South Carolina Legislative Recap: Week of March 31, 2025

It was an eventful week at the South Carolina State House, with major developments unfolding around tax policy, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) legislation, energy infrastructure, and public health leadership.

Tax Policy in Flux

In the House, efforts to revamp the state’s income tax system under H. 4216 hit a major roadblock. A fiscal analysis revealed that the proposed 3.99% flat tax rate would increase taxes for the majority of South Carolinians-- prompting several Republican co-sponsors to withdraw their support.

Although the bill had previously cleared a subcommittee, mounting concerns about its financial impact and calls for significant revisions have put its momentum on pause-- at least for now. In light of the backlash, the House Ways and Means Committee opted to delay a vote on the measure.

DEI Legislation Sees Major Rewrites and House Passage

On Wednesday, the House passed H. 3927, a wide-reaching anti-DEI bill impacting state agencies, higher education institutions, and public K–12 schools. After hours of heated floor debate, House Republicans introduced a strike-all amendment that largely reverted the bill to an earlier version — signaling a return to the bill’s core intent.

Key provisions of the final bill include:

• Prohibiting public entities from promoting DEI in hiring, admissions, or training — unless required by federal law.

• Banning preferential treatment or mandatory DEI statements.

• Eliminating DEI offices or programs within public institutions.

• Requiring contractors and grant recipients to certify compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

• Prohibiting the use of public funds, including lottery scholarships, to support organizations promoting DEI programs that violate anti-discrimination laws.

  
  

Opponents warn that the contractor certification provision could unintentionally prevent the state from working with vendors that have internal DEI programs — potentially shrinking the pool of eligible partners and vendors.

Senate Passes Major Energy Legislation

On Thursday, the Senate gave final approval to H. 3309, a bill designed to address South Carolina’s long-term energy needs. Supporters praised it as a “balanced” framework for building out the state’s electricity infrastructure amid rising demand.

The bill now heads back to the House to review Senate amendments.

Public Health Leadership Hits a Wall

Gov. Henry McMaster’s nominee to lead the newly formed Department of Public Health, Dr. Edward Simmer, hit a major obstacle this week. The Senate Medical Affairs Committee voted 5–12 against advancing his nomination — effectively stalling the confirmation process.

Although the full Senate could technically recall the nomination from committee and bring it to a floor vote, such a move is rare and procedurally challenging, leaving Dr. Simmer’s path forward uncertain.

Senate Advances Medical Autonomy Bill

The Senate Medical Affairs Committee also advanced S. 54, known as the Medical Informed Consent Act. The legislation reflects ongoing GOP efforts to prioritize medical autonomy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill would:

• Codify an individual’s right to refuse medical treatments, including vaccines.

• Prohibit discrimination based on personal medical decisions.

• Amend current law to make it optional — rather than mandatory — for law enforcement to assist in enforcing quarantines or public health orders.

Looking Ahead

As the legislative session continues, attention now turns to the state budget, education policy, and major economic development initiatives. The Senate’s response to the DEI bill will be closely watched, as will any effort to revive the governor’s stalled public health nomination.