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Week in Review

Committee Action

Bills Introduced

Footnote

Index

elections

Former Georgetown Representative Paula Thomas was elected to finish the term of former First Judicial Circuit Court Judge Ralph King Anderson, Jr. Earlier this year, Anderson was elected to the State Appeals Court. Berkeley County Master-in-Equity Daniel F. Pieper was elected to finish the unexpired term of former Ninth Judicial Circuit Court William Howard. Howard also was elected to the State Appeals Court earlier this year. Greenville Municipal Judge Stephen S. Bartlett was elected as a Family Court Judge.

conference report adopted, to be ratified

Representatives granted free conference powers, then adopted the report on S. 846. This measure provides for the issuance of special Olympic license plates. The biennial fee for this tag is fifty dollars ($50). Conferees amended the bill to provide that all of the revenue raised from these sales will be distributed to South Carolina Special Olympics, rather than half of it going to the United States Olympic Committee. This was done in light of the late passage of the measure. The House also approved the report on S. 949. This measure provides students with a fourth opportunity this year to pass the Education Entrance Examination (EEE) required to enter a teaching program. Representatives amended the bill to require that a student taking the EEE a third or fourth time must first complete a remedial course, after waiting five years between tests. Also, the number of attempts to pass the EEE was capped at three. However, Senators refused to adopt these provisions. Conferees compromised by retaining the requirement for remedial instruction before a third or fourth attempt, but providing that applicants only have to wait three years between tests rather than five. H. 3915 originally revised the membership of the Commission on Higher Education. It also provided for the easier transfer of credits between institutions. However, Senators a mended the bill to authorize the leasing of three hospitals at the Medical University of South Carolina to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation for thirty years. Under the measure, before the Budget and Control Board could sign any contract it must first consult with the Department of Education. The Senate also voted to eliminate a current perk providing free health care for legislators at MUSC. The House amended the bill to prohibiting price fixing at MUSC, and to restrict the use of the medical school's logo in advertising and marketing activities. The conference committee removed the provision about price fixing, but kept the logo restrictions. The measure has been enrolled for ratification.

free conference powers rejected

Representatives refused to grant free conference powers in order to adopt a report on the dual judicial reform bills, H. 3961 and H. 3962, which enact both constitutional and statutory changes. H. 3961 provides for a referendum amending the State Constitution in order to establish a ten member Judicial Merit Selection Commission. Four of the ten members would not be legislators. Five members would be appointed by the House--three would be appointed by the Speaker and two by the House Judiciary Chairman. Of these five members, three would be lawmakers, while the other two would represent the public. The Senate also would appoint five members--two by the President Pro Tem and three by the Senate Judiciary Chairman. Commission members could not apply for a judgeship for a year after leaving the Commission. Only three candidates per office could be nominated. The commission would investigate and review candidates, in order to eliminate weak ones. Legislators would not be allowed to vote for any candidate found "unqualified." The measure also increases the minimum age of judges from twenty-six to thirty-two years old, and requires that candidates be licensed at least eight years rather than five. It provides that a legislator must be out of the General Assembly for at least one year before applying for a judgeship, or for a year after failing to file for re- election. Vote swapping would be prohibited. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) or a sentence of up to ninety days. Also, successful candidates must receive a majority of votes from both the House and the Senate, rather than a simple majority of the total number of legislators. In addition, the bill provides for nonjudicial screening by a joint legislative committee. H. 3962 provides for two referendums concerning judicial reform. Voters would determine whether to raise the minimum age of judges to thirty-two years old, and the minimum experience to eight years. A separate question asks whether a Judicial Merit Selection Committee should be created.

conference committee appointed

Representatives Herb Kirsh, Mickey Whatley, and Annette Young-Brickell were appointed as conferees on S. 507. That bill provides that a person applying to operate a private detective business must meet the same qualifications as a person applying to become a private detective. The House amended the bill to authorize retired commissioned law enforcement officers to carry weapons. Representatives John Felder, Ron Fulmer, and Lynn Seithel were appointed as conferees on H. 3915. The bill originally revised the membership of the Commission on Higher Education. It also provided for the easier transfer of credits between institutions. However, Senators a mended the bill to authorize the leasing of three hospitals at the Medical University of South Carolina to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation for thirty years. Under the measure, before the Budget and Control Board could sign any contract it must first consult with the Department of Education. The Senate also voted to eliminate a current perk authorizing free health care for legislators at MUSC. The House amended the bill to prohibiting price fixing at MUSC, and to restrict the use of the medical school's logo in advertising and marketing activities. The conference committee removed the provision about price fixing, but kept the logo restrictions. This measure has been enrolled for ratification.

concurrence in Senate amendments, to be ratified

Representatives adopted H. 3624, also known as the Environmental Audit and Disclosure Immunity Act of 1996. The bill is designed to increase voluntary compliance with environmental laws by providing companies with confidentiality for disclosure and limited protection from penalties. Companies would be allowed to police themselves, as long as they acted in a good faith and timely manner. Under the measure, companies could seal internal reports within ten days after initiation of the reports. The bill also eliminates some penalties for violations which are reported voluntarily within two weeks of the problem, as long as progress is being made to remedy the situation and disclosure is not mandated by law. However, this does not apply to criminal violations or repeated violations. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated it may remove state control of a new federal air pollution control program in response to passage of the bill. H. 3785 enacts the "Massage Practice Act." The measure revises regulations of masseurs and masseuses, and establishes disciplinary actions for violations. It also creates the Board of Massage. H. 3905 provides that a nonresident child may attend any school district as long as school taxes are paid for that child. Senators provided a grandfather clause protecting those students currently enrolled. H. 4425 which originally determined how the state will spend over ninety million dollars in surplus general revenue funds from fiscal year 1994-95. The bill set aside an additional thirty million dollars in surplus money to fund economic development recruitment efforts in our state. It also included money for renovations at the State House and the Department of Juvenile Justice, and funding for the Redevelopment Authorities for the Charleston Naval Base and the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, as well as various education projects. Several other items in the supplemental bill had been vetoed from last year's budget by Governor David Beasley. These included subsistence and operating money for the House and the Senate, and funding for the University of South Carolina's Law School. However, the Senate provided for these expenditures in next year's budget instead. So they gutted the bill, and amended it to advance $10 million dollars for State House renovations instead. H. 4637 originally was similar to S. 1195 which already has been ratified. The bill defined the mission of higher education in South Carolina, and required accountability from these institutions. The bill also provided the Commission on Higher Education with regulatory authority for the first time. The Commission was authorized to close institutions which do not meet standards, and to eliminate programs where duplication is unnecessary. The measure established critical success factors for academic quality, and prescribes performance indicators to measure these factors. In addition, it revised the method of determining budgets of higher education institutions, and based those budgets in part on achievement of standards rather than the number of students served. However, since the Senate version of the bill was adopted, this House sponsored bill was gutted by the Senate to become the "Winthrop University Facilities Revenue Bond Act" instead. Among other provisions, it authorizes bonds in order to acquire an off-campus bookstore. H. 4818 originally provided for the circumstances and time frame under which a child may be sent to a secure juvenile detention facility. Senators amended the bill to require perinatal drug assessment and intervention measures. The provision requires counseling by physicians, and authorizes drug testing of newborns.

