Legislative Session Weekly Update, February 4-6
During week four of the South Carolina Legislative Session, the General Assembly held judicial elections, filling multiple seats across the appeals and family courts. South Carolina remains one of only two states where judges are elected by the legislature. While most races were uncontested, one nominee, Rock Hill attorney and public defender Melissa Inzerillo, was rejected due to concerns over perceived leniency. This marks only the second time an uncontested candidate has been denied confirmation, the first being James Smith last year. Othernotable conversations included the lottery-funded K-12 voucher bill and the Speaker’s sweeping energy legislation.
The Week in Review (February 4-6):
One of our top priorities this year, Senate Bill 47, had its first hearing in the Senate Finance Banking and Insurance Subcommittee. This bill provides tax benefits for both employers offering childcare and childcare workers. Several organizations from across the state, including Chambers of Commerce, branches of the United Way, the Institute for Child Success, the Children’s Trust of South Carolina, and childcare providers, voiced strong support, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable and reliable childcare. The lack of dependable childcare currently costs South Carolina $1.4 billion in lost revenue each year. The bill did not receive a vote in this hearing, meaning a second hearing will be needed. WREN remains committed to working with partners across the state to advocate for policies that expand access to childcare—removing a key barrier to economic stability, particularly for women.
Senator Richard Cash introduced Senate Bill 323, which would not only criminalize abortion but anyone who supports it. At WREN, we are steadfast in our opposition to these relentless attacks on abortion care by politicians and judges who seek to control our bodies and our lives. Their goal is clear: to strip away our freedoms and impose their will on us. The introduction of this bill is yet another reminder that they won’t stop until abortion is banned nationwide. We refuse to be silenced! We stand united as the majority, and we will not be intimidated. It will take all of us to protect our freedom to make personal decisions about our bodies, our families, and our futures. Use this link to join us in this fight and contact your local legislators to urge them to support reproductive freedom for all. Together, we will show lawmakers that we are a force to be reckoned with.
Moving Forward:
We are continuing to work with our vast coalition of partners to secure a second hearing for Senate Bill 47. To move forward, we need your help to put pressure on your local senators to prioritize childcare in South Carolina and encourage them to support this crucial legislation. Please use this link to send an email in support and urge your friends to do the same!
We are vehemently fighting back against Senate Bill 323, which would not only criminalize abortion but anyone who supports it. You can help us by using this link to contact your local legislators to urge them to support reproductive freedom for all.
This Week (February 11 – February 13):
The South Carolina Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit against the state on the current abortion ban. WREN is proud to stand with the plaintiffs in this case and has submitted an amicus briefing in support. The hearing will be Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the state Supreme Court and will be open to the public. If you are unable to attend in person, you can tune in here.
Together, we can advocate for a more equitable future for women and girls in South Carolina.