Senate backs immigration bill

June 10, 2008 by senatormcconnell

Sanford praises plan as strong, enforceable

The third time may prove to be the charm on immigration legislation in the Senate and possibly for the Legislature.

With little debate, senators on Tuesday gave key approval to the third compromise plan on immigration to originate in the Senate this year, led by Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell.

If approved today by senators and concurred on by the House later this week, the legislation will be sent to Gov. Mark Sanford with days to spare before the end of the legislative session.
Sanford praised the bill as a good one in a statement after the vote. Read more

Sprinkler incentives bill sent to Sanford

June 10, 2008 by senatormcconnell

Measure would give property tax credit to those who voluntarily install systems

The House concurred Tuesday with the Senate’s changes to a bill providing incentives to those who install fire sprinklers, sending the legislation to the governor.

The Senate had passed the bill last week after years of public hearings, committee meetings and negotiations among lawmakers.

“I think it was a surprise to almost everyone that we got a bill here at the end,” Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell said. “It’s one of those last-minute dashes to the finish line.” Read more

SC Senate approves illegal immigration compromise

June 10, 2008 by senatormcconnell

The Senate has given final approval to legislation that would require all businesses in South Carolina to verify their workers’ legal status.

Legislative leaders say this version will make it to the governor’s desk, ending months of political wrangling and competing proposals by the House and Senate.
The Senate gave the latest measure a third reading Wednesday and sent it to the House, which is expected to agree.

The compromise was worked out over the last week between House Speaker Bobby Harrell and Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell.

The bill includes fines of up to $1,000 per worker for not verifying employees and business license suspensions for employers who knowingly hire illegals.

May 28, 2008
WIS-TV
Associated Press