January 9, 2026

As we approach the start of the 2026 legislative year on Tuesday, Jan. 13, there may be more questions than answers on what bills the General Assembly will prioritize. Remember that 2026 is an election year, and this will loom over legislators’ daily decisions.

The House Republican Caucus released its 2026 agenda, and while there are not many surprises on the list, it might be the issues being talked about in the background that end up consuming most of the year.

Remember, this is the second year of a two-year session, and bills that did not pass last year remain in the same position as they were on adjournment in May 2025.

Below is a preview of key issues likely to be discussed that will impact county governments.

Roads and Infrastructure

A Transportation Ad Hoc Committee met during the offseason to determine how to address the condition of South Carolina’s roads. As unprecedented growth puts pressure on existing infrastructure, lawmakers have discussed several options to address the issues. One proposal involves transferring some of the roads to local governments. While this would reduce the burden on the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT), there are only a select number of local governments that would be financially able to participate. Therefore, by the General Assembly’s own admission, such a program would need to be optional.

Housing and Economic Development Costs

South Carolina lacks the workforce housing needed to house our workers that have been and will need to be hired to keep up with the demand for services that an influx of new residents requires. Workforce housing will continue to be a hot topic at the State House until a solution is presented that is amenable to a majority of the 170 members of the General Assembly.

Intertwined with growth is the past decade’s drive for economic development in South Carolina. While overall the push has led to success, the infrastructure needed to serve these projects has reached unprecedented costs. In the past, members of the General Assembly have included earmarked funds in the budget to help their districts with some of these costs. Earmarks were removed from the 2025-26 budget, and it is unclear if they will return. Couple this with the cuts from federal grants, and our local governments are being forced to think outside the box on how to keep up with the demands of their constituents.

Juvenile Crime

One last issue that likely will be discussed in detail in Columbia is juvenile crime. A Juvenile Crime Assessment and Strategic Reform Ad Hoc Committee met several times this fall to discuss South Carolina’s rise in juvenile crime. Among the discussions was the cost of housing juveniles prior to their adjudication. SCAC is working with stakeholders, including the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, to ensure that any legislation that comes from these discussions is fair and equitable to both the state and local governments.

The links below go to summaries of prefiled bills from both the House and the Senate for consideration during the 2026 legislative year.

Bills of Direct Interest to Counties

Bills of Statewide Interest

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!