South Carolina General Assembly
111th Session, 1995-1996
Journal of the Senate

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1996

Wednesday, April 24, 1996
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

A quorum being present the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:

Beloved, hear more words from the Book of Ezekiel, Chapter 1 (v. 4) (NRSV):

"As I looked, a stormy wind came out of

the north: a great cloud with brightness

around it and fire flashing forth continually,

and in the middle of the fire,

something like gleaming amber..."

Let us pray.

Lord God, whether the figure of speech be a "stormy wind" or "a great cloud" or "fire flashing forth" that sets our mood this day, help us to see the "gleaming amber": the upward look... the faith... the hope... the confidence... the reassurance!

Grant, Holy Father, that when things seem for us, at times, to be in a state of disarray, we may have the catalyst of Ezekiel's vision when he said:

"As I looked I saw,

in the middle of the fire,

Something like gleaming amber!"

Amen.

The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

April 10, 1996
Mr. President and Members of the Senate:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the "advice and consent of the Senate," and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,
David M. Beasley

Local Appointment

Reappointment, Horry County Board of Voter Registration, with term to commence March 15, 1996, and to expire March 15, 1998:

Mr. J. Conrad Hetzer, 305 Oceanview Drive, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29572

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

April 15, 1996
Mr. President and Members of the Senate:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the "advice and consent of the Senate," and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,
David M. Beasley

Local Appointment

Reappointment, Horry County Board of Voter Registration, with term to commence March 15, 1996, and to expire March 15, 1998:

Deborah A. Vrooman, Ph.D., 902 Hart Street, Conway, S.C. 29526-4382

Doctor of the Day

Senator RYBERG introduced Dr. Jim Hill of Aiken, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator REESE, at 11:00 A.M., Senator SHORT was granted a medical leave of absence for a family emergency for today through Tuesday, May 7, 1996.

Leave of Absence

At 3:15 P.M., Senator PASSAILAIGUE requested a leave of absence until 4:00 P.M.

Leave of Absence

At 3:30 P.M., Senator ROSE requested a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Co-Sponsorship Added

S. 1050 -- Senators McConnell, Lander and Giese: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, BY ADDING SECTION 24 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE "VICTIMS' BILL OF RIGHTS"; AND ALSO PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 15, ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION, RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF BAIL, CRUEL OR UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT, AND DETENTION OF WITNESSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BAIL MAY BE DENIED TO PERSONS CHARGED WITH VIOLENT OFFENSES.

On motion of Senator ROSE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator ROSE was added as a co-sponsor of the Joint Resolution.

Co-Sponsorship Added

S. 1305 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-1095 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PRIVATE INSURER LICENSED TO UNDERWRITE "ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE" MAY FILE AND USE CERTAIN RATES FOR THE COVERAGES DETAILED IN SECTION 38-75-310(1) AND THE PROCESS FOR FILING AND HAVING THE RATES APPROVED; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-75-386 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LIABILITY OR A CAUSE OF ACTION MAY NOT ARISE AGAINST CERTAIN PERSONS FOR CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE TO OR INFORMATION PROVIDED TO AN INSURER TO FACILITATE THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE OR TO FACILITATE COMPETITION FOR THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE.

On motion of Senator ROSE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator ROSE was added as a co-sponsor of the Bill.

Co-Sponsorship Added

S. 1151 -- Senators Fair and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-1-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MARRIAGES BETWEEN PERSONS OF THE SAME SEX VALID IN ANOTHER STATE ARE VOID IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

On motion of Senator ROSE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator ROSE was added as a co-sponsor of the Bill.

RECALLED

S. 1173 -- Senators Boan and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1240, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A NONCURRENT LICENSE PLATE FROM THIS STATE OR ANOTHER STATE MUST NOT BE ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE FRONT OF A VEHICLE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.

Senator LAND asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Transportation.

There was no objection.

On motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar.

RECALLED

H. 4681 -- Rep. Koon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 33-37-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS AND THE PROVISION THAT SUCH CORPORATIONS AND ITS SECURITIES ARE EXEMPT FROM TAXATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CORPORATION IS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY CORPORATION LICENSE TAX OR FEE IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 20 OF TITLE 12; TO AMEND SECTION 33-37-250, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS AND THEIR POWERS, SO AS TO PERMIT THE BORROWING OF MONEY FROM "SUCH OTHER LENDING SOURCES WHICH ARE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 33-37-460, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LOANS TO SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS BY MEMBERS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT SUCH LOANS MUST BEAR INTEREST AT A CERTAIN RATE.

Senator DRUMMOND asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Finance.

There was no objection.

On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar.

RECALLED, READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 4899 -- Reps. Walker, Allison, Lanford, Wells, Littlejohn and Lee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN SCHOOL DAYS MISSED BY STUDENTS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1995-96 WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.

Senator COURTNEY asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Education.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question being the second reading of the Resolution.

The Resolution was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar.

H. 4899--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator COURTNEY, H. 4899 was ordered to receive a third reading on Thursday, April 25, 1996.

RECALLED

H. 4926 -- Rep. Wilkes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME DUTCHMAN'S CREEK BRIDGE AT LAKE WATEREE IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN HONOR OF THE LATE JAMES H. "MAC" MCSWAIN.

Senator LAND asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

There was no objection.

On motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent, the Resolution was ordered placed on the Calendar.

RECALLED

H. 4937 -- Rep. Wilkes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME A CERTAIN HIGHWAY IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN HONOR OF BENJAMIN F. HORNSBY, A DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADER OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY AND A FORMER MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Senator LAND asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

There was no objection.

On motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent, the Resolution was ordered placed on the Calendar.

RECALLED

H. 4952 -- Rep. Hodges: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DESIGNATE A PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 160 IN LANCASTER COUNTY AS THE "JOHN D. PATTERSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS REFLECTING THIS DESIGNATION.

Senator LAND asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

There was no objection.

On motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent, the Resolution was ordered placed on the Calendar.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1387 -- Senator Rose: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 58-9-255 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1995, NO TELEPHONE UTILITY MAY IMPOSE A LONG-DISTANCE CHARGE FOR A CALL BETWEEN TELEPHONES IN THE SAME COUNTY AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION SHALL AUTHORIZE RATE ADJUSTMENTS AS NECESSARY FOR TELEPHONE UTILITIES TO MAINTAIN THE ALLOWED RATE OF RETURN FOLLOWING THE ELIMINATION OF THESE LONG-DISTANCE CHARGES.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1388 -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Fair, Thomas and Bryan: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MISS KIMBERLY MARGARET BOAN OF GREENVILLE FOR BEING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENT BODY OF GREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly note that Kimberly Margaret Boan, a junior at Greenville High School, has been elected by her peers to serve as President of the Student Body in the upcoming school year; and

Whereas, Kimberly Boan is recognized as a talented, well-respected, and dedicated student whose accomplishments include her membership in the National Honor Society, Class Secretary for the past three years at Greenville High School, Co-Editor of the Nautilus Yearbook for 1996, as well as other contributions to the community and church-related activities. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly wish to congratulate Kimberly Margaret Boan on her election as President of the Student Body of Greenville High School.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Kimberly Margaret Boan.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1389 -- Senator Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE BEATRICE JOHNSON SWETT ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-NINE YEARS AS A DEDICATED TEACHER, ADMINISTRATOR, AND INSTRUCTIONAL CONSULTANT.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1390 -- Senator Bryan: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ON MAY 8, 1996, FOR PROVIDING CARE AND TREATMENT FOR THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA WHO SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1391 -- Senator Courtney: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1996, AT 12:00 NOON, AS THE TIME FOR ELECTING SUCCESSORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR SEATS 2 AND 4, SO AS TO FILL THE TERMS WHICH EXPIRE AUGUST 31, 1996.

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the Senate and House of Representatives meet in Joint Assembly in the Hall of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 29, 1996, at 12:00 noon, as the time for electing successors to the members of the South Carolina Consumer Affairs Commission for Seats 2 and 4, so as to fill the terms which expire August 31, 1996.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

H. 4968 -- Rep. Tucker: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE SPORT OF WOMEN'S BASKETBALL MADE BY SAUDIA ROUNDTREE OF ANDERSON IN HER INCREDIBLE PLAYING CAREER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA AND IN HER YEARS AT ANDERSON'S WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 4970 -- Reps. Wilkins, Hodges, Young-Brickell and Cato: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS STATE BY ROBERT E. HENDERSON, PH.D., PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AND WISHING HIM WELL IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator CORK from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 163 -- Senators Leventis, Wilson, Rose, Hayes and Passailaigue: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 14-7-1610, 14-7-1615, AND 14-7-1630, ALL AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO THE STATE GRAND JURY SYSTEM, SO AS TO REVISE JURISDICTION TO INCLUDE ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENSES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator ROSE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 562 -- Senators Rose, Mescher and Richter: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1 OF TITLE 2, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY ADDING SECTION 2-1-200, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EXCEPT FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MAGISTRATES, MEMBERS OF COUNTY BOARDS OF REGISTRATION, AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION, AN ACTION OR VOTE BY A COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, COUNTY HOUSE DELEGATION, OR COUNTY SENATE DELEGATION WHICH AFFECTS ONLY ONE COUNTY MAY BE DEVOLVED UPON THE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY IF THE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY AGREES TO ACCEPT THE ACTION AND NOTIFIES THE CODE COMMISSIONER OF ITS ACCEPTANCE AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT IF SUCH ACTIONS REMAIN WITH THE DELEGATION, THEY MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY USE OF A WEIGHTED VOTING FORMULA; BY ADDING SECTION 2-1-210, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ACTION OR VOTE BY A LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTING A MULTI-COUNTY AREA MUST UTILIZE THE WEIGHTED VOTING FORMULA; AND TO DIRECT THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO MODIFY ALL CODE SECTIONS WHICH ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THIS ACT AND TO INDICATE IN THE NOTES FOLLOWING A CODE SECTION ANY ACTION ACCEPTED BY A COUNTY GOVERNING BODY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator BRYAN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 739 -- Senators Bryan and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-1-212 SO AS TO DEFINE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, TO PERMIT A FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO ENFORCE THE STATE'S CRIMINAL LAWS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS NOT AN OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, OR AGENT OF A STATE OR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, MAY NOT CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW, AND IS SUBJECT TO THE FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DRUMMOND from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:

S. 774 -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-31-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION AND USE OF SURCHARGES IMPOSED UPON THE PRIVATE PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES RENTED FOR THIRTY-ONE DAYS OR LESS, AND TO CERTAIN REPORTS, VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES, REGULATIONS, AND FORMS PERTAINING TO THE COLLECTION OF THE SURCHARGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SURCHARGES ARE A SALES TAX THAT BELONGS TO THE STATE WHICH MUST BE PLACED IN A SEGREGATED ACCOUNT, THE SURCHARGES ARE NOT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CREDITOR LIENS, AND ARE NOT GROSS RECEIPTS OR REVENUE, AND A PERSON OR ENTITY MAY NOT IMPOSE A FEE, PENALTY, OR EXPENSE ON INDIVIDUALS COMPLYING WITH THIS PROVISION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LANDER from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 776 -- Senators Lander, Giese and Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-27-15, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO DEFINE "QUALIFIED INTERPRETER" AND "DEAF PERSON" AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE TYPES OF HEARINGS AT WHICH INTERPRETERS MUST BE PROVIDED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 777 -- Senator Washington: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-1-25, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE FOR MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO PERMIT A RETIRED MAGISTRATE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COUNTY WHEREIN HE LAST SERVED, TO SERVE AS A SPECIAL MAGISTRATE IN THE COUNTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TEMPORARILY REPLACING AN EXISTING MAGISTRATE WHO IS UNABLE PRESENTLY TO FULFILL HIS DUTIES DUE TO ILLNESS, INJURY, OR OTHER SIMILAR REASONS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 862 -- Senators Elliott and Saleeby: A BILL TO RECOGNIZE THE CHICORA-WACCAMAW INDIAN TRIBE AND THE PEE DEE INDIAN TRIBE AS INDIAN TRIBES OF SOUTH CAROLINA REPRESENTING THE CHICORA-WACCAMAW INDIAN PEOPLE AND THE PEE DEE INDIAN PEOPLE RESPECTIVELY, AND TO CONFER UPON THEM SUCH RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES AS ARE PROVIDED BY LAW TO INDIAN TRIBES OF THIS STATUS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator GLOVER from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 937 -- Senators Ryberg, Wilson and Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 21, TITLE 6, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ANNEXATIONS, BY ADDING SECTION 6-21-55 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A MUNICIPALITY WHICH HAS EXTENDED WATER OR SEWER SERVICES TO NONRESIDENT HOMEOWNERS PURSUANT TO A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE REFRAINMENT FROM OPPOSITION TO ANNEXATION AS A CONDITION OF RECEIPT OF WATER OR SEWER SERVICES FROM SUBSEQUENTLY IMPOSING SUCH CONDITION UPON THE NONRESIDENT HOMEOWNER OR A SUBSEQUENT PURCHASER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 943 -- Senators Waldrep, Wilson, Rose, Elliott, Courson, Reese, Elliott, Lander, Setzler, Leatherman, Mescher and Hayes: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT, BY ADDING SECTION 1A SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY OR AN ELECTION LAW VIOLATION UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW OR WHO HAS PLED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO AN ELECTION LAW OFFENSE IS ELIGIBLE TO SERVE AS A JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, AS A JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, AS A CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, OR AS A JUDGE OR MEMBER OF ANY OTHER COURT PROVIDED FOR OR ESTABLISHED BY THE CONSTITUTION OR BY GENERAL LAW THAT IS A PART OF THE UNIFIED JUDICIAL SYSTEM.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator McCONNELL from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1047 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 17-15-10 AND 17-15-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MAY BE RELEASED ON THEIR OWN RECOGNIZANCES AND MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING A PERSON'S RELEASE, SO AS TO PRESUME THE RELEASE OF AN ACCUSED VIOLENT CRIME OFFENDER WOULD CONSTITUTE AN UNREASONABLE DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY SUBJECT TO REBUTTAL BY THE ACCUSED OFFENDER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1049 -- Senator Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-510 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COMPOSITION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL, SO AS TO EXPAND THE MEMBERSHIP TO INCLUDE A VICTIM REPRESENTATIVE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator McCONNELL from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1050 -- Senators McConnell, Lander and Giese: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, BY ADDING SECTION 24 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE "VICTIMS' BILL OF RIGHTS"; AND ALSO PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 15, ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION, RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF BAIL, CRUEL OR UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT, AND DETENTION OF WITNESSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BAIL MAY BE DENIED TO PERSONS CHARGED WITH VIOLENT OFFENSES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1063 -- Senators Hayes, Mescher, J. Verne Smith, Jackson, Waldrep, Ryberg, Richter, Leatherman, Fair, Giese, Washington, O'Dell, Gregory, Martin, Drummond and Lander: A BILL TO ENACT THE OMNIBUS HIGHWAY SAFETY ACT BY AMENDING THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-285 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A SIX-MONTH'S SUSPENSION OF THE DRIVER'S LICENSE OF A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE WHO HAS AN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION IN EXCESS OF TWO ONE-HUNDREDTHS OF ONE PERCENT, TO PROVIDE THAT LICENSED DRIVERS UNDER TWENTY-ONE HAVE CONSENTED TO BE TESTED, TO LIMIT TESTING TO INCIDENTS IN WHICH A PERSON HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR A TRAFFIC OFFENSE, TO PRESCRIBE THE METHOD AND PROCEDURES FOR TESTING AND REQUIRE AN AUTOMATIC SIX-MONTH'S SUSPENSION FOR REFUSAL TO BE TESTED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SUSPENSION BEGINS IMMEDIATELY UPON THE OFFICER TAKING POSSESSION OF THE LICENSE, TO PROVIDE FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING ON THE SUSPENSION AT THE DRIVER'S REQUEST, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHOSE LICENSE IS SUSPENDED IS NOT REQUIRED TO FILE PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY; BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-2951 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE DRIVER'S LICENSE AND PERMIT REVOCATION PROCEDURE FOR A PERSON ARRESTED WHILE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR ANOTHER SUBSTANCE; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS, SO AS TO DEFINE "ALCOHOL" AND "ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-2030, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSES, SO AS TO DELETE THE DEFINITION FOR "ALCOHOL" AND "ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2930, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL USE OF NARCOTICS, LIQUOR, DRUGS, OR SIMILAR SUBSTANCES BY A MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER, SO AS TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A PERSON MAY NOT OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2950, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO IMPLIED CONSENT TO CHEMICAL TESTS OF BREATH, BLOOD, AND URINE TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS ON A MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE FOR UTILIZING THE TEST RESULTS, TO DELETE THE DRIVER'S LICENSE AND PERMIT SUSPENSION PROCEDURE, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-6540, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO WEAR A SAFETY BELT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE FINE FROM TEN TO TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, AND TO AUTHORIZE ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY BELT VIOLATIONS IN THE ABSENCE OF OTHER VIOLATIONS.

