Copper Dome Chronicle: 2026 Session Week 7
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 February 24-26 is 1,670 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
Senate Budget Calendar ***NEW POSTING***
FY 2026-2027 Agency Budget Requests
Week 7 Preview
The House will hold floor sessions on Tuesday (12pm), Wednesday (10am), and Thursday (10am). The House has 15 bills (six on the contested calendar) eligible for consideration on its calendar to begin the week. Bills that will generate some debate:
H.4758 (ban hemp-derived consumables)
H.4762 (display Ten Commandments/US History documents in public classrooms)
H.3530 (Magistrates' Reform Act)
H.4163 (SC High School Athletic Association Act)
H.5205 (college student safety training)
H.4767 (prohibit physician non-compete contracts)
S.337 (blue catfish limits)
The House will spend this week and next week trying to move legislation prior to budget week (week of March 9) and the anticipated furlough week (March 16). A familiar saying these days: either you’re in front of the budget or behind it. There are only two Senate bills on the House calendar to begin the week, one of which is S.337 (blue catfish limits). Hunting and fishing bills generate more debate than most observers anticipate.
The Senate will hold floor sessions on Tuesday (12pm), Wednesday (1pm), and Thursday (11am). The Senate has 48 bills (26 are contested) and five joint resolutions (one is contested) eligible for consideration on its calendar to begin the week. Some bills that are not contested that may generate debate and earn floor time:
S.76 (criminal gang and anti-racketeering)
H.4216 (income taxes)
H.4902 (NIL FOIA exemption)
S.70 (school board ethics)
H.3974 (medically necessary providers in public schools)
S.343 (COVID-19 vaccine informed consent)
H.3223 (veterinarian telehealth)
H.3254 (permanent medical licenses)
H.4342 (restricted dentistry instructor license)
H.3858 (watercraft & outboard motor taxes)
H.3556 (political party nominating contests)
H.3557 (candidate filing)
The Senate will continue its debate and consideration of H.4216 (income taxes). The Senate Finance Committee will markup the FY27 budget the week of April 6 and the full Senate budget week is anticipated to be the week of April 20. Advocates understand there are six weeks of Senate floor time to move legislation through before the budget takes priority. The Senate’s calendar is beginning to populate with House bills - 14 to begin the week - as legislation passed in 2025 is considered by committees.
Week 6 Review
House floor sessions consumed 5 hours, 38 minutes. The House held three floor sessions, passed nine bills and several congratulatory and memorial resolutions. Legislation that passed the House last week included:
S.477 (self-administered hormonal contraceptive)
S.586 (Kershaw County Transportation Committee)
H.4813 (magistrate court fees and costs)
H.5064 (Northeastern Technical College Area Commission)
H.5096 (ban artificial/cell-cultivated food products)
H.5097 (roadside markets)
S.383 (official state migratory bird)
H.3477 (unemployment benefits)
H.4757 (Parental Rights Act in Education and Healthcare)
The House spent much of its floor time debating H.4757 (Parental Rights Act in Education and Healthcare) and working the calendar to clear off non-controversial legislation.
Senate floor sessions consumed 8 hours, 29 minutes. The Senate held three floor sessions, passed 11 bills and several congratulatory and memorial resolutions. Legislation that passed the Senate last week included:
S.453 (teledentistry)
S.718 (remove persons from RV parks)
S.845 (Child Fatality Advisory Committee)
S.868 (designate Gold Shield Day)
H.4257 (excused absences for interscholastic athletic contests) - Enrolled for ratification
S.160 (Dietitian Licensure Compact Act)
H.3798 (military chaplains & privileged communications)
S.619 (insurer liquidation)
S.697 (211 Network)
S.857 (contingent deferred annuities)
S.768 (increase homestead exemption)
The Senate spent much of its floor time debating amendments to S.768 (increase homestead exemption) before passing it unanimously. H.4902 (NIL FOIA exemption) consumed quite a bit of time as well. The bill remains on the third reading calendar, but is contested, and a Senate Education Committee has been scheduled to receive information from universities about institutional financial support for athletics departments.
