The Senate met in special session on Tuesday to debate and concur on House amendments to an abortion bill and take up other pending legislation and gubernatorial vetoes. When the Senate adjourned on Tuesday, members agreed to meet at the call of the president. The House of Representatives met briefly on Wednesday and when they adjourned, members agreed to meet at the call of the speaker.
From previous indications shared from the floor of the House and Senate, both chambers plan to return to Columbia in special session at some time next week to continue work on the state budget and other pending legislation.
Governor vetoes municipal audit bill, Senate overrides the veto
Gov. Henry McMaster vetoed S31, the bill that allows 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.
The bill also includes language that shifts the responsibility of collecting county audits from the state’s comptroller general to the state treasurer and allows the treasurer to grant a 90-day extension to counties that show probable cause for an extension.
The Senate voted unanimously on Tuesday to override the veto. Next, the House will vote on the veto.
The Municipal Association included the permitting of financial statements for smaller cities in its 2023 – 2024 Advocacy Initiatives.
For questions about the financial compilation legislation, contact Erica Wright (ewright@masc.sc) at 803.354.4793.
No budget conference report yet
House and Senate members could not agree on a version of the state budget, so a budget conference committee was appointed. Budget conferees are Sens. Peeler, Alexander and Setzler as well as Reps. Bannister, Herbkersman and Weeks. The conference committee did not meet this week. Both the House and Senate approved a continuing resolution to keep state government operating at last fiscal year’s levels in the event that the legislature doesn’t approve a new budget.
For questions about the budget conference report, contact Joannie Nickel (jnickel@masc.sc) at 803.354.4794.
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 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.