Good morning. Here’s my report for the 16th week of the legislative session.
On Thursday, I was pleased to see Ray Funnye, founder and volunteer Executive Director of The Village Group in Plantersville, presented with the Governor’s Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award. Ray, who also serves as Georgetown County’s Public Services Director, has greatly impacted his community with his volunteer efforts and is very deserving of the award.
Ray was nominated for the award by the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation. Executive Director Geales Sands, far left, and Senior Director Ashley Nelson, far right, attended the award ceremony.
Also, on Thursday, I was glad to introduce Dr. Michael Bohan of OrthoSC in Murrells Inlet as Doctor of the Day for the House of Representatives.
Last week marked the completion of the Senate's discussions on our state budget bill. The bill has been returned to the House for further debate. In the coming weeks, we’ll work diligently to finalize the budget, ensuring it aligns with our state’s fiscal goals and priorities.
The House Judiciary Committee worked to merge House and Senate versions of bills to create the Executive Office of Health and Policy in an effort to streamline healthcare services, improve coordination across various agencies, and enhance the governor's oversight in public health emergencies.
The House Judiciary Committee has approved an amendment to ensure that only registered citizens can participate in our electoral process. This move is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our elections and ensuring that every vote cast is lawful and valid.
The Senate has prioritized the "Help Not Harm" bill. This legislation, initially passed by the House, seeks to regulate gender transition procedures for minors, aligning with our commitment to safeguard the well-being of South Carolina's youth. The bill prohibits healthcare professionals from administering gender transition procedures to individuals under eighteen.
I was proud to vote in favor of H.4042, which formally adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into state law. This critical legislation, now awaiting the governor's signature, reinforces our firm stance against antisemitism and our commitment to safeguarding the Jewish community from hate crimes.
There are just two weeks left in the legislative session.
I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt