COLUMBIA, SC (WBTW) – Among the bills that made progress last week at the South Carolina statehouse is one that would allow you to break into a vehicle to rescue a child or a vulnerable adult.
The bill (H. 3145) had already passed in the House and Thursday (1/28), got a key second reading in the state senate.
Statistics show, on average, nearly 40 children die accidentally every year in this country, after being left in hot cars, or after getting in one to play.
Tragically, we’ve had such cases in our area.
Among the bill’s sponsors are state representatives Richie Yow (R-Chesterfield), the Rev. Carl Anderson (D-Georgetown), Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) and Jay Lucas (R-Hartsville).
After an obligatory third reading in the senate (probably this week), the bill goes back to the House.
If it agrees with Senate amendments, it then goes to Governor Haley.
Another bill (S. 255) that moved last week would require any person or entity who publishes arrest or booking records of an individual to remove that information if the charges/records against that person are discharged or dismissed or if that person is found not guilty of such charges.
That information must be removed free of charge within 30 days of a written request.
House and senate conference committees have to iron out some details, but both chambers have overwhelmingly approved the bill.
If the bill becomes law, violators can be fined and/or face jail time.
And the South Carolina house passed a resolution (H. 4723) to name a section of Highway 51 (aka, Pamplico Highway) in Florence County near Elizabeth Baptist Church, “The Reverend Solomon Eaddy, Sr., Highway” and erect a sign saying such.
The church, at 4109 Pamplico Highway, is located just outside Florence city limits.
The Reverend Eaddy pastored Elizabeth Baptist for more than 45 years.
Representative the Reverend Terry Alexander of Florence sponsored the resolution, which is now in a senate committee.
