South Carolina General Assembly Concludes 2025 Session with Mixed Results
COLUMBIA (AP) — The South Carolina General Assembly wrapped up its regular 2025 session on Thursday, achieving some legislative milestones but leaving key issues unresolved. Major highlights include a bill aimed at curbing rising insurance rates for liquor-serving establishments and a measure facilitating collaboration between Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper for a new natural gas power plant, addressing the state’s growing energy demands. The legislature also moved towards prohibiting drivers from using handheld cellphones.
In a contentious move, lawmakers approved a revised school voucher program, anticipated to withstand judicial scrutiny after a previous version was struck down by the state Supreme Court. Governor Henry McMaster is expected to sign these measures into law.
However, significant topics such as tax reform and the fate of State Treasurer Curtis Loftis remain pending. The proposed changes to the income tax system faced criticism, and Loftis evaded removal from office following an accounting blunder due to insufficient legislative support.
Conversely, efforts to pass hate crime and medical marijuana legislation stalled, a disappointment for some legislators. As the assembly heads into a break until January 2026, contentious issues will linger as lawmakers regroup for the future.
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