S. 1063--Recommitted

Senator HOLLAND asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

Senator HOLLAND spoke on the Bill.

On motion of Senator HOLLAND, with unanimous consent, the Bill was recommitted to the Committee on Judiciary, retaining its place on the Calendar.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1073 -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-13-380, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THEFT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT, SO AS TO ADD A PENALTY FOR A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1100 -- Senators Leventis, Giese, Russell, Reese and Cork: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-5-40 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO MONITOR ALL ELECTED OR APPOINTED STATE BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND JUDICIAL OFFICES IN ORDER TO ASCERTAIN WHEN VACANCIES OCCUR AND PUBLICIZE THESE VACANCIES AND POSITIONS ON THESE BODIES WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator McCONNELL from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1125 -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1550, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A STATEMENT MAY BE CONSIDERED AT A SENTENCING OR DISPOSITION HEARING IN FAMILY COURT, AND A COPY OF A STATEMENT MUST BE FORWARDED TO THE BOARD OF JUVENILE PAROLE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1198 -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-9-145, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THEIR DUTIES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator GLOVER from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1211 -- Senator Ryberg: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5-7-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION FOR A MUNICIPALITY TO FURNISH ANY OF ITS SERVICES OUTSIDE THE CORPORATE LIMITS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT A MUNICIPALITY WHICH HAS EXTENDED FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES TO NONRESIDENT HOMEOWNERS PURSUANT TO A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE REFRAINMENT FROM OPPOSITION TO ANNEXATION AS A CONDITION OF RECEIPT OF FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES FROM SUBSEQUENTLY IMPOSING SUCH CONDITION UPON THE NONRESIDENT HOMEOWNER OR A SUBSEQUENT PURCHASER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator THOMAS from the Committee on Corrections and Penology polled out S. 1293 favorable with amendment:

S. 1293 -- Senators Thomas, Giese, Courson, Fair, Hayes, Jackson, Passailaigue, Russell and Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-1535 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SHALL PROVIDE CRIME VICTIMS WITH A COPY OF THE CRIME INCIDENT REPORT RELATING TO THEIR CASE AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION; TO ADD SECTION 16-3-1537 SO AS TO REQUIRE A CRIMINAL SENTENCING JUDGE TO APPLY AMOUNTS FORFEITED TO THE COURT BY A PERSON PURSUANT TO SECTION 17-15-90 TOWARD THE PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION THE COURT ORDERS THE PERSON TO PAY; TO ADD SECTION 17-1-18 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE SUPREME COURT TO PROMULGATE RULES TO ALLOW AN APPEAL OF CERTAIN COURT ORDERS IF A VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT WAS NOT CONSIDERED BY THE COURT OR IF A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF RESTITUTION WAS NOT ORDERED; TO ADD SECTION 24-21-490 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE, AND PARDON SERVICES SHALL COLLECT AND DISTRIBUTE RESTITUTION, THE PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING RESTITUTION, THE MAINTENANCE OF A MINIMUM NUMBER OF RESTITUTION BEDS AND PUBLISHING OF AN ANNUAL REPORT CONCERNING THE STATE'S EFFORTS TO COLLECT RESTITUTION AND OTHER FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONTAINED IN CERTAIN PROVISIONS REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIME, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION OF "RESTITUTION"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS AND WITNESSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE AMOUNT OF RESTITUTION A JUDGE MUST ORDER AN OFFENDER TO PAY.

Poll of the Corrections and Penology Committee on S. 1293
Ayes 17; Nays 0; Not Voting 1

AYES

Thomas                    Bryan                     Giese
Saleeby                   Wilson                    Patterson
Ford                      Glover                    Gregory
Richter                   Ryberg                    McConnell
Hayes                     Lander                    Boan
Fair                      Martin

