The South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers works to present issues, items and legislation of interest to and related to the field of engineering. As an advocate for your profession, we strive to promote the ethical, competent and licensed practice of engineering.

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Current Issues

2008 Legislative Issues

Senate Labor Commerce & Industry Sends Weakened Sprinkler Bill to Senate Floor
According to The State newspaper, the Senate LCI reported out the fire sprinkler bill – S 860 – with strong support, but Senator Glenn Reese (D-Spartanburg) placed an objection on the bill, which hurts its chance of passage this session.

Senator McConnell Introduces Bill that Would Remove the Board of Accountancy from the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation
The interesting point about this legislation is that, if passed, it would take the CPAs out of LLR, and might lead the way for other regulatory boards to leave LLR, such as the SC State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.

Senate Transportation Committees Deal with SC Department of Transportation Regulations
The SCDOT promulgated regulations as a result of the DOT Reform Act 114 that was passed last year. A Senate Transportation Subcommittee and then the full committee held hearings on the regulations April 2.

Controversial Proviso to Study the Validity of Wind and Seismic Residential Building Requirements Remains in 2008-2009 SC Budget Going to the Senate Finance Committee
The Structural Engineers Association of South Carolina and the SC Building Code Council are opposed the a proviso directing the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to spend $100,000 to contract with Clemson University’s Department of Civil Engineering and The Citadel to establish a research project to determine the validity of wind and seismic residential building requirements for South Carolina.

SC Budget Proviso Moves Closer to Passing to Study Feasibility of the State Funding Professional Liability and Workers Compensation Coverage for Volunteers
A proviso to study the cost of the state’s funding for volunteers’ professional liability and workers’ compensation insurance when professionals have volunteered to provide professional services in and around emergencies was contained in the House Budget that was sent to the Senate this month. 

Several Bills Give Additional Highway Funding a Chance
Several bills have been introduced in both the Senate and House that if passed, could give additional funding for the State’s highways and bridges.

Speaker Harrell says Legislature Might Consider Privatizing Registration Boards
 At a meeting this week with Speaker Harrell, the executive director of the Certified Accountants asked if the legislature would consider dismantling the Department of Labor   Licensing and Regulation (LLR) and allowing registration boards to become independent.

Alternate Delivery Methods for State Projects Legislation Goes to the Governor for Signature
A Senate bill allowing the State to use alternate delivery methods for projects has been passed by both the Senate and the House and been ratified this week by both bodies and is now on the Governor’s desk for signature or veto.

SC House Joins Senate in Introducing Legislation to Direct Money to Highways
House Republican Caucus members introduced legislation this week dedicating money raised by the sales tax on cars to go to the State Highway Fund.

Engineering Technologists Apply for Professional Registration Under the New Law
A law passed last year allows engineering technology graduates from four-year programs with the required experience successful passage of the Fundamentals and Professional Engineer exams to become registered.

State Government

South Carolina's state and local government offices

SC Labor, Licensing, Regulations Board: Engineering

Federal Government

Congressional Links: United States Senate and United States House of Representatives

The Executive branch: Office of the President

Legal and Legislative Links

Library of Congress (Legislative information about Bills)