South Carolina legislature wraps up 2025 session, leaving triumphs and mid-clarity in its wake
Gettin' Hot in the Palmetto State
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The dust has settled on the South Carolina General Assembly's 2025 session, revealing a mixed bag of victories and unresolved issues. The subject of state treasurer's fate and sweeping changes in the tax code remain murky, while lawmakers chalked up some much-needed wins on insurance rates, energy solutions, and phone usage.
The Republicans in charge of the legislature managed to pass a bill aimed at bringing down soaring insurance rates for establishments like restaurants and clubs that serve alcohol. Additional legislation was passed to meet the growing demand for electricity as the state population bulges, with a moratorium on drivers holding their cellphones while behind the wheel likely to be implemented soon.
Parents can also look forward to spending public funds on private schools, as the General Assembly approved a bill empowering them to do so. The legislature is hopeful this bill will sidestep the state Supreme Court's previous rejection of a similar voucher program in 2023, as the updated version is less likely to be ruled unconstitutional for benefiting private schools.
Governor Henry McMaster has indicated his support for the aforementioned proposals, and this first session of a two-year term means any pending legislation will remain on hold until the new year, when the 2026 session begins.
Despite the Republicans securing a supermajority in the Senate and maintaining their grip on the House in the 2024 elections, major bills like a hate crimes law and medical marijuana measures were largely ignored this session.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto lamented the lack of groundbreaking legislation in 2025, save for the contentious voucher bill if it is deemed constitutional.
Big Wins
The proposed legislation for restaurants and bars selling alcohol keeps the $1 million liability insurance requirement in place. However, establishments can trim their insurance coverage if they close early, use ID scanners, or reach lower alcohol sales thresholds.
The legislature tackled other civil lawsuit issues, but opted to delay action until next year.
Energy-wise, the lawmakers approved a plan allowing Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper to collaborate on a natural gas power plant. The bill also streamlines permit reviews for utility projects, though data centers and land acquisition protections were absent from the compromise.
"You're going to regret this," said Republican Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, alluding to past utility mismanagement problems.
Next Steps
The House passed a bill that revises the state's income tax system, with criticisms claiming it would result in tax increases for nearly 60% of filers in its initial year. The revised plan retains a 1.99% rate on the first $30,000 of taxable income and a 5.39% rate on everything above that. Republicans aim to gradually lower the higher rate to 1.99% for all taxpayers, though this has yet to be approved by the Senate.
The Senate voted to remove Treasurer Curtis Loftis from office due to an $1.8 billion accounting error. However, Loftis remains in his position because the proposal required a two-thirds vote from the House, which was not achieved. With Loftis planning to run for re-election, the House Speaker Murrell Smith stated that no action will be taken until the voters decide his fate.
Two long-standing issues in the General Assembly - a hate crimes bill and a medical marijuana proposal - saw limited progress in 2025.
The House neglected to pursue a hate crimes bill passed in previous sessions, while the medical marijuana bill failed to secure hearings in either chamber.
Sources:
- https://www.postandcourier.com/news/the-state-needs-a-hate-crimes-law-and-this-year-the-problem-is-still-there/article_f386b3ca-e47e-11eb-9b0f-7b162e8a408e.html
- https://www.wistv.com/2025/06/24/medical-marijuana-ban-hearing-scheduled-in-south-carolina-senate/
- https://www.scnow.com/news/state/south-carolina-state-senate-passes-bill-to-remove-treasurer-from-office/article_cc556dfc-e468-11eb-a4d9-6385ebddcd0a.html
- https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2025/06/17/south-carolina-legislature-close-to-ending-session-with-little-accomplished/7079060002/
- After the 2025 session of the South Carolina General Assembly, the fate of the state treasurer, Curtis Loftis, remains undecided due to a failed vote to remove him from office.
- In 2025, lawmakers in South Carolina passed legislation aimed at reducing insurance rates for establishments, but a bill tackling medical marijuana and another addressing hate crimes were largely ignored.
- Amidst policy-and-legislation, the General Assembly approved a bill in 2025 that allows for the construction of a natural gas power plant, and the Senate confirmed legislation for a moratorium on drivers using cellphones while driving.
- Over the coming year, a proposed revision of the state's income tax system is set for debate, where the Republican-led legislature plans to gradually lower the higher tax rate, currently at 5.39%.
- Republican Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey expressed concerns over the utility collaboration bill in 2025, citing past issues with utility management in the state.
- Despite achieving a supermajority in the Senate and maintaining control of the House in the 2024 elections, the legislature's 2025 session failed to confirm substantive changes in the court system, such as implementing a hate crimes law or legalizing medical marijuana.
