Criminal Law

  • H.4383 – Additional fine if driver is holding cell phone during traffic violation, revenue goes to Dept. of Public Safety to fund distracted driving campaign
  • H.4386 – Impersonating a driver of ridesharing service is evidence of attempted kidnapping
  • H.4400 – Increasing the amount of time a perpetrator of a violent crime who has been denied parole must wait for a new hearing from 2 to 5 years
  • H.4417 – Firing squad as option for carrying out death penalty
  • S.736 – Amends definition of voyeurism, stipulates that if victim is a minor, the charge is a felony

Civil Law

  • H.4381 –  Person who has passed a federally sanctioned commercial driver license (CDL) examination can be assumed to be qualified to drive commercial vehicles in a civil trial, in order to protect the employer for liability of negligence in hiring and some other civil claims.

Government Structure and Reform

  • H.4382 – Creating a State Surgeon General to advise Governor on addressing health risks and promoting healthy lifestyles, includes a supporting committee
  • H.4389Allows counties to use taxes, tolls, and bond revenue to fund mass transit system
  • H.4397 – Special front and back license plate for rideshare drivers
  • H.4399 – Increasing term limits for Aeronautic Commission members from one to two terms
  • H.4418 – Creating a “Displaced State Employee Readjustment Fund” and gives first priority for new state jobs if an agency or “quasi-agency” is sold
  • H.4419 – A study by Dept. of Admin. must be completed on Santee Cooper sale before they can sell it and the legislature pledges to provide relief for areas affected
  • S.730 – Study committee to analyze connecting mass transit from NC to SC

Taxing and Spending

  • H.4385 – Extending tax exemption for city housing authorities
  • H.4401 – Certain number of highway contracts must be awarded to disadvantaged minorities
  • H.4402 – Allows for property tax refund if taxes were overpaid under certain conditions
  • H.4412 – Allows local taxation above the lawful limits for certain counties if used for education capital improvements
  • H.4413 – Resolution allowing the state to fund recurring expenses if the FY19-20 budget does not pass by July 1

Elections

  • H.4384 – Adds two voting precincts for Jasper County
  • H.4411 – Resetting voting precincts in Horry County
  • H.4416 – Political parties may charge candidates fees, requires past participation in party primaries to run for office as party member, party chairman has final authority over dispute

Regulatory Bills

  • H.4380 – Ridesharing vehicles must display illuminated sign with company’s logo, in addition to other existing requirements
  • H.4390 – Allowing DOT to sell year long permits to advertise on benches
  • H.4391 – DMV may add special notation to vehicle registration for disabled persons
  • H.4398 – Reducing time a person has to live in a county in order to run for coroner position
  • H.4405 – Requiring ridesharing services to confirm through electronic pin code that rider has the correct car
  • H.4415 – Allows for home delivery of alcohol
  • S.738 – Sweeping regulations for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology

Education

  • H.4403 – School districts must adhere to bullying requirements promulgated by State Board of Education, broadens definition of bullying to include interfering with student’s educational performance
  • H.4404 – Military members with relevant experience get expedited accreditation as nurses
  • H.4414 – Dual Enrollment is offered to all students and the lottery assistance for it
  • S.735 –  Abolishing the Clarendon County Board of Education, powers transferred to county election commission and school districts

Individual Rights

  • S.731Licensed gun dealers must may not sell firearm until they receive results of background check, or five days have passed

 

Past weeks:

By South Carolina Policy Council

Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.