The SC House passed legislation prohibiting the state or a locality from enacting a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for any employee, independent contractor, nonemployee vendor, or student. The bill originally included private businesses in the prohibition, but minutes before the vote, the bill was amended to require private employers who impose a vaccine mandate to honor religious or medical exemptions which include the presence of coronavirus antibodies, a positive COVID-19 test or pregnancy.
The General Assembly approved redistricting maps for the SC House and Senate, but did not tackle approving new lines for congressional districts, which it will have to do after returning to session in January.