TOTAL--17

NAYS

TOTAL--0

NOT VOTING

Land

TOTAL--1

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator COURTNEY from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1311 -- Senator Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTIONS 61-3-605 AND 61-5-86 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A TEMPORARY RETAIL LIQUOR LICENSE AND A TEMPORARY MINIBOTTLE LICENSE TO THE PURCHASERS OF A BUSINESS CURRENTLY SO LICENSED, TO PROVIDE THAT NO SUCH TEMPORARY LICENSE MAY BE USED FOR A LOCATION DETERMINED TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, TO REQUIRE THE APPLICANT FOR THE LICENSE TO EITHER ALREADY HOLD A PERMANENT RETAIL LIQUOR OR MINIBOTTLE LICENSE OR TO HAVE HAD A STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK CONDUCTED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DURATION OF THE TEMPORARY LICENSE UNTIL A PERMANENT LICENSE IS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED, BUT NOT LONGER THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVOCATION OF THE TEMPORARY LICENSE UPON FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A PERMANENT LICENSE IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND TO IMPOSE A TWENTY-FIVE DOLLAR FEE FOR THE TEMPORARY LICENSE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1335 -- Senator Drummond: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 25, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEASURES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 ENACTING THE SOUTHERN REGIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR MUTUAL ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THE MEMBER STATES IN MANAGING EMERGENCIES OR DISASTERS DULY DECLARED BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE AFFECTED STATE AND MUTUAL COOPERATION IN EMERGENCY-RELATED EXERCISES AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1337 -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 33, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, BY ADDING CHAPTER 44 SO AS TO ENACT THE UNIFORM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT OF 1996 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER, CONDITIONS, AND PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES SHALL BE OPERATED AND GOVERNED BEGINNING GENERALLY ON JANUARY 1, 2001, IN CONFORMITY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN FEDERAL REGULATORY DECISIONS REGARDING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-240, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXATION DISCLOSING TAXPAYER RECORDS AND REPORTS, SO AS TO PERMIT DISCLOSURE OF SUCH INFORMATION TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 43 OF TITLE 33 RELATING TO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2001.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1358 -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 27-18-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE UNIFORM UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ACT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXATION TO THE STATE TREASURER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator McCONNELL from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1366 -- Senator Holland: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 58-23-80, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE CARRIER LAWS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CORPORATE OFFICERS, AGENTS, OR EMPLOYEES OR OTHER PERSONS OPERATING AS A PASSENGER CARRIER WHO VIOLATE OR WHO AID AND ABET IN THE VIOLATION OF CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS ARE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIED PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT CORPORATE OFFICERS, AGENTS, OR EMPLOYEES OR OTHER PERSONS OPERATING AS A CARRIER OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS OR AS A CARRIER OF HAZARDOUS WASTE FOR DISPOSAL WHO VIOLATE OR WHO AID AND ABET IN THE VIOLATION OF CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS ARE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND ARE SUBJECT TO OTHER SPECIFIED PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 15-9-340 OF THE 1976 CODE RELATING TO SERVICE OF PROCESS ON MOTOR VEHICLE CARRIERS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3229 -- Reps. L. Whipper, Fulmer, Spearman, Harrell, Simrill, Clyburn, Breeland, G. Brown, Robinson, R. Smith, Tripp, Limehouse and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-1045 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL AND A FELONY FOR ANY PERSON AT LEAST EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE TO USE, SOLICIT, INDUCE, COERCE, OR EMPLOY A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN TO COMMIT A VIOLENT CRIME OR THE CRIME OF LYNCHING, ALSO TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL TO CONSPIRE TO DO THE ABOVE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DRUMMOND from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3326 -- Reps. Richardson, Baxley, Beatty, Stoddard, L. Whipper, Fair and Herdklotz: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 117 SO AS TO CREATE THE INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL ACCOUNT ACT ALLOWING A PERSON TO DEPOSIT FUNDS IN AN ACCOUNT ESTABLISHED AS A TRUST FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING THE MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND LONG-TERM CARE EXPENSES OF THE ACCOUNT HOLDER AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES OF THE TRUSTEE, TO PROVIDE A TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST EARNED, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF FUNDS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DRUMMOND from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3710 -- Reps. Keyserling, Richardson, Seithel, L. Whipper, Whatley and Jaskwhich: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE EXEMPTION ALLOWED MANUFACTURING MACHINERY TO MACHINERY USED FOR RECYCLING AND TO DEFINE "RECYCLING".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator COURTNEY from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3838 -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AMOUNT OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PERIOD OF DISABILITY FOR CERTAIN INJURIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PRESUMPTION OF TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY IN CASES WHERE THERE IS A FIFTY PERCENT OR MORE LOSS OF USE OF THE BACK, AND PROVIDE THAT THIS PRESUMPTION MAY BE REBUTTED BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3864 -- Rep. Quinn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-41-35, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO REVISE A REFERENCE TO CITED PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator McCONNELL from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4341 -- Reps. Wilkins, Sandifer, Walker, Allison, Haskins, Jennings, Cain, Harrison, Witherspoon, Vaughn, Simrill, Herdklotz, Kirsh, Delleney, Cotty, Limbaugh, Richardson, Meacham, Easterday and McElveen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-112, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR COUNSEL APPOINTED FOR A CHILD IN A DELINQUENCY PROCEEDING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT MAY ORDER THE CHILD'S PARENTS TO REIMBURSE THE COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY OR THE INDIGENT DEFENSE FUND.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 4434 -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2990, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF A PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S LICENSE OF A PERSON WHOSE LICENSE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR A FIFTH OFFENSE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator COURTNEY from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4445 -- Reps. Harrison, Baxley, Martin, D. Smith, Wofford, Jennings, Kelley and J. Young: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROCEDURES IN CONTESTED CASES UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL CONTESTED CASE PROCEEDINGS BEFORE AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-330, RELATING TO EVIDENTIARY MATTERS IN CONTESTED CASES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STANDARD OF PROOF SHALL BE THE PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE EXCEPT IN PROFESSIONAL LICENSING CASES IN WHICH THE STANDARD OF PROOF SHALL BE CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-570, RELATING TO THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHIEF JUDGE SHALL ASSIGN JUDGES TO HEAR ALL CASES RATHER THAN CONTESTED CASES COMING BEFORE THE DIVISION; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-580, RELATING TO THE CLERK OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION AND OTHER SUPPORT STAFF, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF JUDGE TO HIRE AND SUPERVISE CERTAIN SUPPORT STAFF, AND TO PROVIDE THAT EACH ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE MAY APPOINT, HIRE, CONTRACT, AND SUPERVISE AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AS INDIVIDUALLY ALLOTTED AND AUTHORIZED IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-650, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RULES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THESE RULES AND THEIR PROMULGATION AND REVIEW; AND TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF THE CIRCUIT COURT TO RESTRAIN VIOLATIONS OF COASTAL ZONE PROVISIONS, SO AS TO TRANSFER THIS JURISDICTION TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DRUMMOND from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 4600 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING, JULY 1, 1996, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THE FISCAL YEAR; TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS ALLOTTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1976 (FEDERAL); TO REPEAL SECTIONS 11-11-60, 11-11-130, AND 11-25-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO OBSOLETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE FORMER RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL IN THE BUDGET-MAKING PROCESS AND AGENCY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; TO REPEAL SECTION 1-11-21 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO REPORTING DATES FOR THE ANNUAL BUDGET REPORT; TO AMEND SECTION 48-48-140 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE TAX ON LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL OF TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE DOLLARS A CUBIC FOOT AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS REVENUE, AND SECTION 59-143-10, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ENDOWMENT FUND (FUND), SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THIS FUND TO THE "CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ENDOWMENT"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2720 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION OF THE REVENUES OF THE 10.34 CENTS A GALLON TAX ON GASOLINE, SO AS TO PHASE-IN THE CREDITING OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE TAX TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2470(C), AS AMENDED, OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE "C" FUNDS PROGRAM, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM TWENTY-FIVE TO FIFTY PERCENT THAT PORTION OF A COUNTY'S ALLOCATION OF "C" FUNDS THAT MUST BE EXPENDED ON HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, AND MAINTENANCE; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-935 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PHASED-IN INCREASE IN THE DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE FOR MANUFACTURER'S MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE PROPERTY TAX AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF LOCAL TAXING ENTITIES FOR REVENUES NOT COLLECTED BECAUSE OF THIS ADDITIONAL DEPRECIATION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-930, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO VALUATION OF PROPERTY AND DEPRECIATION OF MANUFACTURER'S MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO CONFORM IT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 12-37-935 AS ADDED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2730 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THAT PORTION OF GASOLINE TAX CREDITED TO THE SPECIAL WATER RECREATIONAL RESOURCES FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR NOXIOUS AQUATIC WEED TREATMENT; TRANSFERRING ADMINISTRATION OF THE BATTERED SPOUSE PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND THE RAPE CRISIS CENTER PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO THE STATE OFFICE OF VICTIM'S ASSISTANCE IN THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR; TO REPEAL SECTION 11-9-60 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CERTAIN OFFICES FURNISHING THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL WITH REPORTS OF EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS DUE TO THE STATE; TO REPEAL SECTION 1-11-380 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE VENDOR CODING SYSTEM AND SECTION 1-11-390, RELATING TO THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL'S ACCUMULATION AND REPORTING OF EXPENDITURE TRANSACTIONS AND HIS DETERMINATION OF THE SUMMARY LEVEL FOR REPORTING UNDER THE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT; TO REPEAL SECTION 11-5-40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF DUPLICATE RECEIPTS TO CERTAIN PERSONS; TO REPEAL SECTION 11-9-100 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD'S AUTHORITY TO WITHHOLD APPROPRIATIONS FROM AN AGENCY FAILING TO CORRECT CERTAIN DEFICIENCIES OR VIOLATIONS CITED IN INTERNAL OPERATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 10-1-140 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RESPONSIBILITY FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY OF STATE DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND INSTITUTIONS, SO AS TO PLACE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH PROPERTY IN THE AGENCY HEAD REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 8-15-65 SO AS TO REQUIRE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR COUNTY CLERKS OF COURT, PROBATE JUDGES, SHERIFFS, REGISTERS OF MESNE CONVEYANCES, COUNTY AUDITORS, AND COUNTY TREASURERS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER OF PAYMENT OF THESE SUPPLEMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A REDUCTION IN THE DISTRIBUTION DUE A COUNTY UNDER THE STATE AID TO SUBDIVISIONS ACT WHEN A COUNTY REDUCES THE SALARY OR REDUCES THE OFFICE FUNDING FOR ANY OF THESE OFFICES; TO AMEND SECTION 2-1-180 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ADJOURNMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE FOR THE MANDATORY ADJOURNMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE FIRST THURSDAY IN JUNE TO THE SECOND THURSDAY IN MAY, AND PROVIDE THAT IN ANY YEAR THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FAILS TO GIVE THIRD READING TO THE APPROPRIATIONS BILL BY MARCH FIFTEENTH, RATHER THAN MARCH THIRTY-FIRST, THE DATE OF ADJOURNMENT IS EXTENDED BY ONE STATEWIDE DAY FOR EACH STATEWIDE DAY AFTER MARCH FIFTEENTH, RATHER THAN MARCH THIRTY-FIRST, THAT THE HOUSE FAILS TO GIVE THE BILL THIRD READING; EXTENDING THE REPAYMENT SCHEDULE OF SUMS TRANSFERRED TO THE CITY OF CHARLESTON FROM FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR THE PATRIOT'S POINT AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 59-104-20 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE INSTITUTION IN WHICH THE STUDENT IS ENROLLED SHALL PROVIDE ONE-HALF OF THE SCHOLARSHIP; TO AMEND ACT 518 OF 1980, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETIC FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS, SO AS TO REVISE DEFINITIONS, DELETE ISSUANCE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, EXTEND THE BOND AUTHORITY TO RECONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, AND EQUIPPING OF ATHLETIC FACILITIES, CONFORM PROVISIONS TO REVISED DEFINITIONS, DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT ALL HOME FOOTBALL GAMES BE PLAYED AT THE UNIVERSITY'S STADIUM, TO ALLOW THE ISSUE OF TERM BONDS, AND DELETE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO BOND MATURITIES, TO EXTEND THE TAX EXEMPTIONS OF SUCH BONDS AND DELETE AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE, TO DELETE LIMITATIONS AND OBSOLETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SALE OF THESE BONDS, TO MAKE VOLUNTARY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BOND RESERVE FUND AND TO ALLOW OTHER PROCEEDS TO BE CREDITED TO THE DEBT SERVICE FUND OR BOND RESERVE FUND, AND TO AUTHORIZE TRUSTEES ADDITIONAL POWERS WITH RESPECT TO THE USE OF PROCEEDS OF THESE BONDS; TO AMEND TITLE 59 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO EDUCATION, BY ADDING CHAPTER 147 ENACTING THE HIGHER EDUCATION REVENUE BOND ACT AUTHORIZING FOUR-YEAR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO ISSUE REVENUE BONDS TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT AND TO PROVIDE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE BONDS MAY BE ISSUED; TO AMEND SECTION 59-1-452, AS AMENDED, OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEE COST SAVINGS PROGRAM, SECTION 59-6-12, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT SELECT COMMITTEE, SECTION 59-6-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT, SECTION 59-18-15, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PROGRAM AND OTHER PROGRAMS, AND SECTION 59-141-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO NATIONAL EDUCATION GOALS, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE BUSINESS-EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND ITS BUSINESS-EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 59-6-15, 59-6-16, 59-6-17, AND 59-6-20, RELATING TO THE BUSINESS-EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP, THE BUSINESS-EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE, AND SPECIFIC DUTIES AND POWERS THEREOF; TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ENDOWMENT ACT OF 1996" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO AMEND CHAPTER 143, TITLE 59 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ENDOWMENT FUND, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE FUND TO THE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND, DELETE THE AUTHORITY TO ACCUMULATE MONIES IN THE FUND, FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH FUNDS SHALL BE USED, AND TO REQUIRE THAT BEGINNING WITH THE 1996-97 FISCAL YEAR, MONIES IN THE FUND MUST BE DISTRIBUTED QUARTERLY; TO AMEND TITLE 59, RELATING TO EDUCATION, BY ADDING CHAPTER 144 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WHICH ESTABLISHES THE MANNER IN WHICH FUNDS AVAILABLE FROM THE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND SHALL BE USED TO CONSTRUCT AND RENOVATE PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES AND FOR OTHER EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES; AND TO AMEND ACT 145 OF 1995, RELATING TO THE 1995-96 GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH FUNDS OF THE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND ARE DISTRIBUTED FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995-96; TO AMEND SECTION 14-1-200 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SALARIES OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICES, JUDGES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, CIRCUIT COURT, AND FAMILY COURT, AND CIRCUIT SOLICITORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CIRCUIT SOLICITORS SHALL RECEIVE A SALARY NOT LESS THAN THE SALARY OF JUDGES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS AND CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-26, AS AMENDED, OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE NOTICE THE SOLICITOR MUST GIVE TO A DEFENSE ATTORNEY WHEN HE SEEKS THE DEATH PENALTY, THE APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEYS, AND THE PROVISION OF INVESTIGATIVE, EXPERT, OR OTHER SERVICES TO INDIGENT PERSONS FACING THE DEATH PENALTY, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE PAYMENT OF FEES AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEFENSE OF CERTAIN INDIGENTS, AND THE QUALIFICATIONS AND APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEYS HANDLING DEATH PENALTY CASES; TO AMEND SECTION 17-3-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INDIGENTS WHO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED LEGAL COUNSEL, CERTAIN FEES THESE PERSONS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR LEGAL SERVICES, AND FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR THE DEFENSE OF INDIGENT, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCESS OF COLLECTING FEES FROM INDIGENTS WHO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED LEGAL COUNSEL; TO AMEND SECTION 17-3-330, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF INDIGENT DEFENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF UNEXPENDED FUNDS AND THE QUALIFICATIONS A PERSON SHALL POSSESS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE COURT AND COMPENSATED BY THE DEATH PENALTY TRIAL FUND; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIVISION OF SECURITIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE ARE DEVOLVED UPON THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ON JULY 1, 1996, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL ADMINISTER THE SOUTH CAROLINA UNIFORM SECURITIES ACT AND SHALL SERVE EX OFFICIO AS THE SECURITIES COMMISSIONER, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL PERSONNEL, APPROPRIATIONS, AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT POSITIONS OF THE DIVISION OF SECURITIES ALSO SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ON JULY 1, 1996; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 35-1-220 SO AS TO ALLOW THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO RETAIN A PORTION OF FEES AND PROCEEDS IN SETTLEMENT OF VIOLATIONS TO OFFSET COSTS OF ADMINISTERING THE UNIFORM SECURITIES ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 35-1-20 AND 35-1-30 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE UNIFORM SECURITIES ACT, SO AS TO REFLECT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS BEING THE SECURITIES COMMISSIONER WHO SHALL ADMINISTER THE ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIVISION OF PUBLIC CHARITIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE ARE DEVOLVED UPON THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ON JULY 1, 1996; TO TRANSFER ALL PERSONNEL, APPROPRIATIONS, AND FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT POSITIONS OF THE DIVISION OF PUBLIC CHARITIES TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ON JULY 1, 1996; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL ADMINISTER THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SOLICITATION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS ACT"; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 33-56-20, 33-56-30, 33-56-40, 33-56-50, 33-56-60, 33-56-70, 33-56-80, 33-56-90, 33-56-100, 33-56-110, 33-56-120, 33-56-130, 33-56-140, 33-56-150, 33-56-160, AND 33-56-190 OF THE 1976 CODE, ALL RELATING TO THE SOLICITATION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND REFLECT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND HIS OFFICE AS THE OFFICIAL AND THE AGENCY TO ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SOLICITATION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS ACT" AND TO ALLOW THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO RETAIN A PORTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE FINES TO OFFSET THE EXPENSES OF ENFORCEMENT; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 23-6-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REVENUES COLLECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MUST BE CREDITED TO A SEPARATE FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY FOR THE USE OF THE DEPARTMENT, TO PROVIDE FOR TRANSITION FUNDING, TO PROVIDE AN UNLIMITED CARRY FORWARD, AND TO ESTABLISH THE DEPARTMENT'S FUNDING AS AN ANNUAL BASE APPROPRIATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 23-6-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MAY CHARGE AND COLLECT FEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 30-4-30 OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT FOR PROVIDING COPIES OF CERTAIN RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF REVENUES GENERATED BY THIS PROVISION; TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-40, AS AMENDED, OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO MATTERS THAT ARE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MAY SELL CERTAIN INFORMATION TO CORPORATIONS WHICH ARE LICENSED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTIONS 4-9-142, 5-21-70, 6-1-60, AND 59-73-35 SO AS TO IMPOSE LIMITS ON CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE AND FEE INCREASES IMPOSED BY COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES, AND ON THE USE OF NEW REVENUE SOURCES FOR OPERATING PURPOSES AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, TO IMPOSE LIMITS ON CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE INCREASES IMPOSED BY SPECIAL PURPOSE OR PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICTS AND ON THE USE OF NEW REVENUE SOURCES FOR OPERATING PURPOSES AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; AND TO IMPOSE LIMITS ON CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE INCREASES IMPOSED BY THE GOVERNING BODIES AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO LEVY SCHOOL TAXES AND ON THE USE OF NEW REVENUE SOURCES FOR OPERATING PURPOSES AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; TO MAKE THE PAYMENT OF REIMBURSEMENTS FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS CONDITIONAL ON THESE ENTITIES CERTIFYING IN WRITING TO THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL THAT THEY HAVE MET THESE REQUIREMENTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-440, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON GENERAL TAX INCREASES OR NEW GENERAL TAXES AS PERMANENT PROVISIONS IN APPROPRIATIONS BILLS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE SEPARATE LEGISLATION REQUIRED FOR THESE PURPOSES TO PASS EACH HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY AT LEAST A MAJORITY OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE MEMBERS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-330 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE STATE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A SPECIFIC REIMBURSEMENT TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR REVENUES LOST TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-251, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FROM SCHOOL OPERATING TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXEMPTION AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS OF FAIR MARKET VALUE AND USING A BASE YEAR MILLAGE RATE EQUAL TO THE SCHOOL OPERATING MILLAGE FOR THE 1996-97 SCHOOL YEAR.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Status Report from the Chairman
Senate Finance Committee--H. 4600

Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, was granted leave to address the body regarding the Report of the Finance Committee on H. 4600, the General Appropriation Bill.

