South Carolina Lawmakers About to Wrap Up for the Year

As the legislative session draws to a close in Columbia, the South Carolina General Assembly is in the final stretch of its 2025 session, with lawmakers hustling to pass last-minute bills, finalize the state budget, and tie up a mix of contentious and cooperative issues before the Sine Die adjournment. After months of debate, negotiations, and committee wrangling, both the House and Senate are now moving rapidly to complete their legislative priorities — and set the stage for next year’s political battles.

The end-of-session energy is palpable across the Statehouse. With an election year looming in 2026 and the national political climate highly charged, this session’s close offers a moment to evaluate the wins, losses, and lasting impact of the 2025 legislative calendar on South Carolina’s future.

Here’s a deep dive into where things stand, what lawmakers accomplished, and the most pressing debates still on the floor as the gavel prepares to fall.

A Busy Legislative Year: What’s Been Accomplished?

1. Education Reform Took Center Stage

One of the most defining legislative themes of 2025 was a renewed focus on education — both public K-12 schools and higher education. Gov. Henry McMaster, in his annual State of the State address in January, called for sweeping reforms, including a continued expansion of school choice, increased teacher pay, and investment in vocational training.

Key Measures Passed:

Teacher Pay Increases: Legislators approved a 7% average increase in teacher salaries, aiming to make South Carolina more competitive in retaining educators.
School Safety Package: A bipartisan-supported bill funded more resource officers and mental health counselors in schools.
Charter School Expansion: Lawmakers voted to remove certain caps on charter schools, allowing for greater flexibility and growth across rural and urban districts.

While not everyone agreed on the specifics, there was general consensus that improving the education system is a top priority. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey (R-Edgefield) praised the cooperation between chambers, saying, “We’ve made meaningful progress that parents, teachers, and students will feel in the classroom.”

2. Tax Relief and Budget Surplus Management

Flush with a growing economy and federal stimulus carryovers, South Carolina lawmakers had more financial flexibility this year than at any time in recent memory. The question was how to use it.

Budget Highlights:

Income Tax Cuts: Legislators approved the second phase of a multi-year income tax reduction plan, lowering the top marginal rate from 6.5% to 6.3%.
Rebates for Residents: A one-time $500 rebate for individual taxpayers was included in the final budget agreement.
Infrastructure Investment: Nearly $1.2 billion was allocated for road and bridge improvements, including rural infrastructure development.

House Ways and Means Chair Bruce Bannister (R-Greenville) described the budget as “disciplined and forward-looking,” while Democrats argued more should have gone toward public healthcare and affordable housing.

3. Abortion and Reproductive Rights Remained Divisive

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, South Carolina became one of many Southern states reshaping its abortion laws. This year, Republican lawmakers introduced new proposals to restrict access further, sparking heated debates.

Legislation in Focus:

Heartbeat Bill Amendments: Proposed changes sought to close exceptions for rape and incest, but after major public protests and legal challenges, those efforts were shelved.
Medication Access Limits: A narrowly passed bill will require in-person physician visits for abortion-inducing medications, raising access concerns.

Democratic lawmakers and pro-choice advocates decried the restrictions, while Republican supporters argued the laws reflect the state’s conservative values. The issue is expected to be a key campaign topic in 2026.

4. Medical Marijuana Legalization Stalls Again

For the third consecutive year, a bipartisan push to legalize medical marijuana made it through one chamber — but stalled in the other. The bill, championed by Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort), would have allowed physicians to prescribe cannabis for a narrow list of chronic conditions.

Despite strong support in the Senate and from veterans’ groups, the House did not bring the bill to a vote.

Sen. Davis expressed frustration, saying, “We are denying patients a non-addictive alternative to opioids.” Opponents raised concerns about enforcement, youth access, and federal legal contradictions.

5. Affordable Housing and Property Tax Reform Debates

With property values rising sharply in parts of the state, lawmakers turned their attention to housing affordability and property tax disparities.

Legislative Progress:

Property Tax Cap Proposals: A bill to cap property tax increases to 5% annually failed to advance, though it sparked significant debate.
Affordable Housing Credits: Lawmakers passed tax incentives for developers building affordable housing units, especially in rural and low-income areas.

While some hailed the move as a step in the right direction, housing advocates argue the state needs a more comprehensive housing strategy to meet rising demand.

Still on the Docket: What Could Happen in the Final Days?

As the session winds down, several key issues remain unresolved, and last-minute deals or delays could shape the final legacy of the 2025 session.

1. Election Reform and Voting Access

Two competing bills regarding election procedures are still pending. One seeks to shorten early voting from 14 days to 7, citing cost concerns, while another aims to expand vote-by-mail access for seniors and military voters. Negotiations are ongoing, and civil rights groups are watching closely.

2. Prison Reform and Public Safety

The Department of Corrections has lobbied for funding to expand mental health and addiction services in prisons. Lawmakers are debating whether to include this funding in a supplemental appropriations bill. Meanwhile, a parole reform package awaits a final Senate vote.

3. Environmental Policy

A coastal resilience package aimed at protecting barrier islands and infrastructure from climate change threats is nearing a House vote. The bill enjoys bipartisan support but could stall if time runs out.

Political Tensions and Bipartisan Wins

Despite ideological differences, the 2025 session showed moments of true bipartisanship. Both parties collaborated on child welfare reforms, education funding, and mental health initiatives.

However, tensions rose around hot-button issues, including:

Book bans and curriculum control in schools
Gun policy, particularly regarding open carry proposals
Health mandates and vaccine laws

Still, several lawmakers praised the spirit of cooperation, even when contentious bills led to gridlock.

Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D-Orangeburg), one of the state’s longest-serving lawmakers, remarked, “There’s always noise, but we’ve found ways to make real progress when we focus on what matters.”

What Comes Next?

1. Special Sessions and Overrides?

If major bills remain unresolved, Gov. McMaster could call a special session to address lingering priorities. Additionally, any vetoes from the governor on budget items or policy bills could prompt return votes.

2. 2026 Election Countdown Begins

Many lawmakers are already pivoting toward reelection efforts. Key issues like education, healthcare, and abortion will shape campaign platforms. Several incumbents face primary challenges from within their own party, especially in more ideologically rigid districts.

3. Redistricting Fallout Continues

Though redistricting is settled legally, demographic changes are reshaping legislative priorities, particularly in fast-growing suburban areas like Greenville, Charleston, and Rock Hill.

Voices from Around the Statehouse

To round out this year’s session coverage, here’s a snapshot of commentary from across the political spectrum:

House Speaker Murrell Smith (R-Sumter):
“We delivered on promises to cut taxes, invest in education, and ensure public safety. There’s always more to do, but this session was productive.”
Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg):
“We fought hard to defend reproductive rights, expand access to healthcare, and protect voting rights. We didn’t win every battle, but we made our voices heard.”
Gov. Henry McMaster:
“South Carolina is moving forward. The decisions made this session will strengthen our economy, support our families, and prepare us for the challenges ahead.”

A Defining Session with an Eye Toward the Future

As lawmakers prepare to gavel out, South Carolina closes a legislative session marked by economic optimism, ideological clashes, and a shared desire — at least in part — to improve the quality of life for residents.

From education reform and infrastructure investments to ongoing battles over abortion and marijuana, the 2025 session offered a full spectrum of legislative activity. And while not every issue found resolution, the groundwork has been laid for the debates to come.

In the halls of the Statehouse, staffers are packing up binders and closing out bills. Lobbyists are wrapping up meetings, and lawmakers are preparing to head back to their districts. But the work of governance — and the fight for South Carolina’s future — is far from over.