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Senate approves committee amendment to S.12, a ‘skinny’ bill Rankin says backs up H.3309
Summary
The South Carolina Senate adopted a committee amendment to S.12 — described by Senator Rankin as a narrow authorizing measure tied to H.3309 — and gave the measure a second reading by a roll-call vote of 25-18.
The South Carolina Senate on the floor adopted a committee amendment to S.12 and gave the measure a second reading by roll-call vote, 25-18.
Senator Rankin, speaking during the committee-amendment explanation, described S.12 as "the backstop to H.3309," saying the bill is a narrow, targeted authorization that would allow Santee Cooper to enter an agreement with Dominion to build a combined-cycle plant at Kennedy's if other elements of the broader energy bill proceed. The Judiciary Committee amendment was adopted before the second-reading vote.
Why it matters: Senate members characterized S.12 as a targeted, limited authorization that connects to larger energy legislation already under consideration. Rankin described it as a "skinny bill" that would enable a specific contract/arrangement between Santee Cooper and Dominion tied to the Kennedy’s combined-cycle project.
On procedure and next steps: The committee amendment to S.12 was published on the floor and adopted. After the amendment, the Senate proceeded to a roll-call vote on second reading; the clerk reported the tally as 25 in favor, 18 opposed. The Senate will continue considering the related energy legislation, including H.3309, which rankled some members during floor debate earlier in the day.
Context and related matters: Rankin framed S.12 explicitly as contingent or connected to H.3309; he characterized the measure as narrowly focused to permit a particular commercial arrangement rather than broad statutory change. The transcript records the committee amendment adoption and the roll-call second-reading tally but does not record any additional amendments to S.12 during that session.
The action recorded on the floor is a procedural step (adoption of a committee amendment and second reading) rather than final passage into law. Further readings or conference action would be required before enactment.
Ending: The Senate recorded the second-reading roll-call and moved on to other calendar business; S.12 remains on the legislative path and tied in debate to the broader H.3309 energy package.
