Dear Constituents,
This week at the State House was another busy one as the General Assembly continued its work during the second year of the legislative session. I spent the week engaged in committee meetings and discussions on legislation focused on protecting families, strengthening public safety, supporting American jobs, and ensuring state government works responsibly and effectively for the people it serves.

 Winter Weather Warning
As we head into the weekend, I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and prepared as winter weather approaches. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency, and state and local emergency officials are monitoring conditions closely. Please stay informed through trusted sources, make preparations early, and take this storm seriously as forecasts continue to develop.

 Protecting Children and Strengthening Parental Rights
Protecting children and strengthening parental rights was a major focus of my work this week. I was proud to support two key pieces of legislation this week: the Parental Rights Act (H.4757), which has been referred to committee, and the South Carolina Student Physical Privacy Act (H.4756), which passed out of the House Judiciary Committee.

These bills are aimed at safeguarding student privacy in schools while reinforcing transparency and parental involvement in decisions related to education and healthcare. I believe parents deserve to be informed, respected, and involved when it comes to their children, and these measures reflect that principle. Committee hearings brought strong participation from families, students, and advocates from across South Carolina, and I expect discussions to continue as the legislation advances.

As seen in the media this week!

Speaker Pro Tempore Tommy Pope Highlighting Bills

Representative David Martin Defending Common Sense in Judiciary Committee

 Protecting Life and Public Safety

House Republicans also continued advancing efforts this week to protect children and families from  dangerous and intoxicating substances The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony highlighting growing concerns surrounding hemp-derived products and the importance of keeping these products out of the reach of children. These discussions reinforced the need for clear standards and strong safeguards focused on safety and accountability.

In addition, the Judiciary Committee heard extensive testimony on the Abortion-Inducing Drugs Act (H.4760). Testimony focused on clarifying state law, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring existing protections are clearly understood and applied. Protecting life remains an important issue, and this legislation will continue to be carefully reviewed as it moves through the committee process.

 Putting South Carolina First
This week, legislation requiring the use of U.S.-produced iron and steel (H.4709) in state-funded public works projects advanced out of subcommittee and was referred to the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.

This proposal is focused on strengthening domestic manufacturing, protecting critical supply chains, and ensuring taxpayer dollars support American workers and industries. As South Carolina continues to grow, policies like this help reinforce a reliable workforce and support long-term economic stability while keeping our state competitive.

As seen in the media this week!

Representative Richie Yow Video

⚖️ Judicial Reform and Conservative Principles
Several additional bills advanced this week reflecting a continued focus on good governance and public safety. I had the privilege to advance the Judicial Selection Reform bill (H.4755) which passed out of subcommittee; continuing efforts to strengthen accountability and fairness in South Carolina’s judicial selection process.

The House also advanced legislation recognizing members of the United States Space Force under South Carolina law (H.4586), ensuring they are included in important protections and benefits. Additionally, the School Volunteer Chaplains and Historical Displays bill (H.4762) passed out of subcommittee, allowing schools to establish volunteer chaplain programs and display historical documents, such as the Ten Commandments, that reflect the foundations of our nation’s history and law.

As seen in the media this week!

Representative Robby Robbins Speaking on the historical importance of the School Volunteer Chaplains and Historical Documents Act

 Making South Carolina More Affordable
Work also continued this week on the Insurance Rate Reduction and Policy Holder Protection Act (H.4817), a comprehensive proposal aimed at providing greater oversight and consumer protections in the insurance market. The bill includes provisions focused on strengthening anti-fraud efforts, increasing transparency in rate-setting, and authorizing enhanced fraud investigations.

As this legislation continues to be debated, the focus remains on easing financial pressures on families and ensuring the insurance system operates fairly and responsibly.

 This Week’s Legislative Wins – House Bills Update
Progress continued this week on legislation supporting small businesses and lowering costs for families. The Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (H.3021), which I proudly supported—previously passed the House, advanced in the Senate Judiciary Committee—another step toward reducing unnecessary regulations on job creators.

Additionally, the Boat Tax Relief Act (H.3858), which passed the House last year, advanced through the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, moving closer to providing tax relief and helping make South Carolina more affordable.