MORNING HEADLINES | The S.C. House on Wednesday voted 90-17 to pass a bill that requires children to get permission from their parents before signing up to be on social media sites.
Under the bill, social media companies would have to make “reasonable efforts” to verify the age of users and put safeguards in place for children using their platforms, such as parental consent and limits on who can message them and what they can see. Last year, a similar bill almost passed unanimously.
But this year, some lawmakers said they were concerned about parental rights, privacy and a requirement that the state create educational programs about social media. Others questioned why the government needed to interfere with parental responsibilities.
After a routine Thursday vote that is expected to pass, the measure will go to the state Senate, which did not consider it last year.
In other recent headlines:
CP NEWS: Charleston’s police advisory council faces uncertain future. Charleston’s Citizens Police Advisory Council (CPAC), formed in 2020 to give Lowcountry residents a voice in the direction of law enforcement, has halted meetings.
CP FOOD: No shortage of Guinness in Charleston. Did you know that the United Kingdom has recently been facing a Guinness shortage? A travesty, we know. Fortunately, the popular dark beer is still readily available in the U.S. — and all over Charleston.
Mace sells D.C. house she bought with former fiancé for almost $2 million. The Washington, D.C., townhouse was jointly owned by U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and her ex, Patrick Bryant of Charleston, whom Mace has accused of sexual assault.
SCHOOLS: S.C. teacher vacancies down in Lowcountry. The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement found that teacher vacancies are lower across the state, including in Charleston. It’s the first decrease in vacancies since the 2019-2020 school year.
- Charleston schools aim to hire more multilingual teachers
- S.C. schools taking wait-and-see approach to federal DEI orders
- S.C. House budget panel proposes $1,500 pay raise for teachers
- S.C. House Democrats sponsor ‘Freedom to Read’ act
- S.C. House Republicans advance unlimited private school voucher plan
Charleston citizens turn out to support public transit. With federal budget cuts likely, Charlestonians spoke out Wednesday in support of the regional transit system.
Plan for new Charleston parking garage sparks neighborhood concerns. Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Association President Elizabeth Soule Brainard told the city’s Planning Commission: “We do not want that. Not only do we not want the traffic, the noise and all that stuff but more importantly we’re worried about the housing dorms or otherwise would be a much better use of that spot.”
American Air adding new S.C. to N.Y. flights. According to the airline, the seasonal routes between LaGuardia and Charleston International and Myrtle Beach International will run from spring to summer, with prices starting at $79.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.