SC Legislative Update 5/8/20
By Ben Homeyer
Quick update for the weekend. As you may recall from previous notes the General Assembly will begin to meet on Tuesday May 12th. The House first at Noon and the Senate will convene at 2:00. We do not yet know all that will be covered but both bodies have discussed doing both a continuing resolution and a Sine Die resolution. Both are able to stay in session for two more weeks but it is expected that they will adjourn until Sept. 15. Items such as Santee Cooper, liability discussions, business license fees and other pieces of legislation are possible for discussion.
The accelerateSC group is continuing to meet. The business group will be meeting again on Tuesday and liability protection will be a major topic on the agenda. They will also be looking at how to increase restaurant capacity, close quarter businesses and other business related issues. One item that has been discussed a lot in the accelerate meetings deals with child care centers. Currently over half of them are still closed and that is a major impediment for workers ability to return to jobs.
In Today’s Governors address Governor McMaster lifted the order on Indoor dining. Beginning May 11 limited indoor dining will be done. The following restrictions among others will be applied. They are continuing to take data about outdoor dining and how that is effecting the population.
- Only allow 50% of posted occupancy inside, as determined by fire marshals
- Tables should be spaced 6-8 feet apart
- Additional cleaning and sanitizing guidelines for equipment, tables, chairs, etc.
- Additional guidance for health checks for all employees
- Social distancing guidance for employees and customers, including recommended
On Monday May 11 the Governor also plans to address close quarter business. Things such as gyms, hair salons etc. He does not plan to lift restrictions on Monday but lay out a plan for those businesses to begin operation.
