The General Assembly’s regular session for 2013 came to an end Thursday, June 13th. Thank goodness it’s a two year session because critical legislation was left unfinished. In January at the beginning of the 120th session there was optimism that great things could be accomplished. That hope was unfulfilled in this first year.
In my view, the House of Representatives did its part to move important legislation forward, but many of those bills bogged down in the State Senate primarily as a result of Democrat obstructionists and the Senate’s archaic rules that allow one Senator to block legislation.
Success for Grandparents!
Despite the slow progress, I begin this report with wonderful news. As we neared the finish line, the General Assembly
unanimously approved the Grandparent’s Rights bill. The Senate slightly amended the bill we sent them (H.3464) and quickly returned it to the House where we unanimously concurred and sent the legislation to the governor’s desk.
The Fix is in for Elections! The General Assembly approved election reform legislation this week that addresses the filing conflicts that spawned last year’s ballot controversies. This legislation streamlines candidate filing procedures and ensures candidates and incumbents are treated the same. The bill awaits the Governor’s signature.
Accomplishments:
There were other significant legislative accomplishments that are good for South Carolina. Here are a few...
• Boeing Expansion: We authorized $120 million in economic development bonds to assist infrastructure improvements so Boeing can expand and invest at least $400 million and create 400 new jobs.
• Small Business Access to Growth Act: Both the House and Senate approved legislation to encourage ‘angel investors’ to provide start-up funds for emerging high-growth enterprises.
• Raffles/Gambling: Passed by the House and Senate, this legislation allows charitable organizations to hold events featuring bingo and raffles to raise money for charities. The Governor signed this bill in March
• Handgun-Background Check for Mental Health Issues: With bi-partisan support, SC joins most other states in allowing judges to add the name of a mentally unstable person to the federal background check registry for gun purchases.
The House passed major legislation this year that has yet to win Senate approval. Here are the top items...
• Ethics Reform: Supporters in the Senate did not have enough votes to stave off delaying tactics used by an alliance of mostly Democrats and a handful of Republicans.
• ObamaCare Nullification: Prohibits enforcement of the Affordable Care Act in SC. It was blocked by opponents in the Senate on the final day of session.
• Early Voting: Creates SC’s first official early voting for 9 days before an election.
• CWP Restaurant Carry: Another bill that will not pass this year is legislation that would have allowed concealed weapons permit holders to carry their guns into restaurants that serve alcohol. The House refined the Senate version of the bill this week, but Democrats in the Senate who oppose the bill prevented it from reaching a vote before Thursday’s deadline.
• Shortening the Legislative Session: For the 10th time since 1994 the House approved this Constitutional Amendment to shorten the session. It awaits Senate action.
• Road Funding: This is a critical and highly complex issue. It is expected to be a major focus as we begin the second year of the 120th session. We are working to put more money in the upcoming budget.
• The General Assembly returns to Columbia June 18th to complete the budget and consider legislation approved in different versions by the House and Senate and that are now being worked out in joint conference committees where differences can, and should, be resolved.
--------------------------------------------
Thank you for the privilege of serving you in Columbia. If I can ever be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
