Week 19 Update
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Greetings Neighbors and Friends,
As mentioned in last week's newsletter, the House was called back by Governor McMaster to finish work that had been left undone due to both time constraints, and in my opinion, a lot of wasted time. Adjusting to the delay tactics of the political process has been very eye-opening, especially for a long-term business person like myself. This past week was an exercise in discipline and restraint as we listened for hours and hours to many completely irrational "amendments" that were in many if not most cases clearly proposed simply to delay the entire process as long as possible. No wonder most of us have so little confidence in government! Eventually, we were able to complete the task at hand.
🤰Significant Pro-Life Legislation PASSED to Protect the Unborn:
I am relieved to report that House Republicans passed the pro-life, "Fetal Heartbeat Bill" which restricts abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat and reinforces our unwavering dedication to uphold the most sacred and fundamental inalienable right—the right to life. The pressing need to address this issue became apparent as neighboring states recently implemented stricter abortion laws than the 22 weeks currently allowed in South Carolina. North Carolina, for example, approved a ban on most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, which would have left South Carolina as the most lenient state in the Southeast for abortions. Recognizing this urgency, a House panel hearing was convened two weeks ago to review S.474, the revised version of the "Fetal Heartbeat Bill" previously passed by the Senate.
After extensive deliberation during a special House Session that lasted over 25 hours, the bill was passed with a vote of 82-33, largely along party lines. This achievement underscores our resolute commitment to safeguarding the lives of the unborn and ensures that South Carolina does not remain an abortion destination state as we have been since the beginning of this year. The bill will now head back to the Senate, where I am cautiously optimistic that the 28 pro-life Senators who voted for the bill earlier this year will concur with the House and send it to the Governor for his signature.
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