nonconcurrence in Senate amendments, to a conference committee

Representatives refused to agree with Senate amendments to H. 4431. The bill establishes a special weighting in the Education Finance Act (EFA) formula to provide additional funding for the needs of autistic students. The Senate amended the measure to revise requirements for home schooling. The House also did not adopt amendments to H. 4803. That bill calls for a referendum to give the State Supreme Court additional power to remove bad judges. This joint resolution establishes reasons, other than impeachment, that judges may be recalled. These include misconduct in office, ethical breaches, habitual intemperance, persistent failure to perform the duties of office, and mental or physical incapacity. The Senate amendment provides that the General Assembly is not bound by Supreme Court findings in an impeachment hearing.

nonconcurrence in Senate amendments, amended, returned to the Senate

S. 659 provides that hotels with liquor licenses may establish in each room a locked "hospitality cabinet" containing no more than thirty mini-bottles. Senators amended the measure to provide that accessibility to the cabinet would not limited to specific hours. Another amendment stipulated that no alcoholic beverage license may be granted if the business is within three hundred feet of a church, school, or playground if in a municipality, or five hundred feet if not. In response, the House amended the bill to provide that revenue from Sunday Sales permits in Charleston and Berkeley Counties would go into a special redevelopment authority fund, in light of federal base closings there. As originally drafted, H. 3170 called for a study of the financial feasibility of allowing state employees to retire after twenty-five years of service regardless of their age. Currently state employees may retire with thirty years of service at age fifty-five or older. However, the bill was gutted by the Senate to provide $30 million dollars in bonds for State House renovations over the next eight months. The measure also requires that the debt be retired from surplus or reserve fund appropriations authorized for that project during fiscal 1996-97. When the proposed legislation was returned to the House for concurrence, Representatives removed the Senate amendment. This returned the proposal back to its original purpose. H. 3566 enacts the Juvenile Justice Code by consolidating various provisions into a single articles. Senators amended the measure to require that parents reimburse court and medical costs of juvenile offenders. Representatives further amended the measure to authorize that a juvenile may be tried as an adult in certain circumstances, and that courts may suspend or restrict a juvenile offender's driver's license. The proposed legislation also provides for fingerprinting of juveniles. H. 3845 authorizes the Department of Public Safety to furnish the State Election Commission with jury lists every three years rather than annually, beginning this September. Representatives amended the bill to authorize the State Election Commission to furnish a jury list of registered voters, rather than registered drivers, to county jury commissioners in December of every year. H. 3915 originally revised the membership of the Commission on Higher Education. It also provided for the easier transfer of credits between institutions. However, Senators amended the bill to authorize the leasing of three hospitals at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation for thirty years. Under the measure, before the Budget and Control Board could sign any contract it must first consult with the Department of Education. The Senate also voted to eliminate a current perk providing free health care for legislators at MUSC. The House amended the bill to prohibiting price fixing at MUSC, and to restrict the use of the medical school's logo in advertising and marketing activities. The conference committee removed the provision about price fixing, but kept the logo restrictions. This measure has been enrolled for ratification.

received third reading, to be ratified

S. 739 permits a federal law enforcement officer to enforce state criminal laws under certain circumstances. The bill also prohibits a federal law enforcement officer from conducting an independent investigation into a violation of state law, and provides that he is subject to the federal Tort Claims Act. S. 776 provides for the types of hearings at which an interpreter for the deaf must be provided. S. 926 provides that the identity or picture of a juvenile offender may be made public in cases of a violent crime, car theft, drug trafficking, or where a weapon is involved. S. 929 concerns property in one municipality which is annexed by another municipality. The bill provides that their governing bodies, after a public hearing, may stipulate and adjust boundaries by mutually adopting an ordinance. S. 1050 The measure provides for a referendum to amend the State Constitution to include a "Victims' Bill of Rights" concerning justice and due process. It authorizes victims to receive pertinent information concerning their cases. Victims would be allowed to be present and speak at proceedings. They also would receive restitution from their perpetrators. The joint resolution also provides that bail may be denied to a person charged with a violent offense. S. 1064 authorizes the use of paper ballots in special elections when the use of voting machines is not practical or economical. S. 1073 increases the fine for a first offense of stealing electricity from one hundred ($100) to five hundred dollars ($500). It also adds a second or subsequent offense of stealing electricity, which would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), a sentence of not more than three years, or both. S. 1147 provides that video rental merchants must send notice by certified mail to persons failing to return videos on time, and wait five days before a warrant may be issued for larceny. S. 1152 revises the age of victims of a lewd act upon a minor to under sixteen years old. Currently victims must be under fourteen years old. S. 1160 makes numerous revisions concerning election laws. The measure revises absentee ballots and their requirements, while providing that challenged votes are provisional. The Bureau of Vital Statistics is required to furnish the State Election Commission with a monthly report of persons eighteen years old or older who died during the previous month as opposed to those twenty- one or older as is currently reported. Other provisions ease the calling of special meetings of party clubs, provide for published notification of municipal elections, designate filing requirements for candidates, and authorize poll watchers for nonpartisan and write-in candidates, as well as provide requirements for poll watcher badges. The bill also deletes the requirement that voter registration books be kept in the Clerk of Court's Office, and provides that only a single registration book must be provided to each polling district rather than two. It also provides that only the county election commission may appoint the chairman of the board of managers. S. 1198 provides that county governing bodies may limit the duties of county code enforcement officers. S. 1260 relates to the transfer of a domestic animal to an animal shelter. The measure provides that the person boarding the animal must notify the owner of the impending transfer of the animal by certified mail within ten days of the date the animal was to have been picked up. The bill also provides that an owner who abandons an animal and refuses to pay boarding fees is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200) or a sentence of not more than thirty days. S. 1306 expands the circumstances under which an officer of the Department of Natural Resources may issue an official summons. The measure also provides that the summons is considered a receipt for any fine deposited with the officer. S. 1327 prohibits the governor from reappointing a magistrate who fails to meet training or certification requirements. This measure was introduced after four magistrates who failed the test were able to keep their jobs despite a state law requiring their removal. S. 1335 enacts the "Southern Regional Emergency Management Assistance Compact" to provide technical help and training between member states in managing emergencies or disasters declared by the governor of the affected state. S. 1366 makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to operate as a carrier of household goods or hazardous waste for disposal without proper licensing or certification.

received third reading, amended, returned to the Senate for concurrence

S. 82 originally concerned circumstances under which the granting of bail may be denied. Representatives gutted the measure to provide instead for a referendum allowing the General Assembly to convene on the second Tuesday in February during odd-numbered years. Senators responded by adding a referendum allowing the House and Senate to adjourn with consent of the other body for more than three days, as it the current law. Another Senate amendment provides that candidates elected by the General Assembly must have a majority of votes in both bodies, not just a simple majority of votes. S. 378 originally provided for special license plates for shriners. However, the House amended the bill to include special license plates for a variety of other groups as well, including Girl Scouts and antique dealers. Another provision included in the bill is similar to H. 4323 which is stalled currently in the Senate Transportation Committee. That measure raises the maximum speed limit on interstate highways in South Carolina to seventy miles per hour, and sixty miles per hour on multilane divided highways. State engineers would be permitted to set speed limits higher than fifty-five miles per hour on some state highways. The bill also provides for a forty-five miles per hour speed limit on unpaved roads, and a thirty miles per hour limit in an urban district. In addition, vehicles pulling trailers are required to travel ten miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit. This measure was proposed in response to revocation of national speed limits by the federal government, allowing states to set their own maximum limits. S. 506 protects contractors from liability claims filed by employers of subcontractors when the subcontractors falsely claim to have workers' compensation insurance. S. 556 calls for a voter referendum to amendment the State Constitution in order to allow a person not yet eighteen years old, but who would become eighteen years old before the next general election, to register to vote in that election. Representatives amended the joint resolution to provide that felons may not vote. S. 583 statutorily enables a person not yet eighteen years old, but who will become eighteen years old before the next election, to register to vote. The bill also was amended to provide that felons may not vote. S. 921 provides that all regulations requiring review by the General Assembly would expire five years after their effective dates unless approved for additional five year periods. S. 943 originally provided for a referendum to determine whether a person convicted of a felony, federal law, or election law offense, should be prohibited from being elected as a judge until fifteen years after completion of the sentence. Representatives amended the joint resolution to shorten the legislative session. The measure provides that the General Assembly will adjourn the second Thursday in May rather than the first Thursday in June. It also requires that the House give third reading to the budget by March 15th each year rather than March 31st. The session would be extended by a day for each day the budget is not in the Senate. S. 1028 abolishes a municipal election commission in cases where the county election commission has assumed total responsibility for municipal elections. The House amendment stipulates that the municipal election commission cannot be abolished if only part of the responsibilities have been transferred. In response, Senators further amended the bill to authorize municipalities bordering water to enforce laws in those areas. S. 1286 prohibits daycare centers from knowingly hiring a person convicted of a violent or sex crime, as well as certain other offenses. Such applicants would be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000), a sentence of not more than one year, or both. The bill also requires that applicants be fingerprinted to determine any criminal history.

received third reading, sent to the Senate

H. 5014 repeals a Department of Education regulation stipulating certain organizational patterns for schools in order for local districts to have additional flexibility to adopt provisions which they deem appropriate. H. 5016 repeals duplicative Department of Education regulations specifying the length and division of the school day. H. 5021 repeals Department of Education regulations requiring report cards in order to consolidate and condense these regulations. H. 5027 approves a regulation of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation which requires continuing education of professional engineers and land surveyors for license renewal.

concurrent resolution adopted

H. 5041, the sine die resolution, provides that the General Assembly shall adjourn on Tuesday, May 28, 1996. After reconvening on Wednesday, June 5, 1996, lawmakers shall adjourn on Thursday, June 6, 1996. If necessary, the Legislature shall return Thursday, June 13, 1996 and work through Friday, June 14, 1996. During these two periods, the General Assembly may ratify acts, and appoint conference committees. Vetoes, conference reports, and expressions of sympathy or congratulations may be considered too. The measure also provides that the General Assembly may return Monday, June 24, 1996 through Tuesday, June 25, 1996 for consideration of vetoes only.

received second reading

S. 95 provides that a person convicted of a violent crime may not participate in the extended work release program. An amendment to the bill addresses the transfer of juvenile offenders from the Department of Juvenile Justice to the Department of Corrections. Another provides the same penalties for pretending to have a deadly weapon during an armed robbery as actually having one. S. 1123 provides that a resident of any state may purchase a shotgun or rifle in South Carolina. An unsuccessful attempt was made to amend the measure so that it would include the Concealed Weapons bill, H. 3730, as well failed. S. 1213 authorizes a referendum to determine whether to delete the provision that a person may vote only in the precinct of his residence. A separate question on the ballot would ask whether to delete the provision that a person who moves within thirty days of an election must be allowed to vote in the precinct of his former residence. S. 1216 brings the state into compliance with the federal "Motor Voter" law. It enacts provisions for multiple site voter registration, and specifies designated registration agencies. The fiscal impact of this legislation is estimated to be $1 million dollars annually. An amendment to the bill provides size restrictions concerning badges worn by candidates at polling places.

continued

S. 1013 provided that a live animal may not be given as a prize for, or inducement to enter, a game, contest or place of amusement. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable for each separate offense by a fine not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300), a sentence of not more than thirty days, or both. However, the raffling of animals still would be allowed. This bill is similar to H. 4651, which was recommitted to the House Judiciary Committee. H. 1100 required that the Secretary of State monitor all elected or appointed state boards, commissions, and judicial offices to determine when vacancies occur. The measure also required that the Secretary of State publicize these vacancies, and a that person not seeking re-election notify the joint committee to review candidates at least thirty days prior to the last filing day for that office or position. However, an amendment to the bill made its implementation contingent upon adequate funding. H. 3446, known as the "Hog Farm Bill," was amended by the Senate to prohibit new and expanding swine feeding facilities involving more than three thousand (3,000) swine per square mile until the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) finishes developing stricter regulations and standards for livestock and poultry farms. Currently DHEC is working on such regulations, but they may not be ready until next year. Earlier proposed provisions concerning minimum setback limits and lining requirements for lagoons, were not included in the final bill. Most hog farms in South Carolina would not be affected by the proposed legislation since they have fewer than one thousand (1,000) pigs. H. 4541 increased fines and penalties for unlawful destruction or desecration of human remains or graves. Senators amended the bill to provide for an African-American Heritage monument on the State House grounds. The monument would be built with private funds after the design is approved by the General Assembly. It also provided for a study of the feasibility of an African-American History Museum as well.

