S.474 introduces various changes to existing state legislation, including requirements for testing for a fetal heartbeat before performing an abortion, enhanced informed consent provisions, and exceptions for medical emergencies, sexual assault, and fatal fetal anomalies. The bill also addresses penalties for violations and encompasses provisions related to state funds, health insurance coverage, and child support. This momentous step in protecting the sanctity of life reflects our unwavering dedication to the pro-life cause and upholding the principles entrusted to us by the citizens of South Carolina.
🏁 Ratification ➡️ Governor’s Desk ➡️ State Law:
The final stop for legislation is ratification and receipt of the Governor’s signature. This week several bills were enrolled for ratification, and many were signed by the governor, marking the culmination of months of dedicated efforts to pass robust legislation that will positively impact South Carolinians.
Enrolled for Ratification
S.399 - DHEC Restructuring
H.3726 - Statewide Education and Workforce Development Act
S.284 - Workforce Housing
Signed by the Governor
S.164 - CON Repeal
S.363 - ‘Carolina Squat’ Ban
H.3797 - Military Temporary Remote School Enrollment Act
H.4122 - Administration of Lifesaving Medication in Schools
H.3583 - Sexual Extortion ‘Gavin’s Law’ - Rep. Brandon Guffey invited all of us that are his fellow Freshman to the signing since we have stood by his side and were co-sponsors to the bill. We all continued to wear the <3 pin throughout the entire year in solidarity for when the Governor would complete the task. I am very honored to be a part of this group that helped our friend and colleague turn a terrible tragedy into a triumph because he may prevent other families from facing something similar.
Upcoming:
The House will reconvene the week after next to finalize the 2023-2024 budget, which is currently in conference committee, and address other important outstanding legislation including S.96, the Safe Boating Bill.
Around the District and Mount Pleasant:
Last week we welcomed the Lucy Beckham State Champion Boys' Lacrosse team to the State House! Like the other high schools in Mount Pleasant, this was the Bengals' first visit to be honored at our State's Capitol, but at least in this case with the school being only a few years old, it was more timely. Under the leadership of Coach Parker Ferrigan, the Beckham Boys beat the Christ Church Episcopal School of Greenville team for the second year in a row to capture their second State Champion Title. This was the very first year for the team to have any seniors, so we wanted to have them visit Columbia before they graduated. While our other high schools in Mount Pleasant have continued to capture more state championships, they agreed that having just been up for a visit recently, we would schedule a trip next January to honor this spring's achievements.
With the likelihood of only one more week up in Columbia this year, I want to offer anyone who is interested the opportunity to purchase an SC and/or American flag that has been flown over the State Capitol before we adjourn. If you would like a flag, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, please let me know as soon as possible. The State flag is still available for $25, and the American flag is now priced at $27. Please send me an email at KathyLanding@SCHouse.gov, and include the name you would like on the certificate as well as your address and phone number. On the subject of flags, I have a correction to last week's newsletter. The Oronce Family of Park West was featured, but I accidentally referenced that Mr. and Mrs. Oronce are both nurses at MUSC: whereas, in fact they both work at our wonderful Ralph Johnson VA Medical Center. My apologies to the Oronce Family, and thank you again for your hospitality and patriotic comments when I delivered your flags.
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Warmest Regards,
Kathy