greg hembree Archives - SC Senate Republican Caucus

SC Senate Republicans Unveil SC Leads Act

On Monday, June 22, South Carolina Senate Republicans, in a press conference, unveiled a proposal to file new legislation to enhance law enforcement accountability, standards, and make other policy recommendations. The proposal known as The South Carolina Law Enforcement Accountability, Duty and Standards (SC LEADS) Act enhances law enforcement accountability, transparency, and professional standards, and seeks to strengthen trust in South Carolina.

The proposal includes:

1.Required Baseline Standards and Accreditation

1. Requirement of an agency to adopt the baseline required standards as set forth by the Law Enforcement Training Council (LETC). may result in debarment from grant funding, civil fines, and the loss of an agency’s authority to remain a law enforcement agency.
2. The LETC shall establish baseline required standards for all law enforcement agencies in South Carolina. Standards will include but are not limited to the following policies:
  1. Use of Force Continuum-when and how to respond to active resistance.
  2. Uniform vehicle pursuit standards
  3. Hiring and terminating practices
  4. Mandatory post basic academy field training
  5. Implantation and use of body-worn cameras and car cams
  6. “No Knock Warrant” standards in compliance with U.S. Supreme Court decisions
  7. Duty to intervene – mandated duty on officers to intervene when observing an officer failing to meet baseline standards established or agency policy.
3. After implementing the LETC baseline standards, agencies would be incentivized to go beyond those baseline standards through an accreditation option that is not cost prohibitive

2. Duty To Intervene

1. Add “failure of duty to intervene” as established in baseline standards mandating officers intervene when observing failure to meet baseline standards.
2. Failure to intervene could result in decertification and/or potential criminal charges.

3. Fully fund body-worn camera program, and South Carolina Highway Patrol car camera program

4. Mandatory Attendance at Misconduct Hearings

1. A law enforcement agency who has reported an occurrence(s) of misconduct by an officer to the Criminal Justice Academy must fully cooperate with any investigation.

5. Non-Certified Officers and Training

1. Strengthen requirements for officers who have not yet been certified by the academy and improve training.
  1. Support H.5109 – non-certified officers shall not perform duties unless accompanied by a certified officer
  2. require mandatory field training for all newly certified officers
2. Require all newly appointed police chiefs to attend a chief’s school and annually obtain continuing law enforcement education credit

6. Centralized Investigation and Charging Authority

1. Centralize investigation and charging authority for officer involved interaction resulting in death or great bodily injury:
  1. SLED to conduct all investigations unless there is a conflict, the Attorney General shall appoint an investigating agency in cases of SLED conflict
  2. SLED reports investigative findings to AG
  3. State charges are presented or declined by the AG within 3 months of completion of the investigation
  4. State Grand Jury has exclusive jurisdiction over criminal charges involving death or GBI as a result of an officer involved interaction
  5. The local solicitor has the ability to request the AG review an officer involved incident (other than death and GBI) in any other circumstance

Watch full video of the press conference by clicking, HERE, and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

We want to hear from you! SHARE your comments and questions using the form below.

SC Senate Republicans Lead The Way On Education Reform

South Carolina Senate Republicans are leading the way in improving education for all children, teachers, administrators and parents in South Carolina! Despite eight weeks of delay from those wishing to preserve the status quo, Senate Republicans were able to pass a comprehensive education reform proposal that addresses many of state’s most critical needs in education.

“The Senate made education reform its top priority this year and has worked diligently for 8 weeks to craft a bill that provides many important improvements to South Carolina’s public schools,” Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey says. “I’m hopeful the House of Representatives to continue this important work of supporting our teachers and improving educational opportunities for our students.”

Chairman of the Senate Education Committee Greg Hembree says, “In my eight years in the Senate, I have never seen this body work harder on any single issue than the work we have done on this education reform effort. Although the Senate has passed S.419, we still have work ahead of us…when we complete our work on this bill, our work will not stop. The hard work of building an education system that gives every student in South Carolina the opportunity for a world-class education never ends, and we will continue that work, every year.

