The state budget, roads and data centers headlined action in the General Assembly this week. The Senate began their debate on the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) modernization bill while also advancing the hemp regulations bill. A Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources subcommittee continued hearing testimony on one of the data center bills.
The House gaveled in Monday and began floor debate on the appropriations bill. After hours of proposed amendments and discussion ending around 9 p.m. Tuesday, the House gave the budget and Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) bills second readings. The House then debated the income tax reform bill, ultimately concurring with the Senate amendment, which would bring the highest rate down to 5.21%. The House reconvened Wednesday giving the budget and CRF bills third readings and sending them to the Senate before adjourning for the week. The House is on furlough next week but will return the week of March 24.
The budget and other bills of interest are in this week's Friday Report.