Delivering on Our Conservative Agenda
As the gavel fell at 5 PM this Thursday, the House officially adjourned Sine Die, Latin for “without a day”, bringing the first year of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session to a close. This week was a final sprint to the finish, and I was proud to work alongside my House Republican Caucus colleagues to advance several key priorities that reflect the promises we made to you at the start of the session.
From delivering income tax relief and tackling the fentanyl crisis to reforming liquor liability laws and modernizing our energy infrastructure, this final week showcased what conservative leadership can accomplish. And as we close the books on the first year of session, I’m proud to report that we made progress on every single pillar of our House Republican Caucus agenda.
Income Tax Cuts Passed and Headed to the Senate
After working to significantly improve the original bill, I was able to support H.4216, a strong, conservative plan to cut income taxes for hardworking South Carolinians. This bill, now sent to the Senate, puts us on the path to eliminate the state income tax altogether without raising property or sales taxes. This plan devotes more than $400 million in year one to immediate tax relief. It lowers the top marginal rate from 6.2% to 5.39%, with a roadmap to reduce that to 1.99% over five years and ultimately eliminate it entirely. My colleagues and I worked late into the night to get this done, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure this relief makes it across the finish line early next year.
Landmark Liquor Liability Reform Sent to Governor
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 has been a top priority, and I supported H.3430, a landmark liquor liability bill that will bring real reform and help protect our hospitality industry. This bill pairs critical liquor liability improvements with updates to our state’s joint and several liability statutes. It ensures that businesses 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 premiums. H.3430 was passed by the House this week and quickly concurred in by the Senate. It now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. This is the third time in two years the House has led on this issue, and now, we finally got it across the finish line. The South Carolina House Republican Caucus is proud to stand with our small businesses and deliver real, lasting reform.
Securing South Carolina’s Energy Future
The South Carolina Energy Security Act (H.3309), now also sent to the Governor, lays the foundation for a stronger, more reliable energy future. I supported this forward-looking legislation, which was crafted in direct response to the surging demand caused by our state’s population and economic growth. This bill ensures smarter oversight of utilities, encourages investment in nuclear and renewable energy, and expands transmission and storage capacity. It also reflects our “all-of-the-above” strategy to protect ratepayers, promote innovation, and avoid dangerous disruptions like those nearly experienced during the 2022 Christmas freeze. With the Governor’s signature, we’ll take a major step forward in keeping South Carolina’s economy competitive and our power grid secure.
Tougher Penalties for Fleeing Police Sent to Governor
This week the House also passed, and I voted for, H.3127, a bill that makes fleeing from law enforcement a felony in cases involving high-speed chases or other aggravating circumstances. This legislation has been sent to the Governor for his signature. The bill includes enhanced penalties for actions such as exceeding 100 mph, driving on the wrong side of the road, or endangering others during a pursuit. It sends a clear message: if you put lives at risk to evade the law, you will be held accountable.
Fentanyl-Induced Homicide Bill Sent to Governor
I proudly supported the House’s adoption of the conference report on S.156, which has now been sent to the Governor. This critical legislation creates the offense of fentanyl-induced homicide, making it a felony to unlawfully provide fentanyl that results in someone’s death. The fentanyl crisis is devastating families across our state. This bill ensures justice for victims and holds drug dealers accountable for the lives they destroy.
Strengthening Distracted Driving Laws Sent to Governor
I voted in favor of H.3276, which updates South Carolina’s distracted driving statute and creates the “Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act.” The bill has now been sent to the Governor.
This legislation increases penalties for repeat offenders, protects privacy rights, and dedicates more resources to public education campaigns. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable accidents, and this bill helps save lives while respecting individual rights.
Protecting Victims from Online Exploitation Bill Sent to the Governor
I was proud to vote for H.3058, now headed to the Governor’s desk, to crack down on the non-consensual sharing of private and digitally altered images. This bill criminalizes the unauthorized disclosure of intimate or AI-generated images — protecting South Carolinians from a growing form of digital exploitation. It’s another step forward in our commitment to prioritize public safety and law-and-order policies in a changing world.
Pillar Progress: A Conservative Agenda Delivered
At the start of session, we set out to advance bold reforms tied to our six Pillars for Progress, and I’m proud to report we made major strides on every single one. From income tax relief to law enforcement support and from cutting red tape to expanding school choice, the South Carolina House Republican Caucus delivered.
Although the regular session has now adjourned, the House is expected to reconvene later this month for one final day to finalize the state budget. I’ll be sure to provide an update once that work is complete. As always, visit www.NathansNews.com to stay informed of what’s going on at the State House (not much the next several months) and what’s happening right here in Irmo and Chapin! If you do not receive my monthly COMMUNITY UPDATE email, please let me know at [email protected] and I will personally add you to the distribution. I’ve been sending those emails out every month for several years! Thank you for the feedback. Hearing from you helps me serve you and our community better! I’m always available to speak to your civic group, church group, school or Homeowners Association. I can be reached at [email protected], or at my work office (803) 734-2969 or at home (803) 834-4613.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I’ll continue fighting for conservative solutions that make South Carolina stronger, safer, and more prosperous
