Sen. Carlisle Kennedy

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 10-1-165, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF CERTAIN MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPE OF MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS THAT MAY NOT BE RELOCATED, REMOVED, OR DISTURBED, TO AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY JOINT RESOLUTION, TO TAKE ACTIONS REGARDING CERTAIN MONUMENTS, TO ALLOW FOR CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THE MANNER IN WHICH AN AFFINITY ORGANIZATION MAY BRING A CIVIL ACTION TO PREVENT CERTAIN ACTIONS REGARDING CERTAIN MONUMENTS. - RATIFIED TITLE

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE MAY 17-23, 2026, AS "EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE THE ESSENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROFESSIONALS.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that officially designates November 2026 as "Lung Cancer Awareness Month" in South Carolina. The measure directly affects state government officials and the general public by establishing a specific time period for heightened focus on lung cancer issues. The resolution includes background information noting that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the state and that many cases are linked to factors beyond smoking. By declaring this month, the General Assembly aims to increase public awareness and encourage screening and biomarker testing without mandating any new laws or funding.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF HIGHWAY 78 FROM THE BAMBERG COUNTY LINE TO THE AIKEN COUNTY LINE THE "LONNIE HOSEY PURPLE HEART HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-10 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-20 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE, TO ESTABLISH THE DATA CENTER INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S MEMBERSHIP, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S POWERS AND DUTIES; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-30 SO AS TO REQUIRE A SITING PERMIT BEFORE A DATA CENTER MAY LOCATE A FACILITY AT A PARTICULAR LOCATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TIMELINE FOR CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-40 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PERFORMANCE-BASED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS, WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS, AND TO REQUIRE ANNUAL REPORTS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-50 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE ADEQUACY ASSESSMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR REASONABLE BUFFER REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S ROLE CONCERNING RATES, AGREEMENTS BETWEEN UTILITIES AND DATA CENTERS, AND COST ALLOCATION METHODOLOGIES; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-70 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DECOMMISSIONING PLANS AND FINANCIAL ASSURANCES ASSOCIATED WITH DECOMMISSIONING; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-80 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAND USE PLANNING; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-90 SO AS TO REQUIRE DATA CENTERS TO IMPLEMENT REASONABLE MEASURES TO MINIMIZE NOISE, VIBRATION, AND LIGHT IMPACTS RESULTING FROM THEIR OPERATION; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-100 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION SHARED WITH THE OFFICE BY DATA CENTER OPERATORS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-110 SO AS TO CLARIFY THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THIS CHAPTER AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-120 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER ARE PROSPECTIVE; TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES; AND TO PROVIDE THAT FOR TWO YEARS AFTER ENACTMENT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES SHALL PRIORITIZE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE OVER ENFORCEMENT TO FACILITATE INDUSTRY TRANSITION TO THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM THE COMMITMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO SECURING SOUTH CAROLINA'S ROLE AS THE NATION'S PREMIER HOST FOR A NUCLEAR LIFECYCLE INNOVATION CAMPUS; TO RECOGNIZE SOUTH CAROLINA'S UNMATCHED LEADERSHIP IN NUCLEAR ENERGY, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING; AND TO DIRECT A UNIFIED, COMPETITIVE STATE RESPONSE TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-230, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-240, RELATING TO USE OF OR THREAT OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE BY CRIMINAL GANG MEMBERS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH UNLAWFUL CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-245 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY OF CRIMINAL GANG AND CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY EVIDENCE DURING A TRIAL OR PROCEEDING; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-250, RELATING TO PREVENTING WITNESSES OR VICTIMS FROM TESTIFYING AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM TO ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE OF REAL PROPERTY USED BY A CRIMINAL GANG; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-275 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY IN A CRIMINAL PROCEEDING OF THE ACCUSED'S COMMISSION OF CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-520 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS FOR THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-530 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO ENGAGE IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-540 SO AS TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ENGAGING IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-550 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT COURT MAY ENJOIN VIOLATIONS OF THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT BY ISSUING APPROPRIATE ORDERS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-560 SO AS TO ESTABLISH JURISDICTION FOR RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-570 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM DISCLOSURE OF INFORMANTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 14-7-1630, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF JURIES, NOTIFICATION TO IMPANEL JURIES, POWERS AND DUTIES OF IMPANELING AND PRESIDING JUDGES, THE TRANSFER OF INCOMPLETE INVESTIGATIONS, EFFECTIVE DATES AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO ORDERS OF JUDGE, AND APPEALS, SO AS TO ADD THE CRIME OF RACKETEERING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE GRAND JURY.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 43-7-60, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF FALSE CLAIMS, STATEMENTS, OR REPRESENTATION BY MEDICAL PROVIDERS, SO AS TO CREATE TIERED VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR THIS SECTION AND PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF CONSENT AGREEMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 43-7-70, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF FALSE STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATION ON APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE, SO AS TO CREATE TIERED VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR THIS SECTION AND PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF CONSENT AGREEMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 43-7-90, RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF SECTIONS 43-7-60 TO 43-7-80, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ISSUE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE ACTIONS.