What's New
The Senate had a very short week before adjourning on Wednesday for Easter Break. They will return on Tuesday, April 14th. The House of Representatives was out all week and will also return on April 14th.
Some bills of interests that were passed this week include:
S.183 – Human Trafficking
S.320 – Comprehensive Health Education Program
S.426 – Mental Health Court Program
S.427 – Jobs Tax Credit, Agricultural Operation
S.437 – James B. Edwards Civics Education Initiative
Top News Articles
Volvo confirms plans to build U.S. manufacturing plant
Volvo Cars has confirmed it plans to build a $500 million manufacturing facility in the United States. Read more.
Plan provides private-school choice for most SC students
More than 70 percent of South Carolina’s 700,000 public-school students would qualify for the state’s private school-choice program if a state House-passed plan becomes law. Read more.
Prosecutors to soon have more investigative abilities in human trafficking cases
Prosecutors will soon have more tools in the fight against human trafficking. Read more.
SC law similar to controversial Indiana law
South Carolina’s Religious Freedom Act is a little-known law that is not substantially different from the new Indiana law, said Columbia attorney Malissa Burnette, who has worked on discrimination and civil rights cases. Read more.
Lawmakers divided over how to remove SC State board
The current S.C. State University board continues to work as the S.C. House and Senate remain divided on how to replace trustees at the financially struggling school. Read more.
SC child welfare caseworkers overloaded in many counties
Months after legislative hearings and critical reports on high child welfare caseloads at the state Department of Social Services, 15 percent of caseworkers are handling 50 or more children each, the agency’s new director told senators today. Read more.
Bill outlawing most abortions after 20 weeks advances
A bill that bans and criminalizes abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy advanced Wednesday in the Senate. Read more.
Bills would ban SC businesses from discriminating against gays
Democratic lawmakers want to make it illegal for S.C. businesses to deny services to customers based on their sexual orientation. Read more.
Newly Introduced Legislation
EDUCATION:
S. 640 Lourie: TO CREATE THE HIGHER EDUCATION SAFE CAMPUS AND COLLEGE EXPERIENCE TASK FORCE
JUDICIAL:
S. 639 Hutto: TO ENACT THE "UNIFORM ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ACT"
