South Carolina Prepares for Transformative 2026 Legislative Session with Key Reforms, Business Changes, and Infrastructure Investments

South Carolina steps into 2026 with lawmakers gearing up for a packed legislative session amid new laws, business shifts, and soggy weather. FOX Carolina News reports at least 258 bills prefiled in the House and 69 in the Senate, focusing on public safety, tax reform, and rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Republicans, controlling both chambers, prioritize income tax cuts and juvenile justice reforms, according to Charleston City Paper, while a hands-free driving law takes effect February 28, as noted by WACH. Businesses face changes too, with new liquor liability rules requiring all servers to complete alcohol training by January 1, easing insurance burdens per WACH reporting.

In education, the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Funding Manual from the South Carolina Department of Education outlines state aid to classrooms, charter school expansions, and efforts to boost basic skills and school choice, as highlighted by Bill Taylor's newsletter. Economic growth drives priorities like the Energy Security Act, strengthening grid reliability for booming population needs. Lowcountry communities advance infrastructure, including stormwater systems and park expansions, via Local Life SC projects.

A southern storm system ushered in the year with widespread rain through the first weekend, bringing possible thunder but no severe threats, South Carolina Public Radio notes. No major public safety incidents dominate headlines beyond legislative pushes for hate crime laws, stalled in the Senate despite House passage.

Looking Ahead, the House and Senate reconvene January 13 for debates on highway reforms, abortion measures, immigration enforcement via 287(g) agreements, and the SC Chamber's Business Speaks event on January 14 to outline business priorities. DOGE-inspired efforts aim to cut regulations and waste.

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