Lawmakers Meet to Discuss State House Camping Rules

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) –The Budget and Control Board has called a meeting, and the only item on the agenda is rules to prohibit sleeping or camping on the grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse. The agenda for the 10 a.m. Tuesday meeting calls for consideration of emergency regulations likely designed to end the around-the-clock protests by the Occupy Columbia movement. The regulations would prohibit sleeping and tents used for camping on the Statehouse grounds. It also would set specific times when the Statehouse itself is open to the public. A federal judge ruled last week the protesters and their tents could stay on the capitol grounds until regulations were put in place outlawing the activities. The protesters have been at the Statehouse almost constantly since starting their rally on Oct. 15.