• Featured News

    Legislative Report: Cracking down on organized crime, ensuring energy security, protecting kids online

    Happy President’s Day! I hope you’re doing well.

    On Wednesday, I had the privilege of meeting with University of South Carolina president Michael Amiridis to discuss the school’s first hospital specializing in neurological care.

    Hewitt_-_Amiridas__Feb._2025.jpg

    Also, on Wednesday, Dr. Gerald Harmon (center), interim president of the USC School of Medicine, was recognized as “Doctor of the Day” by the House of Representatives. With Dr. Harmon is Travis Jebackumar, a first year USC medical student, who serves as the 2028 class president.

    Doctor_of_the_Day_-_2025.jpg

    For Dr. Harmon, who is a long-time Pawleys Island resident, this marks the 38th year he has served as Doctor of the Day.

    Last week, my colleagues and I in the House Republican Caucus took major steps to crack down on organized crime, secure our energy future, and protect kids online.

    On Thursday, H.3523, a bill aimed at cracking down on organized retail crime passed the House 101-0. Across the country, we’ve seen smash-and-grab thefts grow more brazen, with criminal rings coordinating large-scale retail thefts that drive up prices and threaten jobs.

    The days of slaps on the wrist for repeat offenders are over—this legislation ensures that those who steal thousands in merchandise face felony charges, increased penalties, and real consequences.

    I voted to pass the South Carolina Energy Security Act, ensuring that as our population grows, we have the reliable and affordable power needed to fuel our economy. This legislation expands access to nuclear, natural gas, hydrogen, and renewables, cuts red tape to speed up approval of energy projects, and protects consumers from rising costs. Energy security is economic security, and I’m committed to making sure South Carolina remains strong and independent.

    The Social Media Regulation Act moved forward this week, passing out of the Judiciary Committee with a favorable vote. It’s no secret that social media has negatively impacted the mental health of children and teens. This legislation ensures that social media companies verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors, limits the collection of personal data from children, and restricts features designed to increase screen addiction. It also prohibits adults from directly messaging minors they aren’t connected to, helping to prevent online exploitation and predatory behavior.

    Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

    Rep. Lee Hewitt

    Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

    Share
  • Featured News

    Report: Bills introduced on DOGE, DEI, Energy Security, Abandoned Boats

    Last week, bills I cosponsored were introduced to ensure your tax dollars are spent responsibly, strengthen our economy, and uphold the values that make our state great.

    Hewitt_-_well.jpg

    H.3926, the DOGE Bill, creates the Commission on Fiscal Restraint and Government Efficiency to identify wasteful spending, repeal burdensome regulations, and eliminate unnecessary government programs. This commission will review every dollar the state government spends and make recommendations to cut unnecessary programs.

    For too long, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies have been used to push identity-based quotas, force ideological training, and undermine merit-based success. I’m fighting to stop this failed social experiment with H.3927, which will completely dismantle DEI programs in our government, universities, and public schools.

    We must ensure our energy infrastructure keeps up with growth. That’s why I cosponsored the South Carolina Energy Security Act, to keep our power supply affordable, reliable, and independent. This bill reforms the Public Service Commission, encourages investment in nuclear and renewable energy, and expands energy transmission and storage capacity.

    On a local level, derelict and abandoned boats continue to plague our waters, raising safety and environmental concerns. I’ve filed H.3771, which requires an owner of a boat that’s anchored in the waters of this state more than 14 days to maintain marine recovery insurance on the boat. To obtain insurance, the owner must provide the insurer a recent vessel survey that includes a declaration that the boat is seaworthy and can move under its own power.

    When someone dies and owns a home taxed at the four percent assessment rate, it’s not fair for counties to change the rate to six percent even before an estate is closed. That’s why I sponsored H.3841, which requires the special assessment rate and any tax exemptions to continue until the decedent's estate is closed, the recording of a deed or deed of distribution out of the estate, or after December 31st of the year following the date of death, whichever occurs first.

    On Friday, I was honored to be reelected as chair of the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study Policy Committee. GSATS serves as the agency that plans and programs transportation improvements in the coastal areas of Georgetown, Horry and Brunswick (NC) counties.

    The policy committee welcomed Georgetown County Council Chair Clint Elliott to his first meeting. The committee approved a Hwy 17 corridor study of the area around the intersection with Hwy 707 in Murrells Inlet. It also got updates on these Murrells Inlet projects: Riverwood traffic circle, Wachesaw Road repaving, and the Old Kings Hwy segment of the Inlet to Intercoastal Waterway multipurpose path – all scheduled for completion by May 1st.

