The first year of the state legislative session ended sine die last Thursday at 5 p.m., and I’m very proud of the work my colleagues in the State House of Representatives did this year. Here are a few highlights of the major legislation we finalized last week:
Income Tax Cuts Passed and Headed to the Senate
I was proud to craft H.4216, a conservative plan to cut income taxes for hard working South Carolinians. This bill is now in the Senate, but it puts us on the path to eliminate the state income tax altogether without swapping or raising other taxes. In year one, we’re devoting more than $400 million to immediate tax relief. We lower the top marginal rate from 6.2% to 5.39%, with a roadmap to reduce that to 1.99% over five years, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the state income tax entirely. This bill makes our tax system flatter and fairer for our residents, and more competitive for businesses and economic development. This is a huge win for our state and I hope the Senate takes action on this quickly in January when we return.
Landmark Liquor Liability Reform Signed by Governor
Small businesses across South Carolina, especially bars, restaurants, and VFW posts, have faced unsustainable insurance premiums and and massive jury verdicts. Providing relief has been a top priority for all of us, so I was proud to support H.3430, a landmark liquor liability bill that will reform the system and protect our vital hospitality industry. We worked with the Senate to pair critical liquor liability improvements with updates to our state’s joint and several liability statutes, ensuring businesses are only held responsible for their share of fault, not punished for the actions of others. It also gives businesses tools to reduce risk and lower premiums further. This bill has already been signed by Governor McMaster. I’m glad we could work for our small businesses and deliver real, lasting reform.
Securing South Carolina’s Energy Future
The South Carolina Energy Security Act (H.3309), was also signed by the Governor. This bill lays the foundation for a stronger, more reliable energy future. I was proud to support this legislation, crafted in direct response to the surging demand caused by our state’s population and economic growth. We’re looking far into the future to encourage investment in nuclear and renewable energy and expand transmission and storage capacity. We’re using an “all-of-the-above” strategy to protect ratepayers, promote innovation, and avoid dangerous disruptions like those nearly experienced during the 2022 Christmas freeze.
Tougher Penalties for Fleeing Police
The Governor signed H.3127, a bill that makes fleeing from law enforcement a felony in cases involving high-speed chases or other aggravating circumstances. This legislation has been sent to the Governor for his signature. The bill includes enhanced penalties for actions such as exceeding 100 mph, driving on the wrong side of the road, or endangering others during a pursuit. It sends a clear message: if you put lives at risk to evade the law, you will be held accountable.
Fentanyl-Induced Homicide Bill Sent to Governor
I proudly supported the House’s adoption of the conference report on S.156, which has now been sent to the Governor. This critical legislation creates the offense of fentanyl-induced homicide, making it a felony to unlawfully provide fentanyl that results in someone’s death. The fentanyl crisis is devastating families across our state. This bill ensures justice for victims and holds drug dealers accountable for the lives they destroy.
Strengthening Distracted Driving Laws Signed by Governor
I also supported H.3276, which updates South Carolina’s distracted driving statute and creates the “Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act.” The bill has now been sent to the Governor.
This legislation increases penalties for repeat offenders, protects privacy rights, and dedicates more resources to public education campaigns. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable accidents, and this bill helps save lives while respecting individual rights.
Protecting Victims from Online Exploitation
I was proud to vote for H.3058 (signed by the Governor) to crack down on the non-consensual sharing of private and digitally altered images. This bill criminalizes the unauthorized disclosure of intimate or AI-generated images — protecting South Carolinians from a growing form of digital exploitation. It’s another step forward in our commitment to prioritize public safety and law-and-order policies in a changing world.
Although the regular session has now adjourned, the House is expected to reconvene later this month for one final day to finalize the state budget, and I’ll be in Columbia a few times in the meantime to work with our staff. I’ll write more when the work of the conference committee is complete.
As I wrap up every newsletter: Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I’ll continue fighting for conservative solutions that make South Carolina stronger, safer, and more prosperous. If you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable to me and helps ensure that I am representing your needs effectively. You can reach me directly at bruce@brucebannister.com or via any of the means below.
Bruce Bannister
S.C. House of Representatives – District 24
Gower-Augusta Road-Alta Vista-Hollingsworth Park-Mauldin
brucebannister@schouse.gov (official email)
bruce@brucebannister.com (campaign email)
Statehouse Phone: (803) 734-3144
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