January 16, 2026

The General Assembly convened Tuesday, marking the start of the 2026 legislative session. The House spent much of the week meeting in budget subcommittees, hearing requests from state agencies and other government entities, including SCAC’s request for full funding of the Local Government Fund. The House also held a contentious hearing Wednesday on legislation related to abortion-inducing drugs. The House Department of Transportation Modernization Ad Hoc Committee continued meeting to discuss the details of the proposed S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) bill, which likely will include an optional road transfer program.

The Senate spent most of the week in subcommittee meetings focused on several issues of note, including an increase to the homestead exemption and DUI reform. Overall, it was a busy first week back at the State House. These and other bills of interest are discussed below.

BILLS OF DIRECT INTEREST TO COUNTIES

Revenue, Finance and Economic Development

Homestead Exemption 

S. 768, introduced this week, would increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $100,000 and lower the age requirement to 60 years old.

Status: A Senate Finance subcommittee met Tuesday, during which SCAC testified in support of S. 768. The subcommittee gave the bill a unanimous favorable report, and S. 768 will advance to the full Senate Finance Committee. SCAC staff anticipates at least one amendment at the full committee to add a residency requirement of three or five years for eligibility. The SCAC policy position is to increase the exemption amount and add a residency requirement.

Continuing Resolution

S. 769, introduced this week, would grant continuing authority to pay the expenses of state government if the 2026-27 fiscal year begins without the General Assembly enacting a budget.

Status: A Senate Finance subcommittee gave S. 769 a favorable report, and the bill will be on the next full committee’s agenda.

(Left) SCAC Government Affairs Specialist Sallie McLeod testifies at a Senate Finance subcommittee meeting in support of increasing the Homestead exemption and in opposition to a bill that would limit counties’ Home Rule authority.

(Right) SCAC Government Affairs Liaison Weber Wilson testifies at a House Ways and Means budget subcommittee meeting requesting full funding to the Local Government Fund.

County Government and Intergovernmental Relations

Protection of Monuments and Memorials

S. 508 would prohibit a local government from relocating, removing or disturbing certain monuments and memorials. Any county or municipality that violates the prohibition would lose all disbursements from the Local Government Fund until the violation is corrected.

Status: SCAC staff testified in opposition to S. 508 as a clear example of taking away local control, but a Senate Finance subcommittee moved the bill forward. There were several discussions during the debate about the potential for unintended consequences amid the constant renaming of roads and buildings. SCAC staff anticipates amendments at the full committee to address these concerns.

Safeguarding Veterans’ Benefits

S. 695 would enact the “South Carolina Safeguarding American Veterans’ Benefits Act” to ensure veterans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

Status: A Senate Family and Veterans’ Services subcommittee gave S. 695 a favorable report, and the bill will be on the next full committee’s agenda.

OTHER STATEWIDE BILLS OF INTEREST

DUI Reform

As passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, S. 52 would reform the penalties for people convicted of driving under the influence. Those convicted of a second offense or more would be required to carry an SR-22 surety issued by an insurer. A Senate Judiciary subcommittee and the Senate Judiciary Committee both passed S. 52, and the Senate voted Thursday to place the bill into “special order” status, ensuring its debate next week.

Abortion-Inducing Drugs

H. 4760 would establish crimes and penalties for the use of abortion-inducing drugs, such as mifepristone and misoprostol, with exceptions. A House Judiciary subcommittee gave H. 4760 a favorable report, and the bill will be on the next full committee’s agenda.

Income Tax Reform

H. 4216, which was passed by the House in 2025, would change South Carolina’s individual income tax structure by reducing the tax rate over time until it reaches 1.99%. A Senate Finance subcommittee gave H. 4216 a favorable report, and the bill will be on the next full committee’s agenda.

Legislative Expenses

S. 779 would give all members of the General Assembly a legislative expense allowance of $1,000 per month. A Senate Finance subcommittee gave S. 779 a favorable report, and the bill will be on the next full committee’s agenda.

Driving without a License

S. 59 would increase the penalties for driving without a license. The Senate gave the bill second and third readings this week, sending S. 59 to the House.

Pending Gun Charges

S. 136 would require the dismissal of certain unlawful handgun possession charges from before the enactment of the South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024. It also states that a dismissal would not necessitate dismissing related charges or serve as a basis for civil actions from the arrest. The governor vetoed S. 136 in May, and the Senate overrode the veto at the end of last session. The House overrode the veto Wednesday, and the bill will be enrolled for ratification.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Public Records

H. 4902 would require that the total amount of revenue funds spent by an institution of higher learning during each fiscal year as part of an intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing program be subject to public disclosure. However, the total amount and any percentage amount of those revenues paid to any specific athlete, or any specific sport or athletic program would be exempt from disclosure. Also, documents related to or created as part of the process of negotiating an agreement with an athlete are confidential and may not be considered a public record. The House gave H. 4902 second and third readings this week and sent the bill to the Senate.

See below links for summaries of legislation introduced this week.

House Bills

Senate Bills

View/Download Full Text for Newly-Introduced Legislation

You can also go to www.scstatehouse.gov and click on "Legislation," then "Introduced Legislation."

Note: If you would like to offer comments to the SCAC staff, please call us toll-free at 1-800-922-6081, fax to (803) 252-0379, or send an email.

Registration is now open for 2026 Counties Connect: A Legislative Action Day. Join us Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Columbia! It's a great opportunity for county officials to engage directly with state legislators and advocate for their communities.

The day includes a legislative briefing, a visit to the State House and an evening reception with General Assembly members at the Palmetto Club.

Institute of Government classes and the Council Chairperson's Workshop will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, in conjunction with the event.

Don't miss this chance to make your voice heard!