I have to start this week by praising my wife Whitney.

The Georgetown County School District recognized her as Volunteer of the Year for Waccamaw High School. I’m so proud of Whitney for the recognition and her dedicated involvement with the school and students. She cares so much about the importance of education to our youth and community.

Last week in the House was a mix of meeting with constituent groups and intensified floor votes.

On Tuesday, I met with the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors and was privileged as part of the Charleston County Legislative Delegation to recognize and welcome the group from the House well.

Thursday, I met with the S.C. Beach Advocates, a group of local governments, community associations and businesses that advocate the importance of our beaches in providing critical habitat, protection from storms, and in serving as a vital economic asset. It was great to see two constituents as part of the group: Pawleys Island Mayor Bill Otis and Emerson Gower with the DeBordieu Colony Community Association.

Out of the 47 votes on the House floor last week, I wanted to mention a couple of the bills I supported.

H. 3886, which I cosponsored, passed 91-0 and requires full public disclosure of homeowners association governing documents and public notices of all HOA meetings set to discuss changes in rules or fees. One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard about HOAs is that of nondisclosure.

H. 3041 passed 103-0 and requires state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks for all initial real estate licenses and renewals.

The bill was filed in response to the case of real estate broker Todd Kohlhepp, who is accused of seven murders and kidnapping in Spartanburg County. He was able to get a real estate license despite being convicted in Arizona of kidnapping and also being charged with sexual assault.

This week is the last chance to get bills out of committee and on to the House floor for a vote to meet the April 10th crossover deadline. Any legislation that clears either the House or Senate after April 10th requires a two-thirds majority vote to even be debated by the other body this year. I’m sure it will be a scramble.

It’s an honor to serve as a Representative. Please let me know if I can be of assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt