Author: Meredith White

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Primaries are set for June 14 and the General Election is November 1. The entire South Carolina General Assembly is up for re-election this year.

In accordance with state law, the South Carolina General Assembly adjourned sine diat 5 o’clock pm on Thursday, June 2.

S.1336 (The Sine Die Resolution) which was adopted by both the House and the Senate enables the General Assembly to return after sine die adjournment to work on the state budget, conference committee reports, and other items agreed on by both bodies. The dates for the General Assembly’s return are June 15-22.

Since this is the second year of a two year session, bills that did not pass this session will not be carried over to the 2017 legislative session.

H.4521 (Tucker Hipps Transparency Act) was amended by the Senate and returned to the House for concurrence in the Senate amendments.  The legislation passed both the House and Senate unanimously and has been enrolled for ratification. This legislation would require South Carolina colleges and universities to post online student organization conduct violations by fraternities and sororities involving alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault or hazing. No students’ names or personal identifying information would be included in the online reports.

S.1177 (Licensure of Architects) was signed by the Governor and enacted into law. This legislation amends the architects practice act to allow Clemson University to offer the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure program to students who are interested in an alternative to the traditional path currently required by law. Clemson University is one of 14 universities in the country selected by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards for this inaugural national program.

S.1258 (Transportation Infrastructure) has been sent to the Governor after passage by both houses. The bill includes a 10-year $4.5 billion dollar transportation plan for major highways and bridges along with SCDOT governance changes. These changes would allow the governor to appoint all highway commissioners with the advice and consent of the Legislature, allow the board elect a transportation secretary, and limit commissioners to two four-year terms. From a funding perspective, the bill includes new recurring dollars from DMV fees and fines as well as the vehicle sales tax.

The South Carolina Farm Aid Advisory Board’s
first meeting was held June 2, 2016.

The Farm Aid legislation established an advisory board to advise the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in the administration of grant awards for farmers who suffered significant crop losses as a result of the heavy rains South Carolina experienced during the fall of 2015.

Members of the advisory committee include:
Martin Eubanks (ex-officio) – South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Meredith Cleland – South Carolina Department of Revenue
Dr. Kathy Coleman – Clemson University
Dr. Delbert Foster – South Carolina State University
Neal Baxley – South Carolina Farm Bureau representative
Kelly Wiseman – ArborOne Farm Credit
Matthew Flemming – Midland Agency Insurance
Walter Dantzler – agricultural commodities representative.

The State Budget Process
The budget conference report was adopted by the House and Senate and ratified on June 2. The budget has been sent to the Governor who has until Wednesday, June 8 to issue vetoes. For appropriations bills, the Governor has line item veto power.

The General Assembly will take up any gubernatorial vetoes associated with the budget when they return to Columbia June 15-22.

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.

“Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The Clemson Advocates website is constantly updated with news and information.

To view the FEDERAL UPDATE for June 6, 2016 click here.

CLEMSON ON CAPITOL HILL

Floor Activities 
The Senate reconvenes today at 2:00 PM and is scheduled to be in session through Friday, June 10. This week the Senate is expected to begin consideration of S.2943-The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

The House reconvenes tomorrow at 2:00 PM and is expected to consider measures under suspension of the rules. The House is scheduled to be in session through Friday, June 10.

Committee Activities
Tuesday, June 7:
Senate Appropriations
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Markup: Markup of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2017

House Veterans’ Affairs
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing: VA and Academic Affiliations: Who Benefits?

Thursday, June 9:
House Education and the Workforce Full Committee Hearing: The Administration’s Overtime Rule and Its Consequences for Workers, Students, Nonprofits, and Small Businesses

Senate Appropriations
Full Committee Markup: Markup of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Click here to see the STATE UPDATE for June 6, 2016.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

There are 6 legislative days left in the session. By law, the General Assembly must adjourn sine die at 5 o’clock on Thursday, June 2 but may return to finish work on the budget or other items agreed upon by both bodies. Since this is the second year of a two year session, bills that did not pass this session will not be carried over to the 2017 legislative session.

H.4521 (Tucker Hipps Transparency Act) will be heard by the full Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, May 25.

H.3151 (Requisite Study of the US Constitution) was reported favorably as amended out of the Senate Education Committee and is now on the Senate calendar for second reading.

S.1177 (Licensure of Architects) was reported favorably out of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee and is now on the House calendar for second reading.

H.4717 (Farm Aid Bill) was vetoed by Governor Nikki Haley (Clemson ’94). The House overrode the Governor’s veto by a vote of 112-2 and the Senate overrode the veto by a vote of 39-3. This bill establishes a grant program for farmers who experienced significant crop losses as a result of the heavy rains South Carolina experienced during the fall of 2015.

