Happy New Year! Hope you’re doing well.
I wanted you to know that In November I was honored to be named 2025 Legislator of the Year by the South Carolina Council of Governments. My thanks to the Council of Governments from around the state for this award.
I’m so grateful for the privilege of representing District 108 in the House of Representatives and remain committed to making our district and state the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
I’ve been busy preparing for the 2026 legislative session, which began last week.
I’m honored to again serve on the coveted Ways and Means Committee and as chair of the Healthcare Budget Subcommittee. I’m also honored to again serve in the House leadership as the Chief Majority Whip.
My colleagues and I begin this year with renewed energy and a clear mission: to fight for your freedom, your family, and a more affordable South Carolina.
On Wednesday, the Healthcare Budget Subcommittee I chair heard budget requests from the Departments of Public Health, Health and Human Services, and Social Services. This week, the subcommittee will hear from MUSC, the SC Area Health Education Consortium, newly formed Department of Behavioral Health, and Developmental Disabilities.
Last week, we held a hearing on the bathroom privacy bill, legislation I cosponsored aimed at ensuring boys are not permitted to use girls’ restrooms and locker rooms in schools, restoring common sense, and protecting privacy, safety, and fairness for students.
Last Thursday, a press conference was held in support of the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, another bill I cosponsored, which cuts red tape, improves accountability, and ensures regulations work for, not against, small businesses. This legislation has already passed the House unanimously. We look forward to working with the Senate to get this bill across the finish line this year.
The House Department of Transportation Modernization Ad Hoc Committee continued meeting last week to tackle long-term infrastructure challenges facing our roads and bridges. The committee has been focused on how to modernize and improve the South Carolina Department of Transportation, looking at ways to make the agency more efficient, streamline operations, and prepare for future growth.
The House passed legislation addressing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies to help keep South Carolina’s colleges and universities competitive. The bill protects private donor information from public disclosure, ensuring our schools can fairly recruit and retain student-athletes without putting them at a disadvantage compared to other states.
Again, I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt