South Carolina legislators have again killed a bill to use taxpayer money to help parents send their children to private schools.

The ongoing budget fight between Gov. Mark Sanford and state lawmakers took on a new focus Monday: security. Standing outside an empty guard post on the edge of the Statehouse grounds, Gov. Sanford said Statehouse security spending in the Senate budget is just one example of inefficiency and waste. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue said he would veto a sweeping new tax break that would slash the state’s capital gains tax in half over two years. Perdue said Monday adopting the tax breaks was “unattainable” amid the economic downturn.

Bill will provide a $1,800 tax credit for home purchases

Gov. Mark Sanford says South Carolina legislators are wasting money and avoiding government streamlining in a $5.7 billion state spending plan.

Legislators have advanced proposals to allow kitchen-table poker, gambling-themed fundraisers and raffles in South Carolina. A Senate panel approved the bills Thursday, moving them to the full Judiciary Committee.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed a bill that outlaws sanctuary cities - where officials are prohibited from reporting illegal immigrants.

Children whose parents are in the military will have an easier time changing Georgia schools under a bill signed into law by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

The South Carolina Senate resumed its debate Wednesday afternoon on a bill to put new restrictions on payday lenders, with some critics of the industry saying they’d rather pass nothing than a weak bill. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

South Carolina’s cigarette tax would increase by 50-cents per pack under a plan advancing through the Legislature. The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday voted 16-5 to raise the nation’s lowest per pack tax from 7 cents to 57 cents.

South Carolina legislators have advanced a bill that ensures a fetus who survives an abortion attempt is not treated as medical waste.

A legislative panel has advanced a bill allowing mixed martial arts contests in South Carolina. A Senate panel approved the measure Wednesday, sending it to the full Labor Commerce and Industry Committee. The House approved the bill in February.

Bill raises fines for excessive speeding, other unsafe driving behaviors

Legislation improves licensing process, authorizes service charge discount

SC State Senator Shane Massey will be hosting an online chat, Tuesday, starting at 10:00 a.m. Chatters will be able to ask Sen. Massey questions at this time.

Legislators are getting ready for a new round of debate on raising the state’s cigarette tax. A Senate subcommittee begins debate Tuesday on a House bill that adds 50 cents a pack to the nation’s lowest tax of 7 cents.

Governor Sonny Perdue issued a statement Thursday, regarding the first H1N1 flu case in Georgia being confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control.

A South Carolina bill banning high-sugar, high-fat foods from being sold to students in school cafeterias and vending machines has received key approval. The House approved the measure Thursday. An automatic vote Friday will send it to the Senate.

Even though Gov. Mark Sanford has said he will not request $350 million in federal stimulus money for this year’s budget unless it’s used to pay down debt, state senators worked on a budget Wednesday that would spend that money anyway. The Senate budget would use the $350 million for education and law enforcement to prevent major cuts in those areas. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed a bill designating April as Confederate Heritage and History Month in Georgia. The new designation is designed to boost tourism at the state’s Civil War battle sites.

With concerns rising over the outbreak of swine flu, Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed a bill (Access To Flu Vaccines Act) that gives him the power to declare a “pandemic influenza” state of emergency. The governor could make the declaration if the World Health Organization a Phase five Pandemic Alert for the United States or Georgia. Currently, the WHO rating stands at four.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed a bill that will soon require Georgia students to complete an annual fitness test. Supporters are hoping the measure will help combat childhood obesity.

A $50 million reduction in state funding to local governments has won key approval by legislators working on the state’s budget. The Senate gave the bill tentative approval on a 23-19 vote Thursday before starting debate on the $5.7 billion state budget because it affects that spending plan.

Legislators return for a second day of debate on a $5.7 billion spending bill that proposes spending an extra $350 million in federal stimulus money.

A bill to curtail people in South Carolina from illegally parking in handicapped spaces has been approved by a legislative committee. The House Education Committee approved the bill Thursday and sent it to the House. The Senate passed it in February.

Prisons now have more power to charge inmates for their medical costs while behind bars. Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a measure into law Tuesday that allows state and county corrections officials to draw up regulations to deduct the money for some medical costs from inmates accounts.

Facing a “critical shortage” of math and science teachers in Georgia, Governor Sonny Perdue sweetened the pot. The governor signed legislation Wednesday that boosts salaries for the in-demand educators. He was surrounded by students who took part in a robot creation competition.

Twelve South Carolina House members failed to file a state income tax return for at least one year from 1999 to 2007, according to the state Department of Revenue. Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, announced it to his colleagues Tuesday afternoon on the Senate floor. In addition to those 12, three other House members did file returns but owe a combined $21,044 in back taxes. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

According to a release, Governor Sonny Perdue’s office announced that House Bill 581 has been signed into law. The legislation will allow Georgia to draw down $226 million in federal funds to shore up the state’s unemployment trust fund.

South Carolina lawmakers are considering whether voters should be allowed to cast early ballots in a three-day window before an election. Critics say fewer people will vote. Legislators on the House Judiciary Committee were debating Tuesday whether to advance the bill.