The South Carolina legislature has continued its work fixing a state law so that those condemned to die can’t just sit in a jail cell waiting endlessly for injection drugs that have been taken off the market by pharmaceutical companies. So, they are welcoming back the electric chair and a troop of folks to take aim at a restrained person in an effort to resume state executions after a 10-year hiatus. The measure would require death row inmates to choose between a firing squad or electric chair — with the latter being the default if they refuse to make a choice. With a House vote Wednesday, the legislature got closer to delivering the bill to Gov. Henry McMaster to reboot the practices. More: Associated Press, The State, and CNN
In other headlines:
S.C. Senate rejects open carry of guns without permits. On Wednesday, senators rejected an amendment that sought to allow any person who could legally own a gun in South Carolina to be able to carry their weapons openly. The amendment, being made to a bill that would allow concealed weapon permit holders to carry openly, was shot down 25-21. More: AP News
S.C. not on track to meet Biden vaccine goal, DHEC says. South Carolina health officials said Wednesday the state is not on track to achieve the Biden administration’s goal of 70% of the population being vaccinated with one of three coronavirus vaccines by July 1. More: WBTW
Millions in rent, utility assistance available in S.C. Applications are now open for people who need help paying back rent and utilities during the pandemic through a S.C. Housing program. People who qualify can get up to 12 months of aid for rent or utility bills that date back to March of 2020. They can also qualify for up to three months of future rent assistance. More: WTOC
I-77 bridge closed today for repairs. One of the state’s busiest bridges will close for repairs today at 9 p.m. The southbound bridge of Interstate 77 over the Catawba River — frequented by those traveling between Rock Hill and Charlotte — is expected to remain closed for 17 days. Southbound traffic will share the northbound bridge, cutting commuter space over the bridge from four lanes to two lanes. More: AP News
To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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