Legislative Session Weekly Update, March 18-20
While the House was on furlough, the Senate continued debating S. 244, a tort reform bill. A key amendment introduced reshaped much of the legislation and won support from previous critics, but debate stalled with the absence of the bill’s main sponsor, Senator Shane Massey. Major issues, including joint and several liability, remain unresolved, leaving uncertainty about the bill’s future.
The Week in Review (March 18 – March 20)
Our new priority bill, Senate Bill 477, was introduced to fix an error in the Pharmacy Access Act. The law was meant to allow pharmacists to provide contraceptives directly to patients, but a misinterpretation has created barriers and prevented it from working as intended. WREN supports policies that expand access to contraception and backs this legislative fix to ensure the law functions properly. The bill is not yet scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, but in the meantime, you can use this action link to tell your senator you support this fix and legislation that would increase access to contraceptives.
The House Education Committee passed a strike-and-insert amendment to House Bill 3297, which prohibits public colleges, universities, and state agencies from funding or promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The amendment also bans mandatory DEI training for employees, students, and contractors and restricts the use of DEI statements in hiring, promotions, and admissions. Additionally, it requires public institutions to remain neutral on political or social issues and includes enforcement measures to ensure compliance. We’re continuing to monitor the potential impact of this legislation, including concerns about how it may affect programs that serve underrepresented communities.
Moving Forward:
The Senate Finance Committee meeting was canceled. The agenda included Senate Bill 11, a WREN priority bill to expand paid parental leave to all state employees. It also included Senate Bill 32, which would provide taxpayer-funded incentives to crisis pregnancy centers, organizations that often present themselves as medical clinics but provide misleading and incomplete reproductive health information. The meeting is expected to be rescheduled. If you have not already, please use the following links to ask the committee to support Senate Bill 11 and oppose Senate Bill 32.
House Bill 3297 – the anti-DEI bill – is expected to be debated on the House floor, and we need your help to make sure it doesn’t pass. We strongly urge you to click here and ask your representative to vote against this harmful bill. At WREN, we believe in empowering individuals to earn a living, secure meaningful employment, and build a brighter future. We stand united with our partners in advocating for policies that promote fairness and equity for all. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Senate Bill 425, which seeks to increase access to free meals for students living in poverty, is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, March 26, at 10:00 a.m. in Gressette Room 105. WREN is excited to partner with Wholespire, who has been at the forefront of the movement to ensure all students have access to healthy meals, end meal shaming, and reduce hunger in South Carolina. Food insecurity disproportionately affects women and children, and providing all students with nutritious meals is essential to their health, educational outcomes, and future opportunities. Use this action link to encourage lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 425.
This Week (March 25 – March 27)
The House is back in session, resuming floor debates and getting back to business after furlough. Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee will continue its work on budget hearings. We’ll be watching closely and will keep you updated on any important developments.
Together, we can advocate for a more equitable future for women and girls in South Carolina.