S.C. legislators are back in session at the State House today, and they have a lot to go over. Here’s a look at some of the major issues they’ll discuss in 2018:

🏫 Money for UofSC’s maintenance | S.C. colleges have been hopeful for a bond bill to pay for maintenance + construction. UofSC asked for ~$178 million (including funds for a possible medical school) in 2017. Gov. McMaster’s veto threat put a stop to the $500 million proposal to fund colleges, but there’s no doubt that the schools will be back in 2018.

🏃 The governor’s race heats up | It’s almost election time. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster + Democratic Rep. James Smith will start their campaigns for governor this year. It’s also election year for statewide constitutional officers + S.C. House members.

🔫 Permitless carry laws | Last year, a bill was approved in S.C.’s House that removed limits on carrying handguns in the state – a.k.a. “constitutional carry,” the legal carrying of a gun, either openly or concealed, without a license or permit. The bill will face the state Senate this year.

🍁 Medical marijuana | Okay, okay, everybody calm down – coalitions advocating for medical marijuana didn’t even make it out of committee last year. However, a 2017 House bill seeking legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes was approved by a medical subcommittee. But it would have to make it through both the S.C. House + Senate this year to become law.

See all 10 issues.

5 min read / The State