THE MOSS REPORT
REP. DENNIS MOSS

As the first month of the 2008 legislative session comes to an end, bills continue to be introduced and referred to committees for further consideration. During this time, Ways and Means subcommittees are hearing the budget requests of state agencies.

AGRICULTURE

Two bills were introduced and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. H. 4547: Migratory Waterfowl - This bill provides for the cost of migratory waterfowl stamps and the manner in which they are sold. This bill also does not require persons (64 years old and older) with lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to have a migratory game bird permit. In addition, this bill makes it unlawful to harm, disturb or take actively nesting waterfowl or damage waterfowl nest boxes. H.4548: Game Fish - This bill repeals the current daily limits on game fish; striped bass or rockfish in certain waters to include all waters and tributaries and establishes new catch limits and length limits pertaining to striped bass in certain waters.

EDUCATION

Unused Education Buildings - Among the bills introduced and referred to the Committee on Education and Public Works was H.4563 pertaining to vacant and unused buildings that are owned by school districts that may be suitable for the operation of charter schools. This bill adds that no school district shall charge rent to a charter school for a lease or use of a building that is owned by the district.

JUDICIARY

Operation of State Government - Among the bills introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee was H. 4538, is legislation that makes numerous changes pertaining to the operation of state government and would be referred to as the "Government Accountability Act of 2008". H.4551: Pharmaceutical companies - This bill would prohibit pharmaceutical companies from advertising prescription medicines or other controlled substances on broadcast or print media in this State.

WAYS AND MEANS

Bills introduced and referred to Ways and Means included: H.4524 - Sales Tax Exemptions: This bill clarifies that in order to qualify for the sales tax exemptions allowed for durable medical equipment and medical supplies these goods must be sold according to written prescription or certificate of medical necessity.

H.4543: Accommodations Tax - This bill adds a definition for "day visitor" under the state accommodations tax provisions. "Day visitor' means a person who travels outside of his community or environment, regardless of the distance traveled, for the primary purpose of engaging in a leisure or recreational activity for no more than one day per visit. 'Day visitor' does not include a person who spends a night in the new community or environment. The legislation authorizes the use of accommodations tax revenues to attract and provide for day visitors.

H.4549: Motor Vehicle Tax Revenue - This bill provides for a phased-in transfer of motor vehicle sales, use, and casual excise tax revenues to the State Highway Fund to be used exclusively for highway, road, and bridge maintenance.

H.4553: Income Tax Deduction for Senior Citizens - This bill increases the maximum state individual income tax deduction allowed for retirement income from $3,000 to $30,000. The legislation increases from $15,000 to $30,000 the state individual income tax deduction allowed all individuals who have attained the age of 65.

H.4561: Beachfront Protection - This bill enacts the "Beachfront Finance Act" so as to provide that a county or municipality may issue bonds to finance the cost of controlling and repairing waterfront erosion.

If I may be of assistance to you at any time, please feel free to call (803-734- 3073) or write Office 422A Blatt Building, Columbia, SC 29211.

You may send an e-mail to mossd@scstatehouse.net; or call my home in Gaffney (864-487-2121); or write 306 Silver Circle, Gaffney, SC 29340.