South Carolina committee advances housing and juvenile jurisdiction bills for military families
March 26, 2025 | Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs, Standing, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, South Carolina
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The House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss and advance key legislation aimed at supporting military families and enhancing housing options in South Carolina. The meeting focused on two significant bills, both of which had previously garnered unanimous support but faced challenges in the Senate.
The first item on the agenda was House Bill 3,333, introduced by Representative Davis. This bill seeks to expand the scope of projects eligible for redevelopment at federal military installations to include workforce housing. It aims to align the military base tax increment finance (TIF) statute more closely with standard TIF regulations. Key provisions of the bill include allowing local governing bodies to utilize TIF funds beyond designated boundaries and extending the bonding period from 15 to 35 years. The bill received endorsements from Governor McMaster, Colonel Freeman of Joint Base Charleston, and North Charleston Mayor Burgess, all of whom emphasized the importance of affordable housing for military personnel and their families.
Following a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously in favor of the bill, signaling strong bipartisan support. Members expressed the urgency of passing this legislation, particularly in light of the housing challenges faced by military families relocating to the area.
The second bill discussed was House Bill 3910, also sponsored by Chairwoman Davis. This legislation establishes a procedure for the state to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations concerning juvenile offenses. The bill aims to provide a more appropriate legal framework for handling juvenile crimes committed on military property, allowing for cases to be addressed under South Carolina law rather than federal law. This change is intended to offer a more suitable approach for military families, particularly when juveniles are involved in legal matters while their families are stationed in South Carolina.
Similar to the first bill, House Bill 3910 had previously passed the House with a unanimous vote but faced delays in the Senate due to technical amendments. The committee members reiterated their commitment to prioritizing this legislation to ensure that military families receive the support they need.
Both bills were passed favorably by the committee, with members expressing optimism about their prospects in the Senate. The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment, highlighting the committee's dedication to addressing the needs of veterans and their families in South Carolina.
The first item on the agenda was House Bill 3,333, introduced by Representative Davis. This bill seeks to expand the scope of projects eligible for redevelopment at federal military installations to include workforce housing. It aims to align the military base tax increment finance (TIF) statute more closely with standard TIF regulations. Key provisions of the bill include allowing local governing bodies to utilize TIF funds beyond designated boundaries and extending the bonding period from 15 to 35 years. The bill received endorsements from Governor McMaster, Colonel Freeman of Joint Base Charleston, and North Charleston Mayor Burgess, all of whom emphasized the importance of affordable housing for military personnel and their families.
Following a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously in favor of the bill, signaling strong bipartisan support. Members expressed the urgency of passing this legislation, particularly in light of the housing challenges faced by military families relocating to the area.
The second bill discussed was House Bill 3910, also sponsored by Chairwoman Davis. This legislation establishes a procedure for the state to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations concerning juvenile offenses. The bill aims to provide a more appropriate legal framework for handling juvenile crimes committed on military property, allowing for cases to be addressed under South Carolina law rather than federal law. This change is intended to offer a more suitable approach for military families, particularly when juveniles are involved in legal matters while their families are stationed in South Carolina.
Similar to the first bill, House Bill 3910 had previously passed the House with a unanimous vote but faced delays in the Senate due to technical amendments. The committee members reiterated their commitment to prioritizing this legislation to ensure that military families receive the support they need.
Both bills were passed favorably by the committee, with members expressing optimism about their prospects in the Senate. The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment, highlighting the committee's dedication to addressing the needs of veterans and their families in South Carolina.
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