Advocacy doesn’t have to mean traveling to the Statehouse or speaking at a microphone. This toolkit provides simple, effective ways to stay informed and take action from home.
Embedded Files
⭐Advocacy is most effective during the committee and subcommittee stages — before a floor vote.
⭐Advocacy is about consistent communication, not confrontation.
⭐You do not need to engage on every issue — choose what matters to you.
How a Bill Moves in SC
How a Bill Moves in SC
STEP 1 — Bill Is Filed
STEP 1 — Bill Is Filed
A legislator introduces a bill in the House or Senate
Bills are labeled H.____ or S.____
STEP 2 — Sent to Committee
STEP 2 — Sent to Committee
The bill is assigned to a standing committee
Most bills stop here unless advanced
STEP 3 — Subcommittee Review (If assigned)
STEP 3 — Subcommittee Review (If assigned)
A smaller group studies the bill
Public testimony may be allowed
The bill can be:Advanced, amended, stopped
STEP 4 — Full Committee Vote
STEP 4 — Full Committee Vote
The full committee votes whether to send the bill forward
Many bills never make it past this step
STEP 5 — Floor Debate & Vote
STEP 5 — Floor Debate & Vote
The full House or Senate debates the bill
A vote is taken
STEP 6 — Other Chamber
STEP 6 — Other Chamber
The bill repeats Steps 2–5 in the other chamber
STEP 7 — Governor’s Action
STEP 7 — Governor’s Action
The Governor can: Sign the bill, veto the bill
Legislature may override a veto
Personal Bill Tracker
Personal Bill Tracker
The Personal Bill Tracker is a simple Google Sheet that helps you follow the bills you care about, see where they are in the legislative process, and keep track of when you’ve taken action. It replaces scattered tabs and reminders with one organized place to stay informed. You don’t need to follow dozens of bills—just a few. From your couch, you can add a bill in under a minute, check in occasionally, and take action when it matters most.
Helpful Links
Helpful Links
Find your SC Board of Ed Representative
SC Association of School Librarians
Click on the "Get Connected" image to access links to multiple partner organizations
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse