Legislative eNews-OCTOBER 27
Local
County Business License Fee
Beaufort County government began sending letters to close to 2000 businesses operating in the unincorporated portions of the county notifying the businesses that they are not in compliance with the county business license ordinance. Businesses have one week from receiving the letter to apply for a license and possibly have fines waived if they have a reasonable explanation for non-compliance.
County Increases Impact Fees
The Beaufort County Council gave final approval to an ordinance that would significantly increase the impact fees developers pay in the Southern part of the county, to be followed by increasing the same fees later in the Northern part of the county. The fees would increase to over $3000 for a single-family residential dwelling. The fees go into effect immediately in unincorporated parts of Southern Beaufort County. But for the fees to go into effect on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton, the town councils of each municipality also must approve them. The Hilton Head Planning and Development Standards Committee will take up the issue Novermber 15 where questions are likely to be raised about the size of the fee increase and its application to off-island projects. The Town of Bluffton Council unanimoulsy agrees to the fee increase, but questions remain over the collection of the fee.
Immigration
On Monday evening, the Beaufort County Council passed a draft immigration ordinance by title only, which essentially moves it back to committee for further consideration. The Community Service and Public Safety Committee will meet for further consideration of the immigration ordinance on Wednesday, November 8 at 4:00 pm and the Council will hold a public hearing on November 13 at 6:00 pm. You can view the draft ordinance at www.bcgov.net. The ordinance would amend the county’s business license program with additional requirements on business to certify the legal status of workers before they face the loss of a license or further penalties.
Smoking Ban
On Monday evening, the Beaufort County Council passed a draft ordinance banning smoking in most public places countywide by title only, which moves it back to committee for further consideration. The Community Service and Public Safety Committee will meet for further consideration on Wednesday, November 15 at 4:00 pm and the Council will hold a public hearing on November 13 at 6:00 pm.
State
Cell Phone Driver Limitations
State lawmakers are considering proposals to improve road safety by limiting cell phone usage while driving statewide. Several state legislators are looking to tighten enforcement measures on activities that distract drivers, including a limit on cell phone use, when they reconvene in January 2007.
State Senator Larry Martin has asked the Public Safety Department for statistics that link cell phone use to automobile accidents. Representative Lanny Littlejohn said he will pre-file a bill in December that makes it illegal for drivers under 18 to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle. Both lawmakers, and others, want to find a legislative solution to stop unfocused drivers on our local roadways.
Federal
Immigration
After Congress failed to pass a more comprehensive bill dealing with illegal immigration, President Bush this week signed legislation authorizing the construction of a 700-mile fence along the US-Mexico border.
www.lowcountryscvotes.org
We are pleased to announce the launch of www.lowcountryscvotes.org. This new website provides information and links on the critical political races and issues facing the voters in this election. It provides information on federal, state, and local elections. You simply need to add you email to register for the site.
