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South Carolina Senate opens session, certifies special-election winner Lee Bright and introduces multiple bills
Summary
The Senate convened, recorded a quorum, published a certificate showing Lee Bright won a Dec. 23, 2025 special election, administered the oath and heard introductory remarks; the chamber also introduced a slate of bills spanning tax, education, public safety and AI policy, each referred to committee.
The South Carolina Senate convened for the opening of the second regular session. The presiding officer called the body to order, the chaplain led a devotional reading from Isaiah and the Senate recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The reading clerk called the roll and the presiding officer announced 39 members present, establishing a quorum.
A message from the secretary of state was read by the clerk certifying that Lee Bright received the greatest number of votes in the District 12 special election held Dec. 23, 2025. By unanimous consent the Senate allowed family members to join the podium for the formalities, and the presiding officer administered the oath of office. The oath concluded with the words, “So help me God,” as repeated by the person taking the oath.
The body heard introductory remarks from the newly seated senator, who thanked colleagues and family and said he looked forward to serving in the chamber. The presiding officer then moved into introductions of new bills and resolutions.
Among the measures read and referred to committees: a bill by Senator Rick Embaye to authorize payroll deductions to allow the controller general to deduct dues for the South Carolina Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (referred to Judiciary); a bill to waive birth-certificate copy fees for certain homeless persons and children who have aged out of foster care (referred to Medical Affairs); a bill by Senator Ott to add definitions and required disclosures for vehicle-glass repair facilities (referred to Banking and Insurance); and a co-sponsored bill to increase the homestead exemption to $100,000 and lower age eligibility to 60 (referred to Finance). Other introductions included bills addressing childcare assistance employment, military retirement deduction definitions, SNAP eligible purchases, and a proposal titled the "Remembering Charlie Kirk Act" targeting employee conduct standards at public colleges and universities (referred to Education).
A bill to define the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy recordings and require disclosure when AI assists a recorded therapeutic session was referred to the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. Committee referrals, unanimous-consent requests for committee selections affecting incoming members, and seat assignments proceeded under Rule 4.
The presiding officer closed the morning's business by setting committee meetings and floor items for the next day. The Senate then adjourned to reconvene at 1 p.m. the following day.
Sources: a communication from the secretary of state read into the record by the clerk and multiple bill introductions read by the clerk during the session.
