South Carolina House of Representatives
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| South Carolina House of Representatives | |
|---|---|
| Name | South Carolina House of Representatives |
| Legislature | South Carolina General Assembly |
| House type | Lower house |
| Body | South Carolina General Assembly |
| Term limits | None |
| New session | January 10, 2023 |
| Leader1 type | Speaker |
| Leader1 | G. Murrell Smith Jr. |
| Party1 | (R) |
| Election1 | May 12, 2022 |
| Leader2 type | Speaker pro tempore |
| Leader2 | Thomas C. "Tommy" Pope |
| Party2 | (R) |
| Election2 | 2017 |
| Leader3 type | Majority Leader |
| Leader3 | David A. Hiott |
| Party3 | (R) |
| Election3 | 2022 |
| Leader4 type | Minority Leader |
| Leader4 | J. Todd Rutherford |
| Party4 | (D) |
| Election4 | 2012 |
| Members | 124 |
| Political groups1 | Majority (88), Republican (88), Minority (36), Democratic (35), Vacant (1) |
| Term length | 2 years |
| Authority | Article III, South Carolina Constitution |
| Salary | $10,400/year + per diem |
| Last election1 | November 8, 2022 |
| Next election1 | November 5, 2024 |
| Meeting place | House Chamber, South Carolina State House, Columbia, South Carolina |
| Website | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/ |
South Carolina House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the South Carolina General Assembly, the state legislature of South Carolina. It consists of 124 representatives elected to two-year terms from single-member districts. The body convenes at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, South Carolina.
History
The House traces its origins to the colonial Commons House of Assembly, established under the proprietary government. Following the American Revolution, it was formally constituted as the lower house by the South Carolina Constitution of 1778. The chamber played a central role in pivotal state events, including the Nullification Crisis and the secession debates preceding the American Civil War. The Reconstruction era saw the first election of African-American members, such as Robert B. Elliott. The modern legislative framework was largely shaped by the South Carolina Constitution of 1895.
Membership and elections
All 124 members are elected from districts defined by the state legislature following each United States census. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, a legal resident of their district for one year, and a qualified voter. Elections are held in even-numbered years, coinciding with the United States House of Representatives elections. Vacancies are filled by special election, as ordered by the Governor of South Carolina. The South Carolina Election Commission oversees the electoral process.
Powers and duties
The chamber holds the sole power to initiate revenue bills and articles of impeachment against state officials. It shares lawmaking authority with the South Carolina Senate, including passing the annual general appropriations bill. The House must confirm gubernatorial appointments to certain boards, such as the DHEC board. It also proposes amendments to the South Carolina Constitution, which require voter ratification.
Leadership and organization
The presiding officer is the Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives, elected by the full membership. Other key officers include the Speaker pro tempore, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader. The work is organized through standing committees like the Ways and Means Committee and the Judiciary Committee. Daily operations are managed by the Clerk of the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Current composition and session
Following the 2022 South Carolina House of Representatives election, the Republican Party holds a supermajority of 88 seats, with Democrats holding 35 and one vacancy. The current legislative session began on January 10, 2023. Key legislation considered includes bills related to abortion access, education funding, and tax reform. The House meets annually, with the regular session typically adjourning in May.
Notable members
Historically significant members include John C. Calhoun, who served as U.S. Speaker and Vice President; Wade Hampton III, a Confederate States Army general and Governor of South Carolina; and Strom Thurmond, who later became a longtime U.S. Senator. Modern influential figures include former Speaker Robert W. Harrell Jr., and James E. Clyburn, who served in the House before his election to the United States Congress.
Category:South Carolina House of Representatives Category:State lower houses in the United States Category:Government of South Carolina