​There have been 327 bills pre-filed for the 2026 legislative session in both the Senate and House, by both Republicans and Democrats. Given the Republican “super majority” (30 of 46 members in the Senate, and 78 of 124 in the House), it is likely Republican legislative initiatives will prevail—although Republicans don’t always agree. The following are some of the most potentially consequential legislative proposals:

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ECONOMY

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“Affordability” is the buzz word not only in Washington but in Columbia. Republicans in both the Senate and House will be looking to reduce taxes. Supporters want to be competitive with neighboring states; critics raise questions about the long-term impact on schools and infrastructure.

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For many House Republicans, a priority is advancing the zero income tax proposal for families and small businesses.

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House 4580 would exempt senior citizens from paying property taxes.

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House 4598 would exempt senior citizens from paying sales tax on automobiles.

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Meanwhile, Senate 742 would eliminate sales tax on baby products.

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And Senate 728 would expand sales tax-free back-to-school for the entire month of August.

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Regarding infrastructure, the House discussed in a fall 2025 meeting the need to use “common sense” planning to accelerate road projects, clear bureaucratic roadblocks to attack congestion and shorten commutes, and ensure that highway infrastructure meets the demands of our state’s growing population.

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The Senate again is expected to take up tort reform, looking for ways to balance the burden of insurance costs, particularly on small businesses, with the need to provide fair restitution to citizens harmed by negligence.

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Insurance reforms are also high on the list of priorities for the House. House 4580 calls for insurance reforms covering homes, automobiles, healthcare and more.

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Meanwhile, House Republicans will also be looking into welfare reform with the intent of getting people off welfare and back to work.

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House 4787 would ban property ownership by the Chinese Government.

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CRIME

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High on the list for both Senate and House Republicans is a renewed effort to toughen the current “Driving Under the Influence” law by strengthening penalties and removing loopholes to assist law enforcement in convicting inebriated and drugged drivers and getting them off the roads.

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Lawmakers are also interesting in measures that would reduce juvenile crime.

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The Senate will seek harsher penalties for child sexual exploitation predators.

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House Republicans will be looking for ways to strengthen federal partnerships in order to enforce immigration laws. House 4764 would require county sheriffs to participate in federal immigration enforcement efforts.

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House 4763 would penalize interference with the work of first responders.

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HEALTH

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Representatives have prioritized the need to keep intoxicating hemp products out of the reach of young people.

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Senate 741 would prohibit vaccine mandates for children under age 2.

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Senate 743 would ban the addition of fluoride in public water systems.

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House 4803 would require the state’s Health Department to advertise the availability of vaccine mandate waivers.

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EDUCATION

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Senate 692 would require home schoolers to receive state voucher money to study approved curriculum.

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House Republicans are looking to continue to increase K-12 teacher salaries with a goal of starting salaries reaching $50,000 (the average now is around $45,000, $50,000 with a bachelor’s degree).

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House 4761 would end tenure at state colleges and universities.

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ENERGY

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Senate 689 would deny eminent domain power to privately-owned pipeline companies.

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Senate 724 would require data centers to report their water usage to state officials annually.

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ENVIRONMENT

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Senate 689 would add the state’s chief resilience officer to the Conservation Bank board.

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House 4785 would mandate safety buffers between hazardous-materials and schools.

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FAMILY

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Most Republican legislators appear satisfied with the current six-week ban on abortions. In this Session, the focus in both the Senate and House will likely be on banning the mail-order delivery of abortion pills into the state. House 4760 would criminalize the possession of abortion pills.

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There is also interest in the House in further protecting girl’s and boy’s bathrooms. House 4756 would codify existing requirements that school children use the bathroom that matches the sex on their birth certificate.

Senate 733 would deny state funding to venues where minors can see drag shows.

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House 4731 would abolish the state’s Arts Commission.

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House 4609 would designate October 14th of each year as Charlie Kirk Day.

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House 4762 would require the Ten Commandments be posted in all classrooms.

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GOVERNMENT

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Senate 703 would amend current law to require county approval for municipalities to annex property into city or town limits.

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House Republicans will be looking for ways to further ensure election integrity in the state. House bills 3310 and 3643 would require that only electors affiliated with a particular political party vote in that party’s primary elections.

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And following up on an Executive Order signed by the Governor in December to end race-based quotas in state contract considerations, the Senate and House are expected to seek opportunities to eliminate DEI mandates wherever possible, and restore merit-based opportunities. A proposal in the Senate would ban departments, school districts, and colleges from promoting diversity. And in the House a bill would ensure that processes for higher merit-based admissions, hiring, and promotions of staff are transparent and auditable.