History
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To understand the legislative process, it's necessary
to know a few facts about the lawmaking body. The South Carolina legislature
consists of two parts, the Senate and House of Representatives. There are
170 members-46 Senators and 124 Representatives representing districts
based on population. When these two parts (bodies) are referred to collectively,
the Senate and House (together) are called the General Assembly.
To be eligible to be a Representative, a person must
be at least 21 years old. Senators must be at least 25 years old, qualified
voters and live in their districts. Members of the House serve for two
years; Senators serve for four years. The terms of office begin on the
Monday following the General Election, held in even numbered years on the
first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
The Constitution provides members immunity from arrest
while attending and traveling to and from the General Assembly during the
session and for ten days before and after adjournment. There is no immunity
for a member charged with treason, felony or breach of the peace. The House
can punish its members for disorderly behavior if it sees fit to do so.
If two-thirds of the members agree, the House can expel a member from the
session, but cannot do so a second time for the same reason.
Members of the House meet on the first Tuesday following
certification of the election for a maximum of three days to organize.
This organizational session includes: election of officers, appointment
of standing committees, adoption of rules, assignment of desks and other
housekeeping details. The presiding officer of the House is the Speaker,
elected by the House for the two-year term from among the House members.
Other officers elected are Speaker Pro Tempore, Clerk, Chaplain, Reading
Clerk and Sergeant at Arms.
The Lieutenant Governor is elected in statewide election
and serves as President of the Senate although not a Senator. While presiding,
he does not vote except where the vote is tied. The Senate chooses a President
Pro Tempore to act in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor. Other Senate
officers are Clerk, Chaplain, Reading Clerk and Sergeant at Arms.
The Legislature begins in regular session annually in
Columbia on the second Tuesday in January and must adjourn sine die
not later than the first Thursday in June unless an extension is voted
by a two-thirds vote of both Houses. Normally, the House and Senate meet
in statewide session on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and on Friday for
local matters. The Governor may call the General Assembly into a special
session if necessary, beyond the regular session.
Each member of the House and Senate is paid $250 a day
for a maximum of forty days during regular session.
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