On Wednesday, January 28, House Majority Leader Davey Hiott (R-Pickens) recommitted the Casino bill (H4176)  from the House floor to the House Ways and Means Committee.  This means the push to establish a casino along the I-95 corridor is over for this legislative session.  This is not the last we will see of the casino bill, since it will likely be brought back for the 2027 session.  But for now, it means that the efforts of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Palmetto Family, Faith Wins, the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, and the Swamp Fox Initiative; efforts that included informing the public on the dangers of gambling and encouraging South Carolinians to speak up, have successfully denied the gambling interests the votes they needed to pass this legislation through the House. 

We should begin by thanking and praising God, who spoke to the hearts of our leaders and stirred up the people to take a stand.  To God be all the glory!  Great things He has done! 

If you prayed, talked about this issue, contacted your legislator to express your concern, or came to Columbia to stand or even attended a committee hearing….thank you.  Your participation and encouragement made a difference.  When the people of South Carolina speak and move together, we can influence public policy for the good. 

We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Governor Henry McMaster, who vowed early to veto any legislation to establish casinos in South Carolina and kept his promise throughout this debate.  We owe a debt of gratitude to House Speaker Murrell Smith, House Majority Leader Davey Hiott, and members of House who put the interests of the people of South Carolina ahead of the gambling interests.  We owe a debt of thanks to Dr. Tony Wolfe, and the entire leadership team at SCBaptist for their unwavering commitment to get the word out and encourage our lawmakers to stand on principle.  Please take a moment to read Dr. Wolfe’s comments at the “We Stand with God” press conference.  I have attached them for your convenience.

Now, we have much to do before this session is over.  Legislation to allow online sports wagering (S444) is likely to be considered in the Senate. We will oppose this with the same fervor we opposed the casino bill.

 We have an opportunity to pass legislation that will ban all abortifacients coming into South Carolina through the mail.  We also need to continue to push for legislation that will protect every preborn life from the threat of abortion.  Bills to strengthen parental rights, protect the privacy of students against the intrusion of members of the opposite biological sex invading what should be safe, private spaces, to provide chaplains in all public and private schools, and provide funds through SLED that will be available to help secure houses of worship and religious organizations, are all moving through the House.  We are also tracking a bill that would ban THC from being infused into edibles and soft drinks and made available in convenience stores. 

Please look for updates on all of this legislation and encourage those in your circle of influence to sign up to receive these emails.  Please pray for your legislators by name.  Reach out to them and encourage them as they serve South Carolina.  You can track legislation, find your lawmakers, and watch live debate on the floor of the House and Senate by going to www.scstatehouse.gov.

He must increase;  I must decrease,

Tony Beam, Dmin

Policy Consultant

South Carolina Baptist Convention