The state Senate passed a body camera bill on Wednesday that mandates that S.C. cops wear the cameras, but exempts the video from public accountability laws, mandating the release only when weapons are used and there is “heightened public interest.” Press Association Director Bill Rogers: “Who can tell if there’s public interest if we don’t have access to the video?” The state is debating a slightly different bill. Source: AP
Lawmakers will continue to debate legislation this week as they face the “crossover” deadline for bills to be passed in one chamber and sent to another. Source: AP
Houston-based fuel-transport company Kinder Morgan is proposing a 360 mile fuel pipeline from Jacksonville, Florida to the area outside Belton, S.C. Meanwhile, Belton continues to clean up hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel spilled around Kinder Morgan tanks in the area. Source: Gannett, Anderson Independent-Mail
Three Charleston-area attorneys are among those set to be appointed to new magistrate judge positions in the area. Among them is Jennifer McCoy, the wife of James Island state Rep. Peter McCoy, who will replace Judge Richard Lingenfelter, and two North Charleston lawyers who will create a new position and replace a 13-year judge who says she’s unsure why she isn’t being re-appointed. North Charleston magistrate Joanna Summey-Fuller, the daughter of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, will retain her post. Local state senators are staying tight-lipped on why the changes are being made. Source: P&C