Legislative update

As the Speaker banged the gavel last Thursday, the Legislature officially adjourned Sine Die, Latin for “without a day,” scheduled to reconvene. This adjournment brings the first year of the 126th General Assembly to a close, save and except consideration, later this month, of an expected House and Senate Conference Committee Report reconciling the budget differences between the two bodies.

It was an astounding final week of the session. Just a few weeks ago it seemed doubtful that an agreement could be reached on two of the major issues: liquor liability insurance for bars and restaurants and the sweeping energy package to ensure that a growing SC has all the energy it needs to prosper.

Speaker Smith appropriately summed up this year in stating “You measure your success on the substance of the bills that pass and we really concentrated on big ticket items.”

From income tax relief and tackling the fentanyl crisis to tort reform including reforming SC’s liquor liability laws and modernizing our energy infrastructure I am proud of the progress we made for the people and businesses of South Carolina.

One of the biggest ticket items we passed last week was legislation to drive down skyrocketing insurance premiums for South Carolina businesses. Small businesses across South Carolina especially bars, restaurants, and VFW posts have faced unsustainable insurance premiums and the looming threat of massive jury verdicts.

Providing relief this year has been a top priority for me personally, my Judiciary Committee and the House. I was proud to have led the focused effort in the House to seek a compromise with the Senate’s omnibus approach. While there is more discussion to be had involving tort reform, it was imperative to me that our small business not be held hostage to those broader and unrelated issues any longer. Our landmark liquor liability bill brings real solutions to real problems and protects our hospitality industry.

The bill pairs critical liquor liability improvements with updates to our state’s joint and several liability statutes. It ensures business are only held responsible for their share of fault, not punished for the actions of others. It also establishes a responsible alcohol server training program, and creates new liability risk mitigation incentives, giving businesses tools to reduce risk and lower costly premiums. This bill is now on the way to the governor’s desk. This is the third time in two years the House has led on this issue, and now, finally we got it across the finish line.

The House and Senate secured SC’s energy future by passing the South Carolina Energy Security Act which is also now on its way to the governor’s desk. This bill lays the foundation for a stronger, more reliable energy future. I was proud to support this forward looking legislation and I appreciate all of the hard work of Labor Commerce and Industry Committee Chairman Bill Herbkersman in crafting this law in direct response to the surging demand caused by our state’s population and economic growth. The bill ensures smarter oversight of utilities, encourages investment in nuclear and renewable energy, expands transmission and storage capacity and reflects our “all-of-the-above” strategy to protect ratepayers, promote innovation, and avoid dangerous disruptions like those nearly experienced during the Christmas freeze of 2022.

It is an honor and privilege to represent the citizens of House District 120. If I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives. WestonNewton@schouse.gov