South Carolina's 2025 Legislative Session: Vetoes, Vouchers, and Emerging Policy Challenges

South Carolina remains active on several fronts as the state closes out June 2025. Among the week’s top headlines, Governor Henry McMaster has announced several line item vetoes for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget, according to the governor’s office. Following a significant Supreme Court decision in favor of South Carolina in Medina v., the governor’s team underscored ongoing priorities in state governance. In legislative news, the General Assembly wrapped up the first year of its two-year session last month with achievements and open questions. ABC News 4 reports that lawmakers passed a bill designed to reduce surging insurance rates for businesses serving alcohol and approved legislation to help utilities keep pace with the state’s booming population. Among notable policy shifts, parents will now be allowed to use public funds for private schooling through an updated voucher program. Although a similar measure was struck down by the courts in 2023, supporters are hopeful that the revised legislation will withstand legal scrutiny.

Other policy items remain unresolved. The House did not advance a hate crimes bill this year, keeping South Carolina among the last states without such a law. Similarly, despite years of debate, medical marijuana legislation failed to get a hearing in either legislative chamber. All pending bills will carry over to the 2026 session, leaving issues like tax reform and the fate of the state treasurer unresolved.

In business developments, Barnwell Tissue Solutions announced plans to establish operations in Barnwell County, signaling ongoing industrial growth. Meanwhile, utilities across the state are collaborating with lawmakers to address rising energy needs caused by rapid population gains.

Employment and economic indicators remain closely watched as new ventures take root. Community news includes continued emphasis on public safety and road safety. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported two fatalities on state roads over the recent weekend, highlighting summer travel risks. In education, the anticipated implementation of the school voucher program is expected to drive changes in public and private school enrollment over the coming year.

Infrastructure and emergency preparedness also drew attention this month. According to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, May was designated Hurricane Preparedness Month. The state conducted a full-scale hurricane response exercise and officials secured a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant for upstate wildfire response earlier this spring. In March, Governor McMaster declared a State of Emergency for the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County, with a ban on outdoor burning remaining in effect until further notice.

Looking ahead, listeners can expect continued debate on unresolved legislative priorities, including potential tax code reforms and public safety initiatives. As hurricane season continues, the state’s emergency agencies urge all residents to stay informed about weather updates and preparedness recommendations. Watch for further announcements from the governor’s office as budget decisions and new legislation roll out. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.