ONE WEEK TO GO: SC lawmakers rush to submit last minute legislation

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Sine die.

What does it mean? And how does it impact lawmakers at the statehouse?

“Sine die is simply a resolution that’s passed by both the House and Senate that brings the legislative session to an end. It provides rules regulating if we can come back into session. This summer. we will come back into session,” explained Rep. Kambrell Garvin, a Democrat who represents Columbia. 

Bills that make the crossover deadline on Thursday May 9th will be debated in conference committees before being voted on in the summer.

Representative Garvin approves of the state budget lawmakers passed which gives raises for teachers and tax breaks to South Carolinians.  However, he is not pleased with the open carry school choice bills that have passed this year.

“We have to ask ourselves ‘Are these issues benefitting South Carolinians?’ Overall, most of our bills have passed on a bipartisan basis,” Garvin said. “The most controversial pieces of legislation that have passed have been divisive. They have done things that have not bettered our state but have torn us apart moving forward.”

While Garvin believes South Carolina needs more energy, he voted against the ‘Energy Security Act’ passed by the House because of environmental concerns.

The Senate has been reluctant to take up an energy bill which has resulted in a reaction from the House.

“Now the House has basically amended all our bills to add the energy bill. If we want certain bills passed, they’re trying to force us to let Santee Cooper and Dominion get together again. That’s something we’re not going to allow to happen,” said Sen. Sandy Senn, a Republican from Charleston.

Senator Senn says she is relieved that abortion was not an issue discussed this legislative session and takes away small victories from their efforts so far this year.

“Both golf courses and feminine hygiene products will not be taxed,” the senator said. “Since I am a Republican, I am okay with doing away with a lot of taxes.”

As the two-year legislative session draws to a close, lawmakers, regardless of party or chamber, will be trying to get last second bills passed.

“This is the end of the House’s two-year legislative session,” Garvin said. “As you know, in both the House and Senate, all our members are up for reelection this coming November.”

It only adds more pressure ahead of next Thursday’s crossover deadline.

This week, Senate Republicans approved a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors by a 27 to 8 vote. The bill goes back to the House who can choose to approve the Senate’s changes or send the bill to conference committee to work out the differences.