Advocacy

The American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina works to present issues, items and legislation of interest to and related to the field of engineering. As an advocate for your profession, we strive to promote the ethical, competent and licensed practice of engineering.

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Current Issues

2008 Legislative Issues

Senate Labor Commerce & Industry Sends Weakened Sprinkler Bill to Senate Floor
According to The State newspaper, the Senate LCI reported out the fire sprinkler bill – S 860 – with strong support, but Senator Glenn Reese (D-Spartanburg) placed an objection on the bill, which hurts its chance of passage this session.

Senate Transportation Committees Deal with SC Department of Transportation Regulations
The SCDOT promulgated regulations as a result of the DOT Reform Act 114 that was passed last year. A Senate Transportation Subcommittee and then the full committee held hearings on the regulations April 2.

Senator McConnell Introduces Bill that Would Remove the Board of Accountancy from the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation
The interesting point about this legislation is that, if passed, it would take the CPAs out of LLR, and might lead the way for other regulatory boards to leave LLR, such as the SC State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.

SC Budget Proviso Moves Closer to Passing to Study Feasibility of the State Funding Professional Liability and Workers Compensation Coverage for Volunteers
A proviso to study the cost of the state’s funding for volunteers’ professional liability and workers’ compensation insurance when professionals have volunteered to provide professional services in and around emergencies was contained in the House Budget that was sent to the Senate this month. 

Fire Sprinkler Legislation in the State Legislature
The South Carolina Legislature is pushing for safer buildings.  Both the Senate and the House have bills concerning fire sprinkler systems.   S921, S860, and H4470 all deal with fire sprinkler systems.

Controversial Proviso to Study the Validity of Wind and Seismic Residential Building Requirements Remains in 2008-2009 SC Budget Going to the Senate Finance Committee
The Structural Engineers Association of South Carolina and the SC Building Code Council are opposed the a proviso directing the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to spend $100,000 to contract with Clemson University’s Department of Civil Engineering and The Citadel to establish a research project to determine the validity of wind and seismic residential building requirements for South Carolina.