South Carolina House of Representatioes P.O. BOX 11867 * COLUMBIA, S.C. 29211 + TELEPHONE 734-2010, August 5, 2019 The Honorable James H. “Jay” Lucas, Speaker The Honorable Harvey S. Peeler, J., President SC House of Represent SC Senate 1744 Garland Drive PO Box 742 Hartsville, SC 29550 Gaffney, SC 29342 Dear Speaker Lucas and President Peeler: ‘The life of every South Carolinian should be valued and protected. Given the recent horrific incidents in EI Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio where 29 women, men and children were gunned down by lone shooters, we ask you to exercise your authority and call legislators back for an emergency special session to pass the Hate Crimes Bill, H. 3063 and the Assault Weapon and High Capacity Magazine Ban Bill, H. 3206, Both bills have languished in the House Judiciary Committee since January. South Carolina has already suffered the loss of 9 innocent lives as a result of a hate crime at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Hate crimes are on the rise in the state and across the nation. The use of assault weapons and high capacity magazines make it impossible for the innocent to flee and outrun the speed and force of these military-style weapons. We have sponsored H. 3063 and H. 3206 to address the critical issue of mass murders, and we need your leadership to help move the bills to a vote. To a gunman, no school, church, grocery store, mall, movie theatre, park, or any place where people gather is safe. These places continue to be the targets of unspeakable violence time and time again. We encourage ‘you to act on our request and help us do all that is necessary to protect the lives of every South Carolinian by calling the Legislature back in session immediately to address this crisis, Our citizens deserve and need leaders willing to courageously address issues of hate crimes and mass murders before more South Carolina lives are senselessly taken by mass murderers. 7 x y Rep. Wendell G. Gilliard Rep. Wendy C. Brawley SC House District 111 SC House District 70 WCBIWGG/afe/2019augs-