LAST WEEK IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
After lengthy debate, the House gave key approval to a pair of bills that make it easier to have beer and wine delivered to homes (H.3772), and to pick up alcoholic drinks with curbside service (H.3575).
The House also took up H.3443 (General Assembly Oversight of Gubernatorial Emergency Orders). In its amended version, after 30 days of an order’s date, the General Assembly could meet at the call of the House Speaker and Senate President. An issued order could be terminated, or consented to, via a concurrent resolution. An order could also be altered or amended via a Joint Resolution at this called meeting. The Governor could not re-issue emergency orders that have been so addressed by the General Assembly.
Senate began debate on S.475 related to Santee Cooper.
OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO CLEMSON
Reinforcing College Education On America’s Constitutional Heritage Act (S.38), which would require institutions of higher learning to provide instruction concerning the United States Constitution, the Federalist Papers, Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation to each undergraduate student for three semester credit hours was passed out of the House Higher Education Subcommittee last week. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the full House Education Committee this week.
The State Institution of Higher Education Efficiency Act (S.376) remains on the Senate statewide contested calendar. This legislation would allow Clemson and other universities in the state the necessary flexibility to operate in the areas of capital projects in order to be free of some of the current layers of state oversight, while still being accountable to the General Assembly.
THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS
The House of Representatives is scheduled to debate the budget the week of March 22. The Senate Finance Higher Education Subcommittee will begin budget hearings this week. President Jim Clements, along with Tony Wagner (Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations) will give Clemson’s Education and General (E&G) budget presentation to the Subcommittee next week.
Detailed information on Clemson’s state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2021-22 may be found at these links:
Clemson Education and General (E&G) Priorities
Clemson Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) Priorities
BILLS OF INTEREST
The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have potential impact on Clemson. A complete listing of these bills may be found here. Click on the bill number for a description of the legislation, along with the bill’s current status.
NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.