As one year ends and another begins, we tend to think about how we can improve ourselves and our relationships with others. I’d like to encourage you to be more involved in the legislative process this year. I enjoy meeting Baptists at the State House and introducing them to House members and senators. It is gratifying to know that South Carolina Baptists are interested in our laws and our elected officials. As this legislative year kicks off, there is a full slate of bills and issues we need to consider and educate ourselves about.
Joe MackWe will continue to watch gambling issues in South Carolina. Senator Robert Ford has introduced two bills to allow a return to video poker. He has also introduced a bill called the Watercraft Gambling Act. This act defines watercraft as any structure capable of floating on or in any water. It also allows for any type of gambling device or machine to be used anywhere within the state. Casino boats still dock along our coastline. I believe expanding casino boats into fresh water resources would be detrimental to our environment and to our culture.
A number of bills deal with our most valuable treasure – our children:
? Unborn children included in civil court actions (Rep. Delleney)
? Born Alive Infant Protection Act (Rep. Davenport)
? Requiring mandatory ultrasound imaging before performing abortions (Sen. Bryant)
? Limiting the locations where a sex-offender may reside (Rep. Brady)
? Requiring sex-offenders to be monitored by a global positioning system (Sen. Ford)
? Underage drinking and access to alcohol (Sen. Lourie, Rep. Pitts)
? Mandatory cervical cancer vaccination for girls before entering seventh grade (Rep. Brady)
? Public School Open Enrollment Choice Program (Rep. Walker)
? Gang activity in schools (Rep. Pitts)
? Gang prevention (Sen. Knotts, Rep. Toole)
Two proposed bills dealing with voting issues seem less than prudent. One would allow for college identification cards to be used as a valid form of ID when voting. College ID cards are easily forged. Another bill would allow a pilot program to establish vote centers where a registered elector could vote regardless of his residential precinct.
Other items I will work on this year
? Protecting private Pre-K programs
? Limiting lottery advertising and tax-free games
? Upholding Sunday Blue Laws
? Codifying the Constitutionality of public prayer
? Strengthening DUI laws
Please keep these issues before your church and bathe them in prayer.