S.C. politics

A bill promoting the use of body cameras has been named for the black man who was fatally shot last month by a white North Charleston police officer.

The S.C. House unanimously passed its version Wednesday. A perfunctory vote Thursday returned the bill to the Senate, which passed its version two weeks ago. Changes included an amendment re-naming it “The Walter L. Scott Law.”

The legislation became a priority after a bystander’s video of then-officer Michael Slager fatally shooting Scott as he ran away prompted Slager’s arrest for murder.

The House version adds six months of study. It directs the Law Enforcement Training Council to study agencies already using them, then develop statewide guidelines within six more months.

The Senate’s budget proposal provides $3.4 million to buy cameras.

Senate panel hears more testimony over public records bill

A state Senate subcommittee has taken more testimony on a bill that would overhaul South Carolina’s open records law.

Senators Wednesday questioned representatives from the S.C. Bar Association about suggested changes to the proposed Office of Freedom of Information Act, such as to whom conflicts would be appealed.

Last week, two newspaper editors told lawmakers the proposal would provide a cheaper way to fight governments when records requests are denied. Currently, a fight over an open records request must go straight to Circuit Court, which can be expensive.

The bill already has passed the House and makes several public records law changes, including clarifying how quickly governments must respond to requests and preventing them from charging excessive fees.

Chairman Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, said the subcommittee would schedule another meeting.

The Associated Press

This story was originally published May 13, 2015 at 5:53 PM with the headline "S.C. politics."