Dear Friends:

When the school year ends, students get their final report cards. The gavel fell last week on the 125^th regular session of the SC General Assembly, and our “report card” is still to be determined. That’s because we aren’t finished.

State law requires us to conclude our business on the second Thursday in May, but the House and Senate always agree to return in June to wrap up loose ends. There are 22 bills, including some biggies, in conference committees where differences in the House and Senate versions are negotiated. That includes the state budget for ’24-25. We return to the State House for three weeks in June. After that, our Final “Report Card” can be issued.

Whirlwind Weeks

The final two weeks were a whirlwind of legislative activity as legislators did their best to get final approval for significant bills, and those they personally sponsored.

There’s a lot to report, so put on your speed-reading glasses. I’ll start with a few highlights from the final few days:

Protecting Our Children

The “Help Not Harm” legislation (H.4624) won approval by both the House and Senate and has been sent to Gov. McMaster for his approval (which is a certainty). This crucial legislation protects our children from irreversible gender transition procedures and hormone blockers, affirming our commitment to safeguard the physical and psychological well-being of South Carolina’s youth from premature medical decisions.

Enhancing Online Safety for Minors Frpm Online Pornography

We have taken a significant step towards safeguarding our children online with the passage of H.3424, the Child Online Safety Act. This pivotal legislation, which now awaits the Governor’s signature, mandates age verification on websites displaying pornographic content to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate material.

Enhancing Public Safety and Substance Control

I supported the passage of H.4617, which effectively addresses public safety concerns by adding xylazine to the list of Schedule III controlled substances, with strict regulations to prevent abuse while allowing legitimate medical uses. This bill has now been enrolled for ratification, underscoring our commitment to combating emerging drug threats.

Commitment to Our Protectors

It was vitally important to me to support the passage of S.969, which significantly increases the daily subsistence allowance for our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel from $8 to $16. During a hearing before my budget subcommittee, I strongly opposed the phasing in of this subsistence increase over several years, as proposed – our first responders need the increase NOW to combat inflation and rising prices. Fortunately, others shared my view. The phase-in was removed. This legislation also raises the maximum tax deduction for volunteers from $3,000 to $6,000 annually, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who ensure our safety. These changes underscore our deep appreciation and firm commitment to supporting the brave individuals who protect our communities.

Judicial Reform and Accountability

SC is one of two states in which legislators elect judges. Previously, I have written that during the past 14 years, I have asked every judicial candidate I have interviewed if there is a better way to select judges. Everyone agreed that SC did it right, but each suggested modifications to the process.

The House and Senate have worked hard to improve the process, and their differences on S.1046 have been sent to a conference committee. This reform enhances transparency and accountability of our judicial selection process, responding directly to the overwhelming 91% of Republicans in our Presidential Primary who voted for change. While no single legislation can thoroughly address the complexities of judicial reform, this bill represents a significant step toward refining how we elect judges in SC. I hope the conferees can negotiate an agreement.

Legislation on Life Support

Political Stunt Derails Top Legislative Priority

The hardline ‘House Freedom Caucus’ has finally turned its daily political mischief into severe damage by wreaking havoc in the final minutes of the legislative session. The group of about 15, primarily upstate Republicans, proudly takes credit for killing the bill that combines six state health agencies into one unit. A study showed that SC has the most fragmented mental health services deliver systems in any state. The reorganization is Governor McMaster’s top priority. The legislation was passed by the Senate and House overwhelmingly.

S.915 would merge the departments of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Disabilities and Special Needs, Health and Human Services, Public Health, Mental Health, and Aging into the new Executive Office of Health and Policy for accountability to improve services. It also places the Health and Policy secretary in the Governor’s cabinet.

Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Adam Morgan (who is running for Congress) told reporters: “We won. We killed the health czar bill. (It’s a) huge win for the Freedom Caucus.”

The SC Director for the Americans for Prosperity, Candace Carroll, sees it differently. In a post on X, she said: “For the individuals opposing S.915 – I truly hope they never have to deal with the stressful reality that is bouncing between our state health care agencies to secure services for a member of their family.”

The “health care czar’ touted by the Freedom Caucus is fake news. As a cabinet agency, the Health and Policy Office reports to the Governor, who retains all the powers they attribute to the so-called “Czar.”

At a Monday news conference, Gov. McMaster called on the legislature to take up the healthcare agency reorganization plan when it returns next month.

It would take a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate to amend the sine die resolution to get the bill back on the overtime agenda and send it to a conference committee. It’s a ‘HAIL MARY.’ It’s possible, but rarely has it been done.

Energy Independence and Sustainability

Another significant life-support bill is the Ten-Year Energy Transformation Act, pivotal legislation ensuring SC’s long-term energy independence. The bill had nearly 60 House sponsors and passed the House overwhelmingly. Senate leadership was more reluctant. They amended the House bill by gutting it and replacing it with an energy wish-list Resolution. The bill now moves to a conference committee to reconcile differences – that’s possible but unlikely considering the headwinds it faces from Senate leadership. SC is very much in need of this plan to ensure a sustainable energy future in South Carolina. The time is now. Let’s not kick the can down the road.

