S.C. Legislature

The 10th week of the legislative session:

Government restructuring

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill Wednesday that would shift or merge the responsibilities of some state agencies. Lawmakers shot down another restructuring bill last week that would have eliminated elections for some constitutional officers. The second bill would move the guardian ad litem program for troubled children from the governor's office to the state attorney general's office and would make the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services a standalone agency.

Economic development

The General Assembly overrode Gov. Mark Sanford's veto on a bill that lets the state borrow up to $500 million for college research and economic development projects. Sanford said he vetoed the bill to protect "the taxpayers of South Carolina from politically driven, pork barrel spending."

The bill also makes the University of South Carolina-Sumter a four-year campus. Sanford on Thursday said he was considering suing the Legislature over the measure, which he says is unconstitutional because it includes bills about more than one subject.

Sanford taxes

The House approved a proposal from Gov. Mark Sanford to lower the state income tax. The bill would lower the tax to 4.75 percent from 7 percent. The measure also would cut the state's top income tax rate by 0.225 percent in each of the next 10 years, with future decreases dependent on the Board of Economic Advisors.

Sanford-PPP

Gov. Mark Sanford appointed an Orangeburg businessman to lead the Probation, Pardon and Parole Department. Samuel Glover, a retired U.S. Marine, serves as director of youth services for the South Carolina Air National Guard. Sanford said he appointed Glover because he would run the department like a business and watch the bottom line for taxpayers.

Gay marriage

The South Carolina House approved a bill to prevent local governments from extending health and other benefits to same-sex couples and would strengthen current laws banning same-sex unions. The bill defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman and would not recognize same-sex marriages from other states.

Party switch

State Sen. Luke Rankin of Myrtle Beach will switch to the Republican Party. Rankin, who has served as a Democrat since 1993, said he could best serve his Horry County constituents if he were a member of the majority party. Rankin's switch gives the GOP a 27-19 margin in the Senate.

Tattoo bill

The House will reconsider a bill to legalize tattooing after lawmakers voted last month to send it back to committee. The bill prohibits minors or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol from receiving a tattoo and would require training and regulation for tattooists. The Senate already approved the bill.

Cancer plates

A House subcommittee approved a bill to create special license plates for breast cancer awareness. The American Cancer Society would decide on the emblem, seal and symbol for the plate. The tag's $30 special fee would support cancer society programs.

Military-schools

The military would get a voice on the state Board of Education under a bill given second reading in the House. The measure would ask the governor to appoint a military representative to the board as a nonvoting member. The current 17-member panel is a mix of mostly business leaders and educators from across the state. The Education Department is open to the idea, spokesman Jim Foster said.

Stillbirth certificate

The Senate approved a bill that would allow women who have stillborn babies in South Carolina to receive a state certificate. The bill says a certificate may be issued for stillbirths that come after at least 20 weeks of pregnancy. The certificate would not be required, but those requesting it could get one from the Department of Health and Environmental Control. DHEC officials said it would be something between a death certificate and a birth certificate.

Speaker Wilkins

House Speaker David Wilkins is seeking a 13th consecutive term for his District 24 seat. Wilkins was the first Republican to hold the seat when he was elected in 1980. The Greenville attorney was elected speaker in December 1994, making him the first GOP House speaker in South Carolina since Reconstruction.

He is in his fifth term as speaker.

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