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South Carolina Senate advances multiple bills, adopts two resolutions
Summary
During a floor session the South Carolina Senate introduced several bills, referred measures to committees, gave uncontested third readings to multiple bills and adopted two resolutions recognizing wellness and osteopathic medicine observances.
The South Carolina Senate on the floor session advanced several measures, referring new bills to committees, placing a number of committee-reported bills on the calendar and giving uncontested third readings to multiple bills while adopting two resolutions recognizing health observances.
The session opened with roll call and ceremonial items. Legislators then introduced bills covering topics that included sports wagering licensing, procedures for notice of proposed regulations, limits on automated license plate reader use, an electric rate stabilization framework, and an electronic driver’s license option at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Several bills were referred to standing committees for further review; others were reported favorably by the Judiciary Committee and placed on the Senate calendar.
Why it matters: referrals and committee reports set the timetable for hearings and floor action that can change regulation, licensing and public-safety rules across the state. Uncontested third readings move bills forward in the legislative process and may clear measures for final enactment or further consideration.
Major committee referrals and reports - A bill that would create a South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission and provide licensing and tax structure for sports wagering was introduced and referred to the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. - A bill by Senator Verdon to change notice and public-participation procedures for proposed regulations, including requiring submission of written transcripts or recordings to the Small Business Regulatory Review Committee, was referred to the Judiciary Committee. - A bill introduced by Senator Adams to define terms and limit who may operate automated license plate reader systems was referred to the Judiciary Committee. - A bill by Senators Young and Elliott to add an Electric Rate Stabilization Act allowing utilities to request annual rate adjustments and establishing baseline orders was referred to the Judiciary Committee. - A proposal by Senators Tedder, Kimbrell and Stubbs to allow the Department of Motor Vehicles to develop an electronic driver’s license system was referred to the Transportation Committee.
Committee actions and calendar placements - The Judiciary Committee reported S-111 (Sen. Rice) favorably with amendments relating to penalties for failure to stop when signaled by law enforcement during high-speed pursuits; the bill was placed on the calendar. - The Judiciary Committee reported S-126 (Sen. Johnson) favorably with amendments concerning confidentiality of certain personal contact information; the bill was placed on the calendar. - The Judiciary Committee reported S-233 (Sen. Lieber et al.) favorably; the bill was placed on the calendar. - The Judiciary Committee reported S-235 (Sen. Kimball et al.) favorably with amendments revising prostitution statutes; the bill was placed on the calendar.
Votes at a glance (third readings, adoptions, and notable outcomes) - H-4088 (local bill): Given a third reading and passed (uncontested voice vote: "ayes have it"). - S-176 (regulation of certified public accountants): Given a third reading and passed (uncontested voice vote). - S-337 (possession limit for blue catfish): Given a third reading and passed (uncontested voice vote); establishes a daily limit of 75 blue catfish in state waterways other than Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie and the upper reaches of the Santee River. - S-345 (baiting/wild turkeys/quail restoration exemption): Given a third reading and passed (uncontested voice vote); exempts certain persons 200 yards or more from a baited area managed for bobwhite quail restoration and sustainability. - H-3932 (Clarendon County voting precinct designation): Given a third reading and passed (uncontested voice vote). - S-324 (Senate resolution): Adopted; declares April 15, 2025, as Peace, Harmony and Wellness Day in South Carolina and encourages public awareness of meditation and integrative self-care practices. - S-417 (Senate resolution): Adopted; recognizes March 2025 as Osteopathic Medicine Month and marks the 150th year of osteopathic medicine in South Carolina.
Other procedural actions - S-170 was carried over after a committee amendment that includes an effective date of July 1, 2026. - By unanimous consent the Senate discharged three road-naming bills from committee—H-3840 (Charleston County), H-3893 (Pickens County) and S-400 (Lawrence County)—and placed them on the Senate calendar.
Quorum and adjournment The clerk reported 39 members present, constituting a quorum for the day. The Senate adjourned to meet at 11 a.m. the following day.
The session record shows introductions, committee referrals and several uncontested third readings that advance measures to the next stage of the legislative process; most items were handled by voice votes or unanimous consent with little floor debate recorded.
