LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Sweeping Tax Reform and Legislative Initiatives

SC Rep Cody Mitchell, Dist. 65
By Rep. Cody T. Mitchell, District 65
As we reach the midpoint of the 2025 legislative session, I’m excited to share the significant strides we’re making in Columbia to improve the lives of South Carolinians.
Tax Reform: A Transformative Proposal
This week, I joined my House Republican Caucus colleagues in introducing House Bill 4216, a landmark tax reform bill that represents the most substantial income tax cut in our state’s recent history.
Our proposal addresses South Carolina’s current tax structure by:
• Reducing the top income tax rate from 6.2% to a flat 3.99%
• Creating a pathway to potentially lower the rate to 2.49%
• Maintaining key exemptions for groceries and medicine
• Ensuring no increases in sales or property taxes
This plan is fundamentally about empowering families and strengthening our state’s economic future.
Addressing Community Challenges
Beyond tax reform, we’ve been making meaningful progress on several critical issues:
Combating the Fentanyl Crisis
The House Judiciary Committee advanced S.156, the Drug-Induced Homicide Bill. This legislation would establish serious legal consequences for those illegally distributing fentanyl, particularly in cases resulting in overdose deaths.
Protecting Constitutional Rights
We’ve also moved forward the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act (H.3930), which aims to prevent unnecessary tracking of lawful firearm purchases.
Supporting Our First Responders
House Bill 3163 represents our commitment to firefighters. This bill would expand workers’ compensation coverage, specifically addressing health conditions that may arise during firefighting, rescue operations, or intensive training.
National Recognition
Our tax reform proposal has already captured national attention, with headlines in Forbes, the Post & Courier, and US News highlighting South Carolina’s innovative approach.
Stay Connected
I remain committed to transparency and open communication. These legislative updates are my way of keeping you informed about the work happening in Columbia. Your input matters, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas.
You can contact Rep. Mitchell by calling (843) 332-5050, emailing him at ctmitchellsc@gmail.com, or on his website, www.codytmitchell.com