Legislative Agenda, 2023
- Hands Free, S.157 (Sen. Young); H.3394 (Rep. Taylor):
- A bill that requires motorists not hold a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, in most cases. This bill has broad support from state and local organizations and agencies.
- Tax credits for Trail Easements, H.3121 (Rep. Hyde):
- A bill that gives property owners a state income tax credit if they agree to a trail easement. Easements are voluntary and necessary to patch together a trail corridor. Trails contribute to safer active transportation, economic development for communities and regions, and the eco-tourism that provides a small economic engine for some small communities. The impetus of this bill came from trail building efforts by Partners for Active Living in Spartanburg; the bill was refined by Upstate Forever; and it is supported by trail advocates statewide.
- SC Public Lands Enhancement Act, S.281 (Sen. Campsen & Davis):
- Dedicates the amount derived from sales tax revenue from sporting goods stores to be credited to the Public Lands Enhancement Fund, for capital improvement projects that create, improve, or restore access to public lands and waters, facilities, natural resources including fish and wildlife populations, or recreational opportunities, for use by agencies.
Other bills we're watching in 2023
- Recreation Land Trust Fund, H.3929
- Sets aside 8% of SC state park entrance fees to a new fund called the State Trails Trust Fund. $50k baseline goes to each county, 75% of the remainder is distributed to each county by formula funding according to population, and the remainder (~25%) is given to SCPRT to be distributed in "grants to local governments or nonprofit organizations ... for the acquisition or development of recreational trails in accordance with guidelines to be promulgated by the department"
- Slow Down, Move Over, S.375:
- Requires a driver ensure his vehicle is kept under control when approaching or passing a stopped motor vehicle (with flashing lights) on or near the right-of-way, by requiring the approaching vehicle slow down, yield the right-of-way or move to the left lane if a 4 lane road, and maintain a safe speed. This bill is intended to prevent pedestrian deaths that occur too often near their stopped vehicles.
- Transit Oriented Development, H.4013:
- Creates a definition of Transit Oriented Development (TOD). Creates a process for transportation and TOD to work together.
- (Carolina Squat) Elevating/Lowering Vehicles, Restrictions & Penalties, H.3414, H.3411; H.3137; S.363:
- a bill that sets a standard of safe view for Carolina Squats. This bill prohibits the height of the front fender to be raised or lowered four or more inches above or below the height of the rear fender.
- Hands Free, H.3812
- more simply restricts holding & using a cell phone, while in motion & driving
- Reckless Driving Offense / Serious Bodily Injury, H.3165:
- a bill that amends penalties.
- Reckless Driving w/ Great Bodily Injury: H.3348
- a bill that creates the offense of reckless driving with great bodily injury.
- Justice 40 Oversight Committee, H.3198:
- a bill that establishes a committee to study opportunities to address the issue of environmental justice in South Carolina, by identifying disadvantaged and marginalized communities throughout South Carolina with environmental justice impact, identifying the infrastructure deficiencies in these communities, assisting members of the community in developing a plan to apply for assistance to secure funding for the much needed infrastructure projects, and undertaking other actions necessary to carry out the purpose of the committee.
- Definition of Criminal Offense, H.3027:
- a bill that adjusts the definition of a criminal offense
- Study Committee / Health Disparities / Racial, Ethnic Composition: H.3252:
- a bill that (among many things) consider access and transportation issues that contribute to minority health disparities, and makes recommendations for closing gaps
- Bodily Injury & Property Damage limits: H.3275:
- a bill that sets a max on auto insurance limits when bodily injury results in death
- Data Collected during Traffic Stop/No Citation or Arrest, H.3382:
- a bill further defining traffic stop data collection, and legislative review committees
- Wireless Devices while Driving/Great Bodily Harm Definition, H.3379
- a bill that amends cell phone law, amends great bodily injury definition, and penalties
- DUI/DUS, Ignition Interlock, S.0036 (Sen. Hutto)
- enables an Ignition Interlock Program for DUI offenders, in lieu of serving the remainder of a suspension or denial of driver's license
- Create the Dept Law Enforcement & Public Safety, H.3361
- a bill that creates this new department , established as an administrative agency of state government which is comprised of a Division of Public Safety, and a State Law Enforcement Division.
- Golf Cart Permits and Restrictions, H.3358:
- a bill that amends existing golf cart law
Brief history of PCC legislative agenda:
- In 2020, we achieve passage of the Electric Bike law in South Carolina, Act 114, through H.3174.
- In 2019 and 2020, we advanced and supported a large slate of bills (H.3656 – Complete Streets; S.723 – Hands Free; H.3172 – Pedestrian Control Signals; H.3173 – Vulnerable Road User bill; S.906 – Bicycles & Motor Vehicles, Safe Distance [3 ft] between). See our 2020 Safe Streets Lobby Day blogpost.
- In 2017 and 2018, we advanced H.3615, an evolution from the previous year’s H.3909, known as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety bill. Both bills succeeded through significant negotiations and agreements with both the Judiciary and Transportation committees in both chambers, but did not achieve a final vote.
- In 2014, we successfully fought back against a bad “bike liability bill” and another regarding bikes on sidewalks (a very context sensitive issue, which remains a local ordinance responsibility).
- From 2005-2008, we achieved passage of the Bicycle Safety law, Act 317, through H.3006.
- From 2003-2004, we advanced and achieved the SC Safe Routes to School law, Act 307, through H.4740.
