This week in the South Carolina Statehouse, lawmakers are fast-tracking a total abortion ban. In addition, they are continuing their attacks on LGBTQ+ South Carolinians and pushing a bill that would allow teachers to use physical force against students.
While the Senate heads into its budget week, members of the House are working diligently to push these dangerous policies. They aim to have these bills ready to hit the Senate floor before the legislative session ends on May 14.
Here’s what they want, and here’s how we can push back.
A total abortion ban advances
Even though South Carolinians are already living under an extreme six-week abortion ban, some of our lawmakers are determined to further criminalize reproductive healthcare.
Senate Bill 1095 would make it illegal to receive an abortion in South Carolina unless the pregnant person’s life is in danger. The bill would make it a felony to perform an abortion or provide abortion-inducing drugs, and a misdemeanor for a pregnant person to receive an abortion unless their life is in danger.
Last week, the Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee held a hearing on S. 1095 and only accepted public testimony on Tuesday. South Carolinians from all walks of life, including medical professionals, parents, and faith leaders, spoke out against S. 1095. Meanwhile, some anti-abortion activists complained that the bill wasn’t harsh enough.
The full Medical Affairs Committee will continue discussing the bill on Tuesday, April 21, at 9 a.m. in Gressette Building Room 105. The committee is still accepting public testimony via email at [email protected] (make sure to include the bill number in the subject line).
In addition to writing testimony to the committee, you can take submit written comments to your state senator using this form. We’ll keep you updated on what happens next with this dangerous bill.
Bathroom ban awaiting governor’s signature
Ten years ago in South Carolina, a bill restricting trans people’s access to public bathrooms was considered extreme and frivolous by leaders of the South Carolina Republican Party.
“I don’t believe it’s necessary,” then-Governor Nikki Haley told reporters about a bathroom bill in April 2016. She added, “Like it or not, South Carolina is doing really well when it comes to respect and when it comes to kindness and when it comes to acceptance.”
Then-Senate President Ted Pitts criticized Sen. Lee Bright, sponsor of that year’s bathroom bill, saying, “Sen. Bright is trying to create a political crisis that doesn’t exist to save his political career.”
The priorities of our leading lawmakers have changed radically since 2016. This year in South Carolina, a majority of the state House and Senate have voted to approve an anti-trans bathroom ban in public schools and colleges. House Bill 4756 would require transgender students in South Carolina public K-12 schools and colleges to use restrooms and changing facilities that do not match their gender.
Despite the many South Carolinians who wrote, called, and testified against this bill, and the many more who called their lawmakers asking for a less harmful House version of the bill, last week lawmakers agreed to adopt the more harmful Senate amendments, which would allow schools to send trans children outside to use portable toilets. H. 4756 now sits on Governor Henry McMaster’s desk, awaiting his signature.
What changed between 2016 and 2026? Trans people didn’t change. They have been here all along, trying to live their lives in peace. The political leaders of this state, and their choice of scapegoats, have changed radically. Without a change of values and leadership, these politicians will select one group after another to attack.
Students’ rights on the line
House Bill 5483 would give educators, administrators, and school staff increased and vague authority to discipline students in classrooms, including the use of “reasonable physical force.” Last week the House Education and Public Works Committee heard from disability rights advocates who raised concerns about this overly broad proposal, and we are hopeful that the bill will be amended.
If you would like to reach out to your lawmakers about this or any other bill, you can use the Find Your Officials page on our website. Enter your address to find who represents you in the state House and Senate, along with their contact information.
Some good news for children and parents
Senate Bill 385 would protect the wellness of pregnant women who are entering the prison system by making them eligible for release on bail for the duration of the pregnancy and 12 weeks after the birth of a child. Last week, this bill cleared an important hurdle when the Senate voted 35-4 to approve it. The bill now advances to the House.
Under S. 385, if a person informs medical staff upon entering a jail or prison that they are pregnant and then test positive on a pregnancy test, they would be eligible for release on bail for the duration of the pregnancy and 12 weeks after the birth of a child. Pregnant people would only be eligible if they are deemed not to be a threat to themselves or others.
The bill’s sponsors have named it the Women’s Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education (CARE) Act. You can use this form from our allies at the Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network to write to your lawmaker in support of this bill:
Resisting ICE in the legislature
When state senators return from budget deliberations, we expect they will take up debate on House Bill 4764, which would force many local law enforcement agencies to carry out enforcement work for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This fight isn’t over. Write to your state senator today and explain why surrendering local control of law enforcement to an unaccountable masked deportation machine is a terrible idea:
In addition to sending emails, you can call or send physical mail to your state senator. Keep an eye on our social media this week for an announcement about postcard writing parties that will be happening across the state.
