighthouse Baptist Church. He leaves an enduring legacy