THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA Primaries are set for June 14 and the General Election is November 1. The entire South Carolina General Assembly is up for re-election this year.
In accordance with state law, the South Carolina General Assembly adjourned sine die at 5 o'clock pm on Thursday, June 2.
S.1336 (The Sine Die Resolution) which was adopted by both the House and the Senate enables the General Assembly to return after sine die adjournment to work on the state budget, conference committee reports, and other items agreed on by both bodies. The dates for the General Assembly's return are June 15-22.
Since this is the second year of a two year session, bills that did not pass this session will not be carried over to the 2017 legislative session.
H.4521 (Tucker Hipps Transparency Act) was amended by the Senate and returned to the House for concurrence in the Senate amendments. The legislation passed both the House and Senate unanimously and has been enrolled for ratification. This legislation would require South Carolina colleges and universities to post online student organization conduct violations by fraternities and sororities involving alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault or hazing. No students' names or personal identifying information would be included in the online reports.
S.1177 (Licensure of Architects) was signed by the Governor and enacted into law. This legislation amends the architects practice act to allow Clemson University to offer the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure program to students who are interested in an alternative to the traditional path currently required by law. Clemson University is one of 14 universities in the country selected by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards for this inaugural national program.
S.1258 (Transportation Infrastructure) has been sent to the Governor after passage by both houses. The bill includes a 10-year $4.5 billion dollar transportation plan for major highways and bridges along with SCDOT governance changes. These changes would allow the governor to appoint all highway commissioners with the advice and consent of the Legislature, allow the board elect a transportation secretary, and limit commissioners to two four-year terms. From a funding perspective, the bill includes new recurring dollars from DMV fees and fines as well as the vehicle sales tax.
The Farm Aid legislation established an advisory board to advise the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in the administration of grant awards for farmers who suffered significant crop losses as a result of the heavy rains South Carolina experienced during the fall of 2015. Members of the advisory committee include: Martin Eubanks (ex-officio) - South Carolina Department of Agriculture Meredith Cleland - South Carolina Department of Revenue Dr. Kathy Coleman - Clemson University Dr. Delbert Foster - South Carolina State University Neal Baxley - South Carolina Farm Bureau representative Kelly Wiseman - ArborOne Farm Credit Matthew Flemming - Midland Agency Insurance Walter Dantzler - agricultural commodities representative.
The State Budget Process The budget conference report was adopted by the House and Senate and ratified on June 2. The budget has been sent to the Governor who has until Wednesday, June 8 to issue vetoes. For appropriations bills, the Governor has line item veto power.
The General Assembly will take up any gubernatorial vetoes associated with the budget when they return to Columbia June 15-22.
Detailed information on Clemson's state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2016-17 may be found at these links:
BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have potential impact on Clemson. A complete listing of these bills may be found here. Click on the bill number for a description of the legislation, along with the bill's current status.
CLEMSON ON CAPITOL HILL Legislative Activities of Interest This Week
Floor Activities
The House reconvenes tomorrow at 2:00 PM and is expected to consider measures under suspension of the rules. The House is scheduled to be in session through Friday, June 10.
Committee Activities Tuesday, June 7: Senate Appropriations
House Veterans' Affairs
Thursday, June 9:
Senate Appropriations
FYI
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