The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce was honored to welcome members of our State Delegation for a Power Hour on Friday morning at Town Council Chambers. The discussion provided a comprehensive look at the legislative priorities shaping South Carolina’s 2026 session and the issues most directly impacting Dorchester County residents and businesses.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Sean Bennett, Robby Robbins, Gary Brewer, Greg Ford, Harriet Holman, and Gilda Cobb-Hunter for their transparency, accessibility, and thoughtful engagement with our membership.

Senate Priorities: Reform, Accountability & Fiscal Policy

Senator Bennett outlined several significant initiatives currently underway in the Senate:

DUI Law Overhaul
Comprehensive reforms are being advanced to strengthen DUI enforcement. Proposed changes include:

• Increased fines and mandatory minimum sentences, particularly for repeat offenders
  
  
• Preventing charge downgrades
  
  
• Ensuring solicitors are available to prosecute DUI cases effectively
  
  

These reforms aim to enhance public safety and close loopholes within the current system. Read more here.

Charter School Accountability
The Senate is addressing improvements to charter school oversight, with a focus on:

• Strengthening accountability measures
  
  
• Reducing conflicts of interest
  
  
  

Health Care Reform
Lawmakers are reviewing insurance coverage policies related to pharmacies, with particular attention to accessibility and cost structures affecting consumers.

Online Sports Betting
The Senate is evaluating the regulatory and fiscal implications of legalizing online sports betting in South Carolina.READ MORE HERE

Tort Reform
While legislation passed last year, additional measures are being considered to further stabilize the legal environment for businesses and insurers.

Tax Reform
Residential property tax adjustments and income tax reforms remain active areas of focus as lawmakers seek balanced, long-term solutions.

House Priorities: Infrastructure, Conservation & Community Impact

Department of Transportation Reform

A consistent theme among Representatives was the urgent need for DOT modernization.

Representative Robby Robbins emphasized reforming the Department of Transportation to ensure it operates efficiently and reflects modern standards.

Representative Gary Brewer reinforced this priority, specifically citing procurement reforms and lengthy construction timelines that significantly increase project costs for taxpayers. Infrastructure reform directly impacts economic growth and quality of life.

Energy & Land Conservation

Representative Brewer also highlighted:

• Expanding and evaluating energy options to manage rising costs
  
  
• Protecting land amid rapid development
  
  

With approximately 9,000 homes planned in his district alone, he underscored the importance of conserving open space before growth permanently alters the region’s landscape and diminishes our "charm".

Hemp Legislation & Education

Representative Greg Ford shared a deeply personal perspective on hemp policy while in Columbia, recounting how hemp-based treatments dramatically improved his son’s severe seizure condition. His advocacy is one perspective in the broader legislative debate surrounding hemp regulation. READ MORE HERE.

He also emphasized education as a critical regional priority.

Senior Tax Relief & Healthcare Workforce Protections

Representative Harriet Holman outlined two major focus areas:

• Reducing tax burdens for senior homeowners
  
  
• Improving workplace safety for nurses and ensuring recourse when injuries occur
  
  

Both priorities aim to support vulnerable populations and essential healthcare professionals.

Economic Development & Education Investment



Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter highlighted the importance of expanding infrastructure—particularly water access—to drive economic development in the northern portion of Dorchester County.

She also addressed:

• Funding for education and higher education initiatives, pointing to her work with SC “FIRST”
  
  
  
• The broader implications of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” on state-level planning. Her concert is the long term costs to the state that may not be fully realized.
  
  

A Productive Dialogue for Our Business Community

Friday’s Power Hour underscored the value of direct access to policymakers. 

The Chamber remains committed to providing forums where our members can stay informed, ask questions, and engage directly with the leaders shaping South Carolina’s future.

We thank our State Delegation for their leadership and for taking the time to engage with our business community in a meaningful and substantive way.