Josh Kimbrell is regarded as a staunch conservative leader in the SC Senate, regularly advancing religious, parental rights, and fiscal conservative measures. His record in the South Carolina Senate is marked by sponsorship of conservative bills, active committee service, and a strong party-line voting history since taking office in 2020
During his first term from 2020 to 2024, Josh Kimbrell built a record as a reliably conservative legislator in the South Carolina Senate, representing District 11 (Spartanburg). He served on five Senate committees: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Banking and Insurance, Family and Veterans’ Services, Fish, Game and Forestry, and Judiciary.
Sponsored Legislation and Key Initiatives: 2020-2024
- Kimbrell sponsored a bill in 2021 allowing mental health professionals to refuse care that violated their religious beliefs.
- He introduced budget provisos to restrict “prurient” books in children’s sections of public libraries.
- Notable bills with Kimbrell’s sponsorship included S 1014 (2023-2024) on financial disclosure standards and S 1150 (2023-2024) regarding labeling for cultivated food products.
- He voted for legislation expanding school choice through an Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program.
- Kimbrell backed Second Amendment protections to restore gun rights for those previously prosecuted under unconstitutional handgun restrictions.
Legislation and Key Initiatives: 2025
- Kimbrell sponsored S.651, which sought to establish the Office of Parental Rights, strengthening legal protections for parents in education and health care decisions related to their children.
- He voted in favor of S.244, a significant tort reform bill, aligning with the majority of his party on issues limiting lawsuit exposure for businesses in the state.
- Kimbrell supported legislation to restore Second Amendment protections for individuals prosecuted under now-invalid handgun restrictions, and consistently received “Freedom Index” commendations for pro-gun votes.
- He backed S.132, focusing on ensuring the state can recover appropriated funds related to large economic development projects, such as those for Scout Motors, to safeguard taxpayer investments.
Throughout 2025, Kimbrell has continued on a reliably conservative track record, supporting party-line priorities regarding family rights, legal reforms, gun rights, and fiscal conservatism. He remains a prominent voice among South Carolina Senate Republicans
