Copper Dome Chronicle: 2026 Session Week 17
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Copper Dome Chronicle, sponsored by Advocatus USA. We strive for substantive writing with brevity, inspired by the book Smart Brevity.
This week’s edition, covering May 5-7 is 1,664 words or a 6.5 minute read. The General Assembly convened on January 13 and will adjourn on May 14. Thanks for reading and sharing; we welcome your feedback and commentary!
Resources
FY 2026-2027 Agency Budget Requests
2026 Candidate Tracking Portal
***There are 2 weeks remaining in the 2026 regular session***
Week 17 Preview
The House will hold floor sessions on Tuesday (12pm), Wednesday (10am), and Thursday (10am). The House has 33 bills (ten on the contested calendar), one joint resolution (a regulation), and one concurrent resolution (road naming) for consideration on its calendar to begin the week. There are ten House bills (eight are contested) and 23 Senate bills (two are contested) on the House calendar. Expect the House floor sessions to be extended with debate on additional House amendments to H.5126 (FY27 Budget) as well as bills regarding ivermectin sales, amendments to the Heritage Act, and several education committee bills. Some bills that may generate debate this week:
H.5126 (FY27 Budget) - Senate Amendments
H.4042 (ivermectin over-the-counter sales)
H.4737 (college board of trustees training)
H.3197 (college and workforce readiness)
H.5309 (Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact)
S.325 (Department of Consumer Affairs)
S.238 (legislative session extension)
S.508 (monuments and memorials)
S.11 (state employee paid parental leave)
The Senate will hold floor sessions on Tuesday (12pm), Wednesday (1pm), and Thursday (11am). The Senate has 84 bills (35 are contested), three joint resolutions (one is contested; two are regulations), and one concurrent resolution eligible for consideration on its calendar to begin the week. There are 33 Senate bills (24 are contested) and 51 House bills (11 are contested) on the Senate calendar. No bills are in the status of Special Order, though two bills are possible candidates: S.1095 (abortion) and H.3021 (Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act). Some bills that may be considered this week:
S.449 (collaborative practice agreements) - House Amendments
H.3556 (political party nominating contests) - Senate Concur/Non-Concur
S.718 (remove persons from RV parks) - House Amendments
S.983 (remove personal information & eviction orders)
S.1095 (abortion)
H.4000 (alcohol licensing)
H.4544 (medical malpractice reform)
H.4670 (time-limited demands)
S.355 (micro-distillery tastings)
S.849 (alcohol delivery & curbside pickup)
S.1001 (retail alcoholic beverage caterers)
H.3021 (Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act)
H.3387 (unlawful occupants of property)
H.3558 (Commissioners to Article V Convention)
H.5006 (Small Business Tax Cut of 2026)
H.4337 (LAC powers & private organizations)
H.4709 (Buy American Iron and Steel Act)
H.4817 (Insurance Rate Reduction and Policyholder Protection Act)
S.920 (prior authorizations & artificial intelligence use)
H.4069 (patient billing)
Lastly, a friendly reminder. The fate of two critical pieces of legislation remains unknown:
S.883 (2026 sine die resolution) - Passed Senate; House possession since February 4
S.769 (FY27 continuing resolution) - Passed Senate; Pending House Second Reading Calendar
2026 Rules Review
The fine nine days of session can be chaotic especially as the 126th General Assembly approaches its conclusion. Take four minutes to read our House and Senate Rules Review. Like any sporting contest, the rules dictate how the game is played.
