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 Supporting Small Businesses and Job Creators
Small businesses are the backbone of South Carolina’s economy, and this week we took meaningful action to help job creators grow and succeed.
The Ways and Means Committee passed legislation to cut taxes and reduce burdens on small businesses. Small businesses make up more than 99% of all businesses in South Carolina and employ over 42% of our state’s workforce. This legislation exempts the first $10,000 of small business assets, saving employers time and money on paperwork, cutting costly red tape, and ending a burdensome tax on investments.
These reforms encourage local job growth and help keep South Carolina competitive and open for opportunity.
 Protecting Children & Strengthening Public Safety
This week, legislation, which I proudly co-sponsored, that increases penalties for the sexual exploitation of minors advanced in the House Judiciary Subcommittee. This bill strengthens criminal penalties to ensure punishment fits the severity of these crimes and makes clear that “mistake of age” does not excuse the creation or distribution of exploitative material. South Carolina will not tolerate the exploitation of children.
The Judiciary Subcommittee also advanced legislation to better protect children online by addressing the mental health and safety risks posed by addictive social media platforms. This bill requires reasonable age verification, parental consent, and greater transparency—giving parents more control over how and when their children access social media.
These commonsense protections help curb screen addiction and safeguard the well-being of South Carolina’s youth.
 Protecting Life & Women’s Safety
Protecting life and women’s safety remains a top priority for me this session.
This week, the House passed legislation addressing chemically induced abortions. The bill closes a loophole that has allowed abortion pills to enter South Carolina with little accountability and prevents out-of-state actors from flooding our state with dangerous abortion drugs. It classifies mifepristone as a Schedule IV drug, ensuring proper oversight and prioritizing patient safety.
This legislation puts women’s health first—not the profits of out-of-state providers—and reinforces South Carolina’s commitment to protecting life.
 Watch fellow Aiken County Representative Melissa Oremus defend women and life at the well.
 Other Bills Advancing Through the Legislative Process
In addition to the work above, several other important bills continued moving forward this week:
 A bipartisan bill (S.405) advanced to strengthen South Carolina’s child abuse homicide statute by increasing the covered age from under 11 to under 18. This change ensures stronger penalties and accountability for those whose abusive or neglectful actions result in the death of a child. The House passed this bill unanimously, and it continues moving through the legislative process.
 I continue supporting legislation that protects parental rights (H.4757), affirming that moms and dads—not the government—are best positioned to make decisions about their children’s upbringing, education, and well-being.
 Legislation strengthening workforce readiness (H. 3197) also continued advancing. This effort helps ensure students graduate with the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy while meeting the workforce needs of South Carolina employers.
 The House advanced legislation recognizing the U.S. Space Force (H.4586) under South Carolina law. This update ensures Space Force members and their families receive the same legal protections and benefits as other service members.
 Legislation expanding certificate-of-need exemptions for veterans’ homes (H.4799) also moved forward. This reform cuts red tape and makes it easier to provide care for the men and women who have served our country.
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