summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 46-55-5 So As To Provide A Purpose Of Regulating The Sale And Distribution Of Consumable Hemp Products; By Amending Section 46-55-10, Relating To Hemp Farming Definitions, So As To Add Definitions For "consumable Hemp Product" And "intoxicating Hemp Product"; By Adding Section 46-55-70 So As To Prohibit The Sale Of Certain Consumable Hemp Products; By Adding Section 46-55-80 So As To Provide That Interstate Commerce Is Not Being Limited; And By Adding Chapter 14 To Title 61 So As To Provide Definitions Relating To Intoxicating Hemp Beverages, Provide For Enforcement, Provide For Intoxicating Hemp Beverage Product Requirements, And To Provide For Licensing And Taxes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp beverages in South Carolina, aiming to ensure public health and safety through age verification and enforcement. It defines "consumable hemp product" and "intoxicating hemp product," with the latter encompassing various forms of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that cause a psychoactive reaction, and prohibits the sale of certain consumable hemp products outside of these regulations, including online sales and direct shipments into the state. The bill also creates a new chapter dedicated to intoxicating hemp beverages, defining terms like "hemp beverage" (which must contain no more than five milligrams of THC per serving and be sold in specific packaging), establishing requirements for product testing, packaging, and labeling, and outlining enforcement responsibilities for the Department of Revenue and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Furthermore, it mandates licensing for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of these beverages, imposes license taxes and sales taxes similar to those for alcoholic liquors, and includes provisions for educating students about the new laws. The bill also clarifies that interstate commerce of hemp is not being limited and sets specific effective dates for its provisions.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (40)
Weston Newton (R)*,
William Bailey (R),
Jeff Bradley (R),
Gary Brewer (R),
Don Chapman (R),
Heather Crawford (R),
Sylleste Davis (R),
Shannon Erickson (R),
Doug Gilliam (R),
Val Guest (R),
Patrick Haddon (R),
Charles Hartz (R),
Bill Herbkersman (R),
Lee Hewitt (R),
Davey Hiott (R),
Bill Hixon (R),
Harriet Holman (R),
Brian Lawson (R),
Randy Ligon (R),
Steven Long (R),
Phillip Lowe (R),
David Martin (R),
Cody Mitchell (R),
Travis Moore (R),
Brandon Newton (R),
Melissa Oremus (R),
Fawn Pedalino (R),
Tommy Pope (R),
Luke Rankin (R),
Robby Robbins (R),
Carla Schuessler (R),
Heath Sessions (R),
Mark Smith (R),
Murrell Smith (R),
Bill Taylor (R),
David Vaughan (R),
Bill Whitmire (R),
Mark Willis (R),
Chris Wooten (R),
Richie Yow (R),
Last Action
Member(s) request name removed as sponsor: Gatch (on 02/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4759&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/4759_20260205.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/4759_20260204.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/4759_20260203.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/4759_20260129.htm |
| Fiscal Note - H4759 2026-01-13 Introduced | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/fiscalimpactstatements/H4759%202026-01-13%20introduced.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/4759_20251217.htm |
Loading...