2021 Statehouse Report #5
Fighting for Life
On Tuesday, the Fetal Heartbeat Bill was in the House Full Judiciary Committee. This bill bans abortion in South Carolina after a period of 6-8 weeks, once a heartbeat is detected. During the committee meeting, [I participated in/there was] dialogue and debate over the bill, considering the opinions of both Republicans and Democrats. [I voted in favor of the Heartbeat Bill, and] it passed by a vote of 15-8. Next week, the bill will be on the House floor, where I will vote [YES] and send the Heartbeat Bill to the Governor’s office to sign it into law.
Fortifying Our 2nd Amendment Rights
With recent protests across the nation, calls to defund the police, the unrest of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the uncertainty of a new Democratic presidential administration, gun sales are at an all-time high. Despite this, when it comes to gun rights, South Carolina currently falls in line with states like New York and California. Representative Bobby Cox introduced a bill that would allow for open carry of a firearm once they pass a certification/safety class, bringing South Carolina in line with the gun rights of 45 other states. This bill moved through subcommittee on Wednesday by a vote of 3-1, and I anticipate debate about this on the House floor in the next few weeks. I plan to vote [in favor/in opposition] of this bill.
Improving South Carolina Schools
Each week, more legislation is introduced to subcommittees in order to further improve our State’s education system. From kindergarten to college, I believe preparing our students to be successful in the workforce is crucial. This week, three education bills made their way through subcommittee and will soon be in full committee:
o H. 3588 – This bill revises the criteria for the South Carolina Life Scholarship, requiring successful completion of certain English and Mathematics, or Computer Science coursework to qualify.
o H. 3610 – This bill revises accountability measures for public schools and public-school districts in our state.
o H. 3332 – This bill provides integration of critical thinking and media literacy skills in public schools.
Last week I worked to pass H. 3609, which unfreezes the state salary schedule and retroactively awards $50 million step increases to teachers for the 2020-21 school year. This week, the Senate sent this bill to the Senate Finance Committee, where it is expected to easily advance. [I was proud to support this bill,] which will be a huge step in raising South Carolina teacher pay above the national average.
For the next few weeks, my focus will be reviewing and restructuring the Governor’s powers, strengthening 2nd amendment rights, laying out a state budget, and most pressing, passing the Heartbeat Bill. It is always an honor and a privilege to serve you in Columbia. If you need help navigating state government or have any thoughts or concerns about what we are doing, please do not hesitate to contact me at calforrest@schouse.gov.