The SC General Assembly convened on Tuesday, January 14, for the first half of the two-year session with 19 new members in the House and 13 new members in the Senate taking their seats for their first session as legislators.
House and Senate members met in session on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but concentrated their work on bills in subcommittee. The House Ways and Means Committee began work on the state budget, while senators began debating a new school voucher bill. Both the House and Senate do not plan to meet in session next week. However, subcommittees and committees are scheduled to hold meetings.
House Ways and Means Constitutional subcommittee
The House Ways and Means Constitutional subcommittee met to hear budget requests and testimony from several state agencies, as well as cities and towns. Daina Riley Phillips, legislative and public policy advocate for the Municipal Association, testified on behalf of cities and towns. Phillips asked that lawmakers follow the current law — Act 84, passed in 2019 — requiring that the Local Government Fund’s appropriation follow the increase or decrease of the state budget. Reps. Chris Murphy (R-Dorchester), Micah Caskey (R-Lexington) and Richie Yow (R-Chesterfield) are the House Ways and Means Constitutional subcommittee members. For questions about the budget and the Local Government Fund, contact Daina Riley Phillips (dphillips@masc.sc) at 803.933.1203.
Stay in Touch
The Municipal Association legislative team is on X. Follow Erica Wright (@EricaMuniSC) for updates from the State House. Also follow the Association at @MuniAssnSC. Don’t forget to listen to the From the Dome to Your Home podcast every Friday for a recap of the week’s legislative issues and a look to the week ahead at the State House.
Senate Family and Veterans’ Services Veterans Affairs subcommittee
S89 – Military Advisory Council – favorable report
Summary of the bill as introduced: Increases the membership of the SC Military Affairs Advisory Council to include additional mayors, county council chairmen and representatives from military communities.
House Labor, Commerce and Industry Public Utilities subcommittee
H3309 – Enacts the SC Energy Security Act – the subcommittee met and heard testimony from stakeholders but did not take any action on the bill.
Summary of the bill as introduced: Makes changes to the state's energy policy through the Public Service Commission and the regulation of utilities.