Legislative Session Weekly Update, May 6-8
The 2025 Legislative Session is officially over! We fought hard for reproductive freedom and economic justice in SC, and we’re so proud of the progress we’ve made TOGETHER. Here’s what went down during the final week, and how we can keep moving forward until the session reconvenes next year.
29 House lawmakers, including House Speaker Murrell Smith and Majority Leader Davey Hiott, resigned from the Family Caucus due to escalating tensions with Chairman Rep. John McCravy. The mass departures followed months of dissatisfaction, fueled by allegations of dirty campaigning and homophobic, antisemitic, and sexist remarks made by McCravy, which he denies. In their resignation letter, the lawmakers wrote that they could no longer continue under McCravy’s leadership, citing his decisions that undermined the core values and mission they had committed to serving. They also pointed to his failure to condemn the disruptive actions of out-of-state groups, such as Students for Life, that had targeted South Carolina churches, employing inflammatory tactics to provoke confrontation. This culminated in the House introducing a formal censure of McCravy (House Bill 4556) on Thursday, which is an official reprimand signaling significant disapproval of his actions and leadership. Despite a motion for immediate consideration, it was not heard and sent to the House Ethics Committee.
The Week in Review (May 6-8):
We are THRILLED to share that Senate Bill 425 has been officially ratified and signed by the Governor, marking a transformative win for children and families across South Carolina! This landmark legislation expands access to free, nutritious school meals for students living in poverty, helping to combat hunger, reduce lunch debt stigma, and support academic success. WREN is proud to have worked alongside our dedicated partners at Wholespire to help make this vision a reality. Together, we’ve championed policies that prioritize student well-being and build stronger, more equitable communities. This is more than a policy win; it’s a promise to our children that their health and future matter. We are so excited and proud to celebrate this achievement with you!
We’re pleased to share that Senate Bill 477 has successfully passed through the Senate, marking meaningful progress in expanding access to contraception in South Carolina. This legislation updates the Pharmacy Access Act to address a critical gap in how the original law has been implemented. While the intent of the original law was to allow pharmacists to dispense birth control directly, confusion in its interpretation left many still facing unnecessary hurdles. SB 477 provides the clarity needed to ensure that individuals can access contraception more easily, reliably, and without delay. This is a significant step forward in making reproductive health care more accessible and responsive to people’s needs. When the legislative session resumes in January, the bill will move to the House for consideration, and we’ll be tracking it closely as it continues through the process.
The House introduced two concerning bills that threaten the health and autonomy of South Carolinians. House Bill 4515 seeks to prohibit individuals from changing the gender listed on their original birth certificate and House Bill 4514 aims to eliminate the judicial bypass process, removing a vital legal option that allows minors to access abortion care without parental involvement in certain circumstances. At WREN, we believe that all people deserve to live in safe, supportive environments where they are affirmed for who they are. That includes access to essential healthcare and the freedom to express their identities without fear or restriction. We will continue to monitor these harmful bills closely and stand firm in our commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all everyone.
Representative Robert Harris has submitted a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Weston Newton, requesting a hearing for House Bill 3537. This harmful legislation would redefine “person” to include a fertilized egg at any stage of development. If passed, it could allow individuals to be charged with homicide, and even face the death penalty, for actions that are perceived to harm a fertilized egg. Under House rules, the Judiciary Committee must schedule a hearing within seven legislative working days of receiving the request. WREN is closely monitoring the legislative calendar and will share updates as soon as a hearing is officially scheduled.
Moving Forward:
The legislative session may be over, but the work isn’t done yet and we want you to stay in the loop! Join us for our Sine Die Webinar on May 16th at noon for a deep dive into where our priority bills stand and what’s next in our fight for change. This is your opportunity to hear directly from our team, get updates on the bills we’re pushing forward, and learn how we can keep the momentum going throughout the break. We’ll break down the next steps, provide actionable ways to stay involved, and answer any questions you may have.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just getting started, this webinar will give you the tools and knowledge to make a real impact. Don’t miss out on this important conversation! Sign up today and be part of the movement!
Together, we ADVOCATED for a more equitable future for women and girls in South Carolina this legislative session. Let’s continue the work! Sign up for our Sine Die Webinar to keep the momentum going.