I was honored to be nominated by Sen. Shane Martin (R-Spartanburg) and Sen. Gerald Malloy (D-Darlington). After that I gave a farewell speech to the Senate. Then we took the oath of office by Chief Justice Beatty along with Ethan and Ann.

Martin:

Malloy:

Speech:

Oath:

Several of Jacob’s family will be in attendance today and we’ll present them a resolution honoring Jacob.
South Carolina General Assembly S. 204
Senate Resolution. Sponsors: Senators Bryant and Gambrell
Summary: Jacob Hall

A SENATE RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE UNTIMELY PASSING OF JACOB HALL, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were anguished to learn of the tragic death of Jacob Hall on Saturday, October 1, 2016 in the Townville Elementary School shooting; and

Whereas, Jacob was born May 9, 2010 in Greenville, South Carolina to Rodger Dale and Tina Renae Bridges Hall. He was welcomed into the arms of a large family who loved and embraced him during his six years on earth; and

Whereas, a superhero to all who knew him, Jacob taught his family how to love, laugh, and smile even on the days they didn’t want to. All those around him knew that he was sent to earth to prove the existence of pure love; and

Whereas, Jacob’s family believes that Jacob, in heaven, has already forgiven his shooter, given Jacob’s eternally compassionate and forgiving spirit; and

Whereas, Jacob was a first grade student at Townville Elementary School, where he was active in the Good News Club. He also attended Oakdale Baptist Church; and

Whereas, preceding Jacob to heaven are his great-grandparents, Phillip J. Hunnicutt and Nancy B. Hunnicutt; great-great-grandparents, Melvin R. Hunnicutt and Louise B. Hunnicutt; great aunt, Felica Gayle Lee Hunnicutt; and great uncle, Phillip Wayne Hunnicutt; and

Whereas, Jacob leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Rodger Dale and Tina Renae Bridges Hall; brothers and sisters, Rodger Dale Hall, Jr., Gerald Clayton Gambrell, T.J. Mullins, Emily Hall, Nicole Sims, Zoey Renae Hall, and Spencer Reid Hall; grandparents, Jerry Clyde Bridges, Steve and Sandra McAdams, and Thomas Rodger and Denise Lee Hall; uncle and aunt, Johnny Lee and Casey Bridges; uncle, Kenny Hall; great aunts, Rebecca Davis, Annette Lee, Janice Capps, Darlene Johnson, Joyce Wright, Joanne Frasier, and Ann Jones; great uncles, Adam Davis, Terry Lee, Dwayne Lee, Harold Lee, and Ed Hall; a number of cousins, including a special cousin, Michael Wayne Hunnicutt; and numerous friends. He will be missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the untimely passing of Jacob Hall and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Rodger Dale and Tina Renae Bridges Hall.
—-XX—-

I was deeply affected by the tragedy at Townville Elementary this fall. I want to take steps to ensure that we never feel this heartbreak again.

I have filed Jacob Hall’s Law (S.85) to clarify the existing statute that discusses carrying of weapons in public schools. This bill is intended to clarify that school officials may permit school personnel to work with law enforcement to develop training and safety policies. This language is permissive, it is not a mandate, it gives schools the flexibility to develop their safety policies, however, best suits them.

Many concerns have been raised with the bill, including what type of training will there be, who will do the training, where will the weapon be during school hours, and others. My intent with this bill was to open the discussion, to find the best ways to implement this, and improve the bill as it moves through the process.

This bill has been referred to Senate Judiciary Committee and when they meet to discuss the bill anyone can share their insight.

f you would like to hear my interview with WYFF on this bill please click here.