Legislative eNews-MARCH 16, 2007

LOCAL

Jasper County Port Agreement
On Monday, the Governors of South Carolina and Georgia signed a landmark deal to proceed on the development of a port in Jasper County with the support from both states.  The agreement would:

  • Create the Bi-State Port Authority to be owned on a 50-50 basis.
  • Authorize the Georgia Department of Transportation's sale of its right, title and interest in the Jasper Terminal Site to the Bi-State Port Authority for its fair market value.
  • Fund -- with each state bearing half the cost -- the port authority land acquisition and administrative costs.
  • Immediately petition the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a relocation of easements on the property.
  • Ask for private companies to submit proposals to participate in the development of the first phase of the Jasper Terminal Site using private capital.

The Jasper County port would be built on 1,800 acres in Jasper County currently owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Based on market evaluations and projections, South Carolina must expand at both the former Charleston Naval Complex and on the Savannah River, ports authority officials have said.

Filing Closed for State Senate Race
In a surprise to many local political observers, Democrat Terry Thomas of Lady’s Island filed to run for the open Senate.  He joins four Republicans and one Libertarian in the race.  The party primary is scheduled for May 15.    


STATE
Legislature Fails to Act on Smoking Ban – Supreme Court Next Possible Stop
An effort to amend a related bill on cigarette smoking to give local governments the authority to restrict indoor smoking was dropped Tuesday, less than a week after a judge ruled that the City of Greenville’s smoking ban violated state law.  Two circuit court judges have issued conflicting opinions, both focused on the state Clean Indoor Air Act.

Absent an unexpected legislative solution, local smoking ordinances appear headed for a state Supreme Court battle.

House Proceeds on Budget
Late Thursday, the House of Representatives approved a $7.3 billion budget for 2007-2008.  The budget fully funds the Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) and allocates a total of $13 million to the Department of Commerce to recruit new businesses to the state.

The House also approved a personal income tax cut, reducing the tax rate from 7 percent to 6.83 percent.  The budget also reforms the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).

The House-approved budget now will be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Property Insurance
In a politically charged subcommittee hearing former insurance director Eleanor Kitzman to told residents in Myrtle Beach that she repeatedly tried to expand the wind pool territory during her tenure but faced resistance from senior policymakers in Columbia. The wind pool, which included Hitlon Head and some of Bluffton, provides last resort wind coverage for property owners. 

Hilton Head native and current Director of Insurance Scott Richardson plans to hold an open meeting for residents on March 29 on Hilton Head Island to discuss their concerns about coastal insurance in the local market.  Please watch for the announcement of the date and location for this open meeting.

Immigration Update
The Senate Judiciary considered a bill closely watched by the business community on immigration.   S.392, a bill requiring businesses to participate in the pilot Federal Work Authorization Program to verify an employee's legal immigration status, was amended to allow employers to also verify an employee's immigration status with a valid driver's license or state-issued identification card.

Also, the US Senate is expected to again consider immigration reform in the coming months.  A bill similar to the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill from last Congress is expected to be introduced shortly.  The President spoke in support of comprehensive immigration reform on his recent trip to Central and South America.

 

FINAL CALL – PLEASE NOTIFY CHRIS LONG AT 341-8370 IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND BEAUFORT COUNTY DAY, THIS TUESDAY, MARCH 20 – DETAILS ATTACHED!