Inside this issue
- •Statehouse Report
- •Congressional Report
Statehouse Report
Repair and Maintenance of Rural Roads and Bridges
Thursday, the House Ways and Means Committee adopted H.3516, State Infrastructure Funding. Committee discussion centered on making sure every dollar raised will truly go to infrastructure repair, which is why additional funding will be placed in an Infrastructure Trust Fund. Funding for rural roads and bridges was also a main focus of concern. The bill now moves to the House floor for further consideration. The plan would generate approximately $600 million per year once fully implemented.
Provisions Included in the House Road Funding Bill:
- Creates an Infrastructure Maintenance Trust Fund
- Increases motor fuel user fee 10 cents/gallon over a 5 year period
- Biennial motor vehicle registration fee increase of $16
- Increases auto sales cap to $500
- Capitalizes on out-of-state registered vehicles
- Creates biennial registration fees for all hybrid and electric vehicles
- Creates a motor carrier road user fee for out-to-state truckers
- SCDOT commissioners are appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the General Assembly
Gov. McMaster asks President for $5.18 Billion for SC Infrastructure Monday, in a letter to President Trump, Governor McMaster requested that the President include two South Carolina projects in his national infrastructure plan. The governor asked for the president's inclusion of a $180 million allotment to fulfill the federal share for the deepening of the Charleston port to 52 feet. Additionally, he requested an appropriation of $5 billion from the plan to address state-specific infrastructure needs. A copy of the letter can be found here.
Other Bills of Interest
H.3559 The South Carolina Industrial Hemp Program
This legislation outlines that industrial hemp is an agricultural crop. The legislation further states that any institution of higher education may conduct research or pilot programs and may work with growers located in South Carolina. Once an institution of higher education engages in research on industrial hemp, the institution shall work in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture to identify solutions for applications, applicants, and new market opportunities for industrial hemp growers. The legislation also provides for provisions that regulate the growing, selling, and importation of industrial hemp and hemp seed.
S.176 Drones
This legislation passed the Senate Wednesday and sent to the House of Representatives. It provides that it is unlawful to operate a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of a Department of Corrections facility, without written permission from the facility.
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Congressional Report
5th Congressional District Race Taking Shape
Five candidates so far have declared they will run for the upcoming special election to replace Congressman Mick Mulvaney of the 5th congressional district. Mulvaney is expected to be confirmed by the Senate as the next budget director within the Trump Administration, which will leave a vacancy in the House seat.
So far, the following republicans have announced or are expected to mount a run for the vacant seat: Chad Connelly, Sheri Few, Rep. Ralph Norman, Rep. Tommy Pope, and Kris Wampler. As of yet, no democrats have announced plans to run.
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