COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina General Assembly overrode Gov. Mark Sanford's vetoes Tuesday and approved a bill to study and recommend changes to the state tax structure.
Lawmakers overturned all 10 Sanford vetoes, creating laws that would limit the number of payday loans, allow lawmakers to choose those who oversee state ports, and limit where sex offenders can live.
The one-day session wrapped up work for the year, with lawmakers not scheduled to return until January.
Among the most contentious issues was a bill giving lawmakers more authority over State Ports Authority board members. Currently the governor can hire and fire commissioners at will.
Supporters of Sanford's veto said lawmakers were trying, once again, to chip away at the governors authority granted by a state court decision during former Gov. David Beasley's administration.
"It's important for the guy in charge to make appointments, to assemble his team," said Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston. "The buck needs to stop with the governor."
Though the payday lending legislation endorsed by the House and Senate two weeks ago remained somewhat in question until Tuesday, in the end, the vote to override the governors veto was not close.
The Senate easily overrode Sanford's veto 39-3, after the House rejected his veto 105-4.
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