South Carolina State Representative Lee Hewitt has expressed frustration over delays in the Murrells Inlet dredging project. Despite securing $35 million in funding for the 16-mile project, Hewitt noted that three years after Georgetown County applied for a permit, the US Army Corps of Engineers has not yet issued approval. “As this February 7th Coastal Observer news report states, the county and I are now reaching out to US Senators Tim Scott and Lindsay Graham and Congressman Russell Fry for help in moving forward,” Hewitt said.
In legislative developments, House Republicans have advanced several bills aimed at supporting small businesses, infrastructure, education standards, and public safety.
The House unanimously passed the Small Business Tax Cut Act, which Hewitt cosponsored. The bill exempts the first $10,000 of assets from the Business Personal Property Tax. According to Hewitt: “This bill exempts the first $10,000 of assets from the Business Personal Property Tax, ending a tax that penalizes owners for investing in their own growth and allowing them to keep more of what they earn to reinvest, hire, and serve their communities.”
Hewitt also participated in a Revenue Policy Subcommittee hearing on H.5071. This bill seeks to improve how South Carolina plans and delivers road projects. It follows nine months of work by an ad hoc committee that included public hearings across the state with input from citizens, business owners, local leaders, and transportation experts.
Another measure cosponsored by Hewitt is the Tenure Accountability Bill. He described its purpose as follows: “The Tenure Accountability Bill… promotes transparency and fairness in higher education by requiring annual performance evaluations for all public university faculty and regular post-tenure reviews for tenured professors. This legislation guarantees that taxpayer-funded educators continue meeting measurable professional standards throughout their careers.”
A Public School Grading Reform Bill was advanced in subcommittee last week. The proposed legislation aims to ensure student grades accurately reflect academic achievement rather than providing shortcuts that could undermine long-term success. “Parents deserve an honest picture of how their child is performing,” said Hewitt. “This bill restores integrity to GPAs and graduation data, reinforces strong academic standards, and helps ensure our children are truly prepared for college, careers, and real life.”
Additionally, the House Judiciary Committee moved forward with a package of Juvenile Crime Reform Bills (H.5117, H.5120, H.5121). These bills are designed to enhance community safety by holding violent juvenile offenders accountable while ensuring due process when considering transfers to adult court. They also seek to improve communication between schools and law enforcement regarding serious offenses and invest in prevention programs such as mentoring and job training.
Hewitt concluded his update by stating: “I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.”