The Senate version of the bill:

Sets policy commitment for educations, known as Educator Fundamentals for Professional Excellence, to provide proper workplace expectations, including:
- Policies to provide faculty by fully respected by school and district officials.
- Ability for teachers to initiate disciplinary measures of persistently disruptive students.
- Expectation of a safe, secure, orderly work environment free of dangers, hazards or threats.
- Guaranteed at least 30-minute unencumbered duty-free lunch period for elementary school teachers free of planning and instruction.
- Additional compensation for work time required above and beyond stated contract days and responsibilities as teachers.
- And be free of excessive and burdensome paperwork related to disciplinary actions, district evaluation procedures, and other administrative inquires that prevent the fulfillment of teachers’ primary directive to implement effective instruction for their students.
- Provide support and assistance to meet performance standards and professional expectations.
Eliminates three state-mandated tests: social studies in 5th and 7th grades and science in 8th grade.
Expands 4K to every district in the state for students who are in families under 185% of poverty.
Doubles the reimbursement amount teachers receive for classroom supplies from $275 to $550.
Requires the Department of Education to pay initial certification costs for all new public school teachers.
Offers personal finance elective as requirement for economics course.
Allows students to retain their eligibility for Palmetto Scholarship for up to two years if attending a technical college.
Expands Palmetto and Life Enhancement scholarships, an additional $2500 per year, to college students majoring in education.
Mandates School Boards adopt follow code of ethics which must be submitted to the Department of Education and followed.
Creates a model training program for local school board members including, but not limited to, the powers duties, and responsibilities of board members; policy development; board relations; district finance; ethics compliance; nepotism; conflicts of interest and community relations.
Establishes a framework for turning around failing schools and allows for removal of elected school boards in chronically failing districts.
Provides summer reading camps for students after Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades.
Protects student data and information collected, to be held personal and confidential with state and federal privacy laws.
Allows district flexibility for mileage reimbursement for teachers.
Requires school boards to provide a streamlined template for student-learning objectives (SLO’s) further reducing teacher paperwork.
Creates a teachers preparation data dashboard to give an easily accessible source of information for teachers related to professional assistance.
Ensures reading coaches do only the job they were employed to do.
Adds 5 day scheduling flexibility to do KRA (Kindergarten Readiness Assessment)
Reauthorizes the National Board Certification program for teachers.
Requires two-thirds vote by the Board of Education to receive schools of innovation approval.
Makes structural changes to schools of innovation for consistent statewide compliance with schools of innovation guidelines.
Mandates local school districts must ensure completion of semester exams prior to a scheduled December break.
Eliminates the Education Oversight Committee.
Cements the GPA for lottery scholarships to allow students to remain eligible on the current ten point scale.
Permits students to receive additional SCWINS Scholarship if attending a two-year public technical college if the student is majoring in a critical workforce area program defined by SBTCE and is receiving a LTAP scholarship or meets the income eligibility guidelines for free-reduced meals; conditioned upon the student receiving career and guidance counseling and other compliance guidelines.

Governor Henry McMaster issued the following comments following passage of S.419:

We want to hear from you! SHARE your comments and questions using the form below.

Education Reform Bill Set For Priority Status In Senate

Education of Top Importance In 2020 Says Senate Majority Leader

COLUMBIA, SC — The South Carolina Senate today voted to set Senate Bill 419, an education reform package, for special order priority status by a vote of 40 to 4. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey made the special order motion on the Senate floor on what is the first day of new annual legislative session signifying the Senate’s commitment to make significant improvements to the state’s K-12 education policy.

“Providing a high-quality education to children in South Carolina continues to be at the top of the priority list for members of our Senate Republican Caucus, and we sent a clear message of that commitment today in setting S.419 for priority status in the Senate,” Senator Shane Massey says.

Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Greg Hembree, echoed the importance prioritizing the reform legislation.

“The Education Committee worked diligently through the fall and winter of 2019 hearing from teachers, parents, administrators, students and the public to craft a quality piece of legislation with lasting impact. There is plenty more to be done, but I am pleased of the work of the committee up to this point and look forward to final passage of key reforms that will improve our education policy for years to come.”

Special Order votes require a 2/3 vote in the affirmative of members voting and present. The motion passed with a vote of 40 in the affirmative and only four members voting against the motion.

###

Senate Republicans Introduce Teacher Appreciation Bill

Two Dozen Senators Co-Sponsor Legislation To Say THANK YOU To Teachers in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Twenty-four Senate Republicans have signed on to new legislation to allow teachers in South Carolina to exchange unused leave days for credit in a Teacher Appreciation Account. The primary sponsor of Senate Bill 888, Senator Greg Hembree highlights the features of the bill which will benefit the students in the classroom, and say Thank You to the teachers for the dedication they give in the classroom.

