Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Bad Bills Racing to the Finish Line in the Final Days of SC Legislative Session

 

Controversial Bills to Watch (and Oppose):

1. H.3305 – “Public Expression Protection Act”

  • Limits citizen lawsuits; may suppress free speech and allow censorship of nonprofits.

  • Critics call it misleading and dangerous.

2. H.4176 – Legalized Casino Gambling

  • Creates a powerful Gaming Commission; high fees and taxes.

  • Seen as government overreach with reduced accountability.

3. H.3625 – Legalized Sports Betting

  • Establishes Sports Wagering Commission with large fees and taxes.

  • Expands unelected government control.

4. H.4189 – DHEC Restructuring

  • Splits DHEC, but retains controversial emergency powers.

  • Critics want amendments to limit forced medical interventions.

5. H.4216 – “Tax Reform” That Raises Taxes

  • Could increase taxes for 25% of South Carolinians; 33% get no benefit.

  • Opponents call it deceptive.

6. S.35 – Appointing the Comptroller General

  • Converts the position from elected to appointed.

  • Viewed as reducing voter power.

7. H.3309 – Energy Security Act

  • Enables nuclear spending without approval, restricts PSC authority, increases monopoly control.

  • Could lead to more utility debt like the failed V.C. Summer project.

8. S.146 – Nursing Home Visitor Limits

  • Restricts visitors during emergencies, echoing COVID-era isolation.

  • Deemed unconstitutional by critics.

9. S.268 & H.3431 – Social Media Regulation (“Lawfare”)

  • Targets tech companies via child protection measures.

  • Critics say it overreaches and sets the stage for state-sponsored lawsuits.

10. S.165 – Conservation Education Act

  • Creates a new government program to teach conservation.

  • Seen as unnecessary government expansion.

11. H.4025 – $39 Billion State Budget

  • Criticized for overspending, increasing bureaucracy, and funding controversial items like Planned Parenthood and DEI initiatives.

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