Local Focus

“Doc Taylor“

I am humbled to have received an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Human Letters from SC State University during their joyous graduation ceremony last week that began in the rain but ended basked in the sun. In my acceptance remarks, I urged graduates to be enthusiastic “DOERS” and, beyond work, find true fulfillment through giving back to others. Public service in any form is a noble calling — it’s the rent we pay for our citizenship.

Here’s a snippet of my message to graduates in the pouring down rain.

A Room Filled with Patriots! 

It was a delight to address the Florence County Republican Party Tuesday evening. I provided them with insights into this legislative session and focused on the dysfunction that abounds in Washington, DC. These Patriots want America to abide by the Constitution and Rule of Law (not “Lawfare”).

Legislative Accomplishments

If you’re marking your legislative report card, here’s a topline checklist of the accomplishments (so far) of the 125^th Legislative Session (2023-2024):

• Protecting Life: The Fetal Heartbeat Bill was signed into law.
• “Help Not Harm” bill – Awaiting the Governor’s signature.
• Child Online Safety Act: Enhanced Online Safety for Minors – Awaiting Governor’s signature.
• Gavin’s Law: Anti-sextortion law to help protect teenagers and adults – signed into law.
• Keeping cell phones from prison inmates – signed into law.
• Medical Certificate of Need – Repealed
• 2A: Constitutional Carry – signed into law.
• Expanded School Choice Creating Education Savings Accounts – signed into law.
• Restructured DHEC: Split into Environmental & Health – signed into law
• Targeted Fentanyl Trafficking – signed into law.
• Telehealth Expansion – signed into law.
• Substance Control: Made xylazine a Schedule III controlled substance with strict regulations to prevent abuse – heading to the Governor for his signature.
• Bail Reform: Ended Revolving Door for Criminal – signed into law.
• Crackdown on DUIs: Ignition interlock systems are required before drunk drivers can get temporary licenses before the disposition of their DUI charges – signed into law.
• Banning Non-Citizens from Voting – Constitutional Referendum placed on November ballot.
• Expanded Family Leave for Teachers – signed into law.
• Increased Teacher Salaries – Every Budget, including next year.
• Needed Salary Increases: Raised pay for troopers, corrections officers, and state employees.
• ESG Pension Protection Act: Keeping the WOKE out of State Pensions – signed into law.
• Froze tuition for our state colleges and universities – 6^th year

Failed to Cross the Finish Line

• Universal School Choice: ESA Expansion 2.0 – Passed Overwhelmingly by the House, Died in the Senate.
• Banning DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) at state universities and colleges – Passed by House, died in the Senate.
• Tort Reform – Died in Senate, Never made it to the House.
• Compassionate Care Act – Stalled in House Committee after passing Senate.
• Fentanyl Murder: Inaction by House. It would have established a criminal offense of killing someone by willfully providing them with fentanyl after receiving anything of value – Passed by the Senate, Died in the House.
• Banning Central Bank Digital Currency (my bill) – Inaction by House.
• The Farmer’s Protection Act: Prevents Fiancing Discrimination Against Farmers – Unanimously passed the House, Passed by a Senate Committee, but was blocked for a Senate vote by a Senator.
• Hate Crimes – Blocked in Senate.
• Sunday liquor sales by local option – Died in Senate.
• Cutting Unemployment Benefits – Inaction by Senate.
• Forming Open & Robust University Minds: Free Speech on College Campuses – Stalled in House Committee.
• Hands-Free Driving: Put Down the Phone & Drive – I first filed this bill in 2017. Total inaction – there were no hearings this session! I’ll persevere!
• Ranked Choice Voting Ban – One hearing by House Committee.
• Voter Referendum to Appoint Comptroller General, rather than Electing: Passed Senate, House didn’t take it up.
• SC Equine Advancement Act: Allow Pari-Mutual Betting to Prove SC’s Equine Industry with Development Funds – Passed by House, Not Considered by Senate.
• Utility Terrain Vehicles: Registration to Operate on Highways – Passed by House, Not Considered by Senate.

Final Thought

This two-year legislative session had significant accomplishments, filling me with pride and optimism for our state’s future. I am also disappointed that the bills I sponsored or supported didn’t make it across the finish line, but that happens every session. I remain hopeful that the 22 conference committees working on compromises will return legislation to us that we can be proud to vote for. I’ll keep you updated on our progress in June.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

I consider this to be a historic photo. Most likely, it is the last time the current Aiken Legislative Delegation will be pictured together. Sen. Nikki Setzler and Rep Bart Blackwell are retiring. Nikki has served in the Senate for 48 years; Bart has been a Representative for 8 years. Allen Reddick, President of the Aiken Historical Society, requested the photograph. He’s preparing a picture book chronicling 2024.

Want to Know More?

Do you want to learn more about my positions, bill sponsorships, voting record, and past writings? Here are some handy links:

• About Me: https://taylorschouse.com/about-2/
• My Positions: https://taylorschouse.com/issues/
• Sponsored Bill & Voting Record: http://tiny.cc/b1pouz
• Recent Newsletters: https://taylorschouse.com/category/newsletter/

I’m Available & AT YOUR SERVICE 

It is my honor to be of service. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance navigating state government or have any thoughts or concerns about the legislature.

In Your Service,

Email: Bill@taylorschouse.com
www.TaylorSCHouse.com  

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