Team SCMC is working overtime at the Statehouse! As we close another productive week, we look forward to members of the General Assembly taking action on priorities our team and our members care about.
The Senate began discussions on income tax reform that will help make South Carolina more competitive and affordable for families and businesses. In addition, after passing the House last week, the Small Business Tax Cut of 2026, which reduces the business personal property tax burden and simplifies filing requirements, is expected to continue to move forward.
And for next week, get ready to cast your votes in the Popular Vote Round of Manufacturing Madness. With nominations now closed, voting opens Monday and runs through Thursday.
Legislative Recap – Week 6
It was another busy week at the Statehouse, with the House releasing its version of the state’s FY2026-27 budget and the Senate continuing to debate income and property tax relief.- $250 million to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for bridge repairs.
- $150 million to increase teacher pay and raise the minimum starting salary to $50,500.
- $130 million for residential property tax relief.
- $125 million to reduce the individual income tax rate from 6.0% to 5.39% as prescribed in the House-passed Income Tax Reform bill (H.4216).
- $125 million to DOT for the acceleration of interstate widening projects.
- $95 million intechnical college scholarships for critical-needs jobs via SCWINS.
- $75 million to the Department of Education (DOE) for construction projects for rural K-12 public schools.
- $25 million to DOT for a road buyback program to transfer state roads to county control.
- $8.2 million for statewide water and sewer projects.
- $2.5 million for the Carolina Internship Program at the University of South Carolina (USC).
- $2.5 million to the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) pilot program to make environmental permitting more efficient.
The full House will debate the budget during the week of March 9.
Additional Senate Hearings Held on Data Centers
A Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources subcommittee held its second meeting on a bill (S.867) that would establish a statewide framework for the siting, permitting, and regulation of data centers, including new infrastructure, energy, environmental requirements, and tax incentive provisions such as redevelopment credits for brownfield sites.
A Senate Judiciary subcommittee held its first meeting on a bill (S.902) that would also establish a framework for data center development, including siting conditions, permitting requirements, operational standards, noise standards, and decommissioning requirements.
Both subcommittees are expected to continue meeting on both bills in the coming weeks.
Other Notable Actions
- Maximum Unemployment Benefits (H.3477) – On Wednesday, the House unanimously passed a bill that would link the duration of unemployment benefits to the statewide unemployment rate, encouraging faster re-employment during periods of low unemployment while helping address workforce shortages and reducing unemployment insurance taxes. The bill now heads to the Senate.
- Abandoned Buildings Tax Credit (S.853) – On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee advanced a bill that clarifies eligibility rules for these tax credits in response to a S.C. Department of Revenue (DOR) ruling released earlier this year.
- U.S. Produced Iron and Steel (H. 4709) – The House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee advanced a bill that requires public works contracts to include provisions mandating that iron and steel products permanently incorporated into projects be produced in the United States, with limited exceptions. The bill heads to the House floor.
New Bills Introduced
A few notable bills introduced this week include:
- Truth in Damages (S.930) –This bill by Sen. Shane Massey (R-Edgefield) and others would reform how medical damages are calculated in civil lawsuits by limiting recoverable medical expenses to the actual cost of care — what was paid or reasonably expected to be paid — rather than inflated, artificial billing rates. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Products Liability (S.940) – This bill by Sen. Danny Verdin (R-Laurens) and others would reduce litigation exposure for employers who sell or distribute products they did not manufacture. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Construction Defect Lawsuits (H.5218) – This bill by Rep. Weston Newton (R-Beaufort) would require plaintiffs to file an expert affidavit establishing a causal connection between the alleged negligence and their damages before a construction or real property defect lawsuit can proceed. The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
- AI Prior Authorization (H.5206) – This bill by Rep. Brandon Guffey (R-York) and others would outline the circumstances that health insurers must consider when using artificial intelligence to make prior authorization determinations, require certain disclosures to enrollees, and establish disciplinary actions for violations. This bill was referred to the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.
Next Week
Notable committee meetings already scheduled for next week include:
- Wednesday – Senate Banking and Insurance subcommittee on Pharmacy Reimbursement Mandates (S.342).
- Thursday – Senate Transportation Committee subcommittee on DOT Modernization (S.831).
Sky Foster Named Keynote Speaker for Women’s Leadership Symposium
SCMC Updates & Announcements
Manufacturing Madness Heats Up
Nominations for Manufacturing Madness are in, and the Popular Round launches Monday! Rally behind your favorites and cast up to five votes daily until polls close Thursday, Feb. 26, at 5:00 p.m. at www.scmanufacturingmadness.com. The top 16 contenders will battle it out until one is named the Coolest Thing Made in SC.
This statewide, bracket-style competition shines a spotlight on the strength of South Carolina’s manufacturing industry, showcasing not only the products but the companies and people who make them.
Black History Month Spotlight: Rodger Benson
In honor of Black History Month, we’re proud to continue celebrating leaders whose careers showcase the strength and influence of South Carolina’s business community.
This week, we shine the spotlight on Rodger Benson. A U.S. Army veteran and manufacturing leader with over 30 years of experience, including 14 years at Starbucks. Rodger’s journey is proof of the endless opportunities in manufacturing and the leadership skills it takes to seize them. Read his story and his advice for the next generation of manufacturing leaders.
SCMC Safety Awards
Applications are being accepted for SCMC’s Safety Awards. Winners will be honored at the South Carolina Safety and Environmental Summit on March 11, 2026. Apply now.
Upcoming Events
Women’s Leadership Symposium | March 5, 2026
South Carolina Safety and Environmental Summit | March 9-11, 2026
Spotlight on Agriculture and Forestry | March 17, 2026