    I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

    Rep. Lee Hewitt

    Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

    Share
  • Featured News

    House committee meetings dominate week

    I hope you had a great weekend. Here’s my legislative report.

    Last week, the House was back in session. Much of the week was spent in committee meetings, where legislation is debated and refined before reaching the House floor. In total, there were more than 31 committee and subcommittee meetings, demonstrating our commitment to advancing meaningful solutions for South Carolinians.

    House Ways and Means budget subcommittees began hearing budget requests from state agencies in preparation for the full House budget debate, scheduled for the week of March 10th.

    The Healthcare Budget Subcommittee meeting I chaired on Tuesday made the news with our efforts to find solutions to the doctor shortage in our state.

    The biggest gaps are in OBGYNs and mental health. One solution would be to incentivize doctors in residency to complete their training programs in the state, making it more likely they would stay in SC. Increasing the Graduate Medical Education Program, which helps fund medical residency training at hospitals, would help.

    The subcommittee also heard from Dr. Gerald Harmon, Interim Dean of the USC School of Medicine. Dr. Harmon, a long-time Pawleys Island resident, made a presentation for continued funding for USC’s Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare, which served nearly 20,000 patients last year with 241 service locations in 44 counties.

    Harmon_testimony_-_Jan_28__2025.png

    On Wednesday, I attended Gov. Henry McMaster’s annual State of the State Address, where he outlined a bold vision for South Carolina’s future.

    One of the most important takeaways was his strong commitment to cutting state income taxes -- a priority that aligns directly with the House Republican Caucus’ goal of delivering historic tax relief.

    I supported passage of Gavin’s Law last year, which criminalized sexual extortion. The bill was named after my colleague Rep. Brandon Guffey’s son, who took his own life as a result of sexual extortion. Last week, thankfully, the man suspected of this heinous crime was arrested and extradited from Nigeria to be formally charged. Click here for news coverage.

    I hope you’ll visit my official House webpage, where you can find bills that I’ve either sponsored or cosponsored, view my voting record, search for bills, and access video feeds of the House sessions and committee meetings.

    Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

    Rep. Lee Hewitt

    Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

    Share
  • Featured News

    A new legislative session begins

    Happy New Year! Hope you’re doing well.

    Since the new year, I’ve been busy preparing for the 2025-2026 legislative session, which began last week.

    I’m honored to again serve on the coveted Ways and Means Committee, this time as chair of the Healthcare Budget Subcommittee.

    On January 9-10, I participated in a state budget retreat in Charleston for the subcommittee chairs of the Ways and Means Committee, where we heard from budget analysts for each subcommittee.

    Last Wednesday, I conducted a Healthcare Budget Subcommittee meeting at the State House to hear budget requests from the Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation, Commission for the Blind, Dept. on Aging, and Dept. of Children’s Advocacy.

    Hewitt_-_Healthcare_Budget_Subcommittee_meeting.png

    While the House will not be is session this week, my Healthcare Budget Subcommittee will meet again on Wednesday (weather permitting) to hear more health-related agency budget requests.

    I’ve filed a bill, H.3613, to merge the six main state healthcare agencies into the Executive Office of Health Policy to eliminate healthcare fragmentation, gain cost efficiency, and enhance care quality and accessibility. Click here for news coverage.

    These are the “Six Pillars for Progress” that will guide us in this legislative session. These priorities reflect the values and needs of South Carolinians and are designed to build a brighter future for our state:

    Deliver Historic Tax Cuts: Simplify our tax system and reduce burdens on small
    businesses.

    Promote Business-Friendly Policies: Encourage growth by removing barriers and
    addressing high costs.

    Fuel Our Booming Economy: Invest in infrastructure, energy, and
    workforce development.

    Expand Educational Opportunities: Empower parents and improve outcomes for
    students.

    Prioritize Public Safety and Law-and-Order Policies: Strengthen penalties and
    support law enforcement.

    Strengthen Families and Communities: Defend parental rights, support personal
    freedom, and promote conservative values.

    I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

    Rep. Lee Hewitt

    Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

    Share
  • Featured News

    Rep. Hewitt files bill to achieve cost-efficient, streamlined delivery of state healthcare services

    MURRELLS INLET -- A bill to merge six state healthcare agencies into the Executive Office of Health Policy and streamline the delivery of services has been filed by the chair of the House Ways and Means Healthcare Budget Subcommittee.

    Rep. Lee Hewitt, R-Georgetown, says he filed the bill, H.3613, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s healthcare services.

