South Carolina General Assembly
113th Session, 1999-2000
Journal of the House of Representatives

Wednesday, April 5, 2000
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark, as follows:

O God of greatness and goodness, our needs are many, but Your storehouse is full. Your mercies outlast all our necessities. May we feel Your searching look that we may be cleansed of all that is unholy and not right. Help us to bring our wills in accord with Yours, that we may find courage, peace and power. Inspire us to find the meaning of life in service to You as we serve our fellowmen. Remove our stubborn pride that keeps us from seeing our faults. Hear us and help us with Your wisdom and power. Amen.

Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., April 4, 2000
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 3056:
H. 3056 (Word version) -- Rep. Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-2-130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR JURY SERVICE IN MAGISTRATE'S COURT AND THE FREQUENCY OF JURY SERVICE SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON SHALL NOT SERVE ON A JURY MORE THAN ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS RATHER THAN ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Rep. FLEMING, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1284 (Word version) -- Senators J. V. Smith, Thomas, Bryan, Fair and Anderson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE REPLACEMENT OVERPASS BRIDGE THAT CROSSES THE NORFOLK-SOUTHERN RAILROAD TRACKS ON SUBER ROAD IN THE CITY OF GREER IN HONOR OF THE HONORABLE LEWIS RAYMOND VAUGHN AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS REFLECTING THIS DESIGNATION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

S. 60 (Word version) -- Senator Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 53-5-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LEGAL HOLIDAYS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MARTIN LUTHER KING'S BIRTHDAY AND CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY SHALL BE REGULAR, RATHER THAN OPTIONAL, HOLIDAYS; TO DELETE REFERENCES TO ROBERT E. LEE'S BIRTHDAY AND JEFFERSON DAVIS' BIRTHDAY AS HOLIDAYS; AND TO MAKE GENERAL ELECTION DAY AN OPTIONAL, RATHER THAN REGULAR, HOLIDAY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

S. 85 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 24-3-550, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO WITNESSES PERMITTED TO VIEW AN EXECUTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CONVICT MAY SUBSTITUTE ONE PERSON FOR EITHER HIS COUNSEL OR A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, OR TWO PERSONS FOR BOTH HIS COUNSEL AND A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4710 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A LOCAL JAIL TASK FORCE TO IDENTIFY AND STUDY THE MANY PROBLEMS CONFRONTING LOCAL JAILS TO INCLUDE: WAYS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PENDING CASES ON THE CRIMINAL COURT DOCKET AND THE PROSECUTION PROCESS; FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR CONSTRUCTION AND EXPANSION OF JAILS; CONTROL OVER THE GROWING COSTS OF HOUSING INMATES AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR MEDICAL CARE; MORE AND BETTER TRAINING AND HIGHER SALARIES FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS; AND ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION FOR LESSER CRIMES AND OTHER MEANS TO ALLEVIATE OVERCROWDING; TO PROVIDE FOR THE TASK FORCE MEMBERSHIP; AND TO REQUIRE THE TASK FORCE REPORT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 2001, AT WHICH TIME THE TASK FORCE IS ABOLISHED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4748 (Word version) -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-730, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE WILDLIFE ENDOWMENT FUND, SO AS TO DELETE SPECIFIC STATUTORY REFERENCES TO THE SOURCE OF FUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-790, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INCREASES IN EXISTING LIFETIME LICENSE FEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PERCENTAGE OF INCREASE FOR ANNUAL LICENSES MAY BE APPLIED TO EXISTING LIFETIME LICENSE FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-550, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FRESHWATER FISHING PERMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A RESIDENT MAY PURCHASE A SPECIAL PERMIT TO FISH WITH NONMANUFACTURED TACKLE OR NATURAL BAIT IN LIEU OF AN ANNUAL FISHING LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-20, RELATING TO THE MIGRATORY WATERFOWL COMMITTEE, SO AS TO CHANGE A REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO STAMPS AND PERMITS REQUIRED FOR SALTWATER FISHING SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS FOR THE MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHING STAMP AND PROVIDE FOR A PERMIT FOR FISHING IN SALT WATERS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SALE OF STAMPS AND PERMITS, SO AS TO STRIKE "STAMP" AND INSERT "LICENSE"; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM STAMP REQUIREMENTS SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS FROM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RECIPROCAL RECOGNITION OF RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSES OF OTHER COASTAL STATES, SO AS TO DELETE LANGUAGE RELATING TO STAMPS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SALE OF COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN OBSOLETE LANGUAGE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SPECIAL ACCOUNTS FOR FUNDS FROM THE SALE OF STAMPS, PERMITS, AND PRINTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE SALE OF LICENSES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY BOARD SO AS TO INCLUDE LICENSES WITHIN THE SOURCE OF FUNDS FROM WHICH THE BOARD'S EXPENSES ARE PAID.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4730 (Word version) -- Reps. Rhoad, Sharpe, Seithel and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-4-130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VIOLATIONS OF PROