Point of Sale Update

Point of Sale Update




The Senate failed to give H.3272 (Cooper) third reading by three votes. The legislation remains in the Senate Finance Committee, while retaining its place on the Senate Calendar for third reading. With just two weeks left in the legislative session, we must send the message to the Senate that this issue must be addressed. SCR lobbying staff continues to urge the Senate to move forward with point of sale reform this session. Some Senators remain very concerned with the financial impact that H.3272 could have on school district budgets. SCR argues that the state cannot afford to leave this issue unaddressed. We remain optimistic that, with your support, point of sale assessment will be addressed this year.

Ban on Texting While Driving Debated in the Senate

Ban on Texting While Driving Debated in the Senate




Two weeks ago, the Senate set S.642 (Alexander) for Special Order on the Calendar. Debate of the bill commenced this week. S.642 makes it unlawful for a person to compose, send or read a text-based communication while driving and would pre-empt any local government ordinance. An amendment was offered that would have banned use of any electronic communication device while driving, which was defeated. The bill remains in interrupted debate on the calendar, and debate is expected to resume Tuesday.



The House previously passed a prohibition on texting while driving in H.4282, which has been referred to a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee. The House-passed version imposes a ban on reading, writing or sending a text or email while operating a motor vehicle and includes a penalty of $25 for violation.

SC Senate to vote on Cigarette Tax

After considerable debate and a number of amendments, the Senate gave second reading to H.3584 , increasing the cigarette tax, late Wednesday. As amended, the legislation increases the current 7 cents tax to 57 cents per pack, generating a total of $136.1 million. The majority of funds go to the South Carolina Medicaid Reserve Fund. Funds also go to a smoking prevention and cessation program, the Hollings Cancer Center for lung cancer research, the Department of Agriculture to promote SC grown products, and the I-95 Corridor Authority for a grant program for infrastructure. The bill must receive a third and final reading before it is returned to the House to consider Senate amendments. H.3584 passed the House with a 30 cents per pack increase.
Numerous amendments to the bill were considered on Wednesday, including a failed amendment offered by Senator Bright that would have directed cigarette tax revenue towards commercial property relief. Other amendments offered would have directed the revenue to public schools, the court system and aviation incentives; they were either tabled, withdrawn or failed to receive approval.