    “This legislation would eliminate healthcare fragmentation, gain cost efficiency, and enhance care quality and accessibility,” Hewitt said.

    Hewitt’s bill would merge the Departments of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Disabilities and Special Needs, Public Health, Health and Human Services, Mental Health, and Aging into the Executive Office of Health Policy.

    The Secretary of Health and Policy would be a cabinet level office, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of a majority vote in both the Senate and House. The Secretary can be removed from office by the Governor.

    A similar bill was killed this year on a procedural vote in the House after concerns were expressed about the authority of the Secretary to enforce public heath emergencies. Click here for a news report.

    “This bill rests the authority to enforce emergencies solely with the Governor,” Hewitt said. “Only the Governor can order law enforcement agencies or the national guard to assist the department in enforcing public health emergency measures, not the Secretary.”

    “As a fiscal conservative, committed to limited government, this legislation would result in smaller, more efficient and effective government for state taxpayers, while enhancing healthcare quality and accessibility,” Hewitt said. “It’s a win for the conservative cause and for those in need of healthcare services.”

    The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

    Hewitt is the Chief Majority Whip for the House Republican Caucus. He is a realtor and former SCDHEC board member.

    Share
  • Featured News

    Hewitt Report: House reorganization

    I hope you’re doing well.

    I was back in Columbia this week with my colleagues for the House’s reorganization. This process ensures we’re ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming legislative session, which starts next month. It’s an exciting time as we elected caucus leadership, finalized committee assignments, and welcomed new members to the House.

    I’m pleased to have been chosen as Chief Majority Whip, which places me in one of the top leadership positions in the House.

    I’m excited to share that Rep. Murrell Smith was re-elected as Speaker of the House, and Rep. Tommy Pope was re-elected as Speaker Pro Tempore. Their continued leadership will be instrumental in ensuring a focused and effective legislative session.

    I’m honored that Speaker Smith reappointed me to the powerful budget writing Ways and Means Committee, where I will serve as chairman of the Healthcare Budget Subcommittee, which has purview over 50 percent of the state budget.

    These are the “Six Pillars for Progress” that will guide us in the upcoming legislative session:

    Deliver Historic Tax Cuts: Simplify our tax system and reduce burdens on small
    businesses.

    Promote Business-Friendly Policies: Encourage growth by removing barriers and
    addressing high costs.

    Fuel Our Booming Economy: Invest in infrastructure, energy, and
    workforce development.

    Expand Educational Opportunities: Empower parents and improve outcomes for
    students.

    Prioritize Public Safety and Law-and-Order Policies: Strengthen penalties and
    support law enforcement.

    Strengthen Families and Communities: Defend parental rights, support personal
    freedom, and promote conservative values.

    I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. It’s my priority to ensure your concerns and ideas are part of the conversation. If you have any questions about our upcoming priorities or issues important to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

    Together, we can make sure our community and state continues to grow and thrive.

    Wishing you a joyous Christmas season ahead!

    Rep. Lee Hewitt

    Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

    Share
  • Featured News

    How to Vote Early

    Beginning Monday, October 21st, you can Vote Early at any of these locations from 8:30 am to 6 pm (excludes Sunday, October 27th):

    Andrews Recreation Center - 220 S Cedar Ave, Andrews
    Choppee Recreation Center - 8259 Choppee Rd, Georgetown
    Waccamaw Recreation Center - 83 Duncan Ave, Pawleys Island
    County Elections Office - 303 N Hazard St, Georgetown

    Click here to find your Election Day, November 5th, voting place.

    YOUR VOTE TO RE-ELECT REP. LEE HEWITT IS SO IMPORTANT!

    Continue reading →
  • Featured News

    Hewitt Report: House legislative session ends

    I hope you’re doing well.

    As the gavel fell at 5 pm last Thursday, the House adjourned the 2023-2024 legislative session. The final week was a whirlwind of legislative activity.

    Our discussions on the FY 24-25 state budget bill were intense and productive. The budget bill will go to a conference committee to work out the differences in the House and Senate versions. I will continue to share updates as more work is completed on the budget in the coming weeks.

    We’ve taken a significant step towards safeguarding our children online with the passage of the Child Online Safety Act. This pivotal legislation, which now awaits Gov. McMaster's signature, mandates age verification on websites displaying pornographic content to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate material.