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-610, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING ABORTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS CONCERNING ABORTIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 44-41-611; TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY USE OR EMPLOY ANY INSTRUMENT, DEVICE, MEANS, OR PROCEDURE UPON A PREGNANT WOMAN WITH THE SPECIFIC INTENT OF CAUSING AN ABORTION, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; BY ADDING SECTION 44-41-612, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY ADMINISTER TO, PRESCRIBE FOR, DELIVER TO, PROVIDE TO, OR SELL AN ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG TO A PREGNANT WOMAN WITH THE INTENT TO CAUSE AN UNLAWFUL ABORTION, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A WOMAN TO SELF-INDUCE AN ABORTION USING AN ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; BY ADDING SECTION 44-41-613, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY ENGAGE IN THE USE OF AN ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG ON A PREGNANT WOMAN, WITHOUT HER KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT, WITH THE INTENT TO CAUSE AN ABORTION, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; BY ADDING SECTION 44-41-614, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO POSSESS, MANUFACTURE, MAIL, DISTRIBUTE, TRANSPORT, DELIVER, OR PROVIDE AN ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG; OR AID OR ABET THE PERFORMANCE, INDUCTION, OR ATTEMPTED ABORTION, OR THE MANUFACTURE, MAILING, DISTRIBUTION, TRANSPORTATION, DELIVERY, OR PROVISION OF AN ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO SOLICIT OR PROVIDE FUNDING ASSISTANCE TO UNLAWFULLY DELIVER, DISPENSE, DISTRIBUTE, OR PROVIDE AN ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG TO A PREGNANT WOMAN, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; BY ADDING SECTION 44-41-615, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO KNOWINGLY OR INTENTIONALLY USE FORCE, OR THE THREAT OF FORCE, TO INJURE OR INTIMIDATE A PREGNANT WOMAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF COERCING AN ABORTION; OR TO RECRUIT, HARBOR, OR TRANSPORT AN UNEMANCIPATED PREGNANT MINOR WHO RESIDES IN THIS STATE TO ANOTHER STATE TO PROCURE AN ABORTION OR TO OBTAIN AN ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE PREGNANT MINOR'S PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIAN, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; BY ADDING SECTION 44-41-616, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEDICAL TREATMENT PROVIDED TO A PREGNANT WOMAN BY A PHYSICIAN OR OTHER LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL THAT RESULTS IN THE ACCIDENTAL DEATH OR UNINTENTIONAL INJURY TO AN UNBORN CHILD IS NOT A VIOLATION OF SECTION 44-41-611 THROUGH 44-41-615; BY ADDING SECTION 44-41-617, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFENSES FOR A PREGNANT WOMAN ACCUSED OF HAVING AN ABORTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-620, RELATING TO A PREGNANT WOMAN PROVIDING VOLUNTARY AND INFORMED WRITTEN CONSENT FOR AN ABORTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CONSENT MAY ONLY BE GIVEN FOR LEGAL ABORTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-630, RELATING TO OBSTETRIC ULTRASOUNDS PRIOR TO ABORTIONS, DISPLAYING ULTRASOUND IMAGES, AND RECORDING WRITTEN MEDICAL DESCRIPTION OF IMAGES OF FETAL HEARTBEAT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THOSE REQUIREMENTS ONLY APPLY TO LEGAL ABORTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-640, RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROHIBITION ON ABORTIONS FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES OR TO PREVENT THE DEATH OF THE PREGNANT WOMAN, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL, CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-650, RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROHIBITION ON ABORTION FOR RAPE AND INCEST, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXCEPTIONS FOR RAPE AND INCEST, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CIVIL ACTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ARTICLE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-660, RELATING TO THE EXCEPTION TO THE PROHIBITION ON ABORTION FOR FATAL FETAL ANOMALY, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXCEPTION FOR FATAL FETAL ANOMALY AND TO PROVIDE FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ARTICLE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-670, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OF PREGNANT WOMEN, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ACTIVITIES THAT DO NOT GIVE RISE TO CIVIL OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-680, RELATING TO CIVIL ACTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ARTICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A CAUSE OF ACTION FOR PEOPLE WHO ENGAGE IN A PATTERN OF PROHIBITED ABORTION ACTIVITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-690, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT BY PHYSICIANS OR ANY OTHER PROFESSIONALLY LICENSED PERSON, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A PHYSICIAN OR ANY OTHER PROFESSIONALLY LICENSED PERSON MAY HAVE THEIR LICENSE SUSPENDED; BY ADDING SECTION 44-6-75 SO AS TO EXCLUDE ABORTION PROVIDERS AND AFFILIATED PHYSICIANS OR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL PRACTICES FROM MEDICAID FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES; BY ADDING SECTION 15-51-15 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM FOR A WOMAN UPON WHOM AN UNLAWFUL ABORTION IS PERFORMED OR INDUCED; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-32-30, RELATING TO LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS IMPLEMENTING COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION ON HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-37, RELATING TO THE DISCLOSURE OF CONSENT REQUIREMENTS WHEN COUNSELING OR DISCUSSING ABORTION WITH A MINOR, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO JUDICIAL BYPASS PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING AN ABORTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-60, RELATING TO REPORTING ABORTIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO TIMELY FILE A REPORT; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-90, RELATING TO STATE FUNDING OF ABORTIONS THROUGH THE STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROHIBITION ON ABORTION DELETED PURSUANT TO THIS ACT; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-250, RELATING TO SCHEDULE IV DRUGS SO AS TO ADD MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL TO SCHEDULE IV; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-71-238, RELATING TO ABORTION COVERAGE PROHIBITIONS IN HEALTH INSURANCE, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO ALLOWABLE COVERAGE FOR EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABORTION PROHIBITION DELETED BY THIS ACT; TO DIRECT THE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO NOTIFY PHARMACISTS IN THIS STATE ABOUT THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS ACT; TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH TO NOTIFY HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS AND PROVIDERS IN THIS STATE ABOUT THE PROVISIONS IN THIS ACT; AND BY REPEALING SECTIONS 44-41-32, 44-41-33, 44-41-34, AND 14-8-200(B)(7).

A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE RETIRED U.S. MARINE COLONEL CLAUDE H. DAVIS UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS A NJROTC INSTRUCTOR AT SEVERAL SCHOOLS, INCLUDING AT SOUTH AIKEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS, COMMEND HIM FOR HIS FORTY-SIX YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, AND WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.