The Fight for Dignity Is Happening Now: S.199 Returns February 18

On Wednesday, February 18 at 9:00 AM, the South Carolina Senate Education Committee will hold a follow-up hearing on S.199, the Senate’s anti-trans bathroom bill.

This is a critical moment.

Committee hearings are where bills move forward — or stall. A strong, visible presence can make the difference.

South Carolina Equality, alongside our partners in the SC United Coalition, is urging supporters to take action.

What S.199 Would Do

In plain terms, S.199 would:

• Require multi-person restrooms and changing facilities in public schools to be used strictly based on sex assigned at birth

• Restrict overnight accommodations

• Create a legal enforcement mechanism that opens the door to lawsuits

This bill reaches far beyond transgender students.

It affects:

• Students who do not conform to gender expectations

• Teachers and school staff

• Families and members of the public attending school events

It increases the likelihood of confrontation and gender policing — and places schools at risk of costly litigation.

This bill does not improve safety. It creates division and legal uncertainty in our public schools.

Why This Hearing Matters

This is a follow-up hearing. Lawmakers have already heard testimony, and some individuals who were unable to speak previously will be prioritized. Public testimony will still be accepted.

That means:

• Showing up matters.

• Written testimony matters.

• A full room matters.

Once a bill advances beyond subcommittee, opportunities for public input narrow significantly.

If you care about dignity, student safety, and equal treatment, now is the time to act.

📍 Hearing Details

Senate Education Subcommittee📅 Wednesday, February 18, 2026⏰ 9:00 AM📍 Gressette Room 105

We encourage attendees to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Take Action

1. Attend the Hearing

Join us in Columbia and stand with students and families.

2. Submit Written Testimony

Written comments become part of the public record and help shape the debate.

📧 Email: seducomm@scsenate.gov

🗓 Deadline: February 17 at 12:00 PM

Even a brief, respectful comment can help lawmakers understand the real-world consequences of this bill.

3. Share This Information

Forward this page to educators, faith leaders, parents, students, and community members. Public awareness is powerful.

Other Bills We Are Tracking

While S.199 is our immediate priority, it is not the only legislation impacting LGBTQ+ South Carolinians.

South Carolina Equality is actively monitoring:

S.162 – Would prohibit gender marker changes on South Carolina birth certificates, preventing transgender and intersex individuals from updating identity documents.

S.540 – Weakens child welfare protections by limiting when courts can intervene if a child is harmed by rejection or non-affirmation related to gender identity.

H.4757 (“Parental Rights”) – Mandates forced outing of students, restricts inclusive education, and limits young people’s bodily autonomy.

We will continue to provide updates and action alerts as these bills move through the legislature.

Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Take Action.

Across the country — and here in South Carolina — LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender youth, are facing increasing legislative attacks.

South Carolina Equality is committed to showing up at the State House, testifying, organizing, and advocating for policies rooted in dignity and fairness.

But we cannot do it alone.

Your presence. Your voice. Your willingness to engage.

It all matters.

👉 Take action today.