recommitted/referred

S. 66 was referred to the Ways and Means Committee since it appropriates funds. The bill requires counties and municipalities to adopt nationally or regionally accepted building codes for new construction. H. 1263 was recommitted to the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee. The measure revises animal cruelty laws, and provides that offenses may be tried in municipal court as well as magistrate's court. It includes fowl in these provisions, and requires that an offender forfeit ownership and pay medical and boarding expenses of the animal or fowl. H. 4251 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The bill provides that drivers are responsible for requiring anyone under eighteen years old, rather than the current seventeen years old, to wear safety belts in vehicles. Drivers who do not comply would be guilty of failure to secure a safety belt on a minor. This offense is punishable by a waivable fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25). The bill was amended to provide that drivers may not be stopped for this offense in the absence of another violation, except at license and registration checkpoints.

recalled

S. 941 was recalled from the Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee. The measure promotes Major General T. Eston Marchant to the rank of Lieutenant General of the South Carolina Army National Guard as of January 10, 1995. S. 1219 was recalled from the Education and Public Works Committee. The bill authorizes school districts to begin offering a voluntary full-day kindergarten program for five year olds beginning with school year 1996-97. Districts would not have to provide matching funds for the program. For the first year, parents of eligible students would have to notify districts by July 15, 1996. S. 1366 was recalled from the Judiciary Committee. The measure provides that a carrier of household goods or hazardous waste for disposal who violates certification and registration requirements is guilty of a misdemeanor. Thebill was received third reading last week, and was enrolled for ratification.

contested

S. 35 creates a Privatization Policy Board to determine whether services currently provided by a state agency might be provided more efficiently by the private sector. S. 72 originally provided that a couple may divorce after living apart for at least one year, whether the separation is voluntary or involuntary. It was amended to provide that the separation must be voluntary. Another amendment provides that a divorce may be granted after three years when a couple has been separated due to a person's involuntary confinement in an institution for mental incompetency or imprisonment of at least fifteen years. S. 73 provides for a referendum in order to amend the State Constitution allowing divorce when a couple has been separated voluntarily for at least one year, or separated involuntarily for at least three years due to confinement for mental incompetency or imprisonment of at least fifteen years. S. 95 provides that a person convicted of a violent crime may not participate in the extended work release program. An amendment to the bill addresses the transfer of juvenile offenders from the Department of Juvenile Justice to the Department of Corrections. Another provides the same penalties for pretending to have a deadly weapon during an armed robbery as actually having one. The bill received second reading last week. S. 1123 provides that a resident of any state may purchase a shotgun or rifle in South Carolina, not just contiguous states. This bill received second reading last week. S. 1213 authorizes a referendum to determine whether to delete the provision that a person may vote only in the precinct of his residence. A separate question on the ballot would ask whether to delete the provision that a person who moves within thirty days of an election must be allowed to vote in the precinct of his former residence. This bill received second reading last week. S. 1216 brings the state into compliance with the federal "Motor Voter" law. It enacts provisions for multiple site voter registration, and specifies designated registration agencies. The fiscal impact of this legislation is estimated to be $1 million dollars annually. An amendment to the bill provides size restrictions concerning badges worn by candidates at polling places. This measure also received second reading last week as well.

conference committee report adopted, to be ratified

Senators granted free conference powers, then adopted the report on S. 846, which provides for the issuance of special Olympic license plates. The biennial fee for this tag is fifty dollars ($50). Conferees amended the bill to provide that all of the revenue raised from these sales be distributed to South Carolina Special Olympics, rather than half of the proceeds going to the United States Olympic Committee. This was done in light of the late passage of the measure. S. 949 provides students with a fourth opportunity this year to pass the Education Entrance Examination (EEE) to enter a teaching program. The House amended the bill to require that a student taking the EEE a third or fourth time must first complete a remedial course, after waiting five years between tests. The number of attempts to pass the EEE was capped at three. However, Senators refused to adopt these provisions. Conferees compromised by retaining the requirement for remedial instruction before a third or fourth attempt, but providing that applicants only have to wait three years between tests rather than five. H. 3915 originally revised the membership of the Commission on Higher Education. It also provided for the easier transfer of credits between institutions. However, Senators amended the bill to authorize the leasing of three hospitals at the Medical University of South Carolina to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation for thirty years. Under the measure, before the Budget and Control Board could sign any contract it must first consult with the Department of Education. The Senate also voted to eliminate a current perk providing free health care for legislators at MUSC. The House amended the bill to prohibiting price fixing at MUSC, and to restrict the use of the medical school's logo in advertising and marketing activities. The conference committee removed the provision about price fixing, but kept the logo restrictions. Senators granted free conference powers, then adopted the report on a couple of judicial reform bills. However, when the House rejected the proposal, the Senate reconsidered approval. H. 3961 provides for a referendum amending the State Constitution in order to establish a ten member Judicial Merit Selection Commission. Four of the ten members will not be legislators. Five members will be appointed by the House--three of which will be legislators while the others represent the general public. The other five members will be appointed by the Senate--two by the President Pro Tem and three by the Senate Judiciary Chairman. Commission members could not apply for a judgeship for a year after leaving the Commission. Only three candidates per office could be nominated. The commission would investigate and review candidates, in order to eliminate weak ones. Legislators would not be allowed to vote for any candidate found "unqualified." The measure also increases the minimum age of judges from twenty-six to thirty-two years old, and requires that candidates be licensed at least eight years rather than five. It provides that a legislator must be out of the General Assembly for at least one year before applying for a judgeship, or for a year after failing to file for re- election. Vote swapping is prohibited. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) or a sentence of up to ninety days. Also, successful candidates must receive a majority of votes from both the House and the Senate, rather than a simple majority of the total number of legislators. In addition, the bill provides for nonjudicial screening by a joint legislative committee. H. 3962 provides for two referendums concerning judicial reform. Voters would determine whether to raise the minimum age of judges to thirty-two years old, and the minimum experience to eight years. A separate question asks whether a Judicial Merit Selection Committee should be created.

conference committee appointed

Senators Wes Hayes, William O'Dell, and Joe Wilson were appointed as conferees on S. 507. The bill provides that a person applying to operate a private detective business must meet the same qualifications as those applying to become a private detective. The House amendment authorizes retired commissioned law enforcement officers to carry weapons. Senators Holly Cork, Wes Hayes, and Kay Patterson were appointed as conferees on S. 1081. That measure authorizes the withholding of state funds from local governments which are delinquent in paying premiums to the state health and dental insurance plans. The House amendment provides that a retired legislator with at least eight years service may receive state insurance at the same rate as current employees. Senators Robert Ford, Tom Moore, and Verne Smith were appointed as conferees on H. 3915. The measure originally revised the membership of the Commission on Higher Education. It also provided for the easier transfer of credits between institutions. However, Senators amended the bill to authorize the leasing of three hospitals at the Medical University of South Carolina to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation for thirty years. Under the measure, before the Budget and Control Board could sign any contract it must first consult with the Department of Education. The Senate also voted to eliminate a current perk providing free health care for legislators at MUSC. The House amended the bill to prohibiting price fixing at MUSC, and to restrict the use of the medical school's logo in advertising and marketing activities. The conference committee removed the provision about price fixing, but kept the logo restrictions. The bill has been enrolled for ratification.

