Legislative Session Weekly Update, January 20-22
The Week in Review (January 20-22):
The second week of session made one thing clear: major policy fights are already moving quickly, and internal tensions are shaping what can (and cannot) move forward.
Against this backdrop, several high-impact bills advanced through subcommittees and the House Judiciary Committee this week.
Here’s what happened, what’s at stake, and how you can take action to help build a better South Carolina for women and girls.
Expanding Access to Care
First, some good news!
S. 477, the Pharmacy Access Act fix, passed unanimously out of subcommittee. This legislation strengthens the Pharmacy Access Act by allowing pharmacists to directly provide birth control, improving timely and affordable care, especially in rural communities and areas with fewer health care options.
WREN is proud to partner with the South Carolina Pharmacy Association and Senator Tom Davis on this effort. We also worked together to pass the original Pharmacy Access Act in 2022.
Reproductive Freedom Under Attack
Lawmakers advanced a dangerous bill aimed at restricting access to medication abortion. H. 4760 would criminalize safe, evidence-based care by misclassifying abortion medication as a controlled substance. These medications are used not only for abortion, but also to treat other health conditions, including cancer and arthritis.
The bill passed out of the full House Judiciary Committee on a 14–7 vote and is now headed to the House floor, meaning it could be up for debate this week.
WREN believes EVERYONE deserves the freedom to make decisions about their own health, family, and future, without politicians standing in the way. With this bill headed to the House floor, NOW is the time to urge your representative to OPPOSE H. 4760.
Anti-Transgender Bathroom Bill
H. 4756, an Anti-Transgender Bathroom Bill, advanced out of subcommittee with a favorable 3–1 vote and an adopted amendment.
Later the same day, H. 4756 also passed out of the full House Judiciary Committee, meaning it could be debated on the House floor this week.
Bills like H. 4756 DO NOT protect women or girls. Instead, they invite suspicion, harassment, and confrontation, especially toward people who don’t fit someone else’s narrow idea of femininity.
Please contact your legislators and urge them to vote NO on H. 4756.
Harmful “Parental Rights” Bill
H. 4757, a harmful “Parental Rights” Bill,passed out of subcommittee with a favorable 4–2 vote.
H. 4757 would require parental consent for more non-emergency care and roll back current confidentiality protections, making it harder for teens to get reproductive, prenatal, and postpartum care.
When confidentiality is reduced, young people are more likely to delay or avoid care altogether, especially if they don’t feel safe disclosing a pregnancy or sexual activity at home, and providers may respond by turning minors away rather than risking liability under new penalties and complaint processes.
Please contact your legislators and urge them to vote NO on H. 4757.
Voter Restriction Bills
H. 3310 and H. 3643, did not receive a vote and will require another subcommittee meeting before moving forward. These bills would make it harder for people to vote in the elections where South Carolinians have the most influence and would further lock in an unfair, uncompetitive political system.
WREN strongly OPPOSES this legislation.
Learn more and take action on these bills through our partners: League of Women Voters.
This Week (January 27-29)
Unless the weather disrupts the session schedule, we anticipate the week to be dominated by bathroom bills in both the House and Senate.
Thank you for showing up, staying engaged, and taking action. We’ll continue sharing updates and meaningful ways to get involved as this fast-moving session continues.