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 Fighting for Affordability
I will continue supporting policies that help South Carolinians keep more of what they earn and protect families from rising costs. This week, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced H.3368, South Carolina’s tax conformity legislation. The bill aligns the state’s tax code with federal provisions so taxpayers can benefit from federal tax relief measures, including provisions from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” while also simplifying the filing process and preventing unexpected tax increases. I believe lower taxes and responsible fiscal policy are essential to keeping South Carolina affordable and competitive.
 Watch this message from Rep. Bannister!
 The Insurance Rate Reduction and Policyholder Protection Act (H.4817) advanced in the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee this week. This legislation focuses on bringing greater transparency and oversight to insurance rate increases while strengthening protections for policyholders. The goal is to make coverage more affordable and accessible for South Carolina families while ensuring consumers are treated fairly and protected from unfair practices.
 Public Safety Week at the State House
Protecting our communities and supporting law enforcement will always be one of my top priorities. This week, the House passed a juvenile crime reform package focused on holding violent offenders accountable and improving communication between law enforcement, schools, and families.
H.5120 helps law enforcement better identify repeat juvenile offenders by requiring fingerprinting and photographs and improving information sharing.
H.4151 allows certain 16- and 17-year-olds charged with serious violent crimes to be prosecuted in adult court when appropriate.
Together, these bills give our justice system better tools to respond to violent crime and help ensure serious offenses carry serious consequences. Both bills now head to the Senate for consideration.
Read the Press Release here!
 The House also passed the HALO Act (H.4763), a bill I proudly co-sponsored, which better protects the law enforcement officers and first responders who serve our communities every day. This bill creates a 25-foot buffer zone to prevent harassment or interference while they are responding to active situations, allowing them to focus on doing their jobs and protecting lives. It’s a simple but important step to make sure the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way for us have the support and protection they deserve.
 Fargo’s, Hyco’s, Rico’s, Coba’s, Wick’s, and Mikka’s Law (H.3034) advanced out of the House Judiciary Subcommittee this week, strengthening penalties for those who harm or kill a law enforcement horse or K9 officer. Handlers and K9 officers from 40 counties across South Carolina came to the State House to advocate for the bill and stand up for the K9s who serve alongside them. These highly trained dogs track dangerous criminals, protect their handlers, and play a vital role in keeping our communities safe.
Watch this recap video of the hearing on Wednesday!
 Street takeovers are reckless and dangerous events that put lives at risk. H.4292 cracks down on these illegal gatherings and holds participants accountable. The bill passed the House Judiciary Criminal Law Subcommittee this week and now moves forward in the legislative process, giving law enforcement stronger tools to stop dangerous behavior and keep our roads safe.
Watch this message from Rep. Martin!
 Putting South Carolina First
Chinese Telecommunications Ownership Prohibition (H.4974) passed the House Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs (3M) Committee this week, taking an important step to protect South Carolina’s military installations and national security. The bill creates a 25-mile buffer zone around state and federal military bases, prohibiting companies owned or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party from owning land for telecommunications or broadcasting towers near these installations. It also requires certain equipment to be replaced with American-made technology installed by U.S. companies, helping ensure critical infrastructure near our bases remains secure.
 The House passed H.4982, designating the future Interstate-73 as the PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP HIGHWAY. President Trump played a key role in advancing this project, championing infrastructure that strengthens our economy, supports American workers, and connects communities across the country.
Naming this future interstate in his honor recognizes his leadership and commitment to building a stronger America.
Watch this message from Rep. Ammons Crawford!
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