2018-2019

State Budget and Capital Reserve Fund — H. 4000 & H. 4001

The House Ways and Means Committee approved the budget bill (H. 4000) and the Capital Reserve Fund bill (H. 4001), and they now go to the floor for debate. The Local Government Fund was funded at a base level of $222,619,411 with an additional $11,121,265, for a total of $233,740,67.

Tort Claims Act Changes - S. 7 & S. 386

S. 7 raises the existing caps on damages found in the Tort Claims Act (TCA) from $300,000 to $1 million per individual, from $600,000 to $2 million per occurrence, and indexes both increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If this bill were to pass, it would codify a 333 percent increase in the existing caps.

Tort Claims Act Changes — S. 7 & S. 386

S. 7 raises the existing caps on damages found in the Tort Claims Act from $300,000 to $1 million per individual, from $600,000 to $2 million per occurrence, and indexes both increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If this bill were to pass, it would codify a 333 percent increase in the existing caps.

It was a very productive week in the General Assembly as both the Senate and House advanced several bills on their calendars. Action was taken on several bills that reflect SCAC policy positions, which will be discussed below.

The General Assembly wrapped up its third week of session this week. The House and Senate continued to spend the bulk of their time meeting in subcommittee and committee to be able to advance legislation to the floor. The Governor also gave his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly Wednesday evening.

The General Assembly was back in Columbia this week. The Senate did not meet in regular session; however, they did conduct subcommittee and committee meetings in order to advance bills to the floor. The House met in regular session, introduced new legislation, and also conducted meetings to move legislation to the floor.

The General Assembly officially began the new, two-year session on Tuesday. This being the first year of the session, all legislation has to be introduced before being considered and there is no pending legislation. Also, with the inauguration of the Governor being held on Wednesday there was not much time for new legislation to be considered. SCAC staff expects the pace to pick up starting next week so please look out for the Friday Report and other Legislative Alerts to keep you aware of what's happening in Columbia.