SC 2026 changes include liquor liability rules, hands-free driving penalties and SNAP updates

A new year starts Thursday.

And in South Carolina, that means a few changes to state law and updates to existing rules.

Here are a handful of changes that South Carolinians, bar and restaurant owners and drivers will need to know once New Year's Day begins.

Changes to liquor liability rules

On New Years Day, South Carolina’s new liquor liability rules take effect.

The law was signed by Gov. Henry McMaster earlier this year after restaurant and bar owners demanded lawmakers help ease soaring insurance costs that many warned could hurt, and in some cases, close their businesses.

The law changes the level of responsibility bar and restaurant owners have to victims in a civil suit when their customers leave and injure someone after drinking alcohol.

It also requires that an owner licensed to sell on-premises alcohol hold a liquor liability insurance policy of at least $1 million, but with options to reduce their coverage requirement through responsible alcohol serving practices.

And the law mandates servers take alcohol server training.

Hands-free driving penalties start in February

Starting Feb. 28, there will be no more warnings for holding a cellphone while driving.

Though the state’s so-called hands-free law took effect in September, punishments did not.

The first offense is $100. A second ticket, or more, will result in a $200 fine and two points on a driver’s record.

The law prohibits motorists in South Carolina from holding a cellphone while driving, with exceptions when using an earpiece, wrist device or voice activated calling and texting. The state already banned texting while driving.

Exceptions also include when a driver is parked or stopped, or when reporting traffic accidents, road hazards or emergencies. Police, firefighters and other first responders are exempt while working.

Meanwhile, a new law that takes effect May 12 ups the penalties for drivers who refuse to pull over for law enforcement.

SC SNAP changes for soda, candy and sweet drinks

At least five states are expected to implement new restrictions starting Jan. 1 on how recipients can spend their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, dollars.

The restrictions in 18 states are part of new waivers green lit by the Trump administration this year that allow states to bar SNAP dollars from being spent on items states deem unhealthy, such as sodas, candy and energy drinks.

Under South Carolina's waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state in 2026 will bar SNAP funds from buying candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and other sweetened beverages.

Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order to implement SNAP limits in September.

In December, when the waiver was granted, McMaster cited adult and child obesity statistics, saying the waiver, effective Aug. 31, will help create healthier outcomes. He said the goal aligns with President Donald Trump’s push to restore SNAP to its “true purpose — nutrition.”

What else takes effect in 2026?

• S. 126: Effective Jan. 1, the law expands privacy protections for law enforcement and judges, allowing the restriction of publication of personal contact information like cellphone numbers and home addresses.
• H. 3571: Effective May 22, the law updates the notification process to utilities about excavation projects and utility operator responsibilities.