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Dear Constituents,
Last week at the State House, we continued delivering real results for South Carolina families—cutting taxes, strengthening public safety, and advancing commonsense legislation that protects our communities, supports families, and defends our state’s future. From putting more money back in your pocket to standing up for our local industries and protecting our children, we’re focused on getting the basics right and keeping government accountable to you.
 Income Tax Cut Signed into Law
Last week, H.4216, which I was proud to sponsor, was officially signed into law—delivering meaningful, immediate tax relief for hardworking South Carolina families. This legislation provides over $308 million in relief, lowers the top income tax rate from 6% to 5.21%, and puts more money back into your paycheck—where it belongs.
Just as importantly, this bill puts South Carolina on a responsible path toward a simpler, flatter tax system, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the state income tax altogether. As our economy continues to grow and key financial benchmarks are met, income tax rates will continue to drop, moving us closer to zero in a way that is both sustainable and fiscally responsible.
This is not a tax swap as we’ve seen in other states. We are cutting taxes without shifting the burden elsewhere, focused on real relief today while building a stronger, more competitive future for South Carolina.
Protecting Our Communities & Local Industries
 We also advanced legislation that puts South Carolina first and protects the people who power our economy. The Truth in Labeling Bill (H.4248) passed the House unanimously—ensuring consumers know exactly where their seafood comes from and stopping imported products from being passed off as local. This is a win for our coastal communities and a fair shot for South Carolina shrimpers.
 H.3408 advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee to protect South Carolina land and critical resources from foreign adversaries. This bill restricts foreign ownership of agricultural land and property near sensitive military and infrastructure sites, helping safeguard our farmland, strengthen national security, and ensure South Carolina’s future stays in the hands of Americans, not hostile foreign actors.
 H.4641 also advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee, closing loopholes on dangerous, highly concentrated synthetic kratom products. This is a commonsense step to protect public health and keep harmful substances off our shelves.
Supporting Families & Protecting Children
 I had the privilege of supporting H.4756, the Student Physical Privacy Act, which was sent to the Governor’s desk. This legislation puts commonsense protections in place to protect student privacy, uphold safety in our schools, and ensure parents—not government—are in control.
 S.32 also passed both chambers, providing tax incentives to support pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, and organizations that serve women, children, and victims of human trafficking—expanding real support for those who need it most.
 In a unanimous vote, the House passed H.4611, ensuring that mothers of stillborn babies receive paid parental leave. This compassionate measure provides support to families during one of the most difficult moments they can face, and it reflects our commitment to standing with South Carolinians in times of both joy and hardship.
 H.5201 Safe School Act, advanced through the House Education Committee, strengthening coordination between law enforcement and schools to ensure every child and every teacher is safe in the classroom.
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