Russell Fry in SC legislative records

On Drugs: Require reporting of administration of opioid antidote

Analysis by Count On 2 NBC News: A new state law requires South Carolina health care facilities to report to the state health department every time they administer an opioid antidote. This information will be collected for the state's prescription monitoring program. DHEC already tracks antidote administrations from some law enforcement and firefighters, but now all first responders will be required to submit that data as well. The goal of the law is to get a fuller picture of opioid misuse in the state.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 44-0-2 on May/8/19; passed House 103-0-20 on May/9/19; State Rep. Russell Fry co-sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May/16/19

On Energy & Oil: Supported SC Energy Freedom Act promoting solar power

EnergyNews.US in favor: The recently passed Energy Freedom Act supports a more resilient, clean energy future for South Carolina by supporting solar PV and battery storage technologies. The act promotes more economical systems for utility customers and requires utilities to explore the investments in solar-plus-storage generation assets.

A.C.U. in opposition: This bill contains a key provision that drives up electricity costs by expanding a program known as "net metering" which subsidizes solar producers. Under the program, utility companies are forced to purchase excess electricity from solar energy producers at above-market rates and infrastructure and delivery costs are transferred to other ratepayers.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 40-0-0, Roll Call #400 on May/8/19; Passed House 103-0-20, Roll Call #669 on May/9/19; State Rep. Russell Fry voted YES; Signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May/16/19

On Environment: Rebuild banned sea wall for gated community

Veto message: Where the State has worked for several years to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to protect our shared coastal resources, it would be unwise to hastily enact a special exception to the Beachfront Management Act. I oppose a practice that is tantamount to enacting local or special legislation, prohibited by our constitution.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-3-5 on 5/5/19; Vetoed on 5/15/19; House Sustained Veto 60-43-19, Roll Call #698 on 5/20; State Rep. Russell Fry voted YES on overriding veto.

On Crime: Clear record for first time drunk/disorderly offenders

Analysis by ACU: This bill is designed to expand employment opportunities by providing individuals convicted of drunk or disorderly conduct offenses a pathway to have the charges expunged from public record.

Veto Message: Criminal history, like all history, should not be erased. Compassion should not be forced upon unwitting prospective employers. I am unwilling to sign legislation that effectively sanctions an employee failing to acknowledge--or consciously omitting information about--a prior arrest for public disorderly conduct.

Legislative Outcome: Vetoed on May/28/19; Veto Overridden in House 107-0-15, Roll Call #712 on Jun/25/19; State Rep. Russell Fry voted YES (on overriding veto); Overridden in Senate 38-2-0 on June/25/19.