S.1258 (Transportation Infrastructure) was reported favorably out of the House Ways and Means Committee and is now on the House calendar for second reading.

The State Budget Process
The House amended the budget and returned it to the Senate which is expected to nonconcur in the House amendments. A conference committee will be named to negotiate the differences in the House and Senate versions. The House conferees are Chairman Brian White (R-Anderson), Rep. Bill Herbkersman (R-Beaufort), and Rep. Lonnie Hosey (D-Barnwell). Senate conferees are expected to be named on Tuesday.

Detailed information on Clemson’s 2016 state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2016-17 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.

“Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The Clemson Advocates website is constantly updated with news and information.

Click here to view the FEDERAL UPDATE for May 23, 2016.

CLEMSON ON CAPITOL HILL

This Week’s Legislative Activity
Both Chambers are in session this week. The Senate will convene today at 3:00pm. The House will meet at 12:00pm for morning hour and at 2:00pm for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30pm.

FY2017 Appropriations Update
Last week, the House Appropriations Committee approved its Department of Defense (DoD) FY2017 appropriations bill. The bill would fund DoD Science & Technology at $13.028 billion, a $223 million increase from FY2016 enacted levels.  Basic Research (6.1) would be funded at $2.124 billion, a $185 million decrease, while DARPA would be funded at $2.973 billion, an $82 million increase from FY2016 enacted.

The House Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee approved its FY2017 bill which would fund the National Science Foundation (NSF) at $7.407 billion, $57 million less than FY2016 enacted.  Under NSF, Research and Related Activities would receive $6.08 billion, a $46 million increase and Education and Human Resources would be level-funded at $880 million.  Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction would receive $87.1 million, a $113 million decrease from the FY2016 enacted amount.

For NASA, the bill would provide $19.5 billion, a $223 million increase from the FY2016 enacted level. The Science Directorate would receive $5.597 billion, an increase of $8 million. Space Grant would be level-funded at $40 million. Aeronautics would receive $712 million, an increase of $72 million and Space Technology would receive $739 million, a $52 million increase. The House CJS appropriations report is expected to be released this week.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved its Agriculture Appropriations bill. This measure would fund the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) at $375 million, a $25 million increase from FY2016. The bill would also level-fund a number of extension and research and education activities accounts, including Hatch Act Funds and the Evans-Allen Program.

Click here to see the STATE UPDATE for May 23, 2016.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The South Carolina House of Representatives was on furlough last week. The House will return in statewide session tomorrow.

There are 9 legislative days left in the session. By law, the General Assembly must adjourn sine die at 5 o’clock on Thursday, June 2 but may return to finish work on the budget or other items agreed upon by both bodies. Since this is the second year of a two year session, bills that did not pass this session will not be carried over to the 2017 legislative session.

Representatives of Clemson Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) appeared before the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee to provide an agency update.

H.4521 (Tucker Hipps Transparency Act) was carried over in the Senate Education Committee.

H.3151 (Requisite Study of the US Constitution) was reported favorably out of the Senate Education Committee.

The Real Estate Subcommittee of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee will hold a hearing on S.1177 (Licensure of Architects) tomorrow afternoon.

H.4717 (Farm Aid Bill) was ratified on May 11 and sent to the governor for her consideration. Once ratified, the Governor has five days (not including Sunday) to sign the bill, veto the bill or allow the bill to become law without her signature.

The State Budget Process
The budget returns this week to the South Carolina House of Representatives and then to a conference committee which will negotiate the differences in the House and Senate versions.

Detailed information on Clemson’s 2016 state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2016-17 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.

“Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The Clemson Advocates website is constantly updated with news and information.

Click here to view the FEDERAL UPDATE for May 16, 2016.

CLEMSON ON CAPITOL HILL

This Week’s Legislative Activity 
The Senate will convene today at 2:00 pm. The House will meet today at 12:00 pm for morning hour and at 2:00 pm for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30pm.

FY17 Appropriations Update
Last week, the Senate finished work on its first FY17 funding bill, Energy and Water (H.R. 2028).

This week, the Senate will consider a combined FY17 appropriations package of Transportation-Housing and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs (H.R. 2577). The package is also expected to include money to combat the Zika virus.

In the House, budget rules allow Republican leaders to begin taking appropriations bills to the floor this week without an FY17 budget resolution. First up will be Military Construction-Veterans Affairs.

Click here to see the STATE UPDATE for May 16, 2016.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Last week marked the General Assembly’s crossover deadline. Bills that did not advance from one chamber to the other by May 1 have little chance of becoming law this year.

