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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A new year means that some laws passed in South Carolina will begin going into effect.
Here’s what to know about laws that will be enforced starting Jan. 1, 2026:
Liquor liability and tort reform: Jan. 1, 2026
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One of the major laws that was passed this past session was related to liquor liability and tort reform.
Venues that serve alcohol are still required to have a $1 million liability policy, but the new law allows those locations to lower the minimum to make costs more affordable, like if they stop serving alcohol before midnight.
Those responsible for serving alcohol at venues will now have mandatory training in another attempt to lower rising insurance premiums for businesses.
Locations that serve alcohol will now only be responsible for paying up to 50% of damages in drunk-driving lawsuits as opposed to 100%.
One part of the bill that focuses on alcohol sales at college-related venues went into effect after the law was signed by Gov. Henry McMaster in May.
Personal Privacy Protection Act: Jan. 1, 2026
The law, signed in April 2025, will restrict the public contact and other personal information of law enforcement officers and judges.
Under the new law, officers and judges would be able to request that information relating to their home address, cellphone number and property tax map number be removed from websites operated by state or local government agencies.
Public officials wishing to have this information removed or limited must provide a written request to the agency in question with a notarized affidavit proving that they are a current or former law enforcement officer or judge.
Officials are able to remove their request at any time. This law does not apply to any disclosed records that can be bought or found through a registered account or subscription linked to a state or local government agency.
Hands-free driving law: Feb. 28, 2026
While the law technically went into effect on Sept. 1, 2025, officers could not issue tickets. Instead, warnings were issued for those pulled over for violating the law.
The warning period officially ends on Feb. 28, 2026. Drivers will be charged $100 for their first offense and $200 plus two points on their driver’s license if they are pulled over again within three years.
The law bans drivers, with the exception of emergency responders, from operating a cellphone with any part of their body. Other electronic devices such as laptops, GPS and gaming consoles are also covered under the new law.
Drivers can still use smartwatches and earpieces to make calls or send texts through voice-to-text features. Drivers can also still use Apple CarPlay and other similar features in their car to use navigation and control music, as long as they are not using their body to operate it.
Cell phones can still be used by drivers to report accidents and other crimes as long as they are fully stopped and legally parked.
Part of the Educator Assistance Act: July 1, 2026
Most of the Educator Assistance Act went into effect in July 2025, but a key provision is scheduled to go into effect later this year.
Under the new act, school boards have to notify teachers in writing, through the superintendent, before May 1 if they will be employed in the district for the upcoming school year.
The notification must also include a projected salary schedule for the next year.
The superintendent or principal also has to let all teachers know, no later than 14 days before students return to school, what their potential teaching assignment is. Once teachers are assigned to a school, they cannot be moved unless there is a demonstrated need made by the district’s superintendent. If teachers have to be reassigned, they have to have at least five days’ notice.
These new requirements do not apply if teachers are on a continuing or multi-year contract.
Other laws going into effect in 2026 include the Failure To Stop For Motor Vehicles Act and the Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act.
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