Senator DRUMMOND from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 4602 -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995-96.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 4676 -- Rep. Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-3320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REGULATION OF BINGO GAMES AND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 4694 -- Reps. Harrison, Wofford, Stuart, Hodges, Neal, Cave, Govan, Baxley, Knotts, Meacham, Bailey, Delleney, Shissias, Klauber, Simrill, Thomas, Clyburn, Wright, Fulmer, Jennings, Martin, J. Harris, Kinon, J. Young, Boan, Limbaugh, McCraw, Young-Brickell, T. Brown, Scott, Tucker, White, D. Smith and Phillips: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF TELEPHONE COMPANIES AND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS DEFINING "BASIC LOCAL EXCHANGE TELEPHONE SERVICE", "CARRIER OF LAST RESORT", "INCUMBENT LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER" OR "INCUMBENT LEC", "LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER" OR "LEC", "NEW ENTRANT LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER" OR "NEW ENTRANT LEC", "SMALL LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER" OR "SMALL LEC", "TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES", AND "UNIVERSAL SERVICE"; TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-280, RELATING TO TELEPHONE COMPANIES AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, OR EXTENSION OF A PLANT OR SYSTEM, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS WHICH PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT AFTER NOTICE AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD, THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION MAY GRANT A CERTIFICATE TO OPERATE AS A TELEPHONE UTILITY TO APPLICANTS PROPOSING TO FURNISH LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICE IN THE SERVICE TERRITORY OF AN "INCUMBENT LEC", SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND EXEMPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 58-9-576 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN "INCUMBENT LEC" MAY ELECT TO HAVE RATES, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS PURSUANT TO THE PLAN DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS; AND TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 58-9-577 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING SECTIONS 58-9-575 AND 58-9-576, A "SMALL LEC" MAY ELECT TO HAVE THE RATES, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS OF ITS SERVICES DETERMINED PURSUANT TO ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF REGULATION, WHICH MAY DIFFER AMONG COMPANIES AND MAY INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, PRICE REGULATION, RATHER THAN RATE OF RETURN OR OTHER FORMS OF EARNING REGULATION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DRUMMOND from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4699 -- Reps. Stuart, Wilkins and Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-251, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FROM SCHOOL OPERATING TAXES AND ROLLBACK MILLAGE LIMITATIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE "ROLLBACK MILLAGE".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DRUMMOND from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 4737 -- Reps. Chamblee, Lanford, Kirsh, Harrison, Wofford and Trotter: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-11-425 SO AS TO REQUIRE APPROVAL BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD FOR REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES, TO PROVIDE CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL, AND TO ESTABLISH THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COUNCIL TO ASSIST THE BOARD; TO ADD SECTION 59-7-70 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE TRANSFER OF TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION EQUIPMENT PURCHASED BY SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION FOR SCHOOLS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS; TO ADD SECTION 59-7-80 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION COMMISSION MUST SATISFY TO COMPLY WITH SUNSET REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-7-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SCETV COMMISSION, SO AS TO FURTHER DELINEATE CRITERIA FOR MEMBERS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-7-20, RELATING TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF THE SCETV COMMISSION, SO AS TO REVISE THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE STRUCTURE, TO DIRECT THE SCETV COMMISSION, WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCETV COMMISSION IS REAUTHORIZED UNDER SECTION 1-20-60.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator McCONNELL from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4847 -- Reps. Wilkins and Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 24-21-410, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CERTAIN COURTS' AUTHORITY TO GRANT A PROBATIONARY SENTENCE, OR IMPOSE A FINE AND A PROBATIONARY SENTENCE FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PROBATION IS A FORM OF CLEMENCY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 24-21-430, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CONDITIONS OF PROBATION A COURT MAY IMPOSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE, AND PARDON SERVICES SHALL DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR IMPOSING CONDITIONS OF SUPERVISION ON PROBATIONERS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1369 -- Senator Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE MILEY CHURCH OF GOD'S OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT OF BECOMING DEBT-FREE AND CELEBRATING THEIR MORTGAGE RETIREMENT.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1370 -- Senator Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL SEASON AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING EFFORT IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1371 -- Senator Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE KENNY SMITH BASKETBALL CAMP AND THOSE WHO MAKE ITS EXISTENCE POSSIBLE, AND TO THANK ITS SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN, OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1351 -- Senators Leventis, Moore, Alexander, Boan and Martin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO URGE THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA), IN ITS REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD FOR OZONE, TO THOROUGHLY EXAMINE ALL ASPECTS OF THE STANDARD, INCLUDING RETAINING THE EXISTING .12 STANDARD WITH APPROPRIATE REVISIONS, AND CAREFULLY EVALUATE THE POTENTIAL INCREMENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS AND ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES ON STATES, LOCALITIES, SMALL AND LARGE BUSINESS, AND INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS; TO URGE FURTHER THAT THE STANDARD CHOSEN BY EPA SHOULD BE REASONABLE AND ACHIEVABLE AND ANY CHANGES MUST BE LOOKED AT IN THEIR ENTIRETY; AND TO URGE FINALLY THAT EPA IDENTIFY ANY UNFUNDED MANDATES OR OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS FOR STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OR AGENCIES THAT WOULD DERIVE FROM CHANGES TO THE NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD FOR OZONE.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1384 -- Senator McGill: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING EDWARD F. EATMON OF KINGSTREE FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY AND WISHING HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS FOLLOWING HIS RETIREMENT.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1385 -- Senators Saleeby and Drummond: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE JOHN LANDRUM FOR BEING NAMED 1995 LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

Committee to Escort

The PRESIDENT appointed Senators WILSON, FORD, GIESE, GREG SMITH and MOORE to escort the winners of the 1996 South Carolina Folk Heritage Awards and members of their party to the House Chamber for the Joint Assembly.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to recede from business for the purposes of attending the Joint Assembly and, following the completion of the Joint Assembly, the Senate would stand in recess until 2:30 P.M.

RECESS

At 11:55 A.M., the Senate receded from business for the purpose of attending the Joint Assembly.

JOINT ASSEMBLY
Folk Heritage Awards

At Twelve O'clock Noon the Senate appeared in the Hall of the House.

The PRESIDENT of the Senate called the Joint Assembly to order and announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses:

H. 4484 -- Rep. Keegan: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO INVITE THE WINNERS OF THE 1996 SOUTH CAROLINA FOLK HERITAGE AWARDS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE 1996 FOLK HERITAGE AWARDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ATTEND A JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1996, AT 12:00 NOON, AND TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE 1996 SOUTH CAROLINA FOLK HERITAGE AWARD WINNERS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO FOLK ART IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

The PRESIDENT appointed Senators WILSON, FORD, GIESE, GREG SMITH and MOORE to the Escort Committee on behalf of the Senate.

The Speaker appointed Representatives Cobb-Hunter, Jaskwhich, Keegan, Spearman, and Wilder to the Escort Committee on behalf of the House of Representatives.

The Escort Committees of the Senate and House accompanied the winners of the 1996 South Carolina Folk Heritage Award and the members of the 1996 South Carolina Folk Heritage Award Advisory Committee to the rostrum to commend them for their outstanding contributions to folk art in South Carolina.

The PRESIDENT introduced the Speaker of the House who, in turn, introduced the respective award winners who were presented Certificates by the PRESIDENT honoring their respective talents.

The winners were presented to the members of the Joint Assembly -- Ms. Pat Ahrens of Columbia, an advocate/performer of bluegrass, old time country, and gospel music; Mr. Bobby Branton of Awendaw, a bladesmith; Mr. Claude Casey of Johnston, a former star of country and western radio, stage and screen; and Mr. Wade E. Leitner of Lexington, a maker of stringed instruments. Ms. Ahrens and members of her band entertained the members of the Joint Assembly with a short musical performance.

The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the PRESIDENT declared it duly adjourned, whereupon the Senate returned to its Chamber and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

At 12:25 P.M., the Senate resumed.

RECESS

At 12:26 P.M., on motion of Senator DRUMMOND, the Senate receded from business until 2:30 P.M.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The Senate reassembled at 2:30 P.M. and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

Point of Quorum

At 2:35 P.M., Senator FAIR made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator MOORE moved that a call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the call:

Alexander                 Boan                      Bryan
Cork                      Courson                   Courtney
Drummond                  Elliott                   Fair
Ford                      Giese                     Glover
Gregory                   Hayes                     Holland
Jackson                   Land                      Lander
Leatherman                Leventis                  Martin
Matthews                  McGill                    Mescher
Moore                     O'Dell                    Passailaigue
Patterson                 Peeler                    Rankin
Reese                     Richter                   Rose
Russell                   Ryberg                    Saleeby
Setzler                   Smith, G.                 Smith, J.V.
Thomas                    Waldrep                   Washington
Wilson                    

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Leave of Absence

At 3:15 P.M., Senator PASSAILAIGUE requested a leave of absence until 4:00 P.M.

Leave of Absence

At 3:30 P.M., Senator ROSE requested a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Point of Personal Interest

Senator LAND rose to a Point of Personal Interest.

Point of Personal Interest

Senator WASHINGTON rose to a Point of Personal Interest.

Point of Personal Interest

Senator COURSON rose to a Point of Personal Interest.

S. 1101--CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED
Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., April 17, 1996

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it refuses to concur in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 1101 -- Senator Holland: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-5-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF MEMBERS OF BOARDS OF VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS MUST COMPLETE A TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM CONDUCTED BY THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTION 7-5-35, RELATING TO ELECTION AND REGISTRATION COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS MUST COMPLETE A TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM CONDUCTED BY THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-70, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND MANAGERS OF ELECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT COMMISSIONERS MUST COMPLETE A TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM CONDUCTED BY THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, TO FURTHER DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MANAGERS; AND TO ADD SECTION 7-13-72, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MANAGERS AND CLERKS.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

On motion of Senator HOLLAND, the Senate insisted upon its amendments to S. 1101 and asked for a Committee of Conference.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT appointed Senators HOLLAND, McCONNELL and MATTHEWS of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

RECALLED, AMENDED, READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 3170 -- Reps. Govan, Simrill, Inabinett, Lloyd and Hines: A JOINT RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND THE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF ALLOWING MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO RETIRE AT ANY AGE WITHOUT PENALTY ON ATTAINING AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF CREDITED SERVICE AND TO REQUIRE THE STUDY'S FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS TO BE REPORTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 15, 1995.

Senator McCONNELL asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Finance.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question being the second reading of the Resolution.

Senator McCONNELL proposed the following amendment (3170R001.GFM), which was adopted:

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

/SECTION   1.   The General Assembly having authorized and initiated the State House Renovations project and finding it necessary to ensure continuous and stable funding to the project, hereby authorizes the S. C. State Budget and Control Board to issue not more than thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) of general obligation debt of the State, in the form of one or more promissory notes. The proceeds of the promissory note(s) issued by the board must be used exclusively for the State House Renovations project, including the expenses and cost of issuing the note(s). General obligation debt for the State House Renovations project shall be issued under such terms and conditions as the State Budget and Control Board shall prescribe; provided, however, that such general obligation debt shall mature not later than December 31, 1996; and, provided further, that there is hereby allocated sufficient tax revenues to provide for the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on such general obligation debt. In accordance with the provisions of Article X, Section 13 of the State Constitution, the full faith, credit, and taxing power of the State shall be pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest on such general obligation debt. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of Article X, Section 13 of the State Constitution by allocating sufficient tax revenues to provide for the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the general obligation debt and pledging the full faith, credit, and taxing power of the State on the general obligation debt authorized herein, the General Assembly hereby expresses its intent to repay the general obligation debt by an appropriation from the fiscal year 1994-1995 surplus revenues, the fiscal year 1995-1996 Capital Reserve Fund and/or such other revenue sources as are available to the General Assembly.

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Amend the joint resolution further, as and if amended, by striking the title in its entirety and inserting:

/A JOINT RESOLUTION

TO AUTHORIZE THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO INCUR A LIMITED AMOUNT OF DEBT FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED EIGHT MONTHS FOR THE STATE HOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE DEBT BE RETIRED FROM APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZED FOR THE STATE HOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT IN FISCAL YEAR 1996-97./.

Amend title to conform.

Senator McCONNELL explained the amendment.

There being no further amendments, the Resolution was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar.

H. 3170--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator McCONNELL, H. 3170 was ordered to receive a third reading on Thursday, April 25, 1996.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1392 -- Senator Setzler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE JAMES R. CLARK MEMORIAL SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION FOR ITS OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICES TO THOUSANDS OF CLIENTS THROUGHOUT SOUTH CAROLINA THAT ARE AFFECTED WITH EITHER THE SICKLE CELL DISEASE OR TRAIT AND TO DECLARE SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1996, AS "SICKLE CELL AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1393 -- Senator Elliott: A BILL TO ROLL BACK THE WHOLESALE PRICE OF GASOLINE IN THIS STATE TO ITS BASE PRICE ON APRIL 1, 1996, EXCEPT WHERE A CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION PROHIBITS THE ROLLBACK, TO DESIGNATE PRICES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO BE CONSIDERED AS A SURTAX, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE SURTAX REVENUE MUST BE USED FOR NEW HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1394 -- Senator Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-28-315 SO AS TO IMPOSE A FIVE CENTS A GALLON ADDITIONAL TAX ON GASOLINE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR NEW HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

H. 4975 -- Reps. Davenport, Cromer, Allison, Lanford, Lee, Walker, Littlejohn, D. Smith and Wells: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE BEST WISHES AND HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO OUR CURRENT MISS SOUTH CAROLINA, AMANDA ELIZABETH SPIVEY, OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY, ON THE SPECIAL OCCASION OF "MISS SOUTH CAROLINA APPRECIATION DAY", APRIL 30, 1996.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 4372 -- Reps. Lanford, Herdklotz, Bailey and Clyburn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 49-11-10 AND 49-11-20, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROHIBITIONS AGAINST OVERFLOWING OR KEEPING WATER UPON THE LAND OF ANOTHER PERSON, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RELEASING RESERVED WATER MAY NOT INJURE THE PROPERTY OF ANOTHER AND TO AUTHORIZE A CIVIL ACTION FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AND MONETARY DAMAGES FOR VIOLATIONS.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H. 4392 -- Reps. Byrd, Moody-Lawrence, J. Brown, Lloyd, Kinon, J. Hines, T. Brown, Harvin, Cobb-Hunter, White and Cave: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 125 TO ENACT THE OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION AND TREATMENT EDUCATION ACT SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE OSTEOPOROSIS EDUCATION FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND TO ESTABLISH THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND AND THE DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

H. 4431 -- Reps. Townsend, P. Harris, Huff, H. Brown, Cooper and Stille: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-20-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DETERMINATION OF ALLOCATIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS UNDER THE EDUCATION FINANCE ACT AND WEIGHTINGS TO ESTABLISH COST DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROGRAMS, SO AS TO ADD A WEIGHTING FOR PUPILS WITH AUTISM.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

H. 4584 -- Reps. Cooper, H. Brown, Fulmer, Knotts, Young-Brickell, Wofford, Hallman, Quinn, Cato, P. Harris, Harrell and Limehouse: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 10-1-210 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL TO DISTURB OR INTERFERE OR REMOVE MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS FOR WAR VETERANS AND PROVIDE A PENALTY.

Read the first time and referred to the General Committee.

