South Carolina H 3949: State anthem

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 3949 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 16, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 3949

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

Committee Report

April 16, 2026

H. 3949

Introduced 
by Reps. King, Duncan and Garvin 

S. Printed 4/16/26--S.

Read the first time May 1, 2025

________

The committee on Senate Family and 
Veterans' Services

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 3949) to amend 
the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 1-1-614 so as to designate "Dum 
Spiro Spero" translated as "While I Breathe, I Hope" as the official choral, etc., 
respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered 
the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

THOMAS YOUNG for Committee.

_______

A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 
1-1-614 SO AS TO DESIGNATE "DUM SPIRO SPERO" TRANSLATED AS "WHILE I BREATHE, I 
HOPE" AS THE OFFICIAL CHORAL ANTHEM OF THE STATE.

Whereas, the lyrics of the 
song "While I Breathe, I Hope" are "From the blue of coastal waters to the 
green of mountainsides. We stand as sons and daughters of those who bled and 
died to defend our common interest so we might live and breathe. We take this 
freedom given and build upon their dreams. Dum spiro spero, while I breathe, I 
hope. Hope enough for all who dwell here under Carolina skies. Hope for 
tomorrow that begins with us today, and will last for generations for all who 
chose to stay." Now, therefore, 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of 
South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Article 9, Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is 
amended by adding:

 Section 
1-1-614. "Dum Spiro Spero" translated as "While I Breathe, I Hope" is the 
official choral anthem of the State.

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval 
by the Governor.

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This web page was last updated on April 16, 2026 at 03:49 PM