Capitol Connection

• Bill to keep weapons list secret gets boost

The public would not have access to the names of people who can carry concealed weapons in South Carolina under a proposal that might soon be headed to the governor’s desk.

The House made a small change to the proposal Tuesday and returned it to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.

Gun enthusiasts say publishing the gun owners’ names violates their privacy. Open-government advocates say the government should never issue licenses in secret.

Under the House change, the state will wait until a permit is revoked before publishing that person’s name, address and reason for the revocation.

REAL ID

House Speaker Bobby Harrell again asked Gov. Mark Sanford on Tuesday to ask Homeland Security for an extension to comply with its standards on driver’s licenses and other state-issued ID cards.

If the state doesn’t agree to ask for an extension for the Real ID program by the end of the month, S.C. residents who board airplanes will soon have to endure extra security screenings.

Both the House and Senate unanimously voted to seek an extension. Sanford has said he is still deciding whether to seek one.

SMOKING BAN

A House panel Tuesday stalled a statewide smoking ban in restaurants and bars. Lawmakers including Rep. Garry Smith, R-Greenville, said they want to wait and see how the state Supreme Court rules on a smoking ban in Greenville.

Several local governments have enacted local bans, including Columbia and Sullivan’s Island. Columbia leaders are not enforcing the ban until the court rules.

SPENDING CAPS

Legislation that would curb state spending in surplus years and sock away extra money for lean times is heading to the Senate floor.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment and a bill that sets up a reserve account that could grow to 15 percent of the state’s budget. Spending in any year could not grow more than the 10-year average increase in state tax collections.

SMOKING EMPLOYEES

Employers would be able to use advertisements to tell prospective workers that they have nonsmoking workplaces under a bill headed to the House.

The legislation clarifies part of the state law that says employers cannot consider a worker’s tobacco use in hiring or firing decisions.

The Senate gave the legislation final approval with no debate.

LITTER CAMPAIGN

The annual Zero Tolerance for Litter Awareness Campaign will commence at the State House today. Law enforcement officers will target litter violations and educate citizens about South Carolina litter laws over the next three days.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“And lawmakers got to spend time with their families, which is always good.”

— House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, explaining how S.C. taxpayers saved $58,000 by the House not working last week. South Carolina, Harrell noted, has one of the nation’s longest legislative sessions.

SCHMOOZING

Where and when lawmakers can eat and drink for free Wednesday — and who’s buying.

8-10 a.m.: Breakfast by Project F.A.I.T.H., at the Blatt Building, Room 112

Noon-2 p.m.: Lunch by the South Carolina General Assembly Women’s Caucus, at Seawell’s

6:30-8 p.m.:Supper by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina, at the Marriott Hotel

8-10 p.m.: Reception by the Mechanical Contractors Association of South Carolina, at The Coop

Contributing: Staff writers Gina Smith, John O’Connor and The Associated Press