“It’s some of the most important work and the hardest work to find a way to give every child in South Carolina an opportunity to receive a world-class education…It’s a hard goal to reach…but there are victories,” Senator Greg Hembree said. “There are great people out there doing God’s work in this field and it is worth taking the time to celebrate them from time-to-time.”

###

Watch the full introductory remarks here

Senator Richard Cash Introduces First Bill in State Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 7, 2017

Contact: Reagan C. Kelley

reagankelley@scsenate.gov

803-212-6332

SENATOR RICHARD CASH INTRODUCES FIRST BILL IN STATE SENATE

Legislation Aims to Provide Safety Procedures for All Churchgoers

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Senator Richard Cash, R-Anderson, today prefiled his first legislation since joining the South Carolina Senate in May 2017. The proposal, Senate Bill 769 would permit a concealed weapon permit holder to carry a concealable weapon on school property that is leased by a church for church services.

Under the new proposal, the permit holder must receive express permission from the appropriate church official or governing body, and only applies during the times which the church has the use, pursuant to its lease with the school.

“Many churches now have security teams, so it is not unusual for someone with a concealed weapons permit who is approved by the church to be carrying,” Senator Richard Cash said. “Current law, however, prohibits carrying a concealed weapon on school property. This change would allow churches that lease school facilities to provide for the security of their members as them deem necessary “

Richard Cash was elected to the South Carolina Senate during the Special Election, on May 30, 2017 to fulfill the unexpired term of Kevin L. Bryant, who assumed Office of Lt. Governor. Senator Richard Cash is the resident senator for District 3, representing portions of Anderson County.

###

Senator Peeler Introduces Legislation to Safely Rid of Unused Prescription Drugs

SENATOR PEELER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SAFELY RID OF UNUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Bill Provides Drug Disposal Boxes at County Sheriff Offices

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Senator Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, today introduced Senate Bill 755 aimed at reducing opioid-related deaths by improving the mechanism to safely dispose of unwanted controlled substances. The program would provide prescription drug drop boxes at Sheriff’s departments in all South Carolina counties to be available during regular business hours.

“The opioid epidemic is ripping apart communities and families nationwide, and South Carolina is feeling the effects,” Senator Harvey Peeler said. “This program will allow a safe, convenient way to rid of unused prescription drugs – and hopefully reduce the use, sell and distribution of these drugs. Opioids present a real danger to families and law enforcement as it makes its way back on the streets. Proper disposal will reduce the availability of dangerous, illegal opioids.”

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control estimates 550 deaths occurred in 2016 as a result of prescription drug overdose, up 18% from 2014.

Elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1981, Senator Harvey Peeler represents Cherokee County and portions of Spartanburg, Union and York counties. In addition to serving as the chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, he serves on the Education, Ethics, Finance, Interstate Cooperation, and Transportation committees.

###

State Senate to Review Daylight Saving Time in New Proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 7, 2017

Contact: Senator Harvey Peeler

HarveyPeeler@scsenate.gov

STATE SENATE TO REVIEW DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME IN NEW PROPOSAL

Bill Seeks Study and Input for Opting Out of the Federal Program

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Included in a resolution released today, South Carolina could exempt itself from observing daylight saving time. Senator Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, sponsored the resolution to direct the Senate Committee on Interstate Cooperation to conduct a study of the potential impact of not recognizing daylight saving time.

If approved, the committee would work with other southeastern states to review the possible impacts resulting from South Carolina choosing to opt out of the federal daylight saving time program.

Senator Harvey Peeler said, “Every year we are told to ‘spring forward’ and most of us don’t even know why. From my observations, this abrupt change in time causes a loss of sleep and productivity. There are potential safety concerns on highways due to longer darkness in the morning hours. I want the committee to look into the real and modern day consequences of South Carolina opting out of this antiquated federal program.”

###

Bipartisan Senate Leaders Call For Special Session to Consider Halt to Further Action on V.C. Summer Nuclear Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 4, 2017

Contact: Reagan C. Kelley

reagankelley@scsenate.gov

803-212-6332

BIPARTISAN SENATE LEADERS CALL FOR SPECIAL SESSION TO CONSIDER HALT TO FURTHER ACTION ON V.C. SUMMER NUCLEAR PROJECT

Joint Letter Issued by Party Leaders Requests Reconvening General Assembly

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, and Minority Leader Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington, issued a joint letter to President Pro Tempore Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, requesting the General Assembly reconvene to consider a joint resolution halting new action on the V.C. Summer Project until the legislature has a chance to act during the 2018 session.

