Drawing a passionate presentation on the House floor by Daniel Island Rep. Jimmy Merrill was a bill concerning the dredging of the Savannah River. H.4627 is a joint resolution to suspend the authority of DHEC for all decisions subsequent to 2007 pertaining to the navigability, depth, dredging, wastewater and sludge disposal and related collateral issues of the state’s portion of the Savannah River.

DHEC’s appointed board overrode a decision by DHEC and granted to Georgia a permit to allow the dredging of the Savannah River.  

It was noted during the presentation that the dredging would put contaminated soil on the South Carolina side of the river and provide a deeper channel for shipping than Charleston. It was also pointed out that the aquifer that supplies fresh water to the residents of coastal South Carolina would be in jeopardy of being contaminated with saltwater.  

It was argued that the approval by DHEC’s appointed board could present imminent and irreversible public health and environmental concerns. The third reading vote of 111-0 and the bill now goes to the Senate, which has a companion bill.

• Various License Plates

H. 3124 originated in the House and subsequently passed the House last year.  The Senate passed it this year with several amendments.  

The bill contains designations for several specialty plates including high schools, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, libraries, and the 2010-11 USC Baseball National Champions. Most importantly the bill increases the fees for these plates to $68, which is the actual cost to produce them.  With a vote of 88-15 the bill now goes back to the Senate with a House amendment that clarified some language.

• Use of Cell Phones While Driving

H.4451 was discussed in my subcommittee on Transportation and Roadways, which I chair. This bill would make it unlawful for a person to use an electronic communication device for manual texting while driving a vehicle.

Stiff penalties of points off driving license to prison time would incur depending on property damage or bodily injury or death of an individual. Also, a ticket could be issued if a person is observed using the device while driving.

• Furlough of the House

Discussions about shortening the legislative session have fallen on deaf ears. So, to save an estimated $150,000, the House will be furloughed for three weeks, Feb. 13-17, April 2-6, and April 9-13.

With this Legislative Report to you, my aim is to bring information relevant to the citizens of Berkeley County and the Lowcountry on what’s happening at the State House. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives. If you have a comment or opinion, or if I may be of assistance to you, please feel free to call me at home at 553-9288 or at the State House (803) 734-2951 or email me at joedaning@schouse.gov. I value your input on matters that affect Berkeley County and South Carolina.