Protecting Families, Strengthening Justice, and Keeping South Carolina Moving Forward
Last week at the State House was a busy and productive one! From committee work to votes on the House floor and the Governor’s historic State of the State address, House Republicans continued delivering common-sense solutions focused on families, safety, affordability, and opportunity.
Here’s a quick look at what you should know!
💵 Supporting Small Businesses
House Republicans advanced major legislation, the Small Business Tax Cuts Bill, to deliver real relief for local job creators and family-owned businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of South Carolina’s economy, and this bill helps them keep more of what they earn by easing the tax burden that holds growth back.
By exempting the first $10,000 of business personal property taxes, this legislation provides meaningful savings for small businesses across our state, helping families reinvest, hire, and grow. It’s a practical step toward a more affordable, competitive South Carolina and sets our state up for long-term economic success.
🛣️ Roads & Infrastructure
Last week, House leadership filed legislation focused on improving how South Carolina plans for and delivers road projects. This proposal is the result of more than nine months of work by the SC-DOT Ad Hoc Committee, including public hearings held across the state and extensive conversations with citizen stakeholders, business owners, local leaders, and transportation experts.
Lawmakers also held a press conference to outline the goals of this effort: cutting red tape, demanding transparency, reducing congestion, and moving road projects faster so families spend less time in traffic and more time at home. This bill reflects a thoughtful, deliberate approach to fixing our roads — one that prioritizes safety, accountability, and responsible growth to keep South Carolina moving forward.
🚺 Standing Up for Girls & Students
Last week, the House passed the Student Physical Privacy Act (Bathroom Bill), legislation designed to protect student privacy and maintain clear, common-sense standards in our schools. Every child deserves to feel safe, and no student should have to sacrifice their privacy in locker rooms or restrooms.
We’ve spoken with parents across our communities, and they’ve been clear, they don’t want their daughters placed in uncomfortable or inappropriate situations. They want schools focused on learning, safety, and respect. The Student Physical Privacy Act reflects that common sense, protects girls, provides clarity for schools, and ensures student privacy as the bill now heads to the Senate.
🚨 Protecting Kids & Public Safety
House lawmakers advanced legislation that puts children’s safety first by addressing intoxicating hemp products. If a product can impair or intoxicate, it should not be marketed or sold in ways that put our kids at risk. This legislation received a favorable report from the House Judiciary Committee and continues moving forward.
Throughout the process, lawmakers have worked closely with law enforcement, including SLED, and with the Senate to ensure the policy is enforceable, provides clear protections for children, and gives officers the tools they need to do their jobs. This effort is about public safety, protecting children, supporting families, and making sure the law is clear, enforceable, and effective.
⚖️ Strengthening Our Courts & Judicial Accountability
Several important reforms advanced to strengthen trust and accountability in South Carolina’s judicial system. Legislation moved forward to improve transparency and accountability in how judges are selected, reinforcing the separation of powers and ensuring proper oversight. We also advanced reforms to improve standards for magistrates, the judges many South Carolinians interact with most often. These changes help ensure those serving on the front lines of local justice meet clear qualifications and are held to consistent standards. In addition, lawmakers addressed outdated magistrate court fees that haven’t been updated in decades. Bringing these costs into the modern era helps courts function more effectively while maintaining fairness.
🎙️ A Historic State of the State Address
Last week, I had the honor of attending Governor Henry McMaster’s ninth State of the State address. It was a great night for South Carolina and a reminder of the steady, conservative leadership that drives our state forward.
Governor McMaster spoke about putting South Carolina first, cutting taxes, strengthening public safety, fixing our roads, and continuing to grow our economy in a responsible, conservative way. His message was clear: “think big, be bold, and keep building a state where families can live, work, and thrive.”
Because of that leadership, South Carolina is stronger today and well positioned for an even brighter future.
I’m available and at your service!
It is my honor to be of service to you. If you need assistance navigating state government, or have any thoughts or concerns about what we are doing, please do not hesitate to contact me via email, or give me a call at 803-349-6741.
Sincerely,
Cal Forrest
District 39
South Carolina General Assembly
803-349-6741
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Have questions or comments on what I am doing in Columbia? Give me a call!
803-349-6741
Other Important Links
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