The House of Representatives was on furlough this week and did not meet in statewide session, nor in committee or subcommittee. The Senate met in regular session and worked through bills on the calendar.
Tobacco flavoring up for debate in the Senate
S414, the bill that prohibits municipalities from enacting laws, ordinances or rules pertaining to ingredients and flavors of cigarettes or e-cigarettes, was given priority status for debate on the Senate calendar. Because it failed to get the number of votes to be placed in special order status on the calendar, it received the number of votes necessary under a Senate rule to be debated, although it remains on the contested calendar.
This bill allows cities and towns to continue to control zoning and grandfathers in cities and towns that have current ordinances that pertain to ingredients and flavors of tobacco. The Senate plans to debate this bill next week.
For more information on this bill, contact Scott Slatton (sslatton@masc.sc) or 803.933.1203.
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 Finance Committee
S284 – Allows state and local accommodations and hospitality taxes to be used for the development of workforce housing – favorable report
Summary of the bill as introduced: Allows state and local accommodations and hospitality taxes to be used for the development of workforce housing.
Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources subcommittee
S456 – Outlines the hearing procedures for ordering the cost of care of seized animals after an owner arrest – favorable report
Summary of the bill as introduced: Outlines the hearing procedures for ordering the cost of care of seized animals after an owner arrest.
Senate Banking and Insurance subcommittee
S544 – Allows insurers to post an insurance policy or endorsement on their website – favorable report
Summary of the bill as introduced: Allows insurers to post an insurance policy or endorsement on their website if certain conditions are met.
Senate Transportation subcommittee
S611 – Enacts the Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Act – the subcommittee did not take action on the bill.
Summary of the bill as introduced: Creates a peer-to-peer car sharing program and outlines the liability and insurance requirements for the program.