The South Carolina General Assembly
The South Carolina General Assembly consists of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 170 members - 46 Senators and 124 Representatives representing districts based on population. Members of the House serve for two years, and Senators serve for four years.
The presiding officer of the House is the Speaker, elected by the House for the two-year term.
The Lieutenant Governor serves as the President of the Senate. While presiding, he has no vote, except where the vote is tied. The Senate also chooses a President Pro Tempore to serve in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor.
The South Carolina Legislature begins in regular session annually in Columbia on the second Tuesday in January and must adjourn no later than the first Thursday in June, except when an extension is granted by a two-thirds vote of both Houses. Typically, the House and Senate meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and on Friday for local matters. The Governor may call the General Assembly into special session if necessary.
Each member of the House and Senate is paid $250 per day for a maximum of 40 days during regular session.
Who Represents You?
For a list of South Carolina Senate members, click here.
For a list of South Carolina House of Representative members, click here.
How Did They Vote?
Have you read the 2012 Legislative Year-In-Review?
How did your legislator vote? Check out the 2012 Scorecard!
