Dear Friends:
As certain as death and taxes, some folks will always bellyache about roads and potholes. Some of that is justified: if the roads you drive regularly are substandard, then seemingly ALL ROADS in SC are crappy.
That ignores the significant progress made since 2017, when the state gas tax was hiked by 12-cents over 6 years to help catch up on 30 years of backlogged road repairs.
ROAD FACTS: Since 2017, SCDOT has paved (or has under contract to pave) more than 10,000 miles of roads; repaired or replaced 470 bridges; improved more than 1,200 miles of rural roads, making them safer; and improved or widened 128 miles of interstates. SCDOT currently has $6.6 billion in contracted road work across the state, compared to about $1 billion 12 years ago.
Speeding Up Road Fixes
The bill to accelerate road construction in SC was unanimously passed by the House this week, promising significant benefits for drivers. This legislation (S.831) introduces optional Fast Pass-type toll lanes and streamlines the state’s environmental permitting process. That will expedite critical infrastructure projects from potentially 20 years under federal control to 3 years under state control.
Key provisions include SCDOT’s authority to implement optional tolls on newly constructed highway lanes, giving drivers a choice to bypass congestion. Those express lanes would be financed and constructed by private companies at no expense to taxpayers. The tolls are designed to fund the creation and operation of express lanes.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the DOT repair potholes within a week of their being reported, ensuring safer, smoother travel for all motorists.
Importantly, legislators decided against increasing fees for electric vehicle owners to address affordability concerns and
eliminated a provision that would have allowed cities and counties to buy back state roads by increasing local taxes.
By removing unnecessary bureaucratic layers, such as the oversight commission, and placing the SCDOT under the governor’s control, the bill aims to enhance efficiency. With robust support from both chambers, this initiative signals a commitment to improving SC’s infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population, ultimately benefiting all drivers on the road.
The Senate will review the changes the House made to its roads bill. It’s expected that the difference will be hashed out in a conference committee.
Strengthening SC’s DUI Law
Let’s start with this fact: South Carolina is #1 in drunk-driving fatalities per capita!
The legislature is closing in on overhauling laws against driving under the influence, with legislation bringing the biggest changes in decades to the state’s often loosely enforced DUI laws.
The priority is to come down harder on repeat offenders and make it more uncomfortable, even for first-time offenders. The deterrent must be significant to encourage people from getting behind the steering wheel after drinking alcohol.
This week, the House voted unanimously to approve S.52, a comprehensive DUI reform bill aimed at strengthening impaired driving laws. The bill was amended by the House before it was sent back to the Senate. Here are the key highlights:
- Strengthened Penalties: The House changes retain the Senate’s focus on increasing penalties for DUI and DUAC offenses, including a new felony DUI 2nd degree charge for impaired drivers causing moderate bodily injury. Adding this charge to our existing felony DUI law allows solicitors and judges to seek three different penalties depending on the harm an impaired driver causes another person.
- Expanded Offenses: New offenses for reckless driving resulting in bodily injury have been included, with provisions for sentence enhancements under child endangerment laws.
- Testing and Suspension Changes: The latest version proposes longer suspension periods for individuals refusing blood alcohol tests under implied consent laws, as well as for those testing with a BAC over .15.
- Restitution for Victims: A modified restitution process will support victims left permanently disabled by an impaired driver, particularly addressing income loss for those with minor children.
- Modernized Procedures: Updates include improved video recording requirements for traffic stops and blood testing protocols based on probable cause, adhering to a SC Supreme Court ruling.
- Ignition Interlock Devices: While not as extensive as the Senate’s proposal, the amendment mandates ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders with a BAC of .15 or higher.
- Educational Initiatives: The DMV and the Office of Substance Use Services will report on the potential costs of an educational program for new drivers, highlighting the impact of impaired driving.
This legislation represents a significant step towards enhancing road safety in South Carolina. It’s going to help law enforcement because they will have a clearer roadmap for what they need to do, and they will not be hamstrung in how they do their job. And if drivers are convicted, they will go without a license for a while, then drive with a restricted interlock device.
Curbing Convenience Store “Cocaine”
Kratom is unregulated in SC and is marketed for pain relief and mood enhancement. It’s potentially dangerous. It can be purchased at convenience stores as an infused energy drink and in other products and can lead to physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioids. Reactions can be severe and even death.
This week, the House passed legislation (H.4641) to amend the state’s-controlled substances laws, specifically adding kratom to Schedule I. Key provisions include a ban on selling kratom products to anyone under 21 and strict regulations for kratom processors and retailers. They will be prohibited from distributing products that are adulterated, contain harmful ingredients, or contain fully synthetic alkaloids. Additionally, compliance with labeling standards and residual solvent limits will be mandated. It also repeals the SC Kratom Consumer Protection Act.
