The Senate Finance Committee’s debate on the FY 2026-27 state budget took center stage this week, ending with the appropriations bill advancing to the Senate floor. The full Senate will debate it the week of April 20. The Senate, which met in perfunctory session this week, also held several judiciary subcommittee meetings and a full Judiciary Committee meeting Wednesday, debating numerous issues important to counties, including data centers and a bill to protect police animals.
Meanwhile, the House took its second week of furlough. Members will return to Columbia next week to resume taking up bills as sine die, the end of the regular session, draws near.
These and other bills of interest to counties are detailed in the Friday Report.