South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Director Dr. Edward Simmer, right, shakes hands with Mark Plowden with the governor's office, left, after a Senate subcommittee meeting considering changes in the state's public health laws in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)
South Carolina Sen. Shane Martin, R-Pauline, right, votes yes as Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, left, watches on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. A Senate subcommittee considering changes in the state's public health laws in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)
South Carolina Sen. Ronnie Sabb, D-Greeleyville, speaks to a Senate subcommittee considering changes in the state's public health laws in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Director Dr. Edward Simmer testifies before a Senate subcommittee considering changes in the state's public health laws in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)
South Carolina Sen. Richard Cash, R-Powersville, listens as a Senate subcommittee considers changes in the state's public health laws in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)
South Carolina Sens. Tom Corbin, R-Travelers Rest, left, and Billy Garrett, R-Greenwood, right, listen as a Senate subcommittee considers changes in the state's public health laws in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)