What's New
After weeks of delays and cancellations due to inclement weather across the state, the General Assembly finally had a full week debating and passing bills and working in committees.
The House worked through their entire calendar this week. Several bills received third reading. While the members addressed numerous bills but the majority of the discussion focused on H.3374, related to Local Government Funding. Members were notified on Thursday to expect long session days next week to work on the budget.
The House Judiciary committee gave a favorable report Tuesday to H.3014 to shorten the annual legislative session. The bill calls for the first day of session to convene on the second Tuesday of February and requires sine die adjournment no later than the last Thursday in May. They added a caveat for the General Assembly to convene in local sessions and for the purpose of committee meetings or hearings beginning on the second Tuesday in January of each year.
On Tuesday, the Senate only met in a brief session to take up several bills on the uncontested calendar. The Senate adjourned in order for them to work in committees and subcommittees this afternoon. On Wednesday, the Senate spent several hours focusing on S.475, relating to South Carolina State University. The Senate met Thursday morning in a brief session. Several readings were given to bills and numerous bills were introduced. Senator Cleary introduced S.523, a transportation funding bill, “the South Carolina Collective Road Act”.
Governor's Office
This week, Governor Nikki Haley traveled outside of the United States for a job recruiting trip. Details about the trip have not be provided yet. On Friday, the Governor traveled to North Charleston to meet with Daimler Vans Manufacturing for a major economic development announcement.
Top News Articles
Winthrop Poll: S.C. voters say Graham should not run for president
Nearly two-thirds of S.C. registered voters say U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham should not run for president, according to a Winthrop Poll released Wednesday. Read more.
Lawmaker floats compromise on roads; governor threatens veto
Raising the gas tax and putting some state roads under local government control are among the compromises that one state senator hopes can thread a political needle to provide more money for South Carolina’s ailing roads network. Read more.
Reform plan cuts taxes, provides $340M more for schools
A Republican House member is outlining an education funding reform plan backed by advocates of district administrators and school boards. Read more.
Judge stops SC State president’s firing; Senate passes bill to oust trustees
S.C. State University president Thomas Elzey won a reprieve Wednesday, when a judge halted efforts by school trustees to fire him after less than two years on the job. Read more.
President Barack Obama speaking to young leaders during Columbia visit
President Barack Obama will speak with young leaders during his visit at Benedict College in Columbia on Friday, The White House said. Read more.
Poll finds majority in support of gas tax hike
A majority of South Carolinians, 55.4 percent, support a hike of up to 10 cents in the state's 16.75-cents-a-gallon gas tax as long as the money is used for infrastructure such as repairing roads and bridges, according to a new poll. Read more.
Reform plan cuts taxes, provides $340M more for schools
Proponents of a plan to revamp education funding in South Carolina said Wednesday it cuts taxes while providing more money for poor, rural school districts. Read more.
House approves bill that streamlines local governments’ funds
A primary source of money local governments receive from the state would be pegged to a different formula under a House bill that passed Wednesday, potentially reducing the amount some are allocated. Read more.
Volvo speeding toward SC, state lawmakers say
Volvo soon could drive into South Carolina with a manufacturing plant, likely in the Charleston area, four state legislators told The State on Wednesday. Read more.
Daimler steers good news here
The Charleston area appears to be 1,200 jobs closer to being recognized as a leading automotive center. Read more.
Palmetto Sunrise: Obama’s first S.C. visit as president rich with symbolism
When Air Force One touches down in Columbia sometime this morning, it will be President Barack Obama’s first South Carolina visit since he took office. Read more.
President Obama to share his vision of US future at Benedict meeting with youth leaders
President Barack Obama will hold a town-hall meeting Friday with Benedict College students and Columbia-area youth leaders about the importance of community involvement, the White House said Thursday. Read more.
Funds flowing to My Brother’s Keeper after first year
More money than expected has been committed to President Barack Obama’s initiative aimed at helping young men of color, White House officals said Thursday. Read more.
Daimler announcement comes amid speculation about other deals, for good or bad
Gov. Nikki Haley’s secretive economic development trip to parts unknown this week set off a frenzy of automotive intrigue in South Carolina. Read more.
Sen. Tim Scott talks about heading to Selma
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott recalled getting to visit U.S. Rep. John Lewis' office soon after the North Charleston Republican was elected to Congress. Read more.
Newly Introduced Legislation
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TAXATION:
S. 493 Senator O'Dell: SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TAX CREDITS AND ECONOMIC INCENTIVES BASED ON EMPLOYMENT WITH RESPECT TO CLIENT COMPANIES OF PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS
H. 3785 Sandifer: RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS
H. 3795 Gambrell: AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TAX CREDITS AND ECONOMIC INCENTIVES BASED ON EMPLOYMENT WITH RESPECT TO CLIENT COMPANIES OF PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL:
S. 519 Campsen: RELATING TO THE STATE DEED RECORDING FEE CREDITED TO SOUTH CAROLINA CONSERVATION BANK TRUST FUND
GOVERNMENT:
H. 3701 Ways and Means Committee: TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2015.
H. 3702 Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014
HEALTHCARE:
H. 3750 Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DISAPPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF NEED FOR HEALTH FACILITIES AND SERVICES
H. 3753 Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF LONG TERM HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATORS
H. 3754 Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS
H. 3755 Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF NURSING
TECHNOLOGY:
S. 498 Sheheen: RELATING TO TRESPASSES AND UNLAWFUL USE OF LAND OF OTHERS
TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE:
H. 3744 Crosby: RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN PROPERTY IF THE TAXPAYER AGREES TO DONATE AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE AMOUNT OTHERWISE DUE FOR AD VALOREM TAXES TO EITHER THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND OR TO A COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
S. 523 Cleary: RELATING TO MOTOR FUELS SUBJECT TO USER FEES; SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA COLLECTIVE ROAD ACT"