concurrence in House amendments, to be ratified

S. 571 concerns sales tax exemption certificates used in making various tax exempt purchases. The bill deletes the requirement that the purchaser sign the invoice. S. 1084 codifies and condenses provisions concerning sale of beer, wine, and alcoholic beverages into a single chapter. The House amendment provides that fines will be deposited in the State General Fund and spent on public education. S. 921 provides that all regulations requiring review by the General Assembly would expire five years after their effective dates unless approved for additional five year periods. S. 1162 allows a dealer plate to be issued for a vehicle which the dealer lends to an economic development entity. Among other things, the comprehensive House amendment transfers the Division of Motor Vehicles from the Department of Revenue to the Department of Public Safety. It also removes the requirement that a person's driver's license be suspended for failure to pay property taxes, while providing for garnishment of funds for that purpose. In addition, the measure eliminates the requirement of passing a written test for applicants who have successfully completed a drivers' training course. Commercial driver's license renewal will be extended to five years to match the renewal schedule for standard driver's licenses, too. H. 3556 enacts the Juvenile Justice Code by consolidating various provisions into a single articles. Senators amended the measure to require that parents reimburse court and medical costs of juvenile offenders. Representatives further amended the measure to authorize that a juvenile may be tried as an adult in certain circumstances, and that courts may suspend or restrict a juvenile offender's driver's license. The proposed legislation also provides for fingerprinting of juveniles. H. 4585 provides that no insurance policy containing drug coverage shall exclude experimental drugs used in treating cancer which have not been specifically approved for that purpose by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when these drugs have been advocated as successful treatments by at least two medical journals. Senators amended the bill to require payment for drugs used in organ transplants as well. The House amendment tidied up the language, without making major changes.

nonconcurrence in House amendments, to a conference committee

S. 943 originally provided for a referendum to determine whether a person convicted of a felony, federal law, or election law offense, should be prohibited from being elected as a judge until fifteen years after completion of the sentence. Representatives amended the joint resolution to shorten the legislative session. The measure provides that the General Assembly will adjourn the second Thursday in May rather than the first Thursday in June. It also requires that the House give third reading to the budget by March 15th each year rather than March 31st. The session would be extended by a day for each day the budget is not in the Senate. H. 3915 originally revised the membership of the Commission on Higher Education. It also provided for the easier transfer of credits between institutions. However, Senators amended the bill to authorize the leasing of three hospitals at the Medical University of South Carolina to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation for thirty years. Under the measure, before the Budget and Control Board could sign any contract it must first consult with the Department of Education. The Senate also voted to eliminate a current perk providing free health care for legislators at MUSC. The House amended the bill to prohibiting price fixing at MUSC, and to restrict the use of the medical school's logo in advertising and marketing activities. The conference committee removed the provision about price fixing, but kept the logo restrictions. Senators granted free conference powers, then adopted the report on a couple of judicial reform bills. However, when the House rejected the proposal, the Senate reconsidered approval.

nonconcurrence in House amendments, amended, returned to House

S. 82 originally concerned circumstances under which the granting of bail may be denied. Representatives amended the measure to provide for a referendum allowing the General Assembly to convene on the second Tuesday in February during odd-numbered years. Senators added a referendum allowing the House and Senate to adjourn with consent of the other body for more than three days, as it the current law. Another Senate amendment provides that candidates elected by the General Assembly must have a majority of votes in both bodies, not just a simple majority of votes. S. 1028 abolishes a municipal election commission in cases where the county election commission has assumed total responsibility for municipal elections. An amendment to the bill stipulates that the municipal election commission cannot be abolished if only part of the responsibilities have been transferred. The Senate amendment authorizes municipalities bordering water to enforce laws in those areas.

received third reading, to be ratified

H. 3987 revises fees for farm truck licenses, reflecting the gross weight of the vehicle rather than the maximum empty weight. H. 4522 prohibits the clerk of court from charging a fee for filing a petition for an order for protection from domestic abuse. The bill also provides that no mutual order of protection may be granted unless both parties consent, or the court believes there is need for such an order. H. 4546 allows an electric utility to sell or transfer property without a prior hearing before the Public Service Commission, as currently required. H. 4568 authorizes the establishment of South Carolina Veterans Homes to be run by the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Similar to federal Veterans' Administration nursing homes, the state-run homes will provide treatment for South Carolina veterans whose physical or mental condition require long-term care. DMH will consult with the Division of Veterans Affairs in the Governor's Office concerning the policies, management, and operation of the veterans homes. H. 4726 extends the prohibition against taking striped and white bass hybrids from certain areas of the Savannah River until July 1, 2001. The bill also expands the area included in the moratorium to include up to the Augusta Lock and Dam rather than the New Savannah Bluff Lock Dam as it is currently. H. 4727 prohibits the taking of striped bass less than twenty-one inches in the following rivers: Weotuma, Pee Dee, Black, Sampit, Cooper, Ashley, Edisto, Ashepoo, Combahee, Coosawhatchie, New, and Savannah. Catch limits are set at five fish. H. 4774 provides an optional method of valuing Homeowners' Association Property for tax purposes. The measure amends the code to define such property, and requires that owners of real property or their agents make a written application to the county assessor to qualify for this provision. H. 4779 approves a regulation of the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) which reauthorizes the State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank, or SUPERB, Fund. The regulation also provides for clean up of the storage tanks according to site specification. H. 4973 approves regulations of the Commissioners of Pilotage for the Port of Charleston. These regulations strengthen the authority of bar and harbor pilots during docking maneuvers, and increase registration fees.

