The state Senate on Tuesday narrowly voted to take up a near-total abortion ban passed by the House that has been swatted down in the past in the upper chamber.
Senators voted 22-21 on Tuesday to set up the Senate, which has just three weeks left in the 2023 session, for a lengthy debate likely to start today over whether the Palmetto State should join 14 other states in a measure to almost completely outlaw abortion.
The Senate has already passed a ban that would take effect when cardiac activity is detected — which can be as early as six weeks and before many people realize they are pregnant. The state Supreme Court, however, overturned the ban in January. Currently, abortions are legal through about 20 weeks.
Opponents can filibuster a bill any time until at least 26 senators vote to sit the speaker down, a number that has proven difficult to attain for Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey when it comes to abortion debates. Five Republicans, including the three GOP women, joined every Democrat in September to strike down the previous proposal.
A recent opinion of note:
CP OPINION, Ganaway: Gullah matriarch Meggett remembered for knowledge, wisdom. “Lowcountry matriarch, Gullah Geechee griot, community leader, mother, friend, and New York Times bestselling cookbook author Emily Meggett died Friday, leaving behind a lifetime and legacy that most would find hard to compete or compare with.”
In other headlines:
CP NEWS: Covid-19 transmission remains low thanks to immunity, vaccinations. Health experts said herd immunity and widespread vaccination have contributed to falling case rates, and access to at-home testing has also diminished the effectiveness of state and national Covid-19 monitoring systems. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 1,421 new cases of Covid-19 in the last week.
CP NEWS: Summerville’s Public Works Art Center hosts fundraising gala. On April 29, The Public Works Art Center (PWAC) in downtown Summerville will host its second fundraising gala at the center, this year called the Creativity in Bloom Gala.
Berkeley County lawmaker wants tax cuts for country club members. A bill in the state Legislature proposed by Republican Rep. Mark Smith would prohibit the state from levying the admissions tax on for-profit golf clubs’ membership dues.
Charleston cracks down on illegal car carrier parking. Charleston city leaders are cracking down on car carriers that block highway medians or side streets while making deliveries.
Isle of Palms city council debates future of beach safety. The Isle of Palms Police Department is set to receive around $150,000 to boost security measures on and around the beach.
Grand jury indicts Murdaugh on 2 additional counts of tax evasion. An S.C. grand jury on Tuesday charged convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh with two counts of tax evasion after prosecutors reviewed his final years of tax returns before he headed behind bars.
Charleston teen charged in 2020 shooting denied bond. Two teens charged in the 2020 shooting death of the College of Charleston’s provost will be tried as adults and face the possibility of life in prison if convicted.
To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
