We don’t want to jinx it, but it seems as if the SCDOT Modernization bill (S.831) is poised to pass the Senate. Senators made minor amendments to the bill on Wednesday and gave it a second reading, reserving the right to offer amendments on third reading.
Amendments Adopted to Date
Regulations to govern P3 Projects: Requires SCDOT to promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act governing the solicitation, evaluation, award, financing, and oversight of P3 projects. The amendment was sponsored by Senator Russell Ott (D-Calhoun).
Technical amendment: Relates to Welcome Centers/Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. The amendment was sponsored by Senator Thomas Alexander (R-Oconee).
Remaining Amendments
It is anticipated that the remaining amendments to be considered on third reading will be perfecting amendments pertaining to the two issues discussed on the floor:
Counties Investing in Prioritized Projects: Senators Wes Climer (R-York) and Sean Bennett (R-Dorchester) proposed an amendment stating that if a county invests in a state project on the SCDOT’s priority list and pays for it in full via local option sales tax revenues, the SCDOT can reprioritize another project to take place in the county. Senator Lee Bright (R-Spartanburg) expressed a desire for all counties to benefit, not just those with sales taxes; therefore, compromise language is expected to be introduced.
Appointments/Composition of CTCs: Senator Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) intends to clarify that legislative delegations retain the authority to enable County Councils to appoint members to CTCs, but a County Council cannot serve as the CTC.
What’s Next
At this point, the primary obstacle to the bill’s passage is its current position behind an ongoing debate regarding THC beverages. Stay tuned!