received third reading, amended, returned to House for concurrence

H. 3116 concerns safety requirements for persons water skiing or being towed while riding kneeboards. An amendment was adopted which prohibits the use of airboats on the Waccamaw, Great and Little Pee Dee, Black, and Sampit Rivers in Georgetown County. H. 3269 authorizes a licensed continuing care retirement community that operates a home health agency and a nursing home to share certain services between these two entities. The measure also exempts the facility from having to obtain a certificate of need prior to licensure under certain circumstances. The Senate amendment provides the communities must be multi-level with skilled nursing facilities. It also prohibits billing in excess of costs. H. 3273 provides that purple heart license plates are permanent. It also eliminates the biennial license tag fee. Senators amended the bill to provide for square dance commemorative license plates, also. H. 3285 authorizes the court to order joint custody when in the best interest of the child. Senators amended the bill to provide that the court may not prohibit a custodial parent from moving within the State unless there is a compelling reason. H. 3447, concerning dangerous animals, provides for surety bonds of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), as well as liability insurance. The bill also empowers animal control officers to seize and impound dangerous animals while a trial is pending. H. 3730 enacts the "Law Abiding Citizens Self- Defense Act of 1995." Similar legislation has been passed in thirty other states. H. 3730 revises current concealed weapons provisions, and calls for a public referendum to determine whether these provisions should be adopted. The proposed legislation would allow more South Carolinians to carry concealed weapons (currrently there are 2,700 permits), but would limit the places where these weapons would be allowed. The measure: 1) eliminates the business needs based test for approval of permits; 2) provides for a one year permit rather than the current two year permit; 3) expands places where concealed weapons are restricted; and 4) permits owners to fire weapons in order to protect their property, not just their lives as current law stipulates. The measure authorizes certain individuals to carry concealed weapons less than twelve inches in circumference or length. It also recognizes permits issued in other states. To receive a permit, a person first must complete a handgun education course or show that he can properly handle a gun. He also must submit to a background and fingerprint review for prior criminal history, and pay a fifty dollar ($50) application or renewal fee. The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will keep a list of all permit holders. If a person's permit is revoked, he must forfeit the permit or be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25). The same is true of a person who fails to notify a law enforcement officer that he is carrying a concealed weapon when asked for identification. A lost permit will cost five dollars ($5) to replace. Failure to inform SLED of a lost permit is a misdemeanor which carries a twenty-five dollar ($25) fine and a one year revocation of the permit. The bill also stipulates numerous places where concealed weapons would be restricted. Some of those include public buildings, law enforcement facilities, courtrooms, polling places, government meetings (except those of the General Assembly), medical facilities, schools, churches, daycare facilities, and beaches. Also, concealed weapons would not be allowed anywhere is it posted that they are prohibited. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), a sentence of up to one year, or both. Also, his permit may be revoked for five years. The measure also provides that a person who carries a gun into a business which sells alcohol is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to two thousand dollars ($2,000), a sentence of up to three years, or both. H. 3740 revises the Migrant Farm Workers Commission by adding an additional member and changing the name to reflect seasonal workers as well. The Senate amendment provides for a pre- occupancy housing inspection program only if adequate state funds are available. H. 3838, concerning workers' compensation, originally provided for a presumption of total and permanent disability in cases where there is a fifty per cent or more loss of the use of the back. The bill was amended to become a broader revision of workers' compensation laws. It provides that in most cases work-related stress unaccompanied by physical injury is not compensable, and establishes terms under which temporary disability payments may be terminated. H. 3845 authorizes the Department of Public Safety to furnish the State Election Commission with jury lists from drivers' licenses every three years rather than annually, beginning this September rather than in November as is done currently. H. 3992 provides that fees assessed by the Family Court may be imposed only after a hearing, and may not be charged if the defendant is indigent H. 4382 originally concerned a required statement regarding orders for protection from domestic abuse. It made a technical revision reflecting the fine increase from two hundred ($200) to five hundred ($500) dollars. However, the Senate amended the measure to require assessment and intervention measures for substance abuse by pregnant women. H. 4012 establishes a special thirty dollar ($30) license decal for intrastate logging trucks, and specifies acceptable load lengths. One Senate amendment requires the State Highway Patrol to investigate motor carrier accidents. Another authorizes a study of toll roads in the state. H. 4277 conforms state laws prohibiting employment discrimination with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill was amended by the Senate to address distribution of telecommunications devices for the hearing impaired. H. 4338 was recalled from the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee, given third reading, and returned to the House for concurrence in amendments last week. The bill originally authorized Sunday deer hunting on private property in Game Zones 1, 2, and 4. However, Senators amended it to provide that, in Game Zone 4 only, the Department of Natural Resources may not establish during the season more than two consecutive days where deer hunting is prohibited on private property. H. 4344 enables the court to require monetary restitution from a juvenile offender in the amount determined by the court. H. 4372 provides civil action for injunction relief and monetary awards when the release of reserved water damages property. The amendment provides that owners of small dams shall not be held liable for damages resulting from a natural disaster. H. 4431 establishes a special weighting in the Education Finance Act (EFA) formula to provide additional funding for the needs of autistic students. The Senate amendment provides requirement revisions for home schooling. H. 4425, a surplus appropriations bill, originally set aside an additional thirty million dollars to fund economic development recruitment efforts in our state. The bill also included money for renovations at the State House and the Department of Juvenile Justice, and funding for the Redevelopment Authorities for the Charleston Naval Base and the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, as well as various education projects. Several other items in the supplemental bill had been vetoed from last year's budget by Governor David Beasley. These included subsistence and operating money for the House and the Senate, and funding for the University of South Carolina's Law School. However, Senators included these appropriations in this year's budget instead. So they gutted the bill and amended it to advance $10 million dollars for State House renovations instead. H. 4434 provides that a person's driver's license is permanently revoked after a fifth driving under the influence (DUI) offense, rather than after the third as the House adopted. However, the reinstatement process was not changed. To apply for a one-time only driver's license reinstatement, a person must have had no violations during the preceding five years, completed a drug treatment program, and paid a fifty dollar ($50) fee. H. 4526 provides that unauthorized entry into any building in which the General Assembly meets is illegal. The measure includes Carolina Plaza where the Legislature is meeting while the State House is being renovated. Senators amended the bill to authorize an African-American Heritage monument on the State House grounds. The amendment also provides for a study of the feasibility of an African-American History Museum as well. H. 4589 increases the maximum penalty for a driver's failure to stop when involved in an accident causing injury or death. The House provided that rather than the current sentence of thirty days to one year, violators could face up to fifteen years in prison. However, Senators stiffened the maximum sentence to twenty-five years and the maximum fine to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000). H. 4614 enacts the Children's Code Reform Act of 1996. Its purpose is to refine and hasten the Foster Care process. The proposed legislation requires that a hearing to assure probable cause for removal from the home be held within seventy-two hours after a child is taken into custody, rather than the current ten days. That hearing could be conducted by videoconference or a telephone conference call if necessary. The measure tightens standards for removal from the home by requiring that the child be in "substantial" danger. It authorizes a caseworker to determine whether a child should be taken into custody rather than a law enforcement officer, and provides immunity for that decision as long as it is made in good faith. The bill delays taking the child into actual custody for twenty-four hours so that a preliminary investigation may be made by the Department of Social Services (DSS). An investigation must begin within twenty-four hours after the initial report. A final report must be made within forty-five days, with a single extension of up to fifteen days when necessary. Currently this report is required within sixty days. The measure requires a hearing to determine permanent placement after a child has been in foster care for a year. It also authorizes DSS to create a temporary crisis placement facility where parents may voluntarily place their children for up to seventy-two hours during a family crisis. H. 4637 originally was similar to S. 1195 which has been ratified. The bill defined the mission of higher education in South Carolina, and required accountability from these institutions. The bill also provided the Commission on Higher Education with regulatory authority for the first time. The Commission was authorized to close institutions which do not meet standards, and to eliminate programs where duplication is unnecessary. The measure established critical success factors for academic quality, and prescribes performance indicators to measure these factors. In addition, it revised the method of determining budgets of higher education institutions, and based those budgets in part on achievement of standards rather than the number of students served. Since the Senate version of the bill was adopted, this House sponsored bill has been gutted to become the "Winthrop University Facilities Revenue Bond Act" instead. Among other provisions, it authorizes bonds in order to acquire an off-campus bookstore. H. 4789 enacts the "Uniform Interstate Family Support Act." The proposed legislation requires that an applicant for a license in the state provide his social security number. Employers are provided greater incentives and tax breaks for hiring Welfare recipients. Senators provided that this is subject to a federal waiver a provision that transitional Medicaid and child care benefits be provided for two years, rather than one year, to Welfare recipients who lose eligibility by exceeding the two year time limit. H. 4796 permits owners of semitrailers to pay a onetime fee of eighty-seven dollars ($87) in lieu of property taxes and registration. The bill also requires the Department of Public Safety to assess the value of motor carriers subject to property tax. While the measure would have no immediate fiscal impact, it is estimated that local governments could receive a fifty per cent increase in future property tax revenues from motor carriers. H. 4834 provides numerous revisions to state tax laws. The bill authorizes alternative means for signing, and storing returns, as well for submitting payments. It redefines liabilities of innocent spouses where the primary responsibility for the incurred tax rests with the other spouse, and provides a tax exemption for certain medical supplies.

