LAST WEEK IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The South Carolina House of Representatives did not meet last week. The Senate did not meet on Thursday, April 1. The House and Senate return in statewide session tomorrow.
Medical Marijuana (S.150), a bill that would establish a framework for the legal use of medical cannabis under certain conditions was passed by the Senate Medical Affairs Committee.
LEGISLATION 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 by the House Education Committee and now heads to the House floor.
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.
Intercollegiate Athletes Compensation for Name, Image and Likeness (S.685) which would allow college athletes to be paid for ads or sponsorships, was passed by the Senate Education Committee and is now on the Senate calendar.
THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS
The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to debate the budget 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 General Assembly’s crossover deadline is April 10. After the crossover deadline, bills require a two-thirds vote by members present and voting to even be considered by the other chamber for the session that is set to end on May 13.
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.