House and Senate members met in session on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and continued debate on bills on their calendars. The House Ways and Means Committee continued work on the state budget, senators debated bills on the calendar and the House of Representatives stayed late on Wednesday evening to debate a bill related to gender transition procedures and medications.
House Judiciary Liquor Liability Ad Hoc Committee hears testimony
Members of the House Judiciary Committee formed an ad hoc committee to hear testimony about the liquor liability issue affecting restaurants and bars in the state. The SC Department of Insurance, hospitality groups, restaurant owners, attorneys and representatives from the South Carolina Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers each gave testimony to the subcommittee members. The subcommittee adjourned for the afternoon session of the House of Representatives after an hour and a half of testimony. No action was taken by the subcommittee.
For questions about the liquor liability hearing, contact Erica Wright (ewright@masc.sc) at 803.354.4793.
Stay in Touch
The Municipal Association legislative team is on Twitter. Follow Joannie Nickel (@JoannieMuniSC) and 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 Finance Sales and Income Tax subcommittee
H3951 – Enacts the Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act – favorable report as amended. The amendment removes deed stamp language from the bill.
Summary of the bill as introduced: Creates a committee that will identify and provide permanent protection to strategically located working farmland properties.
Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee
S915 – Creates the Executive Office of Health and Policy – the subcommittee heard a report but did not take action on the bill.
Summary of the bill as introduced: Creates the Executive Office of Health and Policy to include departments on public health, aging and intellectual disabilities.