House legislation advances key bills

Last month, I reported that the General Assembly would need to reconvene before July 1 to complete conference committee work on several important matters, including finalizing the fiscal year 2026-27 budget.

On June 25, the House and Senate returned to Columbia to vote on several final conference committee reports. Even though we were only in session for one day, we passed several important bills that will strengthen our economy, support local businesses, protect South Carolina industries and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. Gov. Henry McMaster has already signed these bills into law.

In a big win for South Carolina’s small businesses, we passed H. 3021, the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, a major step toward reducing unnecessary government red tape and creating a stronger, more competitive business climate. Small businesses are the backbone of South Carolina’s economy. They create jobs, support local families and drive our state’s economy. That’s why my colleagues and I continue to work to make it easier, not harder, to start, grow and succeed in South Carolina. It is vital to keeping our state one of the best places in America to live, work and do business.

The House adopted the conference committee report for H. 4248, the Truth in Shrimp Labeling Act. While I was proud to sponsor this legislation requiring restaurants and food establishments to disclose the country of origin of the shrimp they serve, helping prevent imported shrimp from being passed off as local, I appreciate the focused efforts of my colleague and desk mate, Rep. Bill Herbkersman, in drafting the bill and leading the effort to get it across the finish line.

The House voted unanimously to send the Guarantee Banking Act to the governor’s desk. No South Carolinian should lose access to banking services because of political or religious beliefs. This act protects consumers and businesses by ensuring financial institutions cannot discriminate based on ideology.

The House also unanimously passed the Buy American Iron and Steel Act, sending it to the governor’s desk for signature. This common-sense legislation ensures that South Carolina taxpayer-funded public works projects prioritize American-made iron and steel, helping strengthen our nation’s manufacturing base while supporting hardworking South Carolinians and American workers. This includes a wide range of items, such as pipes, bars and structural steel. When we invest in our infrastructure, we should also invest in the people and businesses that built America.

This legislative session reflects our commitment to fight for freedom, families and a more affordable South Carolina with the passage of major legislation focused on lowering taxes, improving public safety, fixing our roads and bridges, strengthening schools, defending constitutional rights and growing our economy.

While many bills addressing these and other significant matters have now become law, work continues on DUI reform and passage of South Carolina’s state budget. The General Assembly is operating under a temporary continuing resolution, which keeps state government running at current funding levels while budget negotiations continue.

Although essential services remain funded, several priorities included in the House budget, such as teacher and law enforcement pay raises, additional funding for our schools, investments to accelerate road and bridge improvements, and tuition mitigation to help keep college affordable, cannot move forward until a final agreement is reached.

The House remains committed to finishing the job. Our goal remains the same as it was when we crafted a balanced budget that provides historic tax relief while investing in priorities that matter most to South Carolina families: to deliver a final budget that strengthens our economy, supports our communities and keeps South Carolina moving forward.

Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives.