Legislative Session Weekly Update, January 27-29
The Week in Review (January 27-29):
The fast pace of the 2026 session continues. Due to lingering impacts from the winter storm, the Legislature did not meet on Tuesday, and many meetings were cancelled or rescheduled for Wednesday.
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, continued moving forward, passing out of committee and advancing to the House floor. 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.
Anti-Transgender Bathroom Bills
H. 4756, an Anti-Transgender Bathroom Bill, is moving forward with two amendments and now requires a final third reading before moving to the Senate.
S. 199, an Anti-Transgender School Bathroom Bill, which would require individuals to use school restrooms and locker rooms based on sex assigned at birth, was heard in committee. The committee did not take a vote and the bill will return for a second hearing.
Bills like H. 4756 and S. 199 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 and S. 199
This Week (February 3-5)
Reproductive Freedom Under Attack
We anticipate that H. 4760 will be heard on the House floor this week, barring any additional weather-related interruptions.
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.
WREN believes EVERYONE deserves the freedom to make decisions about their own health, family, and future, without politicians standing in the way. This bill could move quickly and NOW is the time to urge your representative to OPPOSE H. 4760.
Harmful “Parental Rights” Bill
A hearing is scheduled on Wednesday for H. 4757, a harmful “Parental Rights” Bill.
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.
Reducing confidentiality can push teens to postpone or avoid care altogether, especially those who don’t feel safe discussing pregnancy or sexual activity at home, and providers may respond by turning minors away rather than risking liability under new penalties and complaint processes.
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.