Legislative Session Weekly Update, March 17-19
The Week in Review (March 17-19):
Here’s what happened during week ten of legislative session, what’s at stake, and how you can take action to help build a better South Carolina for women and girls.
Pair Child Care Assistance Changes with Funding
Senate Bill 770 was heard Wednesday in the Senate Family & Veterans’ Services Child Welfare Subcommittee but did not receive a vote. The bill proposes changes to who is eligible for South Carolina’s Child Care Scholarship Program at a time when the program is already under significant strain and unable to accept most new applicants.
As lawmakers continue conversations about eligibility, it’s important that funding remains part of the broader picture. Without sufficient investment, changes to the program may make it more difficult for families to access the support they need. Ensuring that child care scholarships are sustainable and reliable over time will require thoughtful consideration of resources as well as policy.
WREN believes families should be able to count on child care they can afford. A strong child care system supports parents, children, and South Carolina’s workforce. As the Senate Finance Committee begins its work on the state budget, we encourage you to use our action link to share the importance of maintaining and strengthening funding for child care scholarships so this program can continue to serve families effectively.
This Week (March 24-26):
Paid Family Leave Eligible State Employee & Stillbirth Paid Parental Leave
Two important paid leave proposals are moving forward next week. On Tuesday, one hour after the House adjourns, the Ways and Means General Government Subcommittee is scheduled to consider House Bill 4611 (Stillbirth Paid Parental Leave) and Senate Bill 11 (Paid Family Leave Eligible State Employee).
Senate Bill 11 would expand access to paid leave by broadening who qualifies as an “eligible state employee,” allowing all full-time state employees to receive six weeks of paid leave. This change would close a coverage gap that was discovered during implementation of the current law and ensures individuals can take time to care for themselves or their loved ones without added financial strain.
House Bill 4611 addresses a gap in current policy by clarifying that paid parental leave is available in the event of a stillbirth, helping ensure families are not left navigating eligibility questions during an already devastating time. We’re grateful to Rep. Neal Collins for his work to seek clarity from the Attorney General, and to Rep. Travis Moore for continuing this important conversation through the introduction of H. 4611.
Please use our action links to urge legislators to vote yes on these bills to support families in South Carolina.
Immigration Enforcement Mandate
On Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., the House Judiciary Committee will take up House Bill 4764. This bill would require local jails to partner with federal immigration officials, using local staff and resources to help enforce federal immigration laws. If this bill becomes law, it could make people feel less safe reaching out to local agencies or reporting crimes. It could also pull time and funding away from important needs like maternal health, childcare, and economic opportunity. We urge you to contact your House representative and ask them to vote no on H. 4764.
School Panic Alert Safety & Student Physical Activity and Recess
Next Wednesday at 10 a.m., the full Senate Education Committee will take up two important bills: H. 3258, focused on school safety, and H. 3195, which addresses student physical activity.
H. 3258 would require public schools to adopt mobile panic alert systems that connect directly with emergency responders, helping schools respond more quickly and effectively during safety incidents. Strengthening emergency response in schools is a key step in protecting students, teachers, and staff, and we’re glad to be working alongside the Palmetto Teachers Association to support this effort.
H. 3195 would expand opportunities for physical activity by increasing time for physical education and daily recess for students in four-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade. Regular movement and play are essential for children’s physical health, social-emotional development, and academic success, and we’re proud to be part of a broader coalition, including Wholespire, supporting this bill.
Please contact your legislators and urge them to VOTE YES on H. 3258 and H. 3195.
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. WREN will remain engaged at the State House and will continue monitoring these issues in the week ahead.