The final vote on passage was 98-4 before it was sent to the Senate.
Heritage Act 2.0 Advances
This week, the SC House Judiciary Committee passed a bill to enhance and clarify the safekeeping of historic monuments in SC. The legislation (S.508) updates the 26-year-old law. The committee vote was 12-7 along party lines. It’s heading to the House floor for debate and a vote next week.
Investigation Requested
After constituent inquiries and preliminary discussions with potentially interested parties, I requested that four state agencies coordinate efforts to determine whether the finances and operations of the South Carolina State University Foundation (SCSUF) are appropriate and within the bounds of the law.
The Foundation (SCSUF), a separate nonprofit entity that financially supports South Carolina State University, is reportedly engaging in activities lacking transparency. There are concerns about how it handles funds donated to support the University. SCSUF has recently retained legal counsel, seemingly to evade inquiries and ensure compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established between the University and the Foundation. These activities may affect S.C. State’s standing in the academic community and with the public at large. (Read Request Letter)
Safeguarding Colleges & Universities
The House passed a bill (H.5504) aimed at curbing foreign influence in SC’s public colleges and universities. The legislation would prohibit public colleges and universities from soliciting or accepting gifts or travel from known foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations, as defined by the U.S. government. By establishing these regulations, SC seeks to protect its educational framework from potential foreign influence, fostering a secure and independent learning environment for students.
A Pinball WIN!
Alert for the pinball wizards: The SC Senate unanimously passed legislation that repeals the state law that makes it illegal for minors to play pinball.
This bill hits close to home. The Radioactive Pinball Arcade in the center of downtown Aiken is hugely popular, and they have had to jump through hoops to abide by this archaic law to ensure minors don’t play pinball. I cosponsored this bill (H.3020) during two legislative sessions and worked with Erin Edwards, who owns the Aiken arcade with her husband, Eric.
It’s a good day for pinball enthusiasts in South Carolina!
State House Highlights
National Champions!
On Thursday, the South Carolina House of Representatives honored NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
The USC-Aiken Polo Team — ranked #1 in the nation — defeated the Texas A&M Polo Team in March to capture the Division I National Championship, capping an undefeated season with a thrilling finish.
During my presentation of the team to the House, I said, “Champions Briana Jordan, Madison Jordan, and Winnie Branscum, under the leadership of Coach Parker Scott, have brought tremendous pride to USCA and the Palmetto State.”
A championship effort — and a season to remember.
Bringing Spring to South Carolina’s Capitol
Students from Ridge Spring-Monetta HS joined another successful day as members of the SC FFA Association gathered for their annual State House Plant Presentation Day.
An estimated 700 flats of flowers, carefully cultivated by students in agricultural education programs from across the Palmetto State, were presented during the event. Approximately 80 of the state’s 115 agriculture programs were represented, showcasing a strong statewide commitment to agricultural education and service.
The annual event not only showcases students’ horticultural skills but also reflects the impact of agricultural education across South Carolina
Celebrating Small Businesses
This is SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, and we welcomed a contingent of Aiken County’s small business representatives to the SC State House on Thursday. Small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy. My wife, Donna, and I have been entrepreneurs for decades. We get the struggle and satisfaction.
Looking Ahead…
Next Week in the House
The House will take its last whack at the State budget. It originally initiated the $15 billion spending plan. The Senate has amended it, and now it’s time for what is known as “H2” (House’s 2nd budget). That sets up conference committee negotiations to iron out differences.
Expected to be debated is legislation that would permit the over-the-counter sale of Ivermectin (H.4042) and legislation (S.508) to update the Heritage Act to protect monuments.
GOP Leaders Hold Line on Congressional Map
Following this week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing states to conduct Congressional redistricting, SC Republican leaders are hesitant to redraw congressional district lines this year. With the statewide primary elections approaching on June 9, and early voting starting in 24 days – time is tight. Attempts by the House Freedom Caucus to propose a new map failed, as leaders feared it might allow two Democrats to win seats in Congress instead of one, prioritizing stability over uncertain gains.
Speaking of Voting…
For the SC Primary Election, please keep these dates in mind:
- Primary: June 9th
- Early Voting Begins: May 26
- Last Day to register to vote: May 8
- Last Day to Request Absentee Ballot: May 11
Need more information. Check out the Elections Hub.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
As you may know, I’m retiring from the House of Representatives after 16 years of service. My term ends following the November General Election. I have always said that there were good people who held this position before me, and there will be even better people to follow me.
Meet Tommy Paradise, an Aiken County native, a lawman (25 years with Aiken Public Safety), Edgefield County Manager for 5 years, and currently the Planning Director for booming North Augusta. A sensible true Conservative.
https://www.tommyparadise.com/