H. 4589 -- Reps. Limehouse, Hallman, Cotty, Hutson, Fulmer, Felder, Knotts and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-1210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF A DRIVER INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTY.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

H. 4637 -- Reps. Townsend, Allison, Howard and Wright: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-15 SO AS TO DEFINE THE MISSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND OF EACH TYPE OF PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-20, RELATING TO STUDIES OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A COORDINATED, EFFICIENT, AND RESPONSIVE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION IN THIS REGARD; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-30 SO AS TO ESTABLISH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR ACADEMIC QUALITY IN THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE AND THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS BY WHICH THESE SUCCESS FACTORS CAN BE MEASURED; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-35, RELATING TO THE SUBMISSION OF THE BUDGETS OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND THE APPROVAL AND REVIEW OF THE PROGRAMS OF THESE INSTITUTIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM'S ANNUAL BUDGET REQUEST IS DETERMINED AND REVISE THE COMMISSION'S RESPONSIBILITIES WITH REGARD TO AN INSTITUTION'S PROGRAMS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-45, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR AND MEASUREMENT MECHANISMS OF THESE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, DIRECT THE COMMISSION TO BASE THE HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING FORMULA ON AN INSTITUTION'S ACHIEVEMENT OF THESE STANDARDS, PERMIT THE COMMISSION TO REDUCE, EXPAND, OR CONSOLIDATE ANY INSTITUTION INCLUDING THOSE WHICH DO NOT MEET THE STANDARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT, AND BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999, TO CLOSE SUCH INSTITUTIONS WHICH DO NOT MEET THESE STANDARDS, REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW AND APPROVE EACH INSTITUTIONAL MISSION STATEMENT, AND ENSURE ACCESS AND EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES AT EACH INSTITUTION FOR ALL CITIZENS OF THIS STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-60, RELATING TO RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INSTITUTION'S REQUEST FOR NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAMS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION; BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH AN INSTITUTION SHALL BE CLOSED IF AN INSTITUTION BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999, IS CLOSED BY THE COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-110, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF NEW CONSTRUCTION AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH AN INSTITUTIONS' FACILITIES AND REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND AUTHORIZATIONS ARE APPROVED; TO AMEND CHAPTER 104 OF TITLE 59, RELATING TO INITIATIVES FOR RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, SO AS TO REVISE SUCH PROVISIONS TO INCORPORATE APPROPRIATE REFERENCES TO THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS ABOVE-REFERENCED AND REFERENCES TO OTHER DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS CONFERRED ABOVE ON THE COMMISSION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-101-350, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY THE STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO REVISE THE CONTENTS OF THIS REPORT AND WHAT INSTITUTIONS MUST SUBMIT TO THE COMMISSION FOR PURPOSES OF PREPARING THE REPORT.

Read the first time and on motion of Senator SETZLER, with unanimous consent, ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 4677 -- Reps. Limehouse, Cain and Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 52-7-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REQUIRING THAT CERTAIN ATHLETES POSSESS A PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE AND THE ATTENDANCE OF A PHYSICIAN AT THE RINGSIDE OF A BOXING EVENT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE TO STATE THAT THE PARTICIPANT IS FREE OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) AND THE ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS).

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

H. 4702 -- Reps. P. Harris, Waldrop and Neilson: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CHAPTER 36, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO ENACT THE "ALZHEIMER'S SPECIAL CARE DISCLOSURE ACT" SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN FACILITIES OFFERING SPECIAL CARE UNITS OR PROGRAMS FOR ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS TO DISCLOSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL THE FORM OF CARE OR TREATMENT PROVIDED THAT DISTINGUISHES IT AS BEING ESPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR THESE PATIENTS.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

H. 4812 -- Reps. McElveen, Harrison, Wilkins and Hodges: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 21, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT NEITHER HOUSE DURING THE SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL ADJOURN WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OTHER FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS, SO AS TO CHANGE THIS PERIOD TO SEVEN DAYS AND PROVIDE THAT THIS REQUIREMENT IS NOT APPLICABLE TO A PARTICULAR HOUSE IF THERE ARE NO PENDING MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR ON THE CALENDAR OF THAT HOUSE OR IF THERE ARE NO BILLS OR JOINT RESOLUTIONS FROM THE OTHER HOUSE ON THE CONTESTED OR UNCONTESTED CALENDAR OF THAT HOUSE FOR SECOND OR THIRD READING.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H. 4865 -- Reps. Law, Cato, Bailey, Wofford, H. Brown, Dantzler, Young-Brickell and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-1095 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PRIVATE INSURER LICENSED TO UNDERWRITE "ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE" MAY FILE AND USE CERTAIN RATES FOR THE COVERAGES DETAILED IN SECTION 38-75-310(1) AND THE PROCESS FOR FILING AND HAVING THE RATES APPROVED; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-75-386 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LIABILITY OR A CAUSE OF ACTION MAY NOT ARISE AGAINST CERTAIN PERSONS FOR CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE TO OR INFORMATION PROVIDED TO AN INSURER TO FACILITATE THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE OR TO FACILITATE COMPETITION FOR THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

H. 4949 -- Rep. Seithel: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-17-690 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A PERSON WHO OWNS PRIVATE PROPERTY TO SHRIMP FROM DOCKS ADJACENT TO AND OWNED BY THAT PERSON.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

H. 4962 -- Rep. Kinon: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES IN DILLON COUNTY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1996, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 1997.

Read the first time and ordered placed on the local and uncontested Calendar without reference.

H. 4963 -- Rep. Townsend: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 58-9-2550 SO AS TO CREATE A DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OF TTY'S AND OTHER RELATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-2510, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE FOR HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED PERSONS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM DUAL SENSORY IMPAIRED PERSON AND TO DEFINE THE ACRONYM "TTY" AS A KEYBOARD MECHANISM ATTACHED TO OR IN PLACE OF A STANDARD TELEPHONE USED TO TRANSMIT OR RECEIVE SIGNALS THROUGH TELEPHONE LINES; TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-2520, RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES TELEPHONE ACCESS TO PERSONS WHO ARE SPEECH OR HEARING IMPAIRED, SO AS TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE STATEWIDE ACCESS PROGRAM; AND TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-2530, RELATING TO FUNDING OF THE DUAL PARTY RELAY SYSTEM, SO AS TO ALLOW A MONTHLY CHARGE ON ALL RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS LOCAL EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITIES TO FUND A DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OF TTY'S AND OTHER RELATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES IN THIS STATE.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H. 4965 -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, RELATING TO THE DETERMINATION OF RATES OF TUITION AND FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 1905, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry polled out S. 1255 favorable:

S. 1255 -- Senator Holland: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO REVISE THE SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER IN GAME ZONE 5.

Poll of the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee on S. 1255
Ayes 12; Nays 0; Not Voting 6

AYES

Peeler                    Holland                   Land
McGill                    Rose                      Elliott
Gregory                   Waldrep                   Moore
Giese                     Courtney                  Mescher

TOTAL--12

NAYS

TOTAL--0

NOT VOTING

Drummond                  Passailaigue              Cork
Leventis                  Ford                      Washington

TOTAL--6

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEVENTIS from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1013 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 47-1-210 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL TO GIVE AWAY ANY LIVE ANIMAL AS A PRIZE FOR, OR AS AN INDUCEMENT TO ENTER, ANY CONTEST, GAME, OR OTHER COMPETITION, OR AS AN INDUCEMENT TO ENTER A PLACE OF AMUSEMENT, OR AS AN INCENTIVE TO ENTER INTO ANY BUSINESS AGREEMENT WHEREBY THE OFFER MADE WAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ATTRACTING TRADE; TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL TO RAFFLE, ASK FOR DONATIONS, OR GIVE AWAY TICKETS OR HOLD DRAWINGS TO RECEIVE OR WIN ANY LIVE ANIMAL; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1197 -- Senators Drummond and Land: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-17-845 SO AS TO REQUIRE NONRESIDENTS OWNING OR OPERATING SHAD NETS IN THE SAVANNAH RIVER TO BE LICENSED AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING LICENSES, SO AS TO REVISE CURRENT LAW TO PROVIDE FOR A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF LICENSING FOR FRESHWATER FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE, TO PROVIDE FOR HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISBURSAL OF REVENUE FROM LICENSES AND PERMITS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2200, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON HUNTING DEER ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHING STAMP REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE EXEMPTIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 50-1-150 RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF HUNTING AND FISHING FINES, FORFEITURES, AND FEES, SECTION 50-1-170 RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF FINES COLLECTED IN BEAUFORT COUNTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF FISH AND GAME LAWS, SECTION 50-1-230 RELATING TO THE USE OF FUNDS COLLECTED IN THE SANTEE COOPER AREA, SECTION 50-11-2240 RELATING TO HUNTING DEER IN GAME MANAGEMENT AREAS IN GAME ZONE FIVE, AND SECTION 50-13-1140 RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION TO FISH FOR NONGAME FISH UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1209 -- Senator Richter: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO RESCIND AND REPEAL THE RESOLUTION ENACTED ON DECEMBER 19, 1843, GRANTING TO DAVID TRUESDELL AN EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO PLANT OYSTERS ON A TRACT OF MARSHLAND AT THE NORTHEAST END OF SULLIVAN'S ISLAND.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEVENTIS from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1260 -- Senators Leventis, McGill, Moore, Richter, McConnell, Gregory, Russell, Jackson, Greg Smith, Passailaigue, Courson, Land and Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-3-75, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DOGS AND OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS, REGULATION BY COUNTIES, AND THE TRANSFER OF A DOMESTIC ANIMAL TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER TEN DAYS AFTER THE DATE THE OWNER WAS TO PICK UP THE ANIMAL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO FAILS TO PICK UP AN ANIMAL OR WHO ABANDONS ONE AT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL, A DOG KENNEL, A CAT KENNEL, ANOTHER ANIMAL CARE FACILITY, OR BOARDING FACILITY IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEVENTIS from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1261 -- Senators Leventis, McGill, Moore, Richter, McConnell, Gregory, Russell, Jackson, Greg Smith, Passailaigue, Courson, Land and Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ILL-TREATMENT OF ANIMALS, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CHANGE VARIOUS PENALTIES, INCLUDING MAKING CERTAIN MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES FELONIES, ALLOW CERTAIN FIRST OFFENSE VIOLATIONS TO BE TRIED IN MUNICIPAL COURT, AND DELETE THE EXEMPTION PROVIDING THAT THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO FOWL.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEVENTIS from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1263 -- Senators Leventis, McGill, Richter, McConnell, Gregory, Russell, Jackson, Greg Smith, Passailaigue, Courson, Land and Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF ANIMAL, SO AS TO REDEFINE THE TERM ANIMAL AND DEFINE THE WORDS SUSTENANCE AND SHELTER; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ILL-TREATMENT OF AN ANIMAL SO AS TO ALLOW FOR DISPOSITION OF A PERSON'S CASE, WHO HAS ALLEGEDLY DISOBEYED THIS SECTION, TO BE HEARD IN EITHER MAGISTRATE'S OR MUNICIPAL COURT AND TO MAKE THIS CODE SECTION APPLICABLE TO FOWL; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR THE MISUSE AND ABANDONMENT OF AN ANIMAL SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT A PERSON MAY NOT KNOWINGLY OR WILFULLY AUTHORIZE OR PERMIT AN ANIMAL TO BE SUBJECTED TO UNNECESSARY TORTURE, SUFFERING, OR CRUELTY; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ABANDONMENT OF AN ANIMAL AND THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM NECESSITIES OF LIFE SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN ANIMAL MUST BE GIVEN A SUPPLY OF CLEAN, FRESH, AND POTABLE WATER AT LEAST ONCE DAILY; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-90, RELATING TO THE TRANSPORTATION OF AN ANIMAL IN RAILROAD CARS SO AS TO REQUIRE ANY COMPANY CARRYING OR TRANSPORTING AN ANIMAL NOT TO OVERLOAD THE VEHICLE CARRYING THE ANIMAL AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN ANIMAL MUST NOT BE CONFINED IN A VEHICLE FOR A PERIOD LONGER THAN TWENTY-FOUR CONSECUTIVE HOURS UNLESS CIRCUMSTANCES STATED IN THIS SECTION ALLOW; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-100, RELATING TO THE CARE OF AN ANIMAL UNLOADED DURING TRANSIT SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-120, RELATING TO THE CUSTODY OF AN ANIMAL WHEN ITS KEEPER IS ARRESTED, SO AS TO MAKE THIS SECTION INAPPLICABLE TO PERSONS WHO ARE ARRESTED FOR VIOLATING TITLE 47, CHAPTER 1; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-140, RELATING TO THE CARE OF AN ANIMAL AFTER ITS CUSTODIAN'S ARREST SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN ANIMAL TAKEN AFTER ITS CUSTODIAN'S ARREST BE CARED AND PROVIDED PROPERLY FOR BY THE PERSON MAKING THE ARREST UNTIL THE OWNER TAKES CUSTODY OF THE ANIMAL AND TO ALLOW AN ANIMAL TO BE SEIZED PRECEDING AN ARREST PURSUANT TO SECTION 47-1-150; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-150, RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS, SO AS TO ALLOW AN ANIMAL TO BE HELD BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS OR OTHER SOCIETY INVOLVED IN THE SEIZURE OF AN ANIMAL AFTER ITS CUSTODIAN'S ARREST PENDING CRIMINAL DISPOSITION OF THE CASE AT A FACILITY MAINTAINED OR CONTRACTED BY THAT AGENCY; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-170, RELATING TO PENALTIES, FINES, AND LIENS ASSESSED UPON AN ANIMAL CRUELLY USED SO AS TO REQUIRE THE CONVICTED OWNER OR PERSON HAVING CUSTODY OF A CRUELLY USED ANIMAL TO FORFEIT OWNERSHIP OF THE ANIMAL AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COSTS INCURRED AS ORDERED BY THE SENTENCING COURT; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 47-1-30, RELATING TO WILFUL ABUSE OF HORSES OR OTHER "BEASTS OF BURDEN".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry submitted a favorable report with amendment on:

S. 1266 -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FROM PROVIDING A BREAK IN THE SEASON ON PRIVATE LANDS IN GAME ZONE 4.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEVENTIS from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3373 -- Reps. Seithel, Trotter, Wilder, Clyburn, Tripp, G. Brown, Hallman, Townsend, Bailey, Rice, Littlejohn, Herdklotz, Meacham, Jaskwhich, Elliott, Allison, Vaughn, Fulmer, McCraw, Whatley, Limehouse, Simrill, Shissias, Easterday, Breeland, L. Whipper, Harrell, Phillips, Haskins, Cato, A. Young, Stoddard, S. Whipper, Neilson, Sandifer, Davenport, Hines, Moody-Lawrence, Dantzler, Fleming, Lloyd, J. Brown, Limbaugh, Cain, Hodges, Boan, McKay, Walker, Beatty, Rhoad, Hutson, Spearman, Thomas, Cave, J. Young, T. Brown, Stille, Martin and Klauber: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-160, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FINES PERTAINING TO CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF THE FINES TO ALL ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETIES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENCE

H. 3320 -- Reps. Cooper, Witherspoon, Meacham, Chamblee, Tripp, P. Harris, Cato, Trotter, Thomas, Townsend and Stille: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-870, SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA PERSONAL WATERCRAFT AND BOATING SAFETY ACT OF 1996 AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

On motion of Senator McGILL, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

NONCONCURRENCE

S. 1081 -- Senators Drummond and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-720, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PUBLIC ENTITIES ELIGIBLE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE STATE HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS AND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PARTICIPATION, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE WITHHOLDING OF STATE FUNDS OTHERWISE DUE THESE ENTITIES SUFFICIENT TO COVER DELINQUENT PAYMENTS AND TO PROVIDE THE METHOD OF THE WITHHOLDING AND REMITTING OF THESE SUMS TO THE OFFICE OF INSURANCE SERVICES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The following Bill was read the third time and having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 4754 -- Reps. Townsend and Cooper: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-80, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN ANDERSON COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THE PRECINCTS AND ADD AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT DESIGNATION WHICH IS KEPT ON FILE WITH THE DIVISION OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL SERVICES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND DELETE A PROVISION CONCERNING THE ANNEXATION OF AREA TO THE CITY OF ANDERSON.

