Senate adopts tougher DUI measure

Members of the S.C. Senate on Feb. 4 voted unanimously to strengthen the state’s DUI law. The bill, which Senate leaders identified as a priority heading into the session, closes loopholes such as dismissals due to videotaping issues and stiffens penalties for repeat and first-time offenders.

“The idea is to include enough of a deterrent effect that people aren’t going to want to do it,” Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, told reporters.

Movement on other issues

Below is an update on other major issues including some mentioned in our 2026 legislative preview:

Abortion: A House Judiciary subcommittee on Jan. 14 killed one bill to treat abortion as homicide and advanced another to reclassify abortion pills as Schedule IV drugs. LATEST: The S.C. House on Feb. 4 voted 81-31 to advance the abortion pill rescheduling bill to the S.C. Senate.

DOGE SC: Multiple bills promising to cut the state workforce and the regulations they enforce have been introduced for consideration in 2026. In particular, House GOP leaders have pledged to get their “Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act” passed through the S.C. Senate this session. LATEST: Massey told reporters last week the bill could come up for Senate consideration in February or March.

Fix the pay raise: When the S.C. Supreme Court last year struck down an increase in lawmakers’ “in-district expenses” stipend, the decision also incidentally killed the $1,000 a month that legislators were already receiving. LATEST: A bill restoring the $1,000 stipend retroactive to July 1, 2025, is headed to Gov. Henry McMaster’s desk after clearing the Senate Jan. 21 and the House Jan. 29.

Little change

Income tax cuts: An income tax cut bill passed last year in the S.C. House is being considered by the S.C. Senate Budget Committee. The bill would set rates at 5.39% and 1.99% based on income — lower than the current rates, but taxing more people due to changes in income exemptions and exclusions. The Senate Budget Committee advanced the House bill on Jan. 20, with an additional property tax cut for residents 65 and older.

Rolling back affirmative action and DEI: Several bills are still currently awaiting consideration, including one to codify Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order ending affirmative action in state contracting.

Juvenile justice: A special committee created by House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, is meeting throughout the session to advance reforms to the state’s juvenile justice system.

Highway reform: Members of the House Ad Hoc SCDOT Modernization Committee introduced sweeping legislation on Jan. 29 aimed at shaking up the state’s transportation system, including stronger SCDOT executive oversight, increased county responsibility for some state roads and higher taxes on electric vehicles.

Judicial selection: A bill with the support of leaders in both chambers would give the governor more power in selecting state judges. It’s currently awaiting action in the House Judiciary Committee. The leaders’ bill cleared committee Jan. 28 and heads to the House floor for further action.

Concurrency: A bill by Davis that would allow local governments to limit development in areas with insufficient infrastructure is pending consideration in the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.

Immigration: Currently in the House Judiciary Committee, H. 4764 would require all S.C. sheriffs to partner with the federal government to enforce national immigration laws.