By PSA Newsroom Staff
COLUMBIA, SC: Senate GOP leaders are already outlining priorities for the 2026 legislative session, with public safety and education at the forefront.
A major focus is strengthening DUI laws to address impaired driving across the state. One key proposal — Senate Bill 52, which would toughen penalties and expand requirements like victim-impact panels and ignition interlock use — was introduced earlier in the session, though not yet fully debated.
On education, lawmakers are eyeing changes to charter school oversight and approval. Senate Bill 454, introduced by Sen. Hembree, aims to update charter school definitions and governance roles, potentially reshaping how charters are regulated and authorized.
Although no final legislation has been filed for this year’s session, Senate leaders said these issues reflect what constituents continue to raise and are expected to shape debate when lawmakers return to Columbia.
For more information on these bills:
https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/52.htm
https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/454.htm
