State senators introduced 21 new bills as the legislature rushes toward the “crossover deadline” of May 1 when it becomes much more difficult for bills to be considered by both chambers. In the House, representatives introduced 69 bills. Of interest this week:
IN THE SENATE
Leatherman portrait. S. 1220 (Peeler) is a resolution to authorize a portrait of President Pro Tempore Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, to be placed in the Senate chamber.
Health insurance. S. 1221 (Davis) seeks to enact the “S.C. Right to Shot for Health Insurance Act,” to require health insurance carriers to provide shared savings incentives programs, with many provisions.
Roads. S. 1228 (Leatherman) would change state law on how the state could spend money on roads, with many provisions. S. 1237 (Leatherman) is related to how road fees can be used.
Wheel weights. S. 1231 (Turner) calls for prohibition of the use of lead wheel weights for balancing tires, with several provisions.
IN THE HOUSE
Safe harbor. H. 5172 (Fry) seeks to enact a “safe harbor” to protect exploited minors, with several provisions.
Transportation. H. 5191 (Putnam) seeks a constitutional amendment to allow voters to choose a Secretary of Transportation. H. 5204 (Hill) seeks to get rid of the state Highway Commission and place the department under the secretary, with several provisions. H. 5205 (Putnam) seeks to change the appointment of the secretary and make several internal changes to the agency, with many provisions.
Beverage recycling. H. 5207 (Pope) seeks to require deposits for beverage containers that can be redeemed upon recycling, with several provisions.
Higher ed bonds. H. 5217 (White) seeks to authorize bonded indebtedness to pay for higher education building projects.
Abortion. H. 5227 (Clary) seeks to change definitions related to abortion law, disallow abortions after 18 weeks, with exceptions and other provisions.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!