House Ways and Means FY27 Budget
The House Ways and Means Committee unanimously adopted its version of the FY27 budget. The proviso packets are posted as is the summary control document. This is the most important piece of legislation the General Assembly considers each year. Some highlights:
$119.1M revenue set aside for new income tax relief
$130M revenue set aside for new property tax relief
$2,000 increase in teacher salaries including a minimum starting salary of $50,500, a priority for Governor Henry McMaster
$249.25M new recurring, nonrecurring, and capital reserve funds for SCDOT’s bridge modernization program, a priority for Governor Henry McMaster
$100M new nonrecurring funds for county transportation committees
$175.7M new recurring funds to DHHS for the state’s Medicaid program
$175M capital reserve funds for MUSC’s proposed cancer hospital
$90M nonrecurring and capital reserve funds for the FEMA match requirements for federally declared disasters
$70M new recurring and nonrecurring funds for airport construction projects
$67M new recurring funds for a 2% salary increase for all state employees
$63.25M new recurring and nonrecurring funds for land conservation, a priority for Governor Henry McMaster
$60.8M new recurring and nonrecurring funds for DSS
$36M new recurring and nonrecurring funds for the state’s newest agency, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
$34M new recurring funds for the state health plan to hole employer and employee premiums flat in benefit year 2027
$32M nonrecurring funds to pay for a legal settlement regarding Captain Sams Spit near Kiawah Island
$27.8M for in-state tuition mitigation funding, rebranded as SC FIRST: SC First Funding Innovation and Realignment for in-demand Skills and Talent
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.
Senate Finance Budget Subcommittees (4 budget hearings)
Constitutional; February 24, 1:30pm; Agenda; Livestream
Criminal Justice; February 25, 8:45am; Agenda; Livestream
Transportation; February 25, 11am; Agenda; Livestream
Higher Education; February 26, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Senate Meetings
Senate Transportation Subcommittee
February 24, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.222 (utility terrain vehicles).
Senate Education Subcommittee
February 24, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: S.199 (Student Physical Privacy Act) and H.4756 (Student Physical Privacy Act).
Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
February 24, Upon Adjournment; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: H.3924 (regulate hemp-derived consumables).
Senate FVS Child Welfare Subcommittee
February 25, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: S.777 (SNAP benefits limitations) and S.710 (prescriptions for minors).
Senate Banking & Insurance Subcommittee
February 25, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.342 (PBMs & pharmacy services).
Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee
February 25, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are three bills on the agenda: S.299 (transporting mental health patients), S.862 (involuntary commitment), and S.935 (seizures informational document).
Senate Education Committee
February 25, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: H.4902 (NIL FOIA exemption). This bill is pending third reading on the Senate calendar and has not been recommitted to committee. The bill generated much debate on the floor and after new information was published by newspapers about institutional funds transferred to athletics departments, the bill has hit a roadblock.
Senate Judiciary Subcommittee
February 25, 11am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are four bills on the agenda: H.3020 (delete crime of playing pinball), H.3285 (law enforcement autism spectrum disorder training), H.4720 (pretrial intervention programs), and S.504 (distribution of controlled substance within proximity to childcare facility).
Senate LCI Regulatory and Local Government Subcommittee
February 25, 10:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: On the agenda are seven regulations from the Building Codes Council.
Senate Judiciary Subcommittee
February 26, 8:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.823 (contact orders & family courts).
Senate Transportation Subcommittee
February 26, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.831 (SCDOT modernization). This is the fifth hearing on this legislation.
Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee
February 26, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: As of February 22 no agenda has been published.
There are four bills, four LLR regulations, and three LLR board appointments on the agenda: S.821 (lawyer advertising unfair practice), H.4305 (wellness reimbursement programs), S.688 (unemployment trust fund reform), and S.715 (solicitation of charitable funds).
Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee
February 26, 9:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.893 (underground storage tanks).
Senate Judiciary Subcommittee
February 26, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.922 (governor appointments).
