Here are Wednesday’s headlines from the Capitol, as well as a look at what’s on the schedule Thursday:
SC Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal addresses the General Assembly Wednesday
–The House passed a bill that tightens up the state’s “right to work” laws by an 86-25 vote. Among other things, the bill would require unions to submit detailed financial data to the state’s labor agency. Republicans say the bill helps businesses by fining unions that violate state “right to work” laws. Some Democrats say it is unnecessary as South Carolina’s laws are already stacked against unions. 12 Democrats voted in favor of the bill, however.
–The long Budget & Control Board restructuring debate took another turn Wednesday. After senators voted to dissolve the agency Tuesday, there remains debate about which of its functions belong under the governor’s control and which belong to the legislature. By a 23-19 vote Wednesday, the Senate created a Procurement Oversight Board which would also oversee the state’s purchasing services and data centers. Opponents were upset because the board would be a scaled-down version the Budget & Control Board. Sen. Hugh Leatherman (R-Florence) argued a single person should not control all of the state’s procurements.
–Senators also unanimously voted to pass a bill by Rep. Thad Viers (R-Myrtle Beach) that would not allow an autopsy to be performed at a hospital if the patient had died there within 24 hours of a surgery. Viers says the intention is to avoid a potential conflict of interest on the part of hospital staff if a medical error caused the death. If the House approves the Senate amendments, the bill will head to the governor.
–House Republicans formally released their agenda for the rest of the year. House Speaker Bobby Harrell (R-Charleston) said his caucus would focus much of its attention on tax reform and shoring up the pension system. One of the five agenda items was the “right to work” legislation that passed later in the day.
