2025 End of Session Legislative Recap

As your representative, it’s an honor to report on everything we accomplished in the first year of the 2025-2026 legislative session. When we began this session in January, House Republican Caucus members unveiled our Six Pillars for Progress—a bold, conservative roadmap for building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous South Carolina.

These pillars weren’t just talking points. They were a promise. A commitment to put families, businesses, and communities first. Each one focused on a central goal: to grow our economy, defend our values, and improve the lives of every South Carolinian.

House Republican Caucus members believe these Six Pillars for Progress are the key to South Carolina’s success, strengthening our communities and enhancing the quality of life for all. Throughout the session, we worked tirelessly to support legislation that reflects those priorities, and I’m proud to report we made significant progress on every single one.

Deliver Historic Tax Cuts

One of the most exciting accomplishments this year was the passage of H.4216 — a conservative income tax plan that puts our state on a responsible path to eliminate the income tax. I was proud to vote for this legislation, which cuts government spending and devotes more than $400 million to immediate tax relief. It lowers the top marginal rate from 6.2% to 5.39%, and charts a path toward a flat 1.99% rate, eventually reaching complete elimination if economic conditions continue to improve. The House passed this bill late into the night during the final week of session and now heads to the Senate.

House Republican Caucus members also passed H.3858, which reduces the state’s business personal property tax for boat owners. While narrow in scope, it’s a meaningful step toward a fairer, more competitive tax system for South Carolina families.

Promote Business-Friendly Policies

Our caucus is committed to making South Carolina the best place in America to live, work, and build a business. This year, we passed H.3021, the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act. It ends outdated regulations, prevents unelected bureaucrats from imposing new rules without oversight, and helps ensure entrepreneurs and job creators can grow without being buried in red tape.

We also tackled the skyrocketing liquor liability insurance cost that has crushed South Carolina’s hospitality industry. H.3430, which I proudly supported, was passed by both chambers and sent to the Governor. This landmark legislation includes sweeping liquor liability reform and long-overdue updates to our state’s joint and several liability laws. It ensures businesses are only held responsible for their share of fault, not punished for the actions of others. After leading on this issue for three straight sessions, the House Republican Caucus finally got it across the finish line, delivering real relief for restaurants, bars, and VFW posts across our state.

Fuel South Carolina’s Booming Economy

South Carolina’s rapid population and economic growth demand strong, forward-thinking policies. H.3309, the South Carolina Energy Security Act, was passed and sent to the Governor. This major reform package expands generation capacity, promotes an all-of-the-above approach to energy, and ensures our power grid remains reliable and affordable, even during peak demand. I was proud to support this bill, which was crafted in response to the near-blackout crisis during the 2022 Christmas freeze and reflects our commitment to long-term energy stability.

We also passed H.4025, a comprehensive funding bill that included significant infrastructure investments in roads, bridges, water, sewer, and rural development. It also included targeted tax credits for businesses offering child care and expanded workforce development programs that support our growing economy.

Expand Educational Opportunities

One of the most transformative wins of the year was the passage and signing of S.62, which dramatically expands school choice and opens up Education Scholarship Trust Funds to roughly 85% of families by 2027. House Republican Caucus members were instrumental in crafting a version that will withstand future legal challenges while giving families more options to find the best fit for their child.

We also advanced H.3863 and H.3201 to support workforce training and dual enrollment opportunities, helping students prepare for careers in high-demand fields. With the passage of H.3927, the House acted to prohibit divisive DEI programming in public schools and colleges, ensuring our classrooms focus on education, not indoctrination.

Finally, H.4025 provided significant teacher pay raises, strengthened school board accountability, and invested in school safety. These efforts will support students, parents, guardians, and educators alike.

Prioritize Public Safety and Law-and-Order Policies

Fentanyl continues to ravage communities across our state. That’s why I proudly voted for S.156, the Fentanyl-Induced Homicide bill, which makes it a felony to provide fentanyl that results in a death unlawfully. The conference report was adopted, and the bill has now been sent to the Governor.

We also passed H.3127, which increases penalties for fleeing law enforcement and makes high-speed chases a felony in aggravating behavior cases. The bill has been sent to the Governor for his signature.

And this year, we took a strong stand against distracted driving. H.3276, the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, increases penalties and enhances enforcement while protecting individual rights. I was proud to support it, and it is now headed to the Governor.

Another bill I was proud to vote for was H.3058, which criminalizes the unauthorized sharing of intimate images, including AI-generated “deepfakes.” This legislation protects victims from growing online abuse and represents an innovative, forward-looking approach to public safety in the digital age.

Strengthen Families and Communities

This year, House Republican Caucus members passed H.3387 to reaffirm South Carolinians’ rights to protect their private property. We also advanced H.3930, the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, to block financial institutions from using special codes to track or report lawful firearm purchases.

Meanwhile, our caucus supported the successful Senate effort to restructure and streamline South Carolina’s public health system. S.2 — now signed into law — consolidates agencies and ensures a more accountable, efficient approach to protecting public health and responding to emergencies.

Finally, through H.4025 and other appropriations, House Republican Caucus members ensured communities across South Carolina received needed support for storm recovery, public health, and rural infrastructure improvements.

Looking Ahead

Although the House officially adjourned Sine Die on May 9, we are expected to reconvene for a brief session later this month to finalize the state budget. I’ll be sure to provide an update once that work is complete. Even as the session winds down, my work doesn’t stop. Committee work continues year-round, and I remain committed to staying engaged on the issues that matter most to our district. I always welcome your input — it helps guide my work on your behalf. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, ideas, or concerns.

Thank you for the honor of serving you in the South Carolina House of Representatives. I’ll continue fighting daily for our conservative values and the future South Carolina deserves.

Cody T. Mitchell

SC Rep. Dist. 65

For more of Rep. Mitchell’s legislative updates:

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/ElectCodyTMitchell

Website: https://www.codytmitchell.com/

Email: ctmitchellsc@gmail.com

Phone #: (843) 332-5050