S.C. Politics Today | Ban on common-law marriage delayed
Filed Under Top News, Caucus, Ceips, Verdin, Rankin, Fair, Martin, Campsen
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Cruelty is cruelty. Why put dogs on a pedestal?”
— Sen. Danny Verdin, R-Laurens, as he expanded a bill that would make it illegal to tether dogs more than three hours a day to include all pets
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
News from campaigns competing in June’s primary.
Graham names steering committee. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham released the names of roughly 1,000 grass-roots activists and community leaders who will serve on the statewide steering committee for Graham’s re-election campaign.
The committee, according to a campaign release, “will serve as the foundation of a volunteer army for campaign activities across the state.”
Sanford’s chief of staff resigns. Gov. Mark Sanford’s chief of staff has resigned his post and plans to make a run for a state Senate seat held by Beaufort Republican Catherine Ceips.
Tom Davis, 47, a key architect of both of Sanford’s gubernatorial campaigns, said while he hasn’t filed his election forms, he fully expects to run for the District 46 seat.
CAPITOL CONNECTION
• Ban on common-law marriage delayed
The Senate adjourned debate Wednesday on a bill to end common-law marriage. The move makes survival of the bill in this session less likely.
“Everybody’s had a good discussion on this. It doesn’t look as if we have the votes on this,” said Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens, who pushed the House-passed legislation.
Senators were unwilling Wednesday to stop a filibuster against the bill by Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Horry.
“Y’all recall the line, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Well, that’s exactly what we have here,” Rankin said, arguing the bill is flawed.
Rankin said he opposed the bill because common-law marriage lets co-habitating couples divide property after a breakup, something he said typically protects women.
Senators who favor the bill argue common-law marriage undercuts traditional marriage.
“What do you tell young people who look up to you and say, ‘OK, well, we want to try (co-habitating) out?’” asked Sen. Mike Fair, R-Greenville. “What do you say?”
FIRE SPRINKLERS
A key Senate committee could not reach agreement Wednesday on a high-profile bill designed to give state income tax credits to cover a portion of the expenses of installing or improving fire protection sprinkler systems.
The Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee sent the bill, S. 860, back to subcommittee for more work after senators raised concerns about costs.
The bill gained momentum early in the session when firefighters and other first responders argued such a bill could prevent tragedies like last year’s Charleston sofa store fire that claimed the lives of nine firefighters.
TETHERED PETS
A Senate bill that makes it illegal to tether a dog for more than three hours a day was expanded Wednesday to include all animals.
On second reading, senators approved a committee amendment asking for the change, before Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, asked to carry the bill over for more study.
RURAL SEWER SERVICE
The Senate moved a step closer to allowing rural community water districts to provide sewage collection services Wednesday, but some problems remain.
Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, said if the districts are allowed to provide sewer services, it must be done in a way consistent with existing land-use plans, noting that sewer services can have a dramatic impact on development.
Campsen also wanted to make sure services are extended only into areas where residents have a vote on the commissioners, or other lawmakers, who make decisions on the services.
The bill allows water districts to contract with private providers to extend sewer services in rural districts, but lawmakers said the districts must make sure the services are not available through existing providers.
A similar bill exists in the House, and senators may amend it to address questions raised Wednesday.
WATER BILL
Chances dimmed Wednesday that a bill intended to protect rivers from excessive withdrawals will pass the Legislature this year.
For the second consecutive week, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee failed to agree on the bill, which requires new industries to get state permits to withdraw large amounts of water.
Unlike Georgia and some other states, South Carolina has no surface water permitting system, meaning industries and power companies can take as much water as they want from rivers.
Senators are deadlocked because major industries can’t agree with conservation groups and state natural resources agencies over minimum flows for rivers.
Roddie Burris and Sammy Fretwell
The State Newspaper
3/20/2008
Comments
Leave a Reply