received third reading, sent to the House

S. 941 promotes Major General T. Eston Marchant to the rank of Lieutenant General of the South Carolina Army National Guard as of January 10, 1995. S. 942 increases the fine for not appearing for jury duty in magistrate's court from ten dollars ($10) to up to fifty dollars ($50). The measure also increases the sentence for contempt of court from twelve hours to up to forty-eight hours. S. 1421 approves numerous regulations of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation concerning combative sports. One provision requires drug screening of contestants.

received second reading

S. 1313 exempts swimming pools owned by homeowners associations from having to get construction and operation permits. H. 3141 authorizes public service districts to fix or change members' compensation and other benefits. H. 3201 authorizes local school boards to make school district facilities smoke free. The bill also establishes a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) for offering a tobacco sample to a minor. The Department of Revenue and Taxation is in charge of enforcement. H. 3338 concerns election reform. Proposed in response to Operation Lost Trust and other campaign irregularities over the years, the measure bans felons from serving in public office. It also increases the maximum sentence for vote buying from five years to ten years for a first offense. A second offense would be subject to a fifteen year sentence, rather than a ten year sentence. The bill requires that any payment on behalf of a candidate must be made by check. No payment may be made in cash. Payment of volunteers for transporting voters to the polls would be capped at fifty dollars ($50). However, even though the measure received second reading last week, it did not have the two-thirds support needed for passage. H. 3879 gives Natural Resources Officers statewide police power. A Senate amendment requires a training program be established for deputies commissioned after July 1, 1980. H. 4518 provides for a referendum amending the State Constitution to allow investment in stocks. Currently state and local governments may invest only in fixed income securities, such as bonds and savings accounts. (Investment in the stock market was banned after severe losses during the last century.) While the State Retirement Fund and the State Police Officers Retirement System are currently solvent, both the State Treasurer and an independent actuarial report indicate that increasing membership will strain future pension expenditures. This joint resolution allows voters to determine whether state and local governments should broaden their portfolios to include stocks, which are traditionally more volatile and produce greater returns. H. 4699 defines "rollback millage" by providing a formula for its determination as it relates to the Homestead Exemption from school operating taxes. Millage is derived by dividing the prior year's property tax revenues by the adjusted total assessed value. H. 4706 revises the "Enterprise Zone Act" passed last year, and the "Economic Development Industrial Cluster Act," which become law earlier this year. Under the measure, counties are divided into a four tier system-- developed, moderately developed, underdeveloped, and least developed. Greater tax breaks are given to industries locating in least developed and underdeveloped counties which are usually rural. Industries with major investments could negotiate with local governments for lower property taxes, so that they may pay three per cent rather than the current six per cent for a period of thirty years rather than the current twenty years. The bill also creates the Rural Infrastructure Fund to pay for putting in water and sewer, roads, and infrastructure for industries which locate in remote areas of the state. Money for the fund will come from incentives paid by companies in the top two tiers. The measure currently is in the Senate Finance Committee. The Finance Committee amendment, which has not been adopted yet, caps the tax ratio at four per cent, rather than three, for twenty-five years, rather than thirty. It also proposes that developed and moderately developed counties have access to up to twenty-five per cent of dollars in the Rural Infrastructure Fund when the fund exceeds $5 million dollars. H. 4755 revises Workers' Compensation laws in the state. It requires that all employers participate in the state system, and does not provide for opting out. The proposed legislation gives employers greater ability to stop temporary payments, and limits compensation for occupational stress. The bill also prevents healthcare providers from harrassing workers for payment of bills. It provides the State Insurance Department with greater control over the assigned risk plan for workers' compensation insurance, and requires that the Director give prior approval to the assigned risk, and provides for competitive bidding of the assigned risk pool.

continued

S. 1322 provided for a referendum concerning the length of the legislative session. Voters would have been asked if after convening in January each year, the Senate and the House should be allowed to meet in committees for a period to be determined by each body. The joint resolution was designed to speed up the legislative process by passing bills more quickly through committees and onto the calendars. Since a similar measure, S. 943, is headed to a conference committee, the Senate continued the bill.

