Legislative & Election Update (April 2026)

The General Assembly is entering the final stretch of session with a primary focus on the state budget, infrastructure policy, and positioning ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Six weeks remain!

Legislative Activity

  • The House was on furlough this week, while the Senate held perfunctory session, allowing key committees to continue advancing legislation.
  • The Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees used this time to move bills and finalize work on the FY26–27 state budget.
  • The full Senate will take up the budget the week of April 21, setting up negotiations with the House.

FY26–27 Budget (Senate Finance Version)

  • The Senate Finance Committee, led by Chairman Harvey Peeler, adopted its budget after two days of deliberation.
  • The plan accounts for approximately $555 million in tax relief, including:
    • $308 million for income tax reform (H.4216), and
    • $247 million for property tax relief (S.768)

Infrastructure Funding:

  • $420 million in one-time funding for roads and bridges (vs. $500 million in the House)
  • Emphasis on:
    • Bridge repair and replacement
    • County Transportation Committees (CTCs)
  • Includes funding for:
    • Road buyback program
    • Off-interstate litter pickup
  • $13 million in local infrastructure projects (earmarks return)
  • New provisos to:
    • Expand SCDOT’s role in economic development projects
    • Establish a broadband relocation reimbursement pilot program

Infrastructure Policy

  • SCDOT Modernization (S.831 / H.5071) remains on the House calendar
  • Focus is on improving efficiency, accountability, and project delivery timelines

Project Pipeline

  • Continued momentum on major infrastructure projects, including:
    • I-95 Bridge replacement over Lake Marion ($175M federal grant; multi-year project)
    • Additional bridge replacements statewide

2026 Election Outlook

  • South Carolina enters a full election cycle, including:
    • Governor and statewide offices
    • All House and Senate seats
  • At least six open seats in the House due to retirements and members seeking higher office:
    • Retirements: Reps. Davey Hiott, Ryan McCabe, Bill Taylor, and Spencer Wetmore
    • Running for higher office:
      • Rep. Jermaine Johnson (Governor)
      • Rep. Mark Smith (Congress)
  • Additional notable developments:
    • Rep. Lucas Atkinson filed for reelection as a Republican after previously serving as a Democrat (District 57 – Marion, Horry, Williamsburg)
    • Former Governor Mark Sanford has entered the race for the First Congressional District, adding to an already crowded Republican primary
  • Key dynamics:
    • Members increasingly focused on district deliverables and visible projects heading into campaign season
    • Continued emphasis on infrastructure, tax relief, and economic growth as central campaign themes
    • Early positioning underway for committee leadership and influence in the 2027–28 session

Why It Matters

  • The intersection of budget decisions and election-year politics is driving:
    • Continued investment in infrastructure and local projects
    • Increased focus on economic development outcomes
  • For the concrete industry, this environment supports:
    • Strong near-term project demand
    • Opportunity to align with policymakers on growth and infrastructure delivery