May 16, 2005

Week in Review

State

The House passed a bill authorizing increased funding for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
(H 3296) to maintain existing roads. The Senate is preparing to pass a similar bill but direct funds to the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB). Seems as if everyone agrees we need more funding for roads and bridges but can't decide if we need to build new roads or fix the ones we have. This major difference in legislation puts the odds of passage at somewhere between unlikely and impossible.

Minibottle legislation (H 3638, S 165) has passed both houses and could be finalized in the Conference Committee. Or not. Two issues have to be agreed upon: delivery and the availability of 1.75 liter bottles. The Senate legislation limits delivery to Class B's, while the House version allows both Class B's and wholesalers to deliver. Regardless of what is agreed upon, this legislation won’t take effect until 2006.

The S.C. Legislature passed a $5.8 billion budget and sent it to the governor. Many provisions of this year's budget could positively impact the Grand Strand. For the sake of tourism promotion, beach renourishment and I-73, let's hope the governor's veto pen gets a rest.

Federal

The Transportation Reauthorization bill (HR 3) is moving through the U.S. Senate with passage expected this week. By a wide margin, the U.S. Senate approved an amendment increasing this bill by an extra $11 billion. Before that becomes law, a joint Conference Committee will have to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions and then the president will have to sign the bill. At this time, it's anyone's guess as to whether or not the president will approve the bill or make it his first veto. This bill includes money specifically allocated to I-73 ($20 million) and the Southern Connector ($5 million).

Legislative Agenda (More Bill Tracking)

Bill Name	Summary of Bill	Chamber's Position	Status
State Legislation
Sale of Alcoholic Liquor
S 165 H 3638	>Bills pertaining to alcoholic liquors and beverages regulates liquor sales, distribution and tax.	The chamber supports these regulations.	Passed House and Senate; in Conference Committee
Tort Reform
S 83 H 3008	Various provisions of the Economic Development, Citizens and Small Business Protection Act of 2005, which provides diverse measures of tort reform. Includes various provisions relating to liability for damage, wrongful death; frivolous lawsuit sanctions; elimination of joint and several liability.	The chamber supports meaningful tort reform, including the amount of money spent on tort claims.	Passed Senate and House
Highway Funding
H 3296	Various measures to alter and/or increase state highway funding.	The chamber desires highway funding for new projects.	Referred to Ways and Means Committee
Federal Legislation
Surface Transportation Legislation
HR-3	Funds six-year reauthorization of highway bill.	The chamber supports this measure, which includes interstate funding.	Debating now; Senate passed amendment 76-22 to add $11 billion to bill
H-2B Visa
S352	Allows students previously working summer jobs to return to same employer.	The chamber supports this measure.	Passed House and Senate
Association Health Plans
HR 525 S 406	Allows nonprofit chambers and associations to sponsor and offer health plans	The chamber supports these bills	Passed House subcommittee; sent to Senate subcommittee

Hit or Miss

Hit to Grand Strand delegation for supporting the passage of minibottle legislation. It is unfortunate that no Grand Strand legislators are on the Conference Committee but we trust their opinions will be heard.

Hit to S.C. House and Senate for providing additional funds for tourism promotion; some of the money could be used to promote the Grand Strand. Let's hope the governor likes this as much as we do.

Hit to Rep. Alan Clemmons for proposing an advisory referendum for a statewide uniform school start date, which is similar to that proposed in the Senate.