Cromer’s Corner: Warrantless Searches, Tax Realignment and Voter ID
This week several pieces of significant legislation cleared important hurdles on the way to becoming law.
On Tuesday, February 24, the Senate passed the Reduction of Recidivism Act (S.191). The bill sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore, Glenn McConnell, gives law enforcement another tool in their efforts to keep the citizens of South Carolina safe. This link will take you to a video of Senator McConnell talking more about the bill and its intent.
On Wednesday, February 25, the Senate approved a bill (S.12) that will allow a Tax Realignment Commission to review the South Carolina Tax Code and recommend appropriate changes. This is a significant piece of legislation that will help South Carolina stay competitive in the coming years as we seek to attract positive economic development to South Carolina. The bill has been sent to the House and is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee.
On Thursday, February 26, the House gave second reading to the Voter Photo ID Bill (H.3418). Second reading is generally when the bill is debated, so it is a key step in moving the legislation forward. The bill will receive a third reading on the next legislative day and will then be sent to the Senate for consideration. After being introduced in the Senate, the bill will most likely be sent to the Judiciary Committee before returning to the full Senate for debate. I commend House members on their efforts to pass a bill that will help preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
Thank you for taking time to read this brief update. As you know every week many more bills are passed than those presented in this update that is why I encourage you to stay informed about the issues. If there is anything I can do to help you, please contact my office at (803) 212-6330, or email me at cromerr@scsenate.org.
Sincerely,
Senator Ronnie Cromer
Senate District 18