What's New
The House of Representatives and Senate spent most of the week debating bills in the waning days of this year’s legislative session.
Senators finally began debating H.3579, the House version of the transportation infrastructure bill. Members of the Senate Republican Caucus proposed a new bill to fix the State’s roads and infrastructure. Senators also continued debating H.3702, the capital reserve bill, and adjourned on Thursday without taking action on either bill.
The House discussed the Senate changes to the State budget bill on Thursday, ultimately amending the budget back to the House version and sent it back to the Senate. Senators nonconcurred with the changes to the bill and returned it back to the House. A conference committee will be created to negotiate the differences.
The House Ways and Means Committee will meet this week to discuss a bill that would allocate additional surplus revenue for various projects.
The Senate amended the House amendments last Tuesday on S.3, the Criminal Domestic Violence bill and returned it to the House. House Members debated the bill at length before voting to concur with the Senate. The bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.
The House Education and Public Works Higher Education Governance Ad Hoc Committee met this week for an organizational session. The purpose of the group is to find the best way for South Carolina to have a strong and accountable higher education governing system. Members will use H. 3249, a bill to create the South Carolina College and University Board of Regents, as a vehicle for their findings.
Top News Articles
Haley, Volvo celebrate behind-the-scenes work to bring car plant to area
Having made the official announcement nearly three weeks ago, Volvo Cars’ executive Lex Kerssemakers and Gov. Nikki Haley used an event Thursday at Charles Towne Landing to give a few shout-outs to those who worked behind the scenes to lure the luxury automaker to Berkeley County. Read more.
Increased domestic violence penalties headed to Haley's desk
A bill increasing penalties in South Carolina for repeat domestic violence offenders and banning batterers from having guns is heading to the governor's desk. Read more. Read more.
Restaurants a driving force in restoring downtown’s historic buildings
Until recently, the former clothing store at the southeast corner of King and Mary streets had stood vacant for more than two decades, a most visible symbol of Upper King’s once sad state. Read more.
Meetings and Events
Tuesday, June 2nd
5:00 House Democratic Caucus Awards Ceremony for Representatives Grady Brown and Jerry Govan
M Space, 530 Lady Street
Wednesday, June 3rd
5:00 Fundraiser for Representative Ralph Kennedy
McNair Law Firm; 1221 Main Street
6:00 Sine Die Eve Reception hosted by Senators Malloy and Kimpson and Representative Rutherford
The Hampton Room, 1620 Main Street
Newly Introduced Legislation
GOVERNMENT:
H. 4274 LUCAS:WHEN THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURN ON THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015, NOT LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., OR ANYTIME EARLIER, EACH HOUSE SHALL STAND ADJOURNED TO MEET IN STATEWIDE SESSION AT 12:00 NOON ON TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2015, AND CONTINUE IN STATEWIDE SESSION, IF NECESSARY, UNTIL NOT LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015, FOR THE CONSIDERATIO75N OF CERTAIN SPECIFIED MATTERS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURN NOT LATER 12:00 NOON TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL STAND ADJOURNED SINE DIE. INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED.