(By prior motion of Senator O'DELL)

THIRD READING BILLS

The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 944 -- Senators Greg Smith and Rose: A BILL TO DEVOLVE THE AUTHORITY FOR APPOINTMENTS AND BUDGETARY APPROVALS FOR CERTAIN OFFICES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS FROM THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION REPRESENTING GEORGETOWN COUNTY TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF GEORGETOWN COUNTY.

(By prior motion of Senator GREG SMITH)

S. 972 -- Senator Bryan: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT FOR THE ATTENDANCE OF MEETINGS BY THE LAURENS COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE.

(By prior motion of Senator BRYAN)

S. 604 -- Senator Giese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-114 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PASSENGER VANS OWNED OR OPERATED BY LOCAL CHAPTERS OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF SOUTH CAROLINA MUST BE INSURED FOR MINIMUM AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COVERAGES AT THE SAME STANDARD RATES AS ANY COMPARABLE PASSENGER VAN OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE AGENCY, AND REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO ENFORCE THESE PROVISIONS BY APPROPRIATE REGULATIONS, RULINGS, OR ORDERS.

(By prior motion of Senator SALEEBY, with unanimous consent)

S. 1176 -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 34, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CREDIT UNION ACT OF 1996", WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ORGANIZATION, OPERATION, AND SUPERVISION OF COOPERATIVE NONPROFIT THRIFT AND CREDIT ASSOCIATIONS KNOWN AS CREDIT UNIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR DUTIES, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 27 OF TITLE 34 RELATING TO COOPERATIVE CREDIT UNIONS.

Senator HAYES spoke on the Bill.

AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME, SENT TO THE HOUSE

S. 1219 -- Education Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-35-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 1996-97, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF A DISTRICT SHALL IMPLEMENT FULL-DAY AS WELL AS HALF-DAY FIVE-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS, TO PROVIDE THAT PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND FIVE-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN MAY ELECT AT THEIR OPTION EITHER THE FULL-DAY OR HALF-DAY PROGRAM FOR THEIR CHILDREN, TO REQUIRE CERTAIN NOTICES FOR PURPOSES OF THESE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH CHILDREN ATTENDING THESE PROGRAMS SHALL BE COUNTED FOR PURPOSES OF COMPUTING AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP; AND TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 59-35-20 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND SCHOOLS TO OBTAIN WAIVERS FROM THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS THAT FULL-DAY AND HALF-DAY FIVE-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS BE ESTABLISHED.

Senator SETZLER asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the third reading of the Bill.

Senator SETZLER proposed the following amendment (S-EDUC\1219.1), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION 1. Section 59-35-10 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 59-35-10. The board of trustees of each school district shall establish and provide kindergartens for children within its jurisdiction. All children in the five-year-old kindergarten program must be counted in the average daily membership of any public school district when public school funds are to be apportioned to the several school districts. State aid for the five-year-old kindergarten program must be distributed through the formula provided for in the 'Education Finance Act' (Act 163 of 1977).

Beginning with school year 1996-97, school districts which choose to offer an extended-day five-year-old kindergarten program shall be eligible for funding for the extended day equal to the EFA weight for a child attending a half-day five-year-old kindergarten program as funds are made available from the General Assembly. No local match is required for the extended-day funding. Local boards of trustees shall establish policies regarding priority of service in the extended-day program.

Parents of children who are eligible to attend the extended-day five-year-old program must notify the district by January thirty-first of the year of the anticipated enrollment date, except that such notice for the 1996-97 school year only must be provided by July 15, 1996. Parents moving into the district after the notification date may apply for full-day kindergarten on a space available basis."/

Amend title to conform.

Senator SETZLER explained the amendment.

Senator FAIR spoke on the Bill.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives.

AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME
RETURNED TO THE HOUSE WITH AMENDMENTS

H. 4159 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-21-3495 SO AS TO LIMIT THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS DERIVED FROM THE GAME OF BINGO.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the third reading of the Bill.

Senators GREG SMITH, HAYES, RYBERG, DRUMMOND, RANKIN, ROSE and McCONNELL proposed the following amendment (4159R004.GS), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION   1.   Chapter 21, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 24
Regulation of Bingo Games

Section 12-21-3910.   This article may be cited as the Bingo Tax Act of 1996.

Section 12-21-3920.   As used in this article:

(1)   'Bingo' or 'game' means a specific game of chance, commonly known as bingo, in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers or symbols on a card conforming to numbers and symbols selected at random.

(2)   'Department' means the South Carolina Department of Revenue and Taxation.

(3)   'Card' means a printed or nonprinted design on which there are arranged five horizontal rows and five vertical columns forming twenty-five squares. Numbers are printed in twenty-four of the squares, and the term 'free', 'free square', or 'free space' is printed in the square or space located in the center of the card. The five columns are denominated from left to right by the respective letters of the word 'B-I-N-G-O'. Each square in the 'B' column contains a number from one through fifteen inclusive; each square in the 'I' column contains a number from sixteen through thirty inclusive; except for the center space which is marked as free, each square in the 'N' column contains a number from thirty-one through forty-five inclusive; each square in the 'G' column contains a number from forty-six through sixty inclusive; and each square in the 'O' column contains a number from sixty-one through seventy-five inclusive. No number may appear twice on the same card.

(4)   'Promoter' means an individual, corporation, partnership, or organization who is hired by a nonprofit organization to manage, operate, or conduct the licensee's bingo game. The person hired under written contract is considered the promoter.

(5)   'Nonprofit organization' means a charitable, religious, or fraternal organization exempt from federal income taxation.

(6)   'Session' means a consecutive series of games which must occur only between one o'clock p.m. and one o'clock a.m. No more than one session may occur during the permitted twelve-hour period. These limitations do not apply to games operated by state or county fairs.

(7)   'Fair' means a recognized annual state or county fair. The fair must be recognized by the governing body of the county in which it is held, or in the case of the State, by the South Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical Society.

(8)   'Ball' means a ball, disk, square, or other object upon which is printed a letter and number which corresponds to the letter and number of a square on a bingo card.

(9)   'Cage' means a device, whether operated manually or by air blower, in which bingo balls are placed before the bingo game begins.   (10)   'Caller' means the house representative who is responsible for drawing bingo balls and announcing the configuration and the result of each drawing to the players.

(11)   'Drawing' means the indiscriminate selection of a single ball from the cage.

(12)   'House' means the nonprofit organization and promoter licensed with the department.

(13)   'Marker' means a device which indicates the number called.

(14)   'Master-board' means the receptacle used by the house to display balls which are drawn during the bingo game.

(15)   'Player' means one who participates in a game of bingo other than as an agent, promoter, or representative of the house.

(16)   'Fund' means the Parks and Recreation Development Fund.

(17)   'Building' means a structure surrounded by exterior walls or permanent firewalls.

(18)   'Manufacturer' means a person who manufactures bingo cards for use in this State and who is approved by the department.

(19)   'Distributor' means a person who brings or sells bingo cards in this State and who is approved by the department.

Section 12-21-3930.   The game of bingo is not a lottery when:

(1)   the nonprofit organization conducting the game has completed the application as described in Section 12-21-3940 and the application has been approved by the department;

(2)   the promoter under contract with the nonprofit organization is licensed properly with the department;

(3)   the nonprofit organization which is operated exclusively for charitable, religious, or fraternal purposes presents to the department upon application a certified copy of the statement issued by the Internal Revenue Service exempting it from federal income taxation;

(4)   the game is conducted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 12-21-3990 and 12-21-4000 and approved cards are used.

Section 12-21-3940.   (A)   Before conducting a game of bingo, a nonprofit organization shall file with the department a written application in a form prescribed by the department, executed and notarized which must include:

(1)   the name, address, and telephone number of the applicant and sufficient facts relating to its incorporation and organization to enable the department to determine whether it is an authorized organization;

(2)   a copy of the organization's corporate charter and the Internal Revenue Service's statement exempting the applicant from federal income taxes;

(3)   the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the organization's officers;

(4)   the place and time the applicant intends to conduct bingo under the license for which it applied;

(5)   the specific purpose to which the bingo net proceeds are to be devoted;

(6)   the designation of a 'promoter' as defined by this article;

(7)   a copy of any contract or lease between a promoter and the nonprofit organization;

(8)   the name, address, telephone number, birth date, and Social Security number of each person who will work at the proposed bingo games and receive compensation for the work, the nature of the work to be performed, and a statement as to whether or not the person has been convicted of a state or federal felony, gambling offense, criminal fraud, or a crime that has a sentence of two or more years;

(9)   other information considered necessary by the department.

(B)   Upon application for a license, the department has thirty days to approve or reject the application based on the requirements of this article.

(C)   The nonprofit organization does not need to apply for renewal of the license as long as there are no changes in the operation or location of the game. Changes in information supplied on the original application must be forwarded to the department, in writing, within thirty days of the change. In the case of a change in the place and time, notice must be given thirty days before the change.

Section 12-21-3950.   (A)   A promoter under contract with a licensed nonprofit organization to manage, operate, or conduct a game shall file a written application for a promoter's license in a form prescribed by the department, executed and notarized, which must include:

(1)   the name, address, telephone number, and Social Security number of the promoter or of each officer if the promoter is a corporation;

(2)   a copy of the promoter's contract or lease with the nonprofit organization. A contract must exist between the sponsoring organization and the promoter detailing all expenses;

(3)   the name, address, telephone numbers, and Social Security number of any person working for the promoter at the bingo game and receiving compensation for the work;

(4)   a notarized statement as to whether or not the applicant for a promoter's license or any of his employees have been convicted of a state or federal felony, gambling offense, criminal fraud, or a crime that has a sentence of two or more years.

(B)   Upon application for a license, the department has thirty days to approve or reject the application based on the requirements of this article.

(C)   A promoter shall file a renewal application each year submitting any changes in information and documentation previously submitted as required by this section. The promoter is required to notify the department, in writing, of any changes in the information supplied on the application within thirty days of the change.

(D)   The license authorized by this section is for the privilege of engaging in business as a bingo promoter and must be purchased from the department at a cost of one thousand dollars a year.

A promoter shall obtain a promoter's license for each organization for which he operates bingo games.

Section 12-21-3960.   The promoter and the nonprofit organization are jointly and severally liable for all taxes, penalties, interest, and fines imposed by this article and Chapter 54 of this title.

Section 12-21-3970.   For each licensed nonprofit organization the promoter manages, operates, or conducts bingo, the promoter must purchase a promoter's license as provided in Section 12-21-3950 before operating or conducting bingo. No promoter is permitted more than five licenses. This license must be prominently displayed at the location where bingo is conducted.

Section 12-21-3980.   (A)   The promoter's license authorized by this article must not be transferred to another person, organization, entity, or corporation. The promoter's license, upon written application to the department, may be transferred to a new location for the remainder of the license period if the licensed nonprofit organization has applied for a location transfer as provided in subsection (B) of this section. The written application must be on a form prescribed by the department and must state, under penalties of perjury, that the information on the transfer application and the original license application is true and correct, or, in the case of the original application, is still valid and unchanged. No additional license fee is required with respect to the transfer of the location and the promoter may not conduct bingo at the new location until the new license is issued.

(B)   The nonprofit organization's license authorized by this article must not be transferred to another nonprofit organization and is valid and continues in force so long as the nonprofit organization to which it is issued continues to conduct the bingo games at the location authorized by the license.
The nonprofit organization's license, upon written application to the department, may be transferred to a new location. The written application must be on a form prescribed by the department and must state, under penalties of perjury, that the information on the transfer application and the original license application is true and correct or, in the case of the original application, is still valid and unchanged. The nonprofit organization cannot operate at the new location until the new license is issued.

(C)   No promoter or nonprofit organization may lease, sell, rent, lend to, or exchange with another person, organization, corporation, or other entity a promoter's or bingo license issued pursuant to this article.

Section 12-21-3990.   (A)   The game of bingo must be played in the following manner:

(1)   Bingo is played by more than one player and a caller who is associated with the house. Each player must pay no more than face value for each card to be played during the course of a game and may purchase the card for a specified number of games. After the player has purchased a card or cards for a specified number of games, the house cannot require or accept an additional payment or consideration by the player in order to complete the specified number of games.

(2)   Before each game begins, the caller shall announce to the players the configuration or configurations that will win the game. A configuration consists of a number of grids covered in the manner announced by the caller. Any method of playing the games is allowed if the method is announced before each game beginning including, but not limited to, wild card games.

(3)   The prize must be awarded to the winner of that game without delay. For multiple winners, the prize must be divided equally among the winners. In the case of a merchandise prize, the cash value of the merchandise may be divided among the winners. Purchase receipts of merchandise awarded as prizes must be made available to players and the department for confirmation of value.

