June 15, 2005
2005 a Great Year for Pro-Business Legislation
The 2005 legislative session started strong with intense debate on rules that significantly impacted the way the South Carolina Senate would operate. It ended equally strong with several key pieces of legislation passed during the waning days of the session. Despite a record number of vetoes and strong opposition to important bills, the Grand Strand faired quite well during this legislative session. It was, without a doubt, one of the best ever for our area's interests. Nearly every chamber legislative priority was passed in some form or fashion. Here are some highlights:
Highway Funding was passed on the last day of the legislative session. This bill redirects funds back to the Highway Fund and generates nearly $70 million annually after a multiyear phase-in. The funds generated will be split between maintenance of existing roads and construction of new roads. This amount is not enough to bring our roads and bridges to acceptable standards, but it's a good start.
Tort Reform passed after several failed attempts in previous years. South Carolina's tort system was ranked by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as one of the worst in the nation. Meaningful tort reform will help protect South Carolina businesses and reinforce the reputation of South Carolina as a pro-business state. This legislation caps noneconomic damages in medical malpractice claims, limits liability for homebuilders and construction companies, eliminates some joint and several liability provisions and adds sanctions against frivolous lawsuits.
Small Business Tax Relief passed early in the session. A reduction of the income tax rate for small businesses from 7 percent to 5 percent over four years was agreed upon. This savings to small businesses will enable owners and operators to invest more into their business and/or the local economy.
Education and Economic Development reform was passed benefiting South Carolina students and businesses. This comprehensive set of legislative directives organizes educational electives around career clusters, helping prepare students for future careers. This legislation also enhances educators' professional development alternatives, improves guidance counseling and addresses the needs of students who are likely to drop out of school.
International Trade Center funding was secured during the final week of the session. Despite the governor's veto, the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the legislation, enabling the city of Myrtle Beach to compete for those funds, which could be used to secure the land needed for future expansion of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
Tourism Promotion was boosted by an additional $4 million allocated for tourism promotion, including $1 million for international marketing.
Transfer of Prescriptions across state lines is now permissible. This will benefit thousands of visitors each year, who have to visit our local emergency rooms to get new prescriptions written if they run out of their prescriptions while on vacation.
What They Said
''It's unfortunate that the South Carolina House of Representatives did not have a meaningful debate on education. While we accomplished a lot of feats that every South Carolinian should be proud of such as tort reform and income tax cuts, we are missing the 600 pound gorilla in the room that affects every negative aspect of society: education.''
- Rep. Thad Viers
''I am satisfied with the progress that we've made and I hope my constituents will reap some benefits from my service.''
- Rep. Nelson Hardwick
''The 2005 session of the General Assembly produced historic legislation that will finally allow South Carolina to cease being the last state in the nation to mandate the pouring of the country's stiffest drinks when restaurants get the option to use free pour starting Jan. 1. The travel and tourism industry did extremely well in this year's state budget with millions of new dollars being directed to advertising, promotion, educational programs, beach renourishment and tourist facilities.''
- Tom Sponseller, CEO of the Hospitality Association of South Carolina
''2005 has been a win for the South Carolina business community and South Carolina residents through the South Carolina Legislature. We successfully passed measures that will attract new business to South Carolina and provide existing businesses with numerous benefits, including small business tax cuts and tort reform. The pro-business legislation passed this year will catapult South Carolina into the forefront of attracting new business and creating an environment for existing businesses to flourish. Our tourism industry will directly benefit by our efforts to increase tourism promotion, allow free pour and permit prescriptions to be transferred across state lines, enabling visitors to spend more time in our businesses and on our beaches and less time in our emergency rooms. My Silverscript proviso to the budget will benefit Grand Strand residents by delivering $13 million of prescription drug assistance to 25,000 South Carolina senior citizens. All in all, it's been a great year for South Carolina and the Grand Strand.''
- Rep. Alan Clemmons
''The Senate had one of its most productive years in passing tort reform, liquor legislation, casino boat options, tax cuts for small businesses and other important legislation. We also were able to assist in the funding of beach renourishment and the International Trade Center. I would like to thank everyone for allowing me the privilege of representing them.''
- Sen. Ray Cleary
Legislative Agenda (More Bill Tracking)
| Bill Name | Summary of Bill | Chamber's Position | Status |
| State Legislation | |||
| Sale of Alcoholic Liquor | |||
| Bills pertaining to alcoholic liquors and beverages regulates liquor sales, distribution and tax. |  The chamber supports these regulations. |
Passed | |
| 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. |
|
Passed |
| Highway Funding | |||
| H 3296 | Various measures to alter and/or increase state highway funding. |  The chamber desires highway funding for new projects. |
Passed |
| Federal Legislation | |||
| Surface Transportation Legislation | |||
| HR-3 | Funds six-year reauthorization of highway bill. | The chamber supports this measure, which includes interstate funding. |
Passed House and Senate; referred to Conference Committee |
| H-2B Visa | |||
| S352 | Allows students previously working summer jobs to return to same employer. | The chamber supports this measure. |
Passed |
| 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 |