After the crossover deadline, bills require a two-thirds vote to even be considered by the other chamber for the session that is set to end on June 2. This is the second year of a two-year session, which means that bills that don’t pass this year will die on adjournment of the General Assembly.

S.1177 (Licensure of Architects) was passed by the Senate and sent to the House. It is awaiting a hearing in the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.

H.4717 (Farm Aid Bill) was amended and passed by the Senate. Now the bill returns to the House which must vote to concur or not concur. If the House concurs, the bill goes to the governor for her consideration. If the House does not concur, the bill will go to a conference committee to resolve the differences in the two versions.

A Conference Committee began deliberations on H.3579 (Transportation Infrastructure). Members of the Conference Committee are Representatives Brian White (R-Anderson), Gary Simrill (R-York) and Todd Rutherford (D-Richland) and Senators Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg), Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley) and Ray Cleary (R-Georgetown).

S.1258 (Transportation Infrastructure) was amended and passed by the Senate. It has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee where it awaits a hearing.

The State Budget Process
The Senate will begin their work on the state budget tomorrow morning.

Detailed information on Clemson’s 2016 state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2016-17 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.

“Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The Clemson Advocates website is constantly updated with news and information.

Click here to view the FEDERAL UPDATE for May 2, 2016.

CLEMSON ON CAPITOL HILL
The United States House and Senate are on recess this week.

Click here to see the STATE UPDATE for May 2, 2016.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA

House Ways and Means Chairman, Brian White (R-Anderson) and House Ways and Means Higher Education Budget Subcommittee Chairman, Jim Merrill (R-Berkeley), introduced H.5217 (Higher Education Bond Bill).  The bill was introduced as a shell bill so no specific projects are included at this time.

The House Higher Education Subcommittee adjourned debate on H.4833 (Higher Education Governance Act). With this action, the bill is effectively “dead” for this legislative session.

The House Education and Public Works Committee passed H.4795 (Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program) favorably as amended. The bill now goes to the House floor.

The Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee passed S.1177 (Licensure of Architects). The bill now goes to the Senate floor.

H.4717 (Farm Aid Bill) remains on the Senate calendar for second reading with an objection by Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort).

The House amended H.3579 (Transportation Infrastructure) and returned the bill to the Senate. The Senate had previously amended the bill to eliminate a tax increase to pay for road funding and instead required that the legislature appropriate $400 million in general funds annually to supplement the Transportation Department budget. The House vote dictates that the bill cannot be amended again.  The Senate must vote to concur or not concur. If the Senate concurs, the bill goes to the governor for her signature. If the Senate does not concur, the bill will go to a conference committee to resolve the differences in the two versions.

The State Budget Process
The Senate Finance Committee began their work on the state budget last week. They will continue budget deliberations this week.

Detailed information on Clemson’s 2016 state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2016-17 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.

“Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The Clemson Advocates website is constantly updated with news and information.

Click here to view the FEDERAL UPDATE for April 18, 2016.

CLEMSON ON CAPITOL HILL

Legislative Activity This Week
The Senate will convene today at 3:00pm. The House will meet at 12:00pm for morning hour and at 2:00pm for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30pm.

Senate Appropriations
On April 14th, The Senate Appropriations Committee released the FY17 spending allocations for its 12 Appropriations Subcommittees and approved the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs and Energy and Water appropriations bills. The Energy and Water appropriations bill is expected to be debated on the Senate floor this week.

In the absence of the budget resolution, the Senate is expected to approve a “deeming” resolution this week that sets FY17 discretionary spending at the level approved in last year’s two-year budget deal. House GOP leadership had hoped to work out a deal on the FY17 budget resolution with their conservative colleagues who want additional cuts, but were unable to reach an agreement. Absent an agreement, budget rules will allow House appropriations bills to go to the floor beginning May 15th.

House Agriculture Appropriations Bill
Currently, the House version of the Agriculture Appropriations Bill that was approved in subcommittee last week includes $375 million for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), a $25 million increase from FY16. AFRI is the Department of Agriculture’s premiere competitive research program.

Upcoming Hearings
–  April 19th – Senate Appropriations Subcommittee mark-up of the FY17 Commerce, Science, Justice and Related Agencies Act
– April 19th – Senate Appropriations Subcommittee mark-up of the FY17Transportation, Housing, Urban Development and Related Agencies Act
– April 19th – House Appropriations Committee mark-up of FY17 Agriculture and Energy and Water appropriations bills
– April 20th – Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the FY17 budget request for Defense Innovation and Research
– April 21st – Full Senate Appropriations Committee meets

Click here to see the STATE UPDATE for April 18, 2016.