Henry McMaster in SC legislative records

On Civil Rights: No need for any new transgender bathroom law

Setting aside for the moment that North Carolina's HB2 compromise, HB142, is just more of the same anti-LGBTQ hatred with a slightly different name, it is important to note that South Carolina has so far killed any effort to see a similar bill come to pass in South Carolina.

Both former Governor Nikki Haley and current Governor Henry McMaster have said there is no need for such a law. Templeton said she thinks transgender people should use the bathrooms matching their birth gender, not their identity. She stopped short of calling for a law to be passed.

On Crime: Don't clear record for first time drunk/disorderly offender

Analysis by ACU: This bill is designed to expand employment opportunities by providing individuals convicted of drunk or disorderly conduct offenses a pathway to have the charges expunged from public record.

Veto Message : Criminal history, like all history, should not be erased. Compassion should not be forced upon unwitting prospective employers & other interested parties. I am unwilling to sign legislation that effectively sanctions an employee failing to acknowledge--or consciously omitting information about--a prior arrest for public disorderly conduct.

Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Gov. McMaster on May/28/19; Veto Overridden in House 107-0-15, Roll Call #712 on Jun/25/19; Veto Overridden in Senate 38-2-0, Roll Call #449 June/25/19.

On Drugs: Require reporting of administration of opioid antidote

Analysis by Count On 2 NBC News:A new state law requires South Carolina health care facilities to report to the state health department every time they administer an opioid antidote. This information will be collected for the state's prescription monitoring program. DHEC already tracks antidote administrations from some law enforcement and firefighters, but now all first responders will be required to submit that data as well. The goal of the law is to get a fuller picture of opioid misuse in the state.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 44-0-2 on May/8/19; passed House 103-0-20 on May/9/19; Signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May/16/19

On Energy & Oil: Signed SC Energy Freedom Act promoting solar power

EnergyNews.US in favor: The recently passed Energy Freedom Act supports a more resilient, clean energy future for South Carolina by supporting solar PV and battery storage technologies. The act promotes more economical systems for utility customers and requires utilities to explore the investments in solar-plus-storage generation assets.

A.C.U. in opposition: This bill contains a key provision that drives up electricity costs by expanding a program known as "net metering" which subsidizes solar producers. Under the program, utility companies are forced to purchase excess electricity from solar energy producers at above-market rates and infrastructure and delivery costs are transferred to other ratepayers.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 40-0-0, Roll Call #400 on May/8/19; Passed House 103-0-20, Roll Call #669 on May/9/19; Signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May/16/19

On Environment: Vetoed bill to rebuild banned sea wall for gated community

Veto message: Where the State has worked for several years to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to protect our shared coastal resources, it would be unwise to hastily enact a special exception to the Beachfront Management Act. I oppose a practice that is tantamount to enacting local or special legislation, prohibited by our constitution.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-3-5, Roll Call #404 on 5/5/19; Vetoed on 5/15/19; House Sustained Veto 60-43-19, Roll Call #698 on 5/20.

On Immigration: No sanctuary cities; plus annual compliance checks

"Our cities are open to all who follow our laws, but are not sanctuaries for those who ignore them," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "South Carolina is a special place, known for the kindness and welcoming nature of its people, but it's also a place that values law and order, and this bill will serve as a strong message to all that we will not tolerate lawlessness."

The legislation would require political subdivisions [cities, towns and counties] to verify compliance with state immigration laws to the SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED) each fiscal year. If a political subdivision is found not to be in compliance, that subdivision will be ineligible for Local Government Fund appropriations for a minimum of three years.

On Abortion: Signed Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act

Governor's statement in support (CNN 5/25): "The Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act will begin saving the lives of unborn children immediately," McMaster said. "We stand ready to defend this legislation against any challenges and are confident we will succeed."

Planned Parenthood statement in opposition (CNN 5/25): Senate Bill 474 bans most abortions before many women know they are pregnant. Any physician who knowingly violates the law will have their license revoked by the State Board of Medical Examiners and could face felony charges. A similar six-week abortion ban passed in 2021 but struck down by the state Supreme Court

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-32-10 on May/17/23; passed Senate 27-19-0 on May/23/23; Signed by Gov. McMaster on May/25/23