COLUMBIA, S.C. — With a 5 p.m. Thursday deadline looming, South Carolina Lawmakers are rushing to take up several pieces of major legislation before this year's session ends.
Unresolved issues include bond reform, abortion restrictions and electing a new Comptroller General.
On Thursday the Senate debated a bill banning race-based lessons in schools.
Meanwhile, House lawmakers passed a Senate bill splitting DHEC into separate agencies.
"I look forward to finally doing what a number of advocates have urged us to do," said House Speaker Murrell Smith.
Over the last five months, legislators have sent legislation repealing Certificate of Need, resuming lethal injection and six weeks of paid family leave for teachers to Gov. Henry McMaster's desk.
“When we look back on this session we're going to see this was a successful session and a big win for South Carolina," said Smith.
Both Smith and House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford touted the state's $1.3 billion investment to bring Scout Motors to Richland County.
"We're creating jobs for South Carolinians and so that's a large component of our economic development," said Smith.
Rutherford called it a "game changer, not only for the county but also for the state."
A standoff between the House and Senate over a six-week abortion ban could come to an end on Thursday, or into next week.
If lawmakers don't pass a sine-die resolution outlining what they can take up after the session ends, McMaster could call them back. There would be no limit on what they're allowed to debate.
“We stand ready to fight this and stand up for women everywhere," said Rutherford.
“I’m optimistic that we’re going to fulfill our commitment to protect life and it will probably be something akin to the heartbeat bill," said Smith.
Increased penalties for illegal possession of firearms-- which is one of Gov. McMaster's top priorities-- has yet to pass.
Senators attached the proposal to a constitutional carry bill and a fentanyl trafficking bill that is expected to be taken up on Thursday.
Thursday is also the deadline for lawmakers to elect a new Comptroller General to replace Richard Eckstrom, who resigned on April 30.
If no one is elected, McMaster will have to appoint Eckstrom's replacement.
"I’m sure the governor will have someone that will assume the position at the appropriate time and we’ll resume discussions with the Senate," said Smith.
Bills creating a hate crime law and reforming the way South Carolina elects judges will likely have to wait until next year.