COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) — Several laws passed by South Carolina lawmakers and signed by Gov. Henry McMaster in 2025 are set to go into effect in 2026. These are changes that could impact classrooms, roadways, and communities across the state.
“Last year, passing fentanyl, retail theft and internet crimes and a lot of statutes affecting the safety of children,” Republican House Speaker Murrell Smith of Sumter County said. “We passed, again, school choice for the second time, and that is in effect and is moving forward and seeing great results.”
Distracted driving: Warnings end, tickets begin
One of the most immediate changes South Carolinians will notice involves the state’s new hands-free and distracted driving law. Although the law officially took effect in September 2025, drivers have been in a warning-only period designed to educate the public.
That grace period will end on Feb. 28, when law enforcement will begin issuing citations…