18 December 2025

The South Carolina General Assembly returns to the State House on January 13th, and we’ll be keeping an eye on the issues that impact the arts so we can continue to keep you informed. We’ve compiled this 2026 State House Preview to help set the stage for what’s on the docket in the coming months, and help prepare advocates to raise their voices for the creative sector.

The Landscape

This Year 2 of the 126th General Assembly, the second session in a two year legislative cycle. This means that unfinished bills from last year can still be acted upon in 2026. Any bills that do not make it across the finish line by the end of this session will die, and must be re-filed in 2027. After the 2024 election, Republicans hold super majority control of both the House and Senate. Here are some top line priorities we expect to continue into this year:

  • Increasing teacher pay to reach target starting salary of $50,000
  • Continued efforts to recruit and retain teachers
  • Steeper income tax cuts, with some calling for total elimination
  • Infrastructure and economic development funding

2026 is also a State House election year (and a federal midterm), so expect those dynamics to be at play as well.

As always, we’ll be focused on how the arts can play a role in reaching shared goals and working to strengthen its impact across South Carolina.

Arts Funding

The South Carolina Arts Commission will be requesting a $3 million increase to statewide arts funding this year:

  • $2.5 Million for General Operating Support Grants
    General Operating Support grants fund organizations throughout South Carolina that contribute to local economies, impact educational outcomes, provide access to local arts experiences, and increase quality of life and livability in their communities.
  • $500,000 for Workforce Development Programs
    Building on the work of Creative Careers Studio, funding in FY27 will help support a presence at college and career fairs, arts industry field trips, and an arts professionals speakers bureau for high school students. 

You can learn more about these funding requests in our Issue Brief here >>

Other Bills to Watch

The first round of pre-filed bills have hit the State House, and there are a few that we’ve got our eyes on. It’s important to remember that filing a bill is only the first step in the process. MANY bills that are filed are never acted upon. You can see a full list of bills we’re tracking by visiting The Docket.

Pre-filed Bills

  • H4731 abolishes the SC Arts Commission and transfers its functions to the SC Department of Education
  • S0692  expands eligible educational expenses covered by the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, among other provisions
  • S0715/H4662 deals with “co-ventures” between businesses and charitable organizations (like “percent for” nights)

Bills Carried Over from 2025

  • H3832 increases tax incentives for film companies and creates a new tax credit for certain theater productions
    • Status: Reported favorably to full House, debate was adjourned until 2026.
  • H3927 prohibits certain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state entities
    • Status: Crossed over to Senate.
  • H3372 would enable artists and craftsman to make limited sales at festivals without obtaining a retail license.
    • Status: Referred to committee, no hearing yet.
  • H3449 strengthens consumer protections for ticketing. Though this bill does not address most of the major concerns (yet), ticketing has been a hot button topic at the federal, and several state levels. You can learn more about why its important here.
    • Status: Referred to committee, no hearing yet.
  • S0104 deals with the availability of certain materials in public libraries.
    • Status: Referred to committee, no hearing yet.

Important Dates

  • First Day of Session: January 13
  • Last Day of Session (Sine Die): May 14
  • Candidate Filing Deadline for Elections: March 30
  • Primary Elections: June 9
  • Primary Run-Offs: June 23
  • General Election: November 3

PARTING THOUGHTS

Stay tuned for more ways that you can get involved and advocate for the issues that matter most for the creative sector. We hope you’ll also make plans to join us at the State House for SC Arts Day in February, or tune in for our 2026 Arts Advocacy Week!