SC Energy Security Act advances as lawmakers tackle DUI, insurance, and judicial reforms

By Rep. Weston Newton

Contributor

As expected, Chairman Herbkersman’s Labor Commerce and Industry Committee, following multiple public hearings over the last month, gave a favorable report to H3309, the South Carolina Energy Security Act, which is intended to keep our power supply affordable, reliable, and independent. 

This legislation reforms the Public Service Commission to provide stronger oversight of utility companies; encourages investment in nuclear and renewable energy to keep costs low and ensure long-term reliability; and expands energy transmission and storage capacity to support South Carolina’s growing communities. 

I am a co-sponsor of this bill and look forward to the debate on the House floor this month.  As I mentioned in this space last month, I have been busy working with House Republicans to find common-sense solutions to address the challenges of South Carolina being number 3 in the country in DUI fatalities, rising DUI rates, and skyrocketing liquor liability insurance costs that are hurting responsible business. 

This past week we continued discussions in subcommittee on H3497, which would require alcohol server training to improve safety standards, strengthen SC’s DUI laws to prevent reckless behavior, provide insurance premium relief by providing incentives for businesses who carry this type of insurance to mitigate the risk associated with on-premises consumption of alcohol and require insurance companies to offer premium discounts.   

By way of background, Act 45 of 2017 mandated any establishment selling alcohol for on-premises consumption have a liquor liability policy with at least one million dollars of coverage.  A report from the Department of Insurance reflects that insurance companies in the state spend almost three dollars on claims and expenses for every one dollar collected on premiums.  Accordingly, insurance rates for customers have increased exponentially, some insurance companies have opted to leave the market, and many small businesses reportedly have closed as they cannot afford the increase in premiums.   

Last year the House overwhelmingly approved and sent to the Senate similar legislation which died in the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance.  Three of the bills advanced by the Judiciary Committee early in this session relate to an Article V Convention of the States.  An Article V Convention is one of two methods whereby amendments to the US Constitution may be proposed.  Two-thirds of the state legislatures (34 of the 50) may call a convention to propose amendments, which become law only after ratification by three-fourths of the States (38 of the 50)   H3007, a concurrent resolution relating to an Article V Convention to consider a balanced budget amendment received a favorable report. 

This legislation allows SC to make an Article V application for a convention restricted to consideration of an amendment to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government through a balanced budget amendment.  Further, a concurrent resolution (H3008) relating to an Article V Convention restricted to proposing an amendment establishing congressional terms limits as well as a bill seeking to set procedures for the selection, removal and responsibilities of commissioners to represent SC at an Article V convention both received a favorable report and will be advanced to the House Floor for debate. 

Finally, based on case and population statistics, the Chief Justice of the SC Supreme Court testified in support of a bill I sponsored which the Judiciary Committee has now passed, adding one additional family court judge in 3 of 16 judicial circuits in SC including the 14th Circuit which includes Beaufort and Jasper counties.  As the session continues, my intention is to report on the progress of legislation in both the Judiciary Committee and the full House of Representatives.  It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of South Carolina District 120 in the SC House. 

If I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out me.

Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives. WestonNewton@schouse.gov