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 Protecting Parental Rights
Last week, I co-sponsored and voted to pass the Parental Rights Act (H.4757) with overwhelming support in a 105–1 vote, reaffirming a simple but fundamental principle: parents, not the government, have the primary right to direct the upbringing, education, and healthcare of their children.
This legislation strengthens transparency, reinforces accountability, and ensures parents stay fully informed and involved in decisions affecting their families. South Carolina parents deserve clarity, confidence, and the assurance that their rights remain protected.
 Supporting Our Farmers & Agricultural Industry
Last week, I supported and passed the Ban on Lab-Grown Meat bill (H.5096) to protect South Carolina’s farmers and ensure honesty for consumers. This legislation bans the sale of synthetic, lab-grown “fake meat” in our state, defends our agricultural industry from unfair competition, and ensures families know exactly what they are putting on their dinner table.
With this legislation, South Carolina’s agricultural industry is defended, and transparency for consumers is reinforced. The sale of synthetic, lab-grown “fake meat” is banned, ensuring unfair competition is prevented and families can have confidence in the food they put on their dinner table.
The House also passed the Roadside Markets bill (H.5097). Protecting South Carolina’s proud roadside market tradition, this law cuts unnecessary red tape, supports family-run farms, and makes it easier for farmers to sell fresh, South Carolina-grown products directly to consumers. These reforms strengthen local agriculture, support small farm operations, and preserve an important part of our state’s heritage.
 Putting South Carolina First
Last week, I supported and the House passed H.3477, legislation that modernizes South Carolina’s unemployment system and protects taxpayers. This reform ties the length of unemployment benefits to economic conditions, shortens benefits when jobs are widely available, and strengthens job-search requirements and fraud prevention.
This approach ensures unemployment benefits serve as temporary support while encouraging a faster return to work and protecting taxpayer dollars.
 Additionally, the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee advanced the American Iron and Steel Act (H.4709). This bill prioritizes American-made iron and steel in public projects, ensuring taxpayer dollars support domestic manufacturing and protect American jobs. We are putting America first right here in South Carolina!
 The House also passed S.383, recognizing the Prothonotary Warbler as part of South Carolina’s rich natural heritage. This bill reflects pride in our state’s unique wildlife and natural beauty, a reminder that putting South Carolina first also means celebrating what makes our state special.
 Responsible Budget Discussions Continue
Last week, the Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced a $15 billion conservative state budget, and I remained engaged in the process as we prepared for full House debate.
This responsible budget:
- Raises starting teacher pay
- Provides a 2% pay increase for state employees
- Expands school choice through additional scholarship funding
- Delivers approximately $1 billion in tax relief, including income and property tax relief for families and seniors
- Invests in roads, rural infrastructure, higher education, and workforce development
This proposal keeps South Carolina competitive, supports working families, and prepares our state for continued growth. Full House debate is expected to begin March 9.
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