South Carolina Legislative Session Approaches Final Days
As the South Carolina legislative session nears its conclusion, lawmakers are scrambling to finalize key issues before the calendar runs out. WFAE’s Marshall Terry spoke with Maayan Schechter from South Carolina Public Radio about the significant developments and unresolved matters at the statehouse in Columbia.
During this first year of a two-year session, a notable achievement includes the passage of a bill to consolidate three healthcare agencies aimed at improving coordination and communication—a primary concern raised by Governor Henry McMaster. This reform highlights an ongoing commitment to better healthcare management for South Carolinians.
However, several pressing issues remain unresolved. A controversial state treasurer issue has captured headlines, particularly following a $1.8 billion accounting error linked to the treasurer’s office. The state Senate voted to remove Treasurer Curtis Loftis, who failed to disclose the error promptly, though the House has yet to address the matter as the session winds down.
In addition to the treasurer’s complexities, lawmakers are engaged in a contentious debate over tort reform. The Senate has advanced a wide-ranging tort reform package addressing various sectors, while the House’s narrower focus on liquor liability has led to a legislative standoff. The governor and both chambers acknowledge the urgency of these reforms, yet a compromise remains elusive.
Attention is also on other critical legislation, including an energy capacity bill and ongoing budget disputes within the Republican majority. As legislators make their final moves in the closing days, the fate of several remaining bills, including those concerning gambling and income tax, hangs in the balance.
With just days left in the session, the South Carolina legislature faces significant decisions that could shape the state’s governance for the coming year.
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