Legislative Session Weekly Update, April 1-3
While the House debated DEI legislation, the Senate passed its version of the “Energy Security Act,” a bill that would speed up the approval process for new power plants and allow appeals to go straight to the state Supreme Court. The Senate added provisions to encourage more solar energy, let utilities make small annual rate adjustments to prevent sudden spikes, and block state incentives for new data centers. The bill now heads back to the House for further consideration. To learn more about this bill and its impact on South Carolina’s energy future, please visit our partners, Conservation Voters of SC.
The Week in Review (April 1-3)
It’s been a busy week at the State House!
Two of our priority bills are one step closer to becoming law! Senate Bill 11, which expands paid leave for all state employees, and Senate Bill 425, which increases access to free meals for students living in poverty, have both passed the Senate and are now under consideration in the House. With your support, we can get these bills across the finish line before the session ends on May 8th! Click on these links to tell your representative to vote YES on S.11 and S.425!
Our priority bill, Senate Bill 477, which strengthens the Pharmacy Access Act, passed the Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee with a favorable report! We are grateful to Senators Tom Davis and Russell Ott for their dedication to expanding contraceptive access for all South Carolinians. Next, the bill moves to the full Senate Medical Affairs Committee. If you have not already, click here to ask the committee to support this critical fix.
The Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed House Bill 3645, which extends paid parental leave for all state employees from six to twelve weeks. This is a critical step toward ensuring that women and families can take the time they need to care for themselves and their loved ones, without risking their financial security. We’re thrilled to see this bill move forward, and WREN will continue advocating for comprehensive paid family leave policies.
Despite powerful opposition, the House passed House Bill 3927, a bill that threatens diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, following a lengthy debate. The bill now moves to the Senate for further deliberation. The people of South Carolina DO NOT want this legislation. Click here to tell your Senator to vote NO on H. 3927 and stand up for DEI in our state.
Moving Forward:
H. 3645, a bill that would increase the number of weeks of paid parental leave from six to twelve for all state employees, heads to the House floor for debate. This legislation is long overdue and would be a game-changer for maternal and infant health, economic stability, and workplace gender equality. Urge your Representative to support H. 3645 and make paid family leave a priority. Click here to take action and help push this bill forward! Together, we can make 12 weeks of paid family leave a reality!
Together, we can advocate for a more equitable future for women and girls in South Carolina.