While you were celebrating over the holiday weekend, new S.C. laws went into effect Saturday (July 1). Here's a list of all the recent changes that could soon affect you. ⬇️

⛽ Gas tax increases 2 cents per gallon

💸 State employees take-home pay decreased (workers will start paying more for their pensions; contributing 9% of their salaries)

🌱 S.C. Agricultural Department is now issuing 20 permits to prospective farmers, allowing them to grow 20 acres of hemp during the pilot year + 40 acres in the following years

🏍 For the first time, moped drivers will now have to register their rides, will be required to wear a helmet (21 and under) + will begin facing drunk-driving laws. (These laws don’t into effect until November 2018.)

💊 People suffering from a drug or alcohol-overdose will be protected from prosecution if they seek medical help. This includes underage drinking-related incidents.

🍾 S.C. craft distillers can now mix cocktails in their tasting rooms + increase the amount of liquor served to their guests from 1.5 ounces (a large shot) ➡️ 3 ounces (~2-3 cocktails).

3 min read / The State