To My District 24 Neighbors:
We have three days left in the 2026 legislative session (before overtime), so things are busy as both chambers try to clear the decks before bills officially die on Thursday. Here’s a run-down of what we’ve been doing in the House:
First a Personal Note:
Clemson Graduation
It was amazing to watch my son Ben graduate from Clemson University over the weekend. It’s always exciting to watch your children succeed. Our two boys are now finished with college and now it’s our two girls’ turns!
Mary Margaret and I are excited to watch his next steps when he enters medical school this fall.
And on another personal note from the weekend: Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms in District 24!
Roads Bill Passes the House Unanimously
The House unanimously passed S.831, a major step forward in reducing traffic congestion, and delivering road projects faster and more efficiently.
As we all know in Greenville, we are one of the fastest growing regions in the country. This legislation focuses on fixing our roads and the system behind them. It cuts costly bureaucratic red tape, streamlines processes within SCDOT, and creates stronger accountability to help projects move from planning to construction quicker. The goal is simple: get roads built faster, reduce delays, and help families spend less time stuck in traffic.
The bill also includes reforms designed to modernize how major road projects are delivered, including phased design-build authority that accelerates construction timelines and reduces unnecessary delays.
Budget Work Continues
I continued work with my staff on the state budget last week after receiving the Senate’s amendments, moving another step closer to delivering $1 Billion in tax relief while investing in our core priorities. Our budget remains focused on responsible budgeting that supports infrastructure, public safety, education, and economic growth without expanding government.
Key investments include:
- Funding for roads, bridge modernization, and interstate construction projects
- Investments in law enforcement and public safety infrastructure
- Higher teacher pay, better school safety, and new workforce development programs
- Funding for scholarships and job training for our workforce
- Funding for economic development and tourism projects in the Upstate
- Support for community organizations and programs serving families across the state
As negotiations continue between the House and Senate, we remain focused on delivering a final budget that keeps South Carolina financially strong, invests in core priorities, and puts more money back into the pockets of taxpayers.
Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act
The Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (H.3021) officially passed the Senate last week and came back to the House. This legislation cuts unnecessary regulations, reduces burdensome government red tape, and makes it easier for South Carolina’s small businesses to grow and hire. We remain committed to creating a stronger business climate that supports our local, homegrown job creators.
Truth in School Grading
The Public School Truth in Grading Bill (H.5073) was sent to the Governor last week. This legislation ensures grades reflect what students actually earn, not provide shortcuts that can hurt long-term success. Parents deserve an honest picture of how their child is performing, and schools should maintain strong academic standards. The bill restores integrity to GPAs and graduation data while reinforcing accountability across our education system.
Strengthening Protections Against Child Exploitation
Last week House Bill H.4804, the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Penalty Increase Bill passed on the Senate floor and is headed to the Governor’s desk. This legislation closes dangerous loopholes, increases penalties for offenders, and ensures repeat offenders face mandatory prison time. Protecting children remains a top priority, and South Carolina continues taking strong action to hold predators fully accountable.
We hit the final sprint to the end this week. Thank you for all of your feedback and thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve Greenville and Mauldin in the House. Please reach out at any of the phones or emails below if you have any questions. I’m always happy to provide more information on these bills beyond the snippet I can write here.
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
Keep up with the SC House Republican Caucus:
https://www.facebook.com/SCHouseGOP
https://twitter.com/SCHouseGOP
https://www.schousegop.com
