I hope you had a great Easter weekend.
I was glad to be a part of a legislative panel at the SC Free Clinic Association's legislative day in Columbia. These clinics provide medical, dental, pharmacy, vision and/or behavioral health services to people who are economically disadvantaged. I appreciate the good work these clinics do, especially Smith Medical Clinic in Pawleys Island.
Gov. McMaster signed the SC Boat Tax Act, a bill I cosponsored, which will cut property taxes on boats nearly in half, eliminate double taxation on boat motors, and simplify the process into one easy payment. This was very much needed as SC has one of the highest tax rates on boats in the nation.
Last week, we continued delivering real results for South Carolina. From strengthening public safety and supporting law enforcement, to protecting children, and improving our public colleges, this was a full and productive week.
On Thursday, the House passed the Immigration Enforcement Partnership Act, a bill I cosponsored that enhances coordination between state and federal authorities. By strengthening these partnerships and equipping local law enforcement with clear tools, training, and authority, this legislation ensures more consistent enforcement across South Carolina. It empowers officers to work alongside federal partners and ICE to identify and process individuals in the country illegally who have been charged with crimes.
The House passed H.4804, strengthening penalties for the sexual exploitation of a minor. This bill closes dangerous loopholes, increases minimum sentences, and ensures repeat offenders face mandatory prison time.
The House advanced a bill I cosponsored, H.3408, to protect South Carolina land and security by preventing foreign adversaries from purchasing or controlling property in our state. This is about safeguarding our farmland, our infrastructure, and our future from those who do not have our best interests at heart.
We also made important progress in education and protecting our students. The House unanimously passed the Tenure Accountability Act, another bill I cosponsored, bringing consistent, commonsense standards to our public colleges and universities. This legislation requires annual faculty evaluations and regular post-tenure reviews, ensuring a stronger focus on teaching, performance, and results.
On Wednesday, we passed the Insurance Rate Reduction and Policyholder Protection Act, a major step toward lowering insurance costs. This bill cracks down on fraud and abuse that drive up premiums, increases transparency and accountability for insurance companies, and helps homeowners take steps to reduce risk and lower costs.
Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt