House and Senate members met in regular session this week. Senators wrapped up debate on the education savings account bill and adopted legislation on the repeal of certificates of need for medical centers. The House of Representatives debated and passed fentanyl legislation, and continued work in subcommittee and committee on the state budget.
Fentanyl legislation advances
Fentanyl trafficking legislation continues to advance both in the House of Representatives and Senate. On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed two fentanyl bills out favorably to the full Senate for debate. S1, sponsored by Sen. Thomas Alexander (R-Oconee) creates the offense of fentanyl-induced homicide and S153, sponsored by Sen. Tom Young (R-Aiken) adds an offense for trafficking fentanyl. Next, the full Senate will debate these two bills.
The full House of Representatives debated and passed H3503 this week with subcommittee and committee amendments included. H3503 is sponsored by Rep. Doug Gilliam (R-Laurens) and creates an offense for trafficking fentanyl. There was one amendment adopted on the floor that includes mandatory minimum sentences in the legislation. Next, this bill goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee for debate.
The Municipal Association included increased penalties for fentanyl trafficking in its 2023 – 2024 Advocacy Initiatives.
For questions about fentanyl legislation, contact Erica Wright (ewright@masc.sc) at 803.354.4793.
Stay in Touch
The Municipal Association legislative team is on Twitter. Follow Scott Slatton (@ScottMuniSC), Joannie Nickel (@JoannieMuniSC) and Erica Wright (@EricaMuniSC) for updates from the State House. Also follow the Association at @MuniAssnSC.
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Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Regulatory and Local Government subcommittee
S436 – Establishes the Heirs' Property Commission to address the legal and economic issues associated with heirs' property – favorable report
Summary of the bill as introduced: Establishes the Heirs' Property Commission to address the legal and economic issues associated with heirs' property