Week 21 Update
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Overview:
This past week we were called back to the House on Wednesday with the expectation of reviewing several bills that had been in the Senate or Conference Committee, as well as to debate and vote on a budget. The last-minute surprise was that several of the conference committee meetings were cancelled by the Senate, and the budget impasse that had been publicized was still ongoing. Ultimately, we were able to get several very important bills passed so they can now go to the Governor for signing into law.
Cracking Down on Fentanyl Dealers:
It's hard to believe that even though we passed H.3503, Trafficking in Fentanyl early in the session this year, it has taken all this time for the Senate to debate and vote on this bill and finally get it back to the House with some amendments. The House quickly voted to concur with the Senate's amendments, then took a roll call vote of the members. The bill passed unanimously, although a number of members did not vote at all on this critical bill to protect our communities from this scourge. I texted my neighbor and new friend Kat Orr to let her know to be sure to watch as we got close to voting, and was so relieved and thrilled that this finally passed. She is the mother I met while out door knocking whose daughter was poisoned by fentanyl. For all the families who have suffered such tremendous loss, and fought so hard to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy, please know we are very glad to get this done. Next year we will work hard to get Drug-Induced Homicide passed as well.
Safe Boating on the Waters in SC:
When we left the House Chambers duri ng the regular session period on May 11th, I was very concerned and upset that we were unable to finish passing S.96, the Safe Boating bill. One House Member had managed to filibuster and delay as long as possible, causing this critical legislation to be put off for many weeks. Just imagine if the SC House of Representatives were to pass a bill saying that anyone at any age, even a 12 or 14 year old, can drive a car without any Drivers' Ed training or a license. You'd think we had lost our minds! But that is exactly how SC laws are for steering a boat under current law. It's insane, and it's why there have been so many horrific, deadly accidents in our state on the water. I am so relieved to say that on Wednesday, the House concurred with the Senate's removal of a ridiculous amendment from the aforementioned House member, and voted to pass S.96 on to the Governor to sign. A simple 6 hour course that can be taken online and is free from some providers will teach boaters the basic "rules of the road" and other essentials for navigating our waters more safely. I took such a course through the US Power Squadron when I was 11, and although I have been involved in boating my whole life, took the adult version in my 20's in order to join the Power Squadron. It is easy, enjoyable, and over time will greatly reduce tragic accidents on the water. To phase it in gradually, the new law starts with only people born after July 1, 2007.
Thank you to Sen Chip Campsen for sponsoring this much-needed bill. Thank you also to the Kiser's, the Smith's, and all the other families who lost loved ones to terrible boating accidents for staying strong, courageous, and making sure we got this done!
Making Adoption an Easier and Quicker Process:
This year we prioritized helping parents who want to adopt have an easier time of it, and providing women who may not be able to raise a child but want to give her baby a chance at life a more streamlined option. There were six bills in all, and the last one, H.3553 passed on Wednesday. This bill eliminates the mandatory 90 day waiting period in order to finalize an adoption. We will be working on many other measures next year to support families who want to adopt a child, and women who have to make a hard choice, but want what's best for their babies even when they can't raise them on their own.
Looking Ahead:
It appears that last week's budget impasse had a breakthrough on Thursday, so we are once again called back to Columbia this coming Wednesday. There are more bills coming back from the Conference Committee as well, so hopefully we will get a lot done this week. After this, it is possible we would only be called back again if the Governor vetoes any of the bills or parts of the budget.
Around the District and Mount Pleasant:
Many of you saw my offer to own a flag that has been flown over the State Capitol, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and have taken advantage of this. With this being potentially our last week in Columbia until January, please let me know if you would like a South Carolina and/or an American Flag so I can pick these up while I'm there. Sending me an email to my State House address is best (KathyLanding@SCHouse.gov). Be sure to include what name you want on the Certificate. I still have two SC flags at the original price of $25, but after these are gone the price was increased to $32. If you already ordered but haven't received yours yet, it is at the original price. Also, American flags are now $29 each.
Thank you to Mike Shuler and the Mount Pleasant Rotary for inviting me the Wednesday before last as their guest speaker for their lunch meeting. It was great to meet many of the members and share some of the work we have been getting done in the House for our citizens. Rotary is well-known as a tremendous service organization that tries to stay out of the political arena, so I offered highlights of what we have been working on while respectfully keeping the discussion as non-partisan as possible. We had several more people sign up for our newsletter. If you need a speaker for your club or organization, please feel free to reach out to me.
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Warmest Regards,
Kathy
Representative Kathy Landing
South Carolina State House District 80