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Bill

H 5508

Alyasha Maple 2026 S.C. Journalist of the year from the S.C. Press Association

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 119 co-sponsors

The resolution ceremonial recognizes Alaysha Maple for outstanding journalism, marking historic firsts for the Sumter Item and representation in the field.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 5508

Summary of Bill H 5508 (Session 2025-2026, South Carolina)

Note: This bill is a House Resolution recognizing a journalist. It does not appear to enact new law or create policy with broad regulatory impact.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Purpose: To recognize and commend Alaysha Maple for being named the 2025 Daily Journalist of the Year by the South Carolina Press Association.
  • Context: A ceremonial resolution from the South Carolina House of Representatives celebrating Maple’s achievement and highlighting her contributions to journalism, community engagement, and professional development.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal Recognition: The resolution acknowledges Maple as the Next Gen News Editor and a public safety and arts/entertainment reporter for the Sumter Item.
  • Award Details: Notes that Maple received the 2025 Journalist of the Year award for daily newspapers at the SC Press Association awards ceremony on March 6, 2026, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
  • Historical Significance: States that Maple is the first Sumter Item reporter to receive the Journalist of the Year honor in the 132-year history of the newspaper, and the first Black woman to be named Journalist of the Year in the association’s history.
  • Background on Maple: Provides brief biographical details (Sumter native, College of Charleston graduate, 2021, with career progression at the Sumter Item; leadership of the Next Generation beat; focus areas in crime, government, investigative reporting, features, and community events).
  • Professional Achievements: Cites specific award recipients and placements from the 2025 contest (two first-place honors for best series with video editor Zac Hooks, best government beat reporting; second-place for best arts and entertainment; third-place obituary; staff honors for General Excellence and best special edition).
  • Professional Development and Mentorship: Mentions Maple’s participation in professional development programs and mentorship of USC Sumter interns.
  • Community Impact: Highlights Maple’s mentorship, collaboration with students, and relationships with community stakeholders.

3) Who/What Is Affected

  • Individual: Alaysha Maple (recognition by the House).
  • Institution: Sumter Item (the newspaper) and the South Carolina Press Association (context for the award).
  • No new duties, fiscal implications, or regulatory requirements are imposed by this resolution; it is an honorific recognition.

4) Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Action: Introduced and adopted on April 14, 2026.
  • Sponsor and Co-Sponsors: Large list of House members from both parties offered as co-sponsors, indicating broad bipartisan support for the recognition.
  • Effective Date: Resolutions of this type are typically ceremonial and take effect upon passage; no specific timelines or enforcement mechanisms apply beyond acknowledgment.
  • Presentation: The resolution states that a copy be presented to Alaysha Maple.

5) Bottom Line

  • This is a ceremonial House Resolution recognizing Alaysha Maple for outstanding professional achievement in journalism, marking a historic first for both the Sumter Item and for representation within the profession. It serves to publicly commend Maple’s reporting excellence, leadership, and community impact. No policy changes, funding, or regulatory actions are contained in the text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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