Abolishing the state's Budget and Control Board was probably one of the key legislative victories of the year, Sen. Kevin Johnson told Manning Rotary Wednesday afternoon at F.E. DuBose Career Center.
"It will really change the way we do government in South Carolina," the District 36 Democrat told the Rotarians during a legislative update at their regular meeting.
The new Department of Administration will go into effect July 1, 2015.
Johnson characterized the debate leading up to a new law allowing concealed weapons permit holders the right to bring guns into establishments serving alcohol as "at some points rather controversial."
"I just see some good and bad to that," he said. "We'll see how it goes."
Thanks to new legislation, drivers can use an electronic format as proof of insurance, he said, either with a smartphone or tablet, as opposed to having a card or piece of paper.
Legislators gave judges more discretion in considering whether a person is suitable for bond and subsequent release from jail -- especially if that person has separate pending charges -- and lawmakers also toughened driving under the influence regulations with Emma's Law, he said.
Texting while driving is now illegal across the state.
'"It's something that will save a lot of lives," he said.
High school students will no longer have to take an exit exam to receive a diploma, he said, and businesses can now legally give preference to veterans in hiring for jobs.
Olivia McConnell, an 8-year-old New Zion resident, wanted the wooly mammoth to be adopted as the state fossil, which resulted in a legislative brouhaha that was "blown completely out of proportion," Johnson said, referring to his appearance on the CBS Evening News and pieces on shows hosted by Stephen Colbert and Rachel Maddow.
Working on ethics reform has been a disappointment, and Johnson also said he is unhappy with the Legislature's approach to dealing with infrastructure issues, which he deemed a "dire" $29 billion problem that has been nickel and dimed for far too long.
Increasing the gas tax is one approach he thinks needs consideration and could put 40 percent of the costs on tourists traveling through the state.
Johnson touched on budget numbers and ended his speech in touting a proposed African American museum in Charleston, which he thinks would be a "huge tourist attraction for South Carolina."