Week 16 Review
House floor sessions consumed 11 hours, 26 minutes. The House held three floor sessions, passed 14 bills, four concurrent resolutions (road-naming), and several congratulatory and memorial resolutions. The House spent most of its Wednesday debating amendments to S.831 (SCDOT modernization), which will go to conference committee as the Senate non-concurred in the House amendments. Many bills were moved to the contested calendar, which will consume more floor time in future floor sessions. Legislation that passed the House last week included:
S.715 (solicitation of charitable funds) - Enrolled for ratification
H.4270 (expunge eviction notices)
H.3371 (admissions tax exemptions)
S.831 (SCDOT modernization)
H.4382 (nonprescription ephedrine product manufacturers & data collection fees)
H.5216 (International Energy Conservation Code)
H.4641 (Kratom ban)
H.5504 (Foreign Influence Operations Out of American Education Act)
S.718 (remove persons from RV parks)
S.150 (Rental Kart Age Act)
H.5573 (Spartanburg Auditorium Commission)
H.5122 (sales tax exemption & communication services equipment)
H.5488 (textiles revitalization)
S.52 (DUI)
Senate floor sessions consumed 14 hours, 25 minutes. The Senate held three floor sessions, passed 24 bills, two joint resolutions, and several congratulatory and memorial resolutions. The Senate spent considerable time discussing abortion, but not on S.1095 (abortion), rather on H.3034 (law enforcement animals). Legislation that passed the Senate last week included:
S.337 (blue catfish limits) - Enrolled for ratification
H.3259 (first responder auto insurance premiums) - Enrolled for ratification
H.3020 (delete crime of playing pinball) - Enrolled for ratification
H.3285 (law enforcement autism spectrum disorder training) - Enrolled for ratification
H.4720 (pretrial intervention programs) - Enrolled for ratification
H.4249 (emergency scene management) - Enrolled for ratification
H.4738 (CHE cleanup bill) - Enrolled for ratification
H.3924 (regulate hemp-derived products) - Nonconcurrence; sent to conference committee
S.831 (SCDOT modernization) - - Nonconcurrence; sent to conference committee
S.585 (Safeguarding American Families Everywhere “SAFE” Act) - Returned to House with amendments
S.903 (homeowners associations)
H.3195 (physical education requirements)
H.3453 (veterans' children tuition assistance)
H.5064 (Northeastern Technical College Area Commission)
H.3872 (Hunting Heritage Protection Act)
H.3022 (long-term care council)
H.3842 (handicapped parking placards)
H.5131 (tribal governments license plates)
H.5205 (college student safety training)
H.5073 (Uniform Grading Policy)
H.3034 (law enforcement animals)
S.385 (Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act)
S.822 (deed theft)
S.717 (Healthy Mother and Healthy Newborn Ombudsman)
S.936 (Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus joint resolution)
S.1062 (CHE regulation & tuition rates)
Committee Schedule
If a livestream link is not provided with a committee meeting that means livestream is not available. Additional meetings may be added during the week and while 24 hours notice is generally given, it is not always possible to provide such notice.
Conference Committee Meetings
None scheduled as of May 3, 2026.
Senate Meetings
Senate Oversight Subcommittee
May 5, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The subcommittee will receive a presentation from the Human Affairs Commission.
Senate Banking and Insurance Subcommittee
May 5, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: H.5538 (Guarantee Banking Act) and S.1069 (Guarantee Banking Act).
Senate Transportation Subcommittee
May 5, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: H.4679 (Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act).
Senate LCI Special Subcommittee
May 5, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.896 (Chatbot Protection Act).
Senate Finance Committee
May 5, Upon adjournment recess of the Senate; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are seven bills on the agenda: H.3551 (poll worker pay not taxable), H.5093 (next generation 911), H.3841 (4% property assessment upon decedent's death), H.5537 (Transfer Dillon armory), H.5208 (unprepared food sales tax), H.4477 (heirs’ property), and H.3876 (accommodations tax & short-term rental property).
Senate Judiciary Subcommittee
May 5, Upon recess of the Senate; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are three bills on the agenda: H.4151 (youth offenders & weapons crimes), H.3047 (balloon releases & litter offenses), and H.4586 (US Space Force designation).
Senate Oversight Committee
May 6, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: As of May 3 no agenda has been posted for the full committee meeting.
Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee
May 6, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are four bills on the agenda: S.607 (direct care minimum compensation), S.1158 (ban human embryo modifications), H.4382 (nonprescription ephedrine product manufacturers & data collection fees), and H.4641 (Kratom ban).
Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee
May 6, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills and eight appointments on the agenda: H.4752 (remove barber apprenticeship requirement) and S.896 (Chatbot Protection Act).
Senate Banking and Insurance Committee
May 6, 11am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill and one appointment on the agenda: H.5538 (Guarantee Banking Act).
Senate Family and Veterans’ Services Committee
May 6, 12pm; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills and one appointment on the agenda: S.1043 (Civil Air Patrol Leave Act) and H.3510 (county veterans’ affairs officers).
Senate Corrections Committee
May 7, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one appointment on the agenda.
Senate Medical Affairs Committee
May 7, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are four bills and eight appointments on the agenda: S.607 (direct care minimum compensation), S.1158 (ban human embryo modifications), H.4382 (nonprescription ephedrine product manufacturers & data collection fees), and H.4641 (Kratom ban).
