Caucus Press Release: Summary of House Action -- April 27
Apr 27, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBIA -- Because of the volume of bills to be considered this week, and a desire not to fill your inbox with multiple press releases each day, the House Republican Caucus will issue a blanket e-mail with a summary of the bills approved that day. Individual press releases will continue to be issued as issues warrant.
The following bills were passed by the House as of 5 p.m. Wednesday:
S. 581 -- The Boiler Safety Act. This bill requires the state create new safety regulations for industrial boilers. The bill was introduced last month in the Senate, but action was spurred following a boiler explosion at the Intertape Polymer plant in Columbia on March 31. The blast killed 47-year-old Tommy Jarvis.
South Carolina is the only state in the nation without boiler safety inspection laws. The bill requires the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to create new safety standards for new boilers and boilers currently in use -- making sure these new regulations are in line with national standards.
The bill was pushed in the House by Rep. Converse Chellis, R-Summerville, and will now go to a conference committee.
H. 3883 -- A bill that will provide tax credits for companies that expand usage of South Carolinaâs ports. The bill was amended by Rep. Chip Limehouse, R-Charleston, to strengthen security at the port by requiring a fingerprint-based criminal history check by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on new hires, all existing employees, on persons seeking issuance or renewal of State Ports Authority credentials, and all other persons on terminals engaged in activities related to cargo movement on a State Ports Authority facility.
"This bill will help develop clusters of distribution centers and will create jobs for South Carolinians," Rep. Hagood said.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
"Notably, the bill will enhance port security and will go a long way in fighting the war on terror," Rep. Limehouse said.
H. 3638 -- Minibottle legislation. The House approved the Republican compromise that will remove the minibottle requirement from the state's constitution.
Approval of the bill came after a compromise was reached on who could deliver both liter and minibottles of liquor. Under the terms of the legislation, the old minibottle tax will be dropped consumers will pay a 5 percent excise tax on each drink.
"I believe the House came up with a plan after the voters told us they wanted overwhelmingly in November's election," said Rep. Bill Cotty, R-Columbia. "This will give consumers more choice, make our roads safer, and remove one of our state's quirkier laws."
Minibottles have been used in South Carolina since 1973 and is the only state to require them. If signed into law, "free-pour" drinks would go into effect on January 1, 2006.
The bill will now go to a conference committee.
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