    The Judicial Merit Selection Commission reform bill, S.1046, reached a critical phase as it moved into a conference committee where both chambers will work through their differences. This reform seeks to enhance the transparency and accountability of our judicial selection process in electing judges, responding directly to the overwhelming 91% of Republicans in our Presidential Primary who demanded these changes.

    Last week, we continued to champion the Ten-Year Energy Transformation Act, a pivotal bill aimed at ensuring South Carolina's long-term energy independence. Although the Senate returned the bill with amendments, we remained committed to our comprehensive approach. The bill has now moved to a conference committee, where we will work diligently to reconcile differences and finalize a plan that truly reflects our vision for a sustainable energy future for our state.

    I was honored to support the passage of S.969, which significantly increases the daily subsistence allowance for our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. This legislation also raises the maximum tax deduction for first responder volunteers from $3,000 to $6,000 annually, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who ensure our safety. These changes underscore our deep appreciation and firm commitment to supporting the brave individuals who protect our communities.

    It's a privilege and honor to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

    Rep. Lee Hewitt

    Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

    Share
  • Featured News

    Hewitt Report: Just three days left in legislative session

    Hope you had a good weekend.

    As we approach the end of this legislative session -- there are just three days left -- I want to update you on several key issues that have been at the forefront of our discussions at the State House.

    My bill to outlaw child luring, H.4825, was reported favorably out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with an amendment. It will now go to a conference committee to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions.

    This is a bill that passed the House 113 to 0 in February after years of effort and grassroots support that generated over 17,000 petition signatures in favor of this important legislation that will help protect the young from luring and kidnapping.

    Last week, significant strides were made with the “Help Not Harm” bill, aimed at regulating gender transition procedures for minors. The Senate passed this bill with amendments that include a provision requiring schools to inform parents if a child uses a name or behaves in a manner inconsistent with their sex. This bill aims to protect minors from irreversible decisions. It now returns to the House for concurrence on the amendments.

    The House Judiciary Committee moved forward with S.1, creating a felony offense for fentanyl-induced homicide. This legislation is crucial as we combat the devastating impacts of fentanyl in our communities. The bill differentiates penalties between dealers and individuals sharing fentanyl, reflecting the seriousness of each scenario. I stand behind this bill as it progresses through the legislative process, reinforcing our stance against the opioid crisis.

    The House agreed on S.1126, which clarifies voter qualifications in our state constitution, ensuring that only registered citizens can vote. This resolution is essential for maintaining the integrity of our electoral process, and I am pleased to report its progression towards ratification.

    Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

    Rep. Lee Hewitt

    Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

    Share
  • Featured News

    Hewitt legislative report - Week 16

    Good morning. Here’s my report for the 16th week of the legislative session.

    On Thursday, I was pleased to see Ray Funnye, founder and volunteer Executive Director of The Village Group in Plantersville, presented with the Governor’s Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award. Ray, who also serves as Georgetown County’s Public Services Director, has greatly impacted his community with his volunteer efforts and is very deserving of the award.

    Funnye_award_copy.jpeg

    Ray was nominated for the award by the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation. Executive Director Geales Sands, far left, and Senior Director Ashley Nelson, far right, attended the award ceremony.

    Also, on Thursday, I was glad to introduce Dr. Michael Bohan of OrthoSC in Murrells Inlet as Doctor of the Day for the House of Representatives.

    Bohan_-_Doctor_of_the_Day.jpg

    Last week marked the completion of the Senate's discussions on our state budget bill. The bill has been returned to the House for further debate. In the coming weeks, we’ll work diligently to finalize the budget, ensuring it aligns with our state’s fiscal goals and priorities.

    The House Judiciary Committee worked to merge House and Senate versions of bills to create the Executive Office of Health and Policy in an effort to streamline healthcare services, improve coordination across various agencies, and enhance the governor's oversight in public health emergencies.

    The House Judiciary Committee has approved an amendment to ensure that only registered citizens can participate in our electoral process. This move is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our elections and ensuring that every vote cast is lawful and valid.

    The Senate has prioritized the "Help Not Harm" bill. This legislation, initially passed by the House, seeks to regulate gender transition procedures for minors, aligning with our commitment to safeguard the well-being of South Carolina's youth. The bill prohibits healthcare professionals from administering gender transition procedures to individuals under eighteen.

    I was proud to vote in favor of H.4042, which formally adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into state law. This critical legislation, now awaiting the governor's signature, reinforces our firm stance against antisemitism and our commitment to safeguarding the Jewish community from hate crimes.

    There are just two weeks left in the legislative session.

    I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

    Rep. Lee Hewitt

    Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

    Share
Important links Contact