“As the Republican and Democratic Leaders of the Senate, we and the members of our caucuses are greatly concerned by the announcement earlier this week by SCANA and Santee Cooper that the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station of the project would be abandoned,” the letter states.

A copy of the full letter issued on August 4, 2017 is attached.

###

Senate Passes Bill to Fix South Carolina Roads

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 26, 2017

Contact: Reagan Kelley

ReaganKelley@scsenate.gov

803-212-6332

SENATE PASSES H.3516, A BILL TO FIX SOUTH CAROLINA ROADS

The Three-pronged Bill Includes Increased Revenue, Agency Reforms and Reductions

COLUMBIA S.C. — Tonight at 10:52 p.m., the Senate gave a key second reading to House Bill 3516, commonly referred to as the roads bill. The bill, recognized as the most priority piece of legislation this year, cleared the important hurdle by a 33-10 vote.

The bill, as passed by the Senate, raises the state’s gasoline tax 2 cents over 6 years, 12 cents in total, in addition to other fees. The increased user fee will provide approximately $800 million annually in new revenue to be sent to a newly created Maintenance Infrastructure Trust Fund fully designated to repairing existing state roads. Under competitive safeguards, at no point may South Carolina’s gasoline tax be higher than border states North Carolina and Georgia.

Senate Republicans successfully added stronger reforms to the Department of Transportation to ensure the agency will operate more efficiently and be more accountable to the taxpayers. The bill provides the governor the authority to remove the Commissioners at will, and adds an additional ninth Commissioner at-large to be appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the Senate.

The Senate plan protects taxpayers by allowing South Carolina residents to receive a tax credit applied to vehicle maintenance based on the amount of gasoline used throughout a year.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said, “from day one, fixing South Carolina’s roads and bridges was our top priority. I am pleased the Senate acted in a way that provides long-term funding, protects taxpayers and ensures that SCDOT will operate more efficiently and be held more accountable.”

“It has long been clear to me that the most appropriate and fiscally responsible solution to South Carolina’s road crisis must include sustained and dedicated funding to roads, reforms to inequitable areas of our tax system and reforms to the SCDOT that ensure efficiency and accountability. All three components were included in the plan that passed the Senate tonight. Because of that, we can now begin to fix our roads,” Senator Sean Bennett said.

“The Senate passed a bill tonight that will fix our roads, repair our broken DOT structure and do it in a way that is responsible to the S.C. taxpayer,” Senator Larry Grooms said.

“We’ve recognized from the beginning of this year’s session that solving South Carolina’s infrastructure and providing long-term funding to the SCDOT is paramount,” Senator Greg Hembree said. “The debate on how to best improve our state’s roads received extensive, substantive debate often into late hours of the night. These thorough debates over how to best solve one of the state’s most pressing issues is what the democratic process is about.”
The bill now heads to the House for consideration of added amendments. The House may concur with the Senate amendments and send the bill to the governor’s desk, or non-concur with amendments and send the bill to a Conference Committee consisting of three House members and three Senators to form the final bill to receive a vote.

###

Senate Republicans Announce New Leadership Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 26, 2017

Contact: Reagan Kelley

ReaganKelley@scsenate.gov

803-212-6332

SENATE MAJORITY ANNOUNCES CHANGES IN COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Lieutenant Governor Change Leads to Numerous Committee Moves

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today the Senate Majority announced a number of changes to Senate leadership resulting from Governor Nikki Haley’s appointment as United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

Senator Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, was elected to serve as lieutenant governor, replacing former presiding officer and now 117th South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. Senator Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, filled the President Pro Tempore position in the Senate. The Senate General Committee will be chaired by Senator Katrina Shealy, R-Lexington. During the past legislative session, the General Committee involvement primarily included the restructure of the Department of Social Services, as well as the refugee program. Bryant’s ascension opened a vacancy on the Senate Finance Committee to be filled by Senator Greg Hembree, R-Horry.

QUOTABLES:

“It’s a great fit given my interests and passions of helping our children in the DSS system,” Senator Katrina Shealy said. “I’m looking forward to being able to make a direct impact on these important issues and others that our state may face.”

Senator Greg Hembree said, “Joining the Senate Finance Committee is a great opportunity for me, and for Horry and Dillon counties. Having a seat at the table will benefit our area and allow me to better watch out for the taxpayers of our region.”

Senator Hembree’s move resulted in a vacancy on the Senate Judiciary Committee to be filled following the special election of District 3 in Anderson County.

###