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Caucus Press Release: House Moves to Shorten Session
Feb 24, 2005
GOP Speaker's proposal receives broad bi-partisan support
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS / PRESS OFFICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBIA -- Two bills to shorten the legislative session were again overwhelmingly approved by the South Carolina House of Representatives Thursday.
"The House has a work ethic second to none and the vast majority of us understand that we can work even more efficiently in less amount of time," Speaker David Wilkins said. "This not only saves taxpayer dollars, it encourages more people to get involved in the legislative process by reducing the amount of time they're away from their families and businesses."
Speaker Wilkins has introduced this legislation for several years. It has always received broad support in the House and failed to pass in the Senate. Both bills were sent to the Senate Thursday afternoon.
"This will have a positive effect on our ability to finish the state's business," said Majority Leader Jim Merrill. "Shortening the session is needed legislation and is consistent with our efforts to examine all parts of government in an effort to increase efficiency."
The bill requiring a change to the state constitution passed 103-2 on second reading and received unanimous consent for third reading Friday. The constitutional change eliminates the mandate that the General Assembly meet in full session the first three weeks in the first year of a legislative session. This time would be strictly devoted to committee meetings so that when full session begins there will be a substantial number of bills on the calendar and a full work load.
The second statutory bill passed easily on a voice vote and likewise received consent for third reading tomorrow. This bill reduces the time at the end of the legislative year. Instead of concluding the session on the first Thursday in June, this bill requires adjournment by the second Thursday in May.
"I'm optimistic that with the introduction of a similar bill in the Senate this year, we may finally be able to reduce our legislative session," Wilkins said.
For More Information:
Christy Cox
(803) 734-3125
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Click for a PDF copy of this press release.
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