House Meetings
House Agriculture Subcommittee
February 24, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are three bills on the agenda: H.3262 (define farm structure), H.4248 (shrimp country of origin labeling), and H.4624 (weather modification & chemtrails conspiracy theory).
House EPW K-12 Committee
February 24, 10:30am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.454 (charter school & authorizer accountability).
House Judiciary General Laws Subcommittee
February 24, 11am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: H.4763 (Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction “HALO” Act).
House LCI Regulatory Review Subcommittee
February 24, 1.5 hours upon adjournment; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: H.4662 (Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act).
House Judiciary Committee
February 24, the latter of 1:30pm or 1 hour upon adjournment; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are four bills on the agenda: H.5121 (community juvenile crime prevention programs), H.5120 (youth offender fingerprints), H.4151 (youth offenders & weapons crimes), and H.4763 (Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction “HALO” Act).
House Education and Public Works Committee
February 24, 1 hour upon adjournment; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are ten bills on the agenda:
H.5131 (tribal governments license plates)
H.4688 (golf cart seatbelts & golf courses)
S.585 (Safeguarding American Families Everywhere “SAFE” Act)
H.4468 (special education advisory councils)
H.3197 (college and workforce readiness)
H.5073 (Uniform Grading Policy)
H.4736 (CHE commissioner training)
H.4737 (college board of trustees training)
H.4738 (CHE cleanup bill)
H.5179 (higher education mapping program)
House Operations and Management Committee
February 24, 3pm; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The committee will review policies and procedures for legislative affairs managers who support House members.
House Education and Public Works Committee
February 25, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The full committee recessed on February 24 and will continue its work the following bills:
H.5131 (tribal governments license plates)
H.4688 (golf cart seatbelts & golf courses)
S.585 (Safeguarding American Families Everywhere “SAFE” Act)
H.4468 (special education advisory councils) - Passed with amendment on February 24
H.3197 (college and workforce readiness)
H.5073 (Uniform Grading Policy) - Passed with amendment on February 24
H.4736 (CHE commissioner training)
H.4737 (college board of trustees training)
H.4738 (CHE cleanup bill)
H.5179 (higher education mapping program)
House Judiciary Constitutional Laws Subcommittee
February 25, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: H.4717 (congressional redistricting) and H.4622 (Equal Parenting Act).
House 3M Military and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
February 25, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: S.695 (Safeguarding American Veterans' Benefits Act).
House LCI Banking & Insurance Subcommittee
February 25, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There is one bill on the agenda: H.3874 (Workers’ Compensation Commission medical fee schedules).
House 3M Medical and Health Affairs Subcommittee
February 26, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are three bills on the agenda: H.4042 (ivermectin over-the-counter sales), S.146 (long-term care facilities visitation), and S.449 (collaborative practice agreements).
House Judiciary Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, & Special Laws Subcommittee
February 26, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: There are two bills on the agenda: H.4764 (287(g) immigration agreements) and H.5075 (nonprofits disclosures & public entities).
Joint Meetings
Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children
February 24, 9am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The committee will receive two presentations, one from SC FIRST and one from the Institute of Medicine and Public Health.
Joint Bond Review Fiscal Oversight Subcommittee
February 24, 4pm; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The subcommittee will receive a report from the State Ports Authority.
Surface Water Study Committee
February 26, 12:30pm; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The committee will discuss its draft report.
College and University Trustee Screening Commission
March 2, 11am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The commission will screen 27 candidates seeking 23 seats on five higher education institution boards and the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School.
College and University Trustee Screening Commission
March 5, Upon Adjournment; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The commission will screen 17 candidates seeking eight seats on four higher education institution boards.
Joint Bond Review Committee
March 25, 10am; Agenda; Livestream
Summary: The JBRC agenda has not yet been posted.
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 (scheduled)
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
April 6-10: House furlough week (confirmed)
April 20-24, 2026: Senate floor budget deliberations (projected)
May 14, 2026: Session Adjourns
May 19, 2026: BEA revenue forecast update
