April 5, 2022
Representative Randy Ligon
District 43
Serving Chester and York Counties

Overview
Last week the House was not in session in Columbia, giving me time back home in the District to meet with local groups and constituents. We returned to Columbia this week, and began aggressively dealing with a number of bills before the April 10 “crossover” deadline, the deadline we have to send bills to the State Senate. 
 
Last week, we worked on some ‘big-ticket item’ bills in committee, including a bill that excludes biological men, who are now transgender women, from participating in K-12 women’s sports and a bill that excludes ‘Critical Race Theory’ from being taught in K-12 schools in South Carolina. It’s likely that both of these bills will be debated on the Floor this week. In addition, we worked on:
 
H. 5057 - Tax Conformity
Each year, the South Carolina House passes a tax conformity bill, which ensures that the State and Federal tax codes align. This is an important bill to ensure that when you go to file your taxes, our State rules match those of the Federal Government, streamlining the process. This year’s tax conformity bill came out of the House Ways and Means Committee this week.
 
 H. 4918 - Return to Work
The House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill that expands the earnings limitation on retired South Carolina police officers who desire to return to work. This bill increases the amount that may be earned without affecting the monthly retirement allowance from $10k to $50k for certain retired members. 
 
H. 3340 - Utilities Infrastructure Project License Tax Credits
Under state law, some taxpayers are given tax credits for contributions they make to infrastructure and economic development projects. This bill, which came out of committee this week, increases the maximum annual credit amount for qualifying projects and increases eligibility requirements for increased credits. Finally, the bill allows unused tax credits to be carried forward for 3 tax years.
 
H. 3120 - Tax Credit for Perpetual Trail Easements
This bill, which also came out of Ways and Means this week, provides an income tax credit to a property owner whose property has a perpetual recreational trail easement. In other words, a landowner agrees to the creation and maintenance of a public trial on their property without giving up ownership of the land but will receive a tax credit for doing so. 
 
H. 3346 - Tax Reserves Increased 
One of my priorities during this legislative year was to increase reserves and rainy-day funds to prepare financially for the unexpected future. Two weeks ago I voted for the bill that will gradually raise the reserve from 5% to 7%. It also increased capital reserve funds from 2% to 3%. Altogether, South Carolina is saving 10% of revenue per year. This week, the House received an amended version of the bill from the Senate, which will be reviewed, worked on, and taken back up at the beginning of May.
 
Other Bills Passed in the House

●      Birth Certificates: H. 5000 allows adopted individuals to access their original birth certificate at the age of 18, given they have the consent of their biological parent or proof that their biological parent is deceased.

●      Medical Ethics:  H. 4776 is the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, which authorizes doctors and other medical practitioners to deny services that violate their conscience. This bill ensures that the healthcare individual or the entity cannot be held liable for discrimination for siding with their conscience. 

Finally, on Wednesday March 30th, candidate filing closed. I decided to file for office again this year and will be running for re-election to the South Carolina House. Serving as your Representative has been one of my greatest blessings, and I would be honored to have your support. Please vote June 14th!

Other Important Links:

• For updates from the Governor, visit: https://governor.sc.gov
• To track a bill, live stream session or meetings, and other information, visit the State Legislature website: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/index.php
• To download the SC Legislature Mobile app for iOS and Android devices, search “SC Legislature” on the App Store/Google Play.
• Don't forget to join me on Facebook!