recalled

H. 3198 was recalled from the Transportation Committee. The measure requires handicapped parking signs erected after January 1, 1997 to reflect the two hundred dollar ($200) fine for unlawful use. Three bills were recalled from the Judiciary Committee. H. 3230 prohibits an election official from involvement of any kind in any campaign. H. 3314 prohibits a member of the State Election Commission from involvement of any kind in any campaign. Violators may be removed by the Governor. H. 3338 was recalled from the Judiciary Committee, and received second reading last week. In response to Operation Lost Trust and other campaign irregularities over the years, the measure concerns election reform. It increases the maximum sentence for vote buying from five years to ten years for a first offense. A second offense would be subject to a fifteen year sentence, rather than a ten year sentence. The bill requires that any payment on behalf of a candidate must be made by check. No payment may be made in cash. Payment of volunteers for transporting voters to the polls would be capped at fifty dollars ($50). H. 3423 was recalled from the Finance Committee. The measure concerns the State Retirement System and the State Police Officers Retirement Sytem. It allows members buying service credits for nonmember service to purchase less than the total for which they are eligible. However, the remainder may not be purchased at a later date. H. 3883 requires that a newly purchased vehicle display a placard containing certain information during the grace period before the registration and license plate are received. Information to be included on the placard is the owner's name and driver's license number, purchase date, and the date the grace period expires. Violators would be subject to a twenty-five dollar ($25) fine. Those displaying false information would be fined up to two hundred dollars ($200). Three-fourths of that fine would be remitted to the State Reinsurance Facility. H. 4338 was recalled from the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee, given third reading, and returned to the House for concurrence in amendments last week. The bill originally authorized Sunday deer hunting on private property in Game Zone 4. However, Senators amended it to provide that, in Game Zone 4 only, the Department of Natural Resources may not establish during the season more than two consecutive days where deer hunting is prohibited on private property. H. 4861 was recalled from the Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee. The bill creates the Real Estate Commission under the administration of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. It conforms this Commission to a uniform framework for the organization and operation of other professional and occupational boards. H. 4973 was recalled from the Transportation Committee. The joint resolution approves regulations of the Commissioners of Pilotage for the Port of Charleston. The regulations strengthen the authority of bar and harbor pilots during docking maneuvers, and increase registration fees. The measure received third reading last week, and was enrolled for ratification. H. 4991 was recalled from the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and adopted. The concurrent resolution memorializes the United States Forest Service to deny a mining permit on public lands in the Upper Chauga River Watershed.

No committees or subcommittees met last week.

AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

No bills were assigned to this committee last week.

EDUCATION AND PUBLIC WORKS

H. 5046 ANTIQUE LICENSE PLATES Rep. Meacham
This bill allows for a vehicle over thirty years old to be driven displaying the license plate of its model year as long as the current plate is kept within the vehicle and displayed upon request of law enforcement officers.

H. 5053 STUDENT PARENTS Rep. Harvin
This bill requires a parent who is under the age of eighteen and attending public school to attend parenting classes implemented by local school districts with the assistance of the State Department of Education.

JUDICIARY

S. 942 MAGISTRATE'S COURT JURORS Sen. Giese
The proposed legislation increases the fine for not appearing for jury duty in magistrate's court from ten dollars ($10) to up to fifty dollars ($50). The measure also increases the sentence for contempt of court from twelve hours to up to forty-eight hours.

S. 956 REVENUE FROM BEER AND WINE PERMITS Sen. Rankin
This measure, concerning Sunday alcohol sales, authorizes that revenue from the permits be distributed to the local governments which collected the money in counties where over seven hundred fifty federal jobs had been lost. This money could be spent on tourist-related capital improvements, such as civic centers and parks.

H. 5054 NONCUSTODIAL TEEN PARENTS Rep. Harvin
The bill requires a noncustodial parent under eighteen years old who cannot find a job, to complete twenty hours of community service a week.

LABOR, COMMERCE, AND INDUSTRY

S. 1421 COMBATIVE SPORTS Senate General Committee
This joint resolution recommends approval for regulations promulgated by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, State Athletic Commission which pertain to combative sports.

MEDICAL, MILITARY, PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS

S. 941 MAJOR GENERAL MARCHANT Sen. Wilson
This bill would promote Major General T. Eston Marchant to the rank of Lieutenant General of the South Carolina Army National Guard.

WAYS AND MEANS

No bills were assigned to this committee last week.

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If you need or prefer to access the Legislative Update through the World Wide Web, visit the South Carolina General Assembly Home Page (www.lpitr.state.sc.us). On the first page, click on the "Quick-Find Guide." Click on "Reports" on the next page. This will list all of the Legislative Updates by week. Then click on the week you need.

Follow the links in this index to pull up the paragraph in this issue discussing the bill concerned. Follow the link in that paragraph to pull up the bill's text, history, and status.

S. 35	S. 921	S. 1084	S. 1322	H. 3447	H. 3961	H. 4434	H. 4796
S. 66	S. 926	S. 1100	S. 1327	H. 3556	H. 3961	H. 4518	H. 4803
S. 72	S. 929	S. 1123	S. 1335	H. 3566	H. 3961	H. 4522	H. 4818
S. 73	S. 941	S. 1123	S. 1366	H. 3624	H. 3962	H. 4526	H. 4834
S. 82	S. 941	S. 1147	S. 1366	H. 3730	H. 3962	H. 4541	H. 4861
S. 82	S. 941	S. 1152	S. 1421	H. 3730	H. 3962	H. 4546	H. 4973
S. 95	S. 942	S. 1160	S. 1421	H. 3730	H. 3987	H. 4568	H. 4973
S. 95	S. 942	S. 1162	H. 3116	H. 3740	H. 3992	H. 4585	H. 4991
S. 378	S. 943	S. 1195	H. 3141	H. 3785	H. 4012	H. 4589	H. 5014
S. 506	S. 943	S. 1195	H. 3170	H. 3838	H. 4251	H. 4614	H. 5016
S. 507	S. 943	S. 1198	H. 3198	H. 3845	H. 4277	H. 4637	H. 5021
S. 507	S. 949	S. 1213	H. 3201	H. 3845	H. 4323	H. 4637	H. 5027
S. 556	S. 949	S. 1213	H. 3230	H. 3879	H. 4338	H. 4651	H. 5041
S. 571	S. 956	S. 1216	H. 3269	H. 3883	H. 4338	H. 4699	H. 5046
S. 583	S. 1013	S. 1216	H. 3273	H. 3905	H. 4344	H. 4706	H. 5053
S. 659	S. 1028	S. 1219	H. 3285	H. 3915	H. 4372	H. 4726	H. 5054
S. 739	S. 1028	S. 1260	H. 3314	H. 3915	H. 4382	H. 4727
S. 776	S. 1050	S. 1263	H. 3338	H. 3915	H. 4425	H. 4755
S. 846	S. 1064	S. 1286	H. 3338	H. 3915	H. 4425	H. 4774
S. 846	S. 1073	S. 1306	H. 3423	H. 3915	H. 4431	H. 4779
S. 921	S. 1081	S. 1313	H. 3446	H. 3915	H. 4431	H. 4789