Senate LCI Special Subcommittee
May 7, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: H.4591 (social media age verification) and S.1103 (social media age verification).
House Meetings
House Legislative Oversight Subcommittee
May 5, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The subcommittee will hold its thirteenth meeting on the study of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
House 3M Committee
May 5, 10:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are four six bills on the agenda: S.695 (Safeguarding American Veterans' Benefits Act), S.868 (designate Gold Shield Day), S.819 (tuberculosis testing in nursing homes), S.894 (death certificates), S.160 (Dietitian Licensure Compact Act), and S.453 (teledentistry).
House EPW Higher Education Subcommittee
May 5, 10:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: S.1038 (Religious Liberty Day) and S.832 (zoning ordinances and university events).
House Judiciary Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Special Laws Subcommittee
May 5, 10:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda. H.4671 (protection of rights granted by the constitution of the United States and the constitution of South Carolina) and H.4302 (foster care residential placements).
House Judiciary General Laws Subcommittee
May 5, 11am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: S.751 (prohibit sale of nitrous oxide to minors) and S.114 (telecommunication location information).
House Education and Public Works Committee
May 5, 11am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are seven bills on the agenda: S.1038 (Religious Liberty Day), S.832 (zoning ordinances and university events), H.3851 (vehicle sunscreens), S.812 (bicycles & stop signs), S.711 (school crossing guards), S.858 (DCA Foster Care Review Division) and S.70 (school board ethics).
House Judiciary Committee
May 5, 1:30pm or one hour after adjournment; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are nine bills on the agenda: S.829 (joint authority water and sewer system governance), S.235 (prostitution), S.399 (public transit trespass), S.428 (fraudulent check expungement), S.845 (Child Fatality Advisory Committee), S.996 (background checks technical corrections), S.823 (contact orders & family courts), S.751 (prohibit sale of nitrous oxide to minors), and S.114 (telecommunication location information).
House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
May 5, 1.5 hours after adjournment; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.961 (reduce red drum catch limit).
House Judiciary Committee
May 6, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: As of May 4 an agenda has not been posted.
House LCI Real Estate Subcommittee
May 6, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda for public comment only: H.3543 (retailers & restrooms) and H.3546 (delinquent & unpaid utility bills).
House W&M Revenue Policy Subcommittee
May 6, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are three bills on the agenda: S.436 (aircraft property tax), S.1005 (judicial salaries), and S.765 (South Carolina Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers' Association dues).
House Ways and Means Committee
May 6, 9:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are four bills on the agenda: S.420 (investment funds by political subdivisions), S.436 (aircraft property tax), S.1005 (judicial salaries), and S.765 (South Carolina Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers' Association dues).
House Rules Committee
May 6, 9:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one joint resolution on the agenda: S.883 (2026 sine die resolution).
House Education and Public Works Committee
May 6, 9:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.70 (school board ethics). This is a continuation of the meeting that began on May 5.
House W&M Revenue Policy Subcommittee
May 7, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: S.933 (legislator compensation) and S.688 (unemployment trust fund reform).
House Education and Public Works Committee
May 7, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.70 (school board ethics). This is a continuation of the meeting that began on May 5.
House Ways and Means Committee
May 7, 9:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: S.933 (legislator compensation) and S.688 (unemployment trust fund reform).
House Judiciary Constitutional Laws Subcommittee
May 8, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The subcommittee will discuss congressional district redistricting.
Joint Meetings
Public Utilities Review Subcommittee
May 6, 9:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The subcommittee will consider appointments to the Santee Cooper Board of Directors.
Public Utilities Review Committee
May 7, 9:00am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The committee will consider appointments to the Santee Cooper Board of Directors.
Joint Bond Review Committee
June 9, 1pm; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The JBRC agenda has not yet been posted.
2026 Key Dates
January 13, 2026: Session Convenes
January 28, 2026: Judicial Merit Selection Commission draft report published
January 28, 2026: State of the State Address
February 12, 2026: BEA revenue forecast update
March 4, 2026: Judicial elections
March 9-13, 2026: House floor budget deliberations
March 16-20: House furlough week
March 16, 2026: Candidate filing opens (all statewide constitutional offices, federal offices, SC House of Representatives)
March 30, 2026: Candidate filing closes
April 9, 2026: BEA revenue forecast update (cancelled)
April 6-10: House furlough week (confirmed)
April 20-24, 2026: Senate floor budget deliberations
May 14, 2026: Session Adjourns
May 19, 2026: BEA revenue forecast update
