Senate Majority Leader Introduces Roll Call Voting Legislation
Audio: Harvey Peeler on Roll Call Voting
20 Republican Senators Demand Transparency
Peeler: “Transparency is clearly needed in South Carolina.”
(Columbia, SC) – South Carolina Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler today pre-filed legislation calling for more roll call votes in the General Assembly. The Spending Accountability Act, introduced by 20 State Senators, is a companion bill to Representative Nikki Haley’s bill introduced in the House.
With the exception of South Carolina, every state in the Southeast requires a recorded vote on every bill prior to its passage. Forty-five states nationwide require a recorded vote in their Constitution or through procedural requirements. Senator Peeler believes that more roll call votes are needed to give taxpayers a clear picture of how their elected officials are voting and how their money is being spent.
Peeler noted that in the wake of the 2008 elections when the theme of “change” swept across the nation, our elected officials must realize that taxpayers are demanding more accountability. The current recession is proof that irresponsible spending and a lack of accountability have led to an economic crisis and skyrocketing unemployment rates.
“We are facing difficult times and now there’s a lot of finger pointing going on,” Peeler said. “Transparency is clearly needed in South Carolina. More roll call votes will shine a bright light on the General Assembly, holding us accountable for the tax dollars we spend, and letting our constituents know exactly who is wasting their hard-earned money.”
Summary of The Spending Accountability Act:
Defines “recorded roll call vote” as a vote recorded in the Journals of the House and Senate, which must be by “yeas” and “nays” and recorded by name.
A roll call vote is required on each section of the appropriations bill on second reading.
A roll call vote is required on the adoption of Conference and Free Conference reports.
A roll call vote is required on the second reading of all bills and joint resolutions.
A roll call vote is required on concurrence in a Senate amendment on the House side and concurrence in a House amendment on the Senate side.
A roll call vote is required on third reading of a bill or joint resolution if it was amended on third reading.
List of Sponsors:
Harvey Peeler
Ronnie Cromer
Shane Massey
Kevin Bryant
Mike Fair
Greg Ryberg
Wes Hayes
Paul Campbell
Mick Mulvaney
Mike Rose
Luke Rankin
Tom Davis
John Courson
David Thomas
Thomas Alexander
Ray Cleary
Lee Bright
Chip Campsen
Phillip Shoopman
Shane Martin
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