SC Senate coming back to Columbia. But not to deal with K-12 school mask rule

The South Carolina Senate is returning to Columbia next month, but not to deal with undoing a state budget measure that aims to ban mask mandates in schools.

The 46-member chamber plans to return to session at 1 p.m. Oct 12 to tackle the once-in-a-decade process of redistricting and decide how to divvy out millions in federal COVID-19 relief and money from the Savannah River Site settlement, according to a memo obtained by The State that was sent sent Thursday to senators from Senate President Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee.

A memo does not include whether the chamber will tackle a controversial measure included in the budget that prohibits mask mandates in K-12 schools. But, the subject is likelier than not to come up as South Carolina is still recording record COVID-19 case and death numbers and lawmakers are still pushing the issue.

“As always, Senate Rules will be strictly enforced,” Peeler wrote.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.