MORNING HEADLINES | The South Carolina House of Representatives fell in line with the state Senate on Thursday with a unanimous vote to toughen the Palmetto State’s laws for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Senate Bill 52, sponsored by Beaufort Republican Sen. Tom Davis, covers new DUI penalties, interlock devices, license suspension and blood samples.
The 108-0 vote pushed the bill back to the upper chamber, which will decide whether to revert the bill back to its original writing, endorse House-made changes or send the bill to a conference committee to negotiate differences.
S.C. Rep. Robby Robbins, a Dorchester Republican and former solicitor who presented the bill to the House Thursday, said there were three main changes from the Senate version in the more than 40-page bill:
- When the ignition interlock devices is required;
- Videotaping statutes; and
- Where blood draws can be done.
Robbins said he was hopeful for the legislation but added that it needs to be accompanied by a more serious conversation about alcohol education.
“It’s going to help law enforcement, because they now have a clearer road map for what they need to do, and we’re not hamstringing them in any way on how to do their job,” he said in an S.C. Public Radio report. “And they can do their job. And if they do it properly, they’ll get a conviction.
“And if they (the drivers) get convicted, we’re going to make them get some treatment, go without a license for a while, drive with an interlock (device). … We’re trying to get the message across. Hopefully, it will work.”
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In today’s issue of the Charleston City Paper
CP OPINION: Might be time for Lindsey to come home. “The transformation of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham from a South Carolina firebrand into a sycophantic toady of President Donald Trump has been fascinating, disappointing and uncomfortable to watch.”
- BRACK: Why the City Paper has two cover pictures this week
- CP CARTOON: Stegelin: AKA Gilead
- CP CARTOON: Once again
CP FEATURE: Third bite at the apple? Sanford now not running for Congress again. Mark Sanford, the Republican former South Carolina congressman and governor whose political ascendency was stalled by a 2009 affair, has ended his latest bid for public office. This story was written and printed before that announcement on Thursday.
- Former Gov. Sanford ending bid to win back S.C.’s 1st District
- Sanford says he’ll set up a debt-focused nonprofit instead
CP NEWS: Lowcountry farms, gardens drying up amid drought. Sparse vegetables and dusty pastures are common sights these days at several Lowcountry farms as an ongoing drought has farmers and agriculture officials worried for the season.
- Despite rain, S.C. Drought Committee upgrades conditions to severe
- S.C. Forestry Commission to lift statewide burning ban, urges caution amid drought
CP NEWS: Tenants wait for redevelopment of old Charleston housing units. Truecella Oliver, a mother of two toddlers, left a temporary stay at a North Charleston motel in 2024 to live in a Charleston public housing apartment hoping her family’s long-term living conditions would improve.
CP REVIEW: Footlight Players mull marriage in Company comedy classic. To be married or not to be. That is the question that drives the musical comedy Company. Now, Footlight Players offers its hand at the beloved work in a frothy new production at Queen Street Playhouse with some standout moments certain to resonate with those on either side of the marriage fence.
In other recent headlines
Lane closures expected ahead of Charleston Airshow practice flights. Practice flights are anticipated on Friday ahead of the 2026 Charleston Airshow over the harbor.
- Blue Angels aren’t the only Navy detachment in Charleston this week
- Roads closing ahead of Charleston Airshow featuring Blue Angels
Charleston firms break ground on 266 townhomes with pool, pickleball courts and putting green. Charleston firms Henderson Park and Green Room Partners broke ground on their joint 266-unit build-to-rent development, The Bower, in Jasper County.
2 nonprofits combine services to offer ‘one-stop shop’ in North Charleston. A new partnership between two nonprofits now allows residents to access needed supplies, such as food boxes and hygiene kits, as well as long-term support focused on financial stability and job guidance, all under one roof.
Start of 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is a month away. With the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season less than a month away, officials across South Carolina are urging residents to prepare for whenever tropical weather could threaten.
S.C. candidates for attorney general let barbs fly in bitter debate. Republican voters heard from their three candidates for state attorney general about their visions as South Carolina’s top prosecutor and reforming a legal system grappling with massive backlogs dating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
9 S.C. House members want to defund S.C. State University amid Evette controversy. Nine members of the South Carolina House of Representatives want to defund South Carolina State University after the school cancelled a planned commencement speech by Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.
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