South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has signed Senate Bill 163 into law, establishing comprehensive protections for cryptocurrency users and businesses in the state. The bill, which passed the Senate with a 38–1 vote, prohibits state agencies from accepting or requiring payments in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and bars participation in Federal Reserve CBDC pilot programs. It also ensures payment and tax parity for digital assets, recognizes self-custody wallets, and provides clarity on digital asset definitions. The new law, effective as of May 19, 2026, also restricts local governments from imposing unfair regulations on crypto mining and exempts certain blockchain services from money transmitter licensing. This legislative move positions South Carolina as a leader in state-level crypto regulation, offering businesses and users legal clarity and protection while distinguishing between potential Fed-issued CBDCs and privately issued stablecoins.