By Senator Kent Williams​
I wanted to take a moment to share with you several key pieces of legislation that the General Assembly passed this year you may not have heard about. The first provides drivers with the option of including an autism designation on driver’s licenses and special identification cards by establishing a process for someone to voluntarily disclose a medical diagnosis of autism to the DMV. These provisions allowing an autism symbol to be included on I.D. cards are offered to reduce the likelihood of law enforcement officers misinterpreting movements and behavior during traffic stops and other interactions.

​Another, in response to the overwhelming abuse of Schedule II controlled substances, establishes requirements for health care practitioners to review a patient’s controlled substance prescription history. Before a practitioner can issue a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance, a patient’s controlled substance prescription history must be reviewed by checking the prescription monitoring program.

​In an effort to get those that have alcohol or drug issues the help that they need, we eliminated the medical expense insurance policy exclusion for intoxication. Insurers will not be allowed to deny hospital, medical, and surgical expense coverage in accident and sickness insurance policies because the insured is intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs.

​Finally, I want to share the great strides that were made this year in the area of continuing mental health education of law enforcement. We incorporated mandatory training in mental health issues that covers things like responding to situations where individuals are experiencing a mental health or addictive disorder crisis. This new law also includes provisions for training and counseling regarding law enforcement officers who experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
​It is an honor to serve you in Columbia, and I am grateful for your continued support. As with all matters concerning state government, I want to hear your opinions and suggestions concerning these issues. Please contact me in my Columbia office located at 608 Gressette Office Building. You can reach me, or a member of my staff in Columbia at (803) 212-6000 or by fax at (803) 212-6011. My district office is located at 2523 East Highway 76, Marion, SC 29571, the phone number is (843) 423-8237 and the fax number is (843) 431-6049. You may also email me at kentwilliams@scsenate.gov
​As always, I also want to supply you with my business phone number so that you will able to reach me easily at any time. My business phone is (843) 423-3904. Please use this information to write, call or email me with your suggestions and concerns regarding issues before the Senate and in our community.