This Week in the Senate

H.3567 (Rice), legislation increasing the cigarette tax, is currently pending the Senate calendar awaiting second reading. On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee amended and reported favorably on H.3567 (Rice), increasing the cigarette tax. As amended, the bill increases the cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack, generating approximately $159 million in new revenue. Funds will go to expand certain components of the Medicaid program. SCR supports using the additional revenue raised from a cigarette for a related purpose, like healthcare. Other bills of interest pending the calendar are: S.428 (Hayes), enacting the SC Water Withdrawal and Permitting, Use and Reporting Act; S.80 (Knotts), relating to real property and trespassing; and H.3451 (Cotty), allowing for electronic deed recording.
The Conference Committee on S.392 (Ritchie), illegal immigration reform, met this week focusing on language relating to regulation of private employers, preemption and cause of action. The Committee is expected to meet again next week. The Senate Finance Committee debated, amended and approved the FY 2008-09 state budget on Monday at 1:00 pm. The House passed the budget bills the week March 10, 2008.
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