Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2026-09, officially reconvening the South Carolina General Assembly for an extra legislative session. The session began on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
The Governor’s order directs lawmakers to focus on several high-priority items that remained unresolved at the end of the regular session. Key objectives for the special session include:
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The General Appropriations Act: Finalizing the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
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Congressional Redistricting: Continuing the review and consideration of South Carolina’s congressional district boundaries.
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Public Importance Matters: Addressing other critical issues currently facing the state.
This move marks a significant moment in South Carolina’s recent political history. Governor McMaster last exercised this authority in 2023, at which time he became the first governor since Jim Hodges to reconvene the legislature for a special session.
The Executive Order will remain in effect until it is modified, amended, or rescinded by a subsequent order from the governor’s office. By calling this session, McMaster aims to ensure that the state’s financial planning and constitutional requirements for redistricting are met before the next legislative year.
The General Assembly will gather at the State House in Columbia to begin deliberations immediately.
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