By Sen. Kent Williams
This past week the Senate gave third reading and sent to the House S. 1213. This bill creates the South Carolina Medal of Valor to honor SC residents, and/or persons with certain ties to the state, who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country by being killed while serving in or deploying to a combat zone.

The award would be bestowed by concurrent resolution sponsored by the President Pro Tem of the Senate or Speaker of the House. The Medal of Valor will be granted to members in all branches of the military and would be given to families of the honoree. In addition, recipients names will be added to the South Carolina Medal of Valor Roll, maintained by the Adjutant General’s office.

Another bill that was given third reading and sent to the House this past week is S.1087. This bill provides that for two designated days, July 4th and the national observance of Memorial Day will be exempt from the requirements to have a freshwater fishing license. This exemption does not apply to individuals fishing for a commercial purpose or when a commercial fishing license is required to use certain non-game fishing devices.

In addition, this past week the Senate gave S.922 a third reading and sent it to the House. This bill would allow a person who uses bioptic telescopic lenses for vision assistance to be issued a driver’s license. These drivers will have completed an In-Clinic Bioptic Telescope Training program and be supervised by the Optometrist or Ophthalmologist that prescribed the lenses. In addition, these drivers will have to complete a Behind-the-Wheel Bioptic Driving Program that would be conducted outside of the doctor’s office by a State Certified Bioptic Driver Rehabilitation Specialist.

If you have any questions about these bills, or if I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. 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 602 Gressette Office Building. You can reach me, or a member of my staff in Columbia at (803) 212-6008 or by fax at (803) 212-6011. My district office is located at 1305 N. Main Street, 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.

Please use this information to write, call or email me with your suggestions and concerns regarding issues before the Senate and in our community.