(4)   The caller shall draw and announce numbers from the cage one at a time. If a player has a card with the called number on it, he may use a marker to cover the square which contains the number. After the number is announced, it must be indicated on the master-board by the caller.

(5)   When a player covers sufficient squares on a card to achieve the winning configuration, he may indicate to the caller. The caller shall require that the player's card be checked against the master-board in the presence of the other players to determine if the squares were covered accurately. If it is determined by the caller that the player accurately has covered the squares and achieved the preannounced configuration, the player is declared the winner. If it is determined that the player has not covered the squares accurately and achieved the preannounced configuration, play continues in that game.

(6)   All devices, including the master-board, used to show what numbers have been called during a game must not be changed or turned off until the winners are verified.

Section 12-21-4000.   In addition to the manner of play prescribed in Section 12-21-3990, the following procedures apply to the conduct of the game:

(1)   Before the beginning of the first game, all seventy-five balls must be displayed openly on the master-board for the inspection of the players.

(2)   Only one set of seventy-five balls and only one master-board is allowed in the room or area during the play of the game.

(3)   Only one bet or payment is to be paid for each card.

(4)   No bets or payments may be made while a game is in progress, except the sale of cards for subsequent games.

(5)   Before the start of play, the caller shall announce to all players the prize to be awarded for that game.

(6)   The house is required to identify the games for which a card may be used before the card is purchased.

(7)   Before the start of play, the caller shall announce to all players the winning configuration of covered squares for that particular game.

(8)   The prize must be awarded to the first person who successfully achieves the winning configuration of covered squares.

(9)   Balls must be selected randomly by an indiscriminate process.

(10)   Only one number may be called at a time.

(11)   All balls drawn remain on the master-board until the conclusion of the game.

(12)(a)   At least fifty percent of the gross proceeds of the sale of bingo cards taken in by the house during a single session must be returned to the players in the form of prizes. However, with respect to fair licenses, this requirement must be met during the course of the fair.

(b)   A bingo operation may take in only two times more in gross proceeds than the prize for that session. Amounts in excess of this limit are subject to a tax, in addition to any other bingo license taxes and fees equal to the amount of the excess. These excess proceeds tax must be remitted to the department on the organization's quarterly bingo report and distributed as provided in Section 12-21-4190. Failure to remit this excess proceeds tax to the department shall result in immediate suspension of both the promoter's license and the organization's license. The department, after a conference with the promoter and organization, may permanently revoke the license of the promoter or the nonprofit organization, or both. If permanently revoked, the promoter, nonprofit organization, or any partner or member of the organization may no longer manage, conduct, or assist in any manner with a bingo operation in this State.

(13)   The playing of bingo is restricted to the premises designated with the department by the sponsor organization.

(14)   Bingo only may be played at the place designated by the bingo licensee on it's original or amended application.

Section 12-21-4010.   The provisions of Sections 12-21-3930 through 12-21-3950 do not apply to the holder of a fair bingo license. However, the department shall prescribe a separate application form for fairs to obtain a license.

Section 12-21-4020.   The following are the classes of bingo licenses:

(1)   CLASS AA:   An organization operating a bingo game offering prizes with a minimum payout of fifty thousand dollars a session shall obtain a Class AA bingo license at a cost of four thousand dollars. The prizes offered at any one session may not exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars. The holder of a Class AA license may not conduct more than one bingo session a month.

(2)   CLASS B:   An organization operating a bingo game offering prizes, which do not exceed twelve thousand dollars a session, shall obtain a Class B bingo license at a cost of one thousand dollars. The holder of a Class B license may not conduct more than three bingo sessions a week.

(3)   CLASS C:   An organization operating a bingo game and offering prizes of twenty dollars or less a game during a single session shall obtain a Class C bingo license at no cost. However, the organization may offer a prize in cash or merchandise of no more than one hundred fifty dollars for six jackpot games a session.

(4)   CLASS D:   A person, organization, or corporation desiring to conduct a bingo game at a fair as defined in Section 12-21-3920 and who offers prizes for each game of no more than fifty dollars in merchandise shall obtain only a temporary Class D bingo license at a cost of one hundred dollars for not more than ten days or two hundred dollars for more than ten days.

(5)   CLASS E:   An organization which has a game of bingo and operates exclusively by bona fide members who are residents of this State and who do so on a strictly volunteer basis and whose gross bingo proceeds do not exceed forty thousand dollars a calendar quarter, and where prizes do not exceed four thousand dollars a session shall obtain a Class E license from the department at a cost of five hundred dollars. If the gross bingo proceeds for any calendar quarter exceed thirty thousand dollars, the person or organization within ten days is required to obtain a Class B license from the department and comply with all requirements of a Class B license. The holder of a Class E license may not conduct more than one bingo session a week.

Section 12-21-4030.   (A)   A promoter or organization may not impose a charge, other than as provided in subsection (B), on a player other than at least the face value of each card sold to play bingo.

(B)   (1)   A holder of a Class AA license shall impose an entrance fee of eighteen dollars;

(2)   A holder of a Class B license shall impose an entrance fee of five dollars.

(3)   A holder of a Class D or Class E license may impose a five dollar entrance fee. The entrance fees collected are not required to be remitted as taxes and are not included in gross proceeds for purposes of the prize limitations provided in Section 12-21-4000(12)(a).

Section 12-21-4040.   No nonprofit organization may hold more than one bingo license.

Section 12-21-4050.   Only one nonprofit organization may operate or cause the operation of bingo in a building. This section applies to all buildings regardless of ownership, of primary use, or of original use.

Section 12-21-4060.   A person who has been convicted of violating a state or federal criminal statute relating to gaming or gambling, or who has been convicted of any other crime that has a sentence of two or more years, or where applicable, whose promoter's license has been revoked by the department is not permitted to manage or conduct a game or assist in any manner with the bingo operation.

Section 12-21-4070.   No license, as provided by this article, may be issued to an organization, promoter, or individual that has not been domiciled in this State for at least three years immediately preceding the license application. In the case of the organization, the organization must also have been active in this State for at least three years.

Section 12-21-4080.   (A)   Upon completion of the session, the promoter shall deliver to the representative member of the organization the gross proceeds from the session less the amount paid out as prizes and collected as entrance fees.

(B)   The representative member of the nonprofit organization shall deposit the funds into the bingo checking or savings account as described in Section 12-21-4090. For purposes of this section, a member of the licensed nonprofit organization is any individual who holds a full membership in the organization as defined by the organization's constitution, charter, articles of incorporation or by-laws and has been a member of the organization for at least one year. The term also includes those individuals who are members of an auxiliary or recognized junior affiliate of the parent organization.

Section 12-21-4090.   (A)   The provisions of this section apply to the licensed nonprofit organization which is responsible for the special checking and savings accounts established by this section.

(B)   The organization shall control all deposits, transfers, and disbursements from these accounts, including the payment of compensation to the promoter and employees of the promoter or organization working the bingo games.

(C)   An organization receiving an annual license to conduct bingo shall establish and maintain one regular checking account designated the 'bingo account' and also may maintain an interest-bearing savings account designated the 'bingo savings account'. All funds derived from the conduct of bingo, less the amount awarded as cash prizes, must be deposited in the bingo account. No other funds may be deposited in the bingo account. Deposits must be made no later than the next business day following the day of the bingo occasion on which the receipts were obtained. All accounts must be maintained in a financial institution in this State.

(D)   Funds from the bingo account must be withdrawn by preprinted, consecutively-numbered checks or withdrawal slips, jointly signed by a properly authorized representative of the licensed nonprofit organization and promoter and made payable to a person or organization. Checks must be imprinted with the words 'Bingo Account' and must contain the organization's bingo license number on the face of the check. There also must be noted on the face of the check or withdrawal slip the nature of the payment made. No check or slip may be made payable to 'cash', 'bearer', or a fictitious payee. All checks, including voided checks and slips, must be kept and accounted for.

(E)   Funds received by the nonprofit organization from the department as a result of the sale of bingo cards must be deposited into a separate account and maintained separately from bingo funds and the bingo account referenced in this section.

(F)   Checks drawn on the bingo account must be for one or more of the following purposes:

(1)   payment of necessary and reasonable bona fide expenses incurred and paid in connection with the conduct of bingo;

(2)   payment of necessary and reasonable compensation incurred and paid in connection with the conduct of bingo for personnel and promoters managing and conducting the game;

(3)   disbursement of net proceeds derived from the conduct of bingo to charitable purposes or the purpose for which the organization was established;

(4)   transfer of net proceeds derived from the conduct of bingo to the bingo savings account pending a disbursement to a charitable purpose.

(G)   The disbursement of net proceeds on deposit in the bingo savings account to a charitable purpose must be made by transferring the intended disbursement back into the bingo account and then withdrawing the amount by a check drawn on that account as prescribed in this section.

(H)   Proceeds given to a person or an organization for a charitable purpose must not be used by the donee:

(1)   to pay for services rendered or materials purchased in connection with the conducting of bingo by the donor organization; or

(2)   for a cause, an act, or an activity that does not constitute a charitable purpose or other purpose for which the organization was established if the activity is conducted by the donor organization.

(I)   Gross proceeds derived from the conduct of bingo must not be commingled with other funds of the licensed organization.

(J)   A licensed organization that has stopped conducting bingo and has unexpended bingo funds shall disburse those funds to a charitable purpose or other purposes for which the organization was established within one year after the date it ceases to conduct bingo. However, unexpended funds to be used for a building fund may be retained for this purpose. The organization shall file a report with the department showing the establishment of a building fund, the amount of money from the special account to be retained for that purpose, and other information the department may consider necessary. If the organization is identified as a fictitious charity after originally licensed, any payments due the charity revert to the general fund.

(K)   Net proceeds must not be used directly or indirectly by a licensed authorized nonprofit organization to support or oppose a candidate or slate of candidates for public office, to support or oppose a measure submitted to a vote of the people, or to influence or attempt to influence legislation. The records of these accounts are available for inspection, upon demand, by the department.

Section 12-21-4100.   (A)   Each licensed nonprofit organization conducting bingo games shall submit quarterly to the department on the last day of the month following the close of the calendar quarter a report under oath containing the following information:

(1)   the amount of the gross proceeds derived from the games;

(2)   each item of expense incurred or paid;

(3)   each item of an expenditure made or to be made, with a detailed description of the merchandise purchased or the services rendered;

(4)   the net proceeds derived from the games;

(5)   the use to which the proceeds have been or are to be applied;

(6)   a list of prizes offered and given, with their respective values;

(7)   excess proceeds as provided in Section 12-21-4000(12)(b);

(8)   number of players at each session;

(9)   other information considered necessary by the department.

(B)   Each licensed nonprofit organization shall maintain records to substantiate the contents of each report.

(C)   The department may revoke the license of an organization that fails to file the reports and information required in this Article.

Section 12-21-4110.   The department shall perform all functions incident to the administration, collection, enforcement, and operation of the tax and regulations imposed under this article. Local law enforcement officials are authorized to enforce the hours of operation.

Section 12-21-4120.   A person who is found in violation of the provisions of this article and assessed additional taxes, penalties, fines, or interest is entitled to a conference upon request.

Section 12-21-4130.   The department may seize bingo equipment or cards found in the possession of a promoter, a licensed nonprofit organization, or player which have been manufactured, altered, or changed in a manner so as to no longer make bingo a game of chance as defined in this article.

Section 12-21-4140.   A penalty of up to five thousand dollars and revocation of the license at the discretion of the department may be imposed for a violation of this article. Each violation and each day in violation of a provision of this article constitutes a separate offense.

Section 12-21-4150.   A person who poses as a bingo player or a person who conspires to have a person pose as a bingo player with the intent to defraud regular customers of the game, or a person who is using unauthorized bingo supplies, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

Section 12-21-4160.   The department or its designated agent or representative may enter upon the premises where bingo is played or the business premises of another person and examine books, papers, records, memoranda, commodities, or other things bearing upon the amount of taxes or fees payable or the proper conduct of a game and secure from the taxpayer or other person information directly or indirectly for the enforcement of this article.

Section 12-21-4170.   The department, in its discretion, may compromise a criminal or civil action arising under the provisions of this article either before or after prosecution has begun.

Section 12-21-4180.   The collection of the taxes and fees imposed by this article must not be stayed or prevented by an injunction, writ, or order issued by a court or its judge.

Section 12-21-4190.   The department shall charge and retain sixteen and one-half cents for each dollar of face value for each bingo card sold except sales to Class C licensees pursuant to this article. The revenue retained must be distributed as follows:

(1)   twenty-six percent of the revenue must be distributed to the sponsoring charity for which the bingo cards were purchased. The department shall make the distribution to the sponsoring charity by the last day of the next month following the month the revenue was collected. Distributions under this subsection must be reduced by any delinquent debts as defined in the Setoff Debt Collection Act;

(2)   seventy-four percent pursuant to Section 12-21-4200.

Section 12-21-4200.   The first nine hundred forty eight thousand dollars of the total revenues derived from the provisions of this article which is collected from bingo within this State must be deposited monthly in twelve equal amounts into an account in the Office of the State Treasurer and called "Division On Aging Senior Citizen Centers Permanent Improvement Fund". All interest earned on monies in the Division on Aging Senior Citizen Centers Permanent Improvement Fund must be credited to this fund. Of the remaining revenue:

(1)   Seven and five one-hundredths percent of the annual revenue derived from the provisions of Section 12-21-4190(2) must be deposited with the State Treasurer to be credited to the account of the Division on Aging, Office of the Governor. This amount must be allocated to each county for distribution in home community services for the elderly as follows:

(a)   One-half of the funds must be divided equally among the forty-six counties.

(b)   The remaining one-half must be divided based on the percentage of the county's population age sixty and above in relation to the total state population using the latest report of the United States Bureau of the Census.

The aging service providers receiving these funds must be agencies recognized by the Division on Aging of the Office of the Governor and the area agencies on aging.

(2)   Twenty and eight-tenths percent of the annual revenue derived from the provisions of Section 12-21-4190(2) must be deposited by the State Treasurer in a separate fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism entitled the Parks and Recreation Development Fund. Interest earned by this fund must be added to it and credited to its various accounts in the same proportion that the annual allocation to each account bears to the total annual distribution to the fund. Unexpended amounts in the various fund accounts must be carried forward to succeeding fiscal years except as provided in Section 51-23-30. Fund proceeds must be distributed as provided in Chapter 23 of Title 51.

(3)   Seventy-two and fifteen one-hundredths percent of the annual revenue derived from the provisions of Section 12-21-4190(2) must be deposited with the State Treasurer and credited to the general fund.

Section 12-21-4210.   Bingo cards may not be sold or transferred between licensed organizations, between distributors, or between manufacturers. All unused bingo cards may be returned to the department for refund and destruction. The department is required to refund only the amount retained by the department previously based on the face value of each card and does not include the manufacturer's price or transportation charges to the consignee at destination and such additional charges.

Section 12-21-4220.   Bingo cards shall meet the design and requirements of the department. The use of the cards is evidence of the payment of the license tax imposed upon bingo cards by this article.

Section 12-21-4230.   Manufacturers, promoters, organizations, or distributors of bingo cards are required to furnish bond in an amount approved by the department to ensure faithful compliance with the regulations of the department.

Section 12-21-4240.   Each manufacturer, distributor, organization, or promoter must be licensed to manufacture or distribute, or use bingo cards. The department shall charge an annual license fee of five thousand dollars for each manufacturer and two thousand dollars for each distributor. A license issued by the department under this section is renewable annually unless canceled or terminated. No license issued under this section is transferable or assignable.

Section 12-21-4250.   A bingo card manufacturer may not be licensed to operate a game, as a bingo card distributor, or as a promoter. A bingo card distributor may not be a manufacturer, a licensed nonprofit organization, or promoter. A licensed nonprofit organization or a promoter may not be a manufacturer or distributor.

Section 12-21-4260.   A person licensed as a bingo manufacturer, distributor, organization, or promoter shall submit to a background investigation. This includes each partner of a partnership and each director and officer and all stockholders of ten percent or more in a parent or subsidiary corporation of a bingo card manufacturer, distributor, organization, or promoter. The department has sole discretion to issue a license based on the background investigation.

Section 12-21-4270.   Each licensed nonprofit organization or promoter, in the name of a licensed organization, may obtain bingo cards approved by the department by making application and remitting sixteen and one-half percent of the total face value of the cards to be purchased. Payment to the State for the issuance of bingo cards must be made by certified check within fifteen days of receipt of the application. Upon receipt of the application, the department shall notify a licensed distributor, who has purchased bingo cards from a licensed manufacturer that the licensed distributor may release the face value of the bingo cards requested to the licensed organization or promoter. However, no additional bingo cards must be released until payment is received for the prior application of bingo cards. The department is required to set forth procedures to ensure that there is a crosscheck between manufacturers, distributors, and licensed nonprofit organizations or promoters. A quarterly return is required by each manufacturer, distributor, and licensed nonprofit organization or promoter on or before the last day of the month following the close of the calendar quarter outlining those items the department determines necessary to verify the sale and distribution of bingo cards. The sale of bingo cards and entrance fees provided by Section 12-21-4030 are not subject to the admissions tax provided by Section 12-21-2420.

Section 12-21-4280.   (A)   The department may revoke a license issued under this Article if it finds that a licensed nonprofit organization is not in compliance with the exemption requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.

(B)   A license revoked under this section must not be reissued until a new application is made and the department determines that the applicant is complying with the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

(C)   The department may promulgate regulations to enforce this section.

Section 12-21-4095.   Proceeds after expenses derived from the game of bingo within South Carolina must not be expended for the benefit of charitable organizations located outside this State."

SECTION   2.   Section 12-6-1140 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 76 of 1995, is further amended by adding an appropriately lettered item to read:
"( )   Bingo prizes and winnings as allowed under the game of bingo provided in Article 24, Chapter 21 of this title."

SECTION   3.   Regardless of the date of issue and license period, all bingo licenses issued pursuant to Article 23, Chapter 21, Title 12 of the 1976 Code expire after September 30, 1997.

SECTION   4.   All proceedings pending and rights and liabilities existing, acquired, or incurred at the time this act takes effect are saved and may be consummated according to the law in force when they were commenced. This act may not be construed to affect any prosecution pending or begun before the effective date of this act.

SECTION   5.   Article 23, Chapter 21, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is repealed.

SECTION   6.   This act takes effect October 1, 1997.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House of Representatives with amendments.

READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 4693 -- Reps. Phillips and McCraw: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ERECT TRAFFIC SIGNALS ON SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 198 AT EXIT 102 ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 85.

Senator PEELER asked unanimous consent to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question being the second reading of the Resolution.

On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, the Resolution was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar.

H. 4693--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, H. 4693 was ordered to receive a third reading on Thursday, April 25, 1996.

SECOND READING BILL

The following Bill having been read the second time was ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:

H. 4958 -- Reps. Spearman and Clyburn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-480, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN SALUDA COUNTY, SO AS TO DELETE THE DENNY PRECINCT FROM THE LIST OF VOTING PRECINCTS.

H. 4958--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator LANDER, H. 4958 was ordered to receive a third reading on Thursday, April 25, 1996.

CARRIED OVER

H. 4779 -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO STATE UNDERGROUND PETROLEUM ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE BANK (SUPERB) SITE REHABILITATION AND FUND ACCESS REGULATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 1915, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

On motion of Senator MOORE, the Resolution was carried over.

OBJECTION

Senator MOORE objected to further consideration of all of the uncontested Bills on the Calendar.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

READ THE SECOND TIME
WITH NOTICE OF GENERAL AMENDMENTS

H. 3624 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION, BY ADDING CHAPTER 57 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT ACT OF 1995 SO AS TO DEFINE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS AND AUDIT REPORTS AND TO CREATE A PRIVILEGE WITH REGARD TO CONTENTS OF THESE REPORTS AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

Senator MOORE spoke on the Bill.

Objection

Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take up for immediate consideration Amendment No. 3, upon the conclusion of remarks on the Bill.

Senator LEVENTIS objected.

Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Bill.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator RANKIN, with unanimous consent, Senators CORK, GLOVER, SALEEBY and RANKIN were granted leave to attend a subcommittee meeting and to be counted in any quorum calls.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator COURSON, at 4:00 P.M., Senator GIESE was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Point of Quorum

At 4:10 P.M., Senator LEVENTIS made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator MOORE moved that a call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the call:

Boan                      Bryan                     Cork
Courson                   Courtney                  Drummond
Elliott                   Fair                      Ford
Glover                    Gregory                   Hayes
Holland                   Jackson                   Land
Lander                    Leatherman                Leventis
Martin                    Matthews                  McGill
Mescher                   Moore                     O'Dell
Patterson                 Peeler                    Rankin
Reese                     Richter                   Russell
Ryberg                    Saleeby                   Setzler
Smith, G.                 Smith, J.V.               Thomas
Waldrep                   Washington                Wilson

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Senator LEVENTIS continued arguing contra to the Bill.

Point of Quorum

At 4:25 P.M., Senator LEVENTIS made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator LEVENTIS moved that a call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the call:

Alexander                 Boan                      Bryan
Cork                      Courson                   Courtney
Drummond                  Elliott                   Fair
Ford                      Glover                    Hayes
Holland                   Jackson                   Land
Lander                    Leatherman                Leventis
Martin                    Matthews                  McGill
Mescher                   Moore                     O'Dell
Patterson                 Peeler                    Rankin
Reese                     Richter                   Russell
Ryberg                    Saleeby                   Setzler
Smith, G.                 Smith, J.V.               Thomas
Waldrep                   Washington                Wilson

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Bill.

Point of Personal Privilege

Senator LEVENTIS rose to a Point of Personal Privilege.

ACTING PRESIDENT PRESIDES

At 4:35 P.M., Senator COURTNEY assumed the Chair.

Senator LEVENTIS continued speaking on the Bill.

Point of Quorum

At 4:40 P.M., Senator LEVENTIS made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator LEVENTIS moved that a call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the call:

Alexander                 Boan                      Bryan
Cork                      Courson                   Courtney
Drummond                  Fair                      Ford
Glover                    Gregory                   Hayes
Holland                   Jackson                   Land
Lander                    Leatherman                Leventis
Martin                    Matthews                  McGill
Mescher                   Moore                     O'Dell
Patterson                 Peeler                    Rankin
Reese                     Richter                   Russell
Ryberg                    Saleeby                   Setzler
Smith, G.                 Smith, J.V.               Thomas
Waldrep                   Washington                Wilson

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Presence Recorded

Senators McCONNELL and PASSAILAIGUE recorded their presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.

Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Bill.

Point of Quorum

At 5:10 P.M., Senator COURSON made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Senator LEATHERMAN moved that the Senate stand adjourned.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 13; Nays 24

AYES

Cork                      Courson                   Fair
Hayes                     Leatherman                Leventis
Mescher                   Richter                   Ryberg
Saleeby                   Smith, G.                 Thomas
Wilson                    

TOTAL--13

NAYS

Alexander                 Boan                      Bryan
Courtney                  Drummond                  Ford
Glover                    Holland                   Jackson
Land                      Lander                    Martin
Matthews                  McConnell                 McGill
Moore                     O'Dell                    Passailaigue
Peeler                    Rankin                    Russell
Setzler                   Smith, J.V.               Waldrep

TOTAL--24

The Senate refused to adjourn.

PRESIDENT PRESIDES

At 5:17 P.M., the PRESIDENT assumed the Chair.

Senator LEVENTIS continued arguing contra to the Bill.

Leave of Absence

At 5:20 P.M., Senator SALEEBY requested a leave of absence from 6:00 - 6:30 P.M.

Senator LEVENTIS continued arguing contra to the Bill.

Point of Quorum

At 5:27 P.M., Senator LEVENTIS made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was present. The Senate resumed.

Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Bill.

OBJECTION

Senator CORK asked unanimous consent to make a motion, with Senator LEVENTIS retaining the floor, that the Senate stand adjourned.

Senator MOORE objected.

Senator LEVENTIS continued speaking on the Bill.

ACTING PRESIDENT PRESIDES

At 6:10 P.M., Senator MARTIN assumed the Chair.

Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Bill.

Point of Quorum

Senator LEVENTIS made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was present. The Senate resumed.

Senator LEVENTIS continued speaking on the Bill.

Point of Quorum

At 6:37 P.M., Senator LEVENTIS made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was present. The Senate resumed.

Senator LEVENTIS continued speaking on the Bill.

PRESIDENT PRESIDES

At 6:39 P.M., the PRESIDENT assumed the Chair.

Senator LEVENTIS argued contra to the Bill.

RECESS

At 6:55 P.M., on motion of Senator RICHTER, the Senate receded from business until 7:00 P.M.

At 7:03 P.M., the Senate resumed.

Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Bill be given a second reading, with notice of general amendments, carrying over all amendments to third reading, with all members reserving their rights.

There was no objection.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

MADE SPECIAL ORDER

H. 3730 -- Reps. J. Young, Allison, Askins, Bailey, Baxley, Beatty, Boan, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Brown, T. Brown, Byrd, Cain, Cato, Cave, Chamblee, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Cotty, Cromer, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Elliott, Fair, Felder, Fleming, Fulmer, Gamble, Govan, Hallman, Harrell, J. Harris, Harrison, Harvin, Harwell, Haskins, Herdklotz, Hines, Hodges, Huff, Hutson, Inabinett, Jennings, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kinon, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Law, Limbaugh, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Marchbanks, Martin, Mason, McAbee, McCraw, McElveen, Meacham, Moody-Lawrence, Neilson, Phillips, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Richardson, Riser, Robinson, Sandifer, Scott, Seithel, Sharpe, Shissias, Simrill, D. Smith, R. Smith, Spearman, Stille, Stoddard, Stuart, Thomas, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Waldrop, Walker, Wells, Whatley, S. Whipper, Wilder, Wilkes, Wilkins, Williams, Witherspoon, Wofford, Worley, Wright and A. Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 SO AS TO ENACT THE "LAW ABIDING CITIZENS SELF-DEFENSE ACT OF 1995" AND TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO ISSUE PERMITS TO ALLOW CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO CARRY CONCEALED WEAPONS.

Senator PEELER moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.

Senator BRYAN moved that the Senate stand adjourned.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 9; Nays 27

AYES

Bryan                     Cork                      Drummond
Ford                      Glover                    Land
Matthews                  Patterson                 Washington

TOTAL--9

NAYS

Alexander                 Boan                      Courson
Courtney                  Elliott                   Fair
Gregory                   Hayes                     Holland
Lander                    Leventis                  Martin
McConnell                 McGill                    Mescher
Moore                     O'Dell                    Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Richter
Russell                   Ryberg                    Setzler
Smith, G.                 Waldrep                   Wilson

TOTAL--27

The Senate refused to adjourn.

Senator HOLLAND asked unanimous consent to make a motion that S. 1188 be made a Special Order.

Parliamentary Inquiry

Senator HOLLAND made a Parliamentary Inquiry as to whether or not there were two available slots in the category of Special Orders.

The PRESIDENT stated that there was only one slot available for Bills other than those recommended by the Chairmen's Committee.

Senator HOLLAND spoke on the motion.

Senator PEELER spoke on the motion.

The pending question was the motion by Senator PEELER to make H. 3730 a Special Order.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 28; Nays 10

AYES

Alexander                 Boan                      Courson
Courtney                  Elliott                   Fair
Gregory                   Hayes                     Holland
Lander                    Leventis                  Martin
McConnell                 McGill                    Mescher
Moore                     O'Dell                    Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Richter
Rose                      Russell                   Ryberg
Setzler                   Smith, G.                 Waldrep
Wilson                    

TOTAL--28

NAYS

Bryan                     Cork                      Drummond
Ford                      Glover                    Land
Matthews                  Patterson                 Smith, J.V.
Washington                

TOTAL--10

H. 3730 was made a Special Order.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator PEELER, the Senate agreed to dispense with the Motion Period.

LOCAL APPOINTMENTS
Confirmations

Having received a favorable report from the Horry County Delegation, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Reappointments, Horry County Board of Voter Registration, with terms to commence March 15, 1996, and to expire March 15, 1998:

Deborah A. Vrooman, Ph.D., 902 Hart Street, Conway, S.C. 29526-4382

Mr. J. Conrad Hetzer, 305 Oceanview Drive, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29572

ADJOURNMENT

At 7:30 P.M., on motion of Senator DRUMMOND, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

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