As the South Carolina General Assembly prepares to gavel in a new session on January 14, 2025, one thing is clear: this year’s legislative session promises to be anything but dull. With Republicans holding supermajorities in both the House and Senate for the first time in a century, the potential for sweeping changes is immense. From laws already set to take effect to new legislative priorities on the horizon, South Carolinians should brace for impact.
New Laws in 2025
While January 1 ushered in a few minor local bills addressing issues in Lancaster, Florence, and Laurens counties, the real legislative changes are tied to earlier decisions from the 2023-2024 session. Here are some of the key measures already shaping the state:
Open Carry Without a Permit: South Carolina joined a growing list of states allowing individuals to openly carry firearms without a permit.
Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: A controversial law prohibits hormone therapy and other gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors.
State Budget Adjustments: With the new fiscal year, a range of changes came into effect, including a teacher pay raise to a minimum of $47,000, a ban on cell phones in state schools, and a cut in income taxes. Notably, schools must begin enforcing the cell phone ban this semester.
Looking ahead, two significant laws are slated to take effect on July 1, 2025:
Judicial Selection Commission Changes: Restructures the commission responsible for vetting judges, granting the governor more influence in the process.
Seizure Safe Schools Act: Mandates seizure training programs and individualized health care plans for students with seizure disorders.
Legislative Priorities: Nuts and Bolts or Culture Wars?
Republican leaders have signaled a focus on “practical issues” this session, with Senate Republicans appearing cautious as they navigate their newfound supermajority. Key legislative priorities include:
School Choice: A revamped voucher program aimed at expanding private school access is expected to take center stage.
Energy Reform: Addressing South Carolina’s energy challenges, including infrastructure upgrades, is also on the agenda.
Infrastructure Projects: Investments in roads, bridges, and other critical projects are high on the list.
However, this focus on “nuts and bolts” issues, as Sen. Matt Leber called them, is juxtaposed with a wave of prefiled bills that lean heavily into cultural and ideological battles. Among them:
A proposal to place the Ten Commandments in public schools.
A bill abolishing the State Board of Education.
Renewed efforts to enact a complete abortion ban.
While some GOP legislators, like Sen. Leber, have downplayed the likelihood of diving headfirst into social wars, the sheer volume of polarizing bills suggests these debates may still take up considerable oxygen in the chamber.
The “Rubberneck” Bills
Every session brings its share of head-scratching proposals, and 2025 is no exception. Among the most attention-grabbing prefiled bills:
Legislator Perks: Sen. Leber has proposed a $12,000 annual stipend for legislators to hire private security or install security systems, raising eyebrows given its hefty cost relative to their salaries.
Gym Access for Legislators: Rep. Robert Williams introduced a bill granting lawmakers free access to state and local gyms, sparking debate over priorities.
Mandatory Flag Salutes: Sen. Mike Reichenbach’s bill would require all public school students to salute the flag daily, eliminating existing constitutional exemptions.
Democratic Priorities: Fighting for Families
Amidst a Republican-dominated legislature, Democratic lawmakers, led by figures like Rep. Spencer Wetmore, aim to carve out space for bipartisan progress. Their priorities include improving teacher pay and tackling the housing crisis.
Wetmore has emphasized the importance of avoiding polarizing social debates, advocating instead for legislation that addresses everyday challenges faced by South Carolinian families.
What’s Next?
With supermajorities in both chambers, Republicans have the numbers to pass transformative legislation. Yet, internal divisions and cautious Senate leadership may temper their ambitions. Meanwhile, Democrats will strive to find common ground while championing their own policy agenda.
South Carolinians should expect a mix of practical governance and ideological showdowns as the 2025 General Assembly session unfolds. One thing is certain: it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Buckle up.
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