Today is the first day of the 117th South Carolina General Assembly. It is the start of a two-year session, which means any bills introduced last year that failed to win approval would have to be reintroduced this year. The bill would have two years to make it through both houses and onto the governor's desk.

The legislature typically meets Tuesday through Thursday until the first Thursday in June.

WHO'S YOUR REPRESENTATIVE?

Find out the House and Senate districts you're in by checking your voter registration card or calling the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration at 470-3753.

n Sen. Clementa Pinckney, D-Ridgeland, District 45

Business: (843) 726-6019; Home: (843) 726-3849; Columbia: (803) 212-6056

n Sen. Scott Richardson, R-Hilton Head Island, District 46

Business: (843) 363-5000; Home: (843) 363-5000; Columbia: (803) 212-6040

n Rep. Curtis Brantley, D-Ridgeland, District 122

Home: (843) 726-5998; Columbia: (803) 734-2965

n Rep. Catherine Ceips, R-Beaufort, District 124

Home: (843) 524-2020; Columbia: (803) 734-3261

n Rep. Richard Chalk Jr., R-Hilton Head Island, District 123

Business: (843) 816-7988; Home (843) 842-5985; Columbia: (803) 734-3067

n Rep. Bill Herbkersman, R-Bluffton, District 118

Business: (843) 757-7900; Home: (843) 757-5424; Columbia: (803) 734-3063

n Rep. Kenneth Hodges, D-Walterboro; District 121

Business: (843) 525-9006; Home: (843) 844-8756; Columbia: (803) 734-3062

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

Top priority in Columbia this year likely will be Gov. Mark Sanford's proposed $6.5 billion spending plan that includes a $205 million income tax break and $92 million in spending cuts.

Legislators also are expected to look at an increase in the state's 7-cent cigarette tax, which is the lowest in the country.

The average state cigarette tax is 96 cents a pack.

Several groups are gearing up for a fight over takings legislation expected to hit the floor this year. If proposed, the bill would require the government to compensate landowners if laws or regulations devalue their property. Landowners say the proposal protects property rights, though conservation groups say it would limit the ability to enforce environmental rules.

Other bills expected to gain interest in the Lowcountry are:

A proposal to create stronger protections for isolated wetlands;

A plan that requires permits for major surface water withdrawals from state rivers; and

A proposal to form a study panel that would review the effects of offshore oil drilling.

CHECK BACK:

Starting Saturday, The Gazette will publish weekly roundups of the legislative session.