Dear Friends:

In some quarters in South Carolina today, there is shock and disbelief! You can hear the outcry:

At midday Saturday, the Upstate is experiencing snow, with the winter mix rolling further south into the Columbia area. With more winter weather expected this weekend and snowfall levels varying across the state, please stay alert to changing forecasts and use caution while traveling. Stay safe and warm this weekend but also enjoy a rarity – South Carolina as a Winter Wonderland.

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

It was a busy and productive week at the State House. As in every session, the first three weeks are dominated by committee work, so legislation is vetted in public hearings before being sent to the House floor for debate and a vote. One significant highlight was the Governor’s historic State of the State address.

Casino Bill Derailed

For two years, there has been a push to pass a law allowing a mega-casino to be built along I-95 in Orangeburg County. It would be SC’s first gambling casino. This week, the House of Representatives moved the legislation (H.4176) off the House calendar, where it was scheduled for debate and a vote, and sent it back to committee. That move sent the bill back to the beginning of the legislative process, effectively killing it this year.

It was doomed anyway. The ghost of the video poker fight still looms large, and some legislators vowed to block a casino bill. Additionally, Gov. McMaster promised to veto it if the bill got to his desk.

Gambling proponents faced off with a coalition of faith-based groups opposing the casino. Earlier this month, 200 pastors rallied at the State House to send a loud and clear message against predatory gambling. There is little doubt that this was just the first round. Expect the casino proponents to try again next session.

Standing Up for Girls & Students

Let’s celebrate common sense, which was on full display Thursday when the House passed the Student Physical Privacy Act (aka Bathroom Bill) 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. The bill received spirited debate from some Democrats. Regardless, the final vote was 96-19 to send it on to the Senate.

This privacy provision has been in place for the past two years under a budget proviso, which is a temporary law. This bill codifies that provision into permanent state law.

It’s clear from extensive public testimony from parents that they don’t want their daughters placed in uncomfortable or inappropriate situations. They want schools focused on learning, safety, and respect. This legislation (H.4756) reflects common sense, protects girls, provides clarity for schools, and ensures student privacy as the bill now heads to the Senate.

A Historic State of the State Address

Gov. Henry McMaster delivered his final State of the State address on Wednesday, offering what sounded less like a farewell speech and more like a love letter to South Carolina.

As the state’s longest-serving governor, McMaster reflected on a decade of accomplishments while casting an optimistic vision for the next century. His remarks highlighted a record of steady, conservative leadership that has helped drive South Carolina’s continued growth and prosperity.

Unlike the more combative styles of his two Republican predecessors, McMaster has advanced his agenda largely through collaboration with the General Assembly. That approach has paid dividends.

Among his signature achievements are substantial pay raises for teachers and law enforcement, funding for school resource officers in every public school, and efforts to make higher education more affordable. In-state tuition has been frozen for eight consecutive years, while tens of thousands of students have benefited from tuition-free scholarships at technical colleges. McMaster has also championed major investments in repairing roads and bridges across the state.

Looking ahead, the governor cautioned against complacency.

“Let us continue to think big, to be bold, to embrace civility and comity through our thoughts, words, and deeds — and to urge our people, especially our young ones, to be proud of their state,” McMaster said.

Citing new U.S. Census data showing South Carolina once again as the nation’s fastest-growing state, McMaster called for an independent analysis to assess what will be needed over the next 10 to 20 years to manage that growth responsibly.

“If left unaddressed, we will face future problems with water and sewer access, traffic congestion, road and bridge repair, demand for electric power generation, public safety, school overcrowding, and healthcare availability,” he warned.

He closed his address on a hopeful note.

“The best is yet to come,” McMaster said. “I love this state, and I know you do too, and that’s what drives us.”

Through consistent leadership and a commitment to collaborating closely with lawmakers, McMaster leaves behind a stronger South Carolina — one that is well-positioned for continued success in the years ahead.

Fixing Roads & Infrastructure

Legislation was filed in the House on Thursday to improve SC’s planning and delivery of road projects. This proposal (H.5071) 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.

The goals of this effort are to cut red tape, ensure full transparency, reduce congestion, and expedite road projects 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.

Supporting Small Businesses

House Republicans advanced major legislation, 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.

Protecting Kids & Public Safety

House lawmakers advanced legislation that puts 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, the House has worked closely with law enforcement, including SLED, and with the Senate to ensure the policy is enforceable, provides clear protection 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 were advanced to strengthen trust and accountability in SC’s judicial system. Legislation 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, we 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.

Next Up: Regulating Abortion Drugs

The bill to regulate abortion-inducing drugs is now ready for debate by the full House after advancing from the full House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 14-7 along party lines. The proposed law (H.4760) elevates abortion-inducing drugs from “prescription only” (such as antibiotics) to a “scheduled drug” (drugs with a high potential for abuse) and establishes criminal and civil penalties for unlawfully mailing, dispensing, and providing women with an abortion-inducing drug. It is a commonsense bill to address the dangers posed by internet and mail order RU-486 and other abortion-inducing drugs to women and their unborn children. As expected, the opposition to the bill is led by Planned Parenthood. America’s leading abortion provider.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Several Aiken Legislators had the opportunity on Friday to get better acquainted with April Collins, who was recently named Chief Operating Officer of Aiken Electric Coop. April was born and raised in Edgefield and has been a member of the Co-Op team for two decades. Gary Stooksbury, AEC’s Chief Executive Officer, is retiring in March after successfully leading the electric provider for more than three decades. (Pictured L-R: Rep. Charlie Hartz, Sen. Tom Young, April Collins, Rep. Bill Taylor, Gary Stooksbury)