Making the Comptroller General Appointed S.59 proposes an amendment to the state constitution which would make future comptroller general’s appointed rather than elected. Frankly, the Comptroller General is an office that represents an over dividing of executive responsibilities and its duties could be folded into the office of Treasurer. But as long as the office …
Posted: December 9, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
CWPs don’t expire during Renewal
CWPs don’t expire during Renewal S.91 would insert a new provision into state law stating a concealed weapons permit (CWP) remains valid while there is an application for renewal until the application is denied. This change would prevent CWP holders from losing their right to carry a weapon due to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) …
Posted: December 9, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
No Warrantless Searches of Cell Phones
No Warrantless Searches of Cell Phones S.90 would prohibit law enforcement from searching the contents of an individual’s cell phone without a warrant or the express consent of the owner. SCPC has written before that this protection should already be considered afforded citizens under the 4th amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. The members …
Posted: December 9, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
No New Fees without Legislative Approval
No New Fees without Legislative Approval S.62 would prohibit state agencies from imposing any new fines or fees or increasing existing fines and fees by regulation or administrative action i.e. without legislative authorization. This provision wouldn’t apply to internal charges between government bodies or to fees imposed on students by institutions of higher education. The bill …
Posted: December 9, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
Imposing a tax on Liquefied Natural Gas
S.23 would alter state law to impose a 16 cent per gallon tax on liquefied natural gas. This is an attempt to raise additional funds for transportation in South Carolina. As the Policy Council has contended before, the state DOT doesn’t need new sources of revenue; it needs to use the funds it does have more efficiently. Citizens …
Posted: December 8, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
Allowing Licensed Foreign Pharmacies to Sell Prescription Drugs in South Carolina
Allowing Licensed Pharmacies in Select Countries to Distribute and Sell Prescription Drugs in South Carolina S.102 would permit pharmacies licensed in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand to distribute and sell prescription drugs in South Carolina without a permit. Third party entities which import and distribute prescription drugs (for personal use) from …
Posted: December 8, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
Making the Secretary of State Appointed
Making the Secretary of State Appointed S.70 proposes an amendment to make the Secretary of State appointed by the Governor and not elected by the general population. As an executive office (and a largely administrative one at that) the Secretary of State should be selected by the Governor. As with other proposed amendments making constitutional …
Posted: December 8, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
Making the Commissioner of Agriculture Appointed
Making the Commissioner of Agriculture Appointed S.63 proposes an amendment to turn yet another elected position in the executive branch, the Commissioner of Agriculture, into an office that is appointed by the Governor. As a member of the executive branch it’s proper the Commissioner answer to the Governor and the Governor in turn answer to …
Posted: December 8, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
Making the Superintendent of Education Appointed
S.68 proposes an amendment to the state constitution to make the Superintendent of Education appointed by the Governor rather than an elected office. The Department of Education is an executive branch and its head should therefore be answerable to the Governor. The people should hold the governor accountable for the actions of the Superintendent. Moving …
Posted: December 8, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
Making the Comptroller General Appointed
Making the Comptroller General Appointed S.59 proposes an amendment to the state constitution which would make future comptroller general’s appointed rather than elected. Frankly, the Comptroller General is an office that represents an over dividing of executive responsibilities and its duties could be folded into the office of Treasurer. But as long as the office …
Posted: December 8, 2014 by South Carolina Policy Council
Requiring Agendas for Public Meetings
S.11 amends the state code to require that public bodies must post an agenda at their meeting place at least twenty four hours prior to meeting. A new provision would also prohibit a public body from adding any item upon which a vote may be taken to an agenda less than twenty four before a …