Charlie Hartz: Week 12 Legislative Update

April 07, 2026 11:45 AM | Michael Schwerdtfeger (Administrator)

Dear Constituents,

It was another busy and productive week in Columbia, focused on delivering real results—strengthening public safety, protecting our children, and working to lower costs for South Carolina families.


Here’s a look at what we worked on last week and what it means for you:


Public Safety & Protecting Our Communities


  The House passed the Immigration Enforcement Partnership Act (H.4764), strengthening coordination between state and federal law enforcement. I supported this effort to give local officers clearer tools, training, and authority to work alongside federal partners and help ensure more consistent enforcement across South Carolina.


  We also passed “Fargo’s Law” (H.3034), to increase penalties for those who harm law enforcement animals. These K9s and horses are highly trained partners that help track criminals and protect officers, and this ensures they are properly protected under the law.


  The House also passed H.4804, strengthening penalties for the sexual exploitation of minors. I supported this legislation to close dangerous loopholes, increase minimum sentences, and ensure repeat offenders face real prison time.


  Work also continued on legislation (H.3408)to prevent foreign adversaries from purchasing land in South Carolina—an important step in protecting our farmland, infrastructure, and long-term security.


Protecting Children & Strengthening Schools


  The House unanimously passed the Tenure Accountability Act (H.4761), bringing more transparency and accountability to our public colleges and universities. This ensures regular evaluations, stronger performance standards, and better outcomes for students.


  The House passed the Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media (SHASM) Act (H.4591), which puts safeguards in place to protect kids online. This bill targets addictive features like endless scrolling and autoplay, strengthens age verification, and gives parents more control over their children’s screen time and content.


Lowering Costs & Supporting Families


  The House passed the Insurance Rate Reduction and Policyholder Protection Act (H.4817), a major step toward lowering premiums for South Carolina families. This legislation aims to crack down on fraud and abuse, increase transparency, and help homeowners reduce risk and lower costs over time.


  Work also continued on the Pregnancy Care Tax Credit (S.32), which supports organizations providing real, on-the-ground help to mothers and families—from counseling to essential supplies—ensuring they have the resources to continue serving communities across our state.

 

Stay Informed: 


If you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable to me and helps ensure that I am representing your needs effectively.


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Important Links:


  • For updates from the Governor, visit: https://governor.sc.gov

  • To track a bill, live stream session or meetings, and other information, visit the State Legislature website: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/index.php

  • To download the SC Legislature Mobile app for iOS and Android devices, search “SC Legislature” on the App Store/Google Play.


My job is to serve you. If you have questions, contact me by email at

Charlie@CharlieHartz.com or phone at (803) 341-1210.


It is my honor to represent you in the S.C. State House.


With gratitude,

State Rep. Charlie Hartz

District 81, Aiken County


Aiken County Republican Party
803-215-8819
127 Greenville St. SW. Aiken, SC
Office hours:  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 10-2 or by appointment.

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