Senator McConnell talks with Senators Jake Knotts and Tom Davis about Statehouse security, spending transparency, and the fee increase moratorium. … [Read more...]

If you think our state's gaming laws are ridiculous, just wait until you read them. That's what happened Monday at the North Charleston public hearing about proposed changes to the law. An attorney actually read one of the statutes aloud and it's, well, jaw-dropping stupid. Basically, the law that local police use to bust up poker games in private homes says you can't play any game that uses cards or dice in a variety of places, including your barn, stable, kitchen ... "or other outhouse." In … [Read more...]

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill Tuesday to establish a Capitol Police Force. Senate President Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said the new force would ensure the safety of thousands of visitors, state employees and lawmakers who are at the Capitol each year. The new force, which would consist of the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms and the marshal of the S.C. Supreme Court, would replace security now provided by the Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Public … [Read more...]

Members of the public have told a state Senate panel that South Carolina needs to ditch its anti-card laws. Dennis Rash of Goose Creek told a committee in North Charleston on Monday that golf tournaments, bridge games and fishing competitions offer prizes, so there's nothing wrong with a poker game with a prize. The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that about 60 people attended the hearing. Miguel Betancourt of Hanahan says he worries that legalizing social poker could be a step toward … [Read more...]

Backers say Upstate conservatives may block social poker legislation Dennis Rash of Goose Creek spoke for a lot of poker advocates when he told a panel of lawmakers Monday that South Carolina's anti-card laws needed to be dumped. Adam Flaherty wore his feelings on his sleeve, almost, as he spoke Monday at a Senate public hearing at North Charleston City Hall. 'I bought it (the shirt) at Tanger Mall helping to stimulate the economy after a good night of poker,' Flaherty said. Golf tournaments … [Read more...]

McConnell urges action from S.C. attorney general Senate leader Glenn McConnell sought Monday to head off any trouble South Carolina could face if a portion of the federal stimulus money gets tied up in a court battle. The Charleston Republican sought an opinion by state Attorney General Henry McMaster on the controversial provision in the $787 billion federal stimulus package that allows the state Legislature to bypass Gov. Mark Sanford and request $700 million to help balance the budget over … [Read more...]

Bill seeks to legalize outlawed card, dice games Played any whist lately? Or draughts? If so, you were well within your rights under S.C. law - as long as you didn't bet on those games. But if you made a charity poker run or any other kind of bet, you risked a $2,000 fine and 12 months in jail. The leader of the state Senate is trying - again - to fix a law that some believe is antiquated, especially after a high-profile raid on a home poker game near Charleston three years ago that resulted … [Read more...]

South Carolina legislators have advanced a bill that would create a new Capitol Police force. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell's bill won approval in a Senate Judiciary Committee subcommittee Wednesday and now heads to the full committee for debate. McConnell chairs that committee. The legislation is a response to security concerns at the Statehouse raised by the FBI and Secret Service and a reaction to Gov. Mark Sanford pulling the Bureau of Protective Services from checkpoints … [Read more...]

A state senate subcommittee is considering two bills authored by Republican Glenn McConnell of Charleston, that would change gambling laws. A meeting was held Wednesday. One bill would update existing gaming laws and the other calls for a constitutional amendment that would authorize churches and charities to hold raffles. State law now prohibits people from playing card games, including poker, even at home. It is also illegal for churches and nonprofit groups to hold raffles or casino nights. … [Read more...]

McConnell: Meetings will generate needed support Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell is betting that hearings in North Charleston and Greenville will generate enough support to pass legislation that will legalize friendly poker games and church raffles in this state. "I believe we can build a base of support across South Carolina that will make this General Assembly move," said McConnell, R-Charleston. Public hearings are scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday in North Charleston City … [Read more...]