House and Senate members met in regular session this week. The Senate worked through bills on the calendar approving the municipal financial compilation legislation, while the House of Representatives passed its version of bond reform.
Senate approves municipal financial compilation legislation
The Senate gave S31 second reading on Tuesday by a vote of 40 – 0 and a unanimous third reading on Wednesday. S31 is the bill that gives cities and towns with less than $500,000 in total revenues the option of providing a compilation of financial statements instead of a full audit. Next, the bill goes to the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee for debate.
The Municipal Association included the permitting of financial statements for smaller cities in its 2023 – 2024 Advocacy Initiatives.
For information about this bill, contact Erica Wright (ewright@masc.sc) at 803.354.4793.
Hate crimes bill passes committee
The House Judiciary Committee gave H3014 a favorable report on Tuesday. The bill, named the Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act, creates additional penalties for people who commit certain crimes when the victim was intentionally selected based on certain factors. The bill is now on the House calendar for debate by the full House of Representatives.
The Municipal Association included hate crimes legislation in its 2023 – 2024 Advocacy Initiatives.
For information about this bill, contact Scott Slatton (sslatton@masc.sc) at 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.
From the Dome to your Home podcast
The Municipal Association has launched another podcast, dedicated only to legislative information. The From the Dome to your Home podcast podcast offers more guests, more insight and more legislative information all year round. Enjoy both City Quick Connect for municipal information and project highlights and From the Dome to Your Home for everything legislative.
House Judiciary Committee
H3682 – Outlines hearing procedures for ordering the cost of care of seized animals after the arrest of the owner – favorable report as amended by the subcommittee.
Summary of the bill as introduced: Outlines hearing procedures for ordering the cost of care of seized animals after the arrest of the owner.
House Labor, Commerce and Industry Public Utilities subcommittee
H3782 – Amends the definition of video service in relation to franchise authority – favorable report as amended. The amendment clarifies that content delivered over the internet is not subject to franchise fees.
Summary of the bill as introduced: Amends the definition of video service in relation to franchise authority to include direct to satellite and streaming services.
Senate Medical Affairs Committee
S445 – Requires the SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services to approve a credentialing entity to develop a voluntary certification program for recovery housing – favorable report
Summary of the bill as introduced: Requires the SC DAODAS to approve a credentialing entity to develop a voluntary certification program for recovery housing.