I hope you’re doing well.
Wednesday the SC Pharmacy Association had their legislative day at the State House, where we heard a lot about insurance and drug companies forcing patients to use mail-order pharmacies -- often cutting out local, independent pharmacies. I’ve cosponsored legislation, H.4791, that protects your right to choose a pharmacy and not be forced into mail-order pharmacies by insurers or Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). This bill protects patient choice and supports small, local pharmacies in our community.
Rep. Val Guest (left), with Murrells Inlet independent pharmacist Willie Lee and myself.
Another bill I’ve cosponsored that protects consumers is H.4248, which requires all shrimp sold in South Carolina be labeled with the country of origin to ensure transparency for consumers. This is after a series of news reports documenting the mislabeling of foreign-caught shrimp in restaurants as local shrimp. On Tuesday the bill was unanimously passed out of the House Agriculture Subcommittee.
Last week, we made progress on legislation focused on strengthening our economy, schools, and public safety, and putting South Carolina families first.
The Buy American Iron and Steel Act passed the House unanimously this week. This important legislation ensures taxpayer dollars prioritize American-made iron and steel in state-funded projects, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting South Carolina jobs.
We also advanced the Workforce Readiness Bill, focused on better preparing South Carolina students for success after graduation. This legislation strengthens pathways to industry credentials and postsecondary education while aligning high school outcomes with real workforce needs.
On Wednesday, the House passed legislation that ensures schools display foundational historical documents — including the Ten Commandments, as part of an educational presentation highlighting the documents that shaped American law and government.
We advanced the Truth in Public School Grading Bill out of the Education and Public Works Committee. Parents deserve transparency and honesty when it comes to their child’s academic progress. This legislation ensures grading policies reflect real achievement and provide families with clear, accurate information.
The HALO Act, which I cosponsored, advanced out of the full Judiciary Committee, sending a clear message that South Carolina backs our brave law enforcement officers, who serve on the front lines. By establishing a 25-foot safety radius, this bill ensures our officers and first responders have the space they need to act quickly, decisively, and safely in high-pressure moments.
In addition, the Immigration Enforcement Bill, another bill I cosponsored, passed out of Judiciary Subcommittee. This legislation strengthens cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal authorities to ensure individuals who are in our country unlawfully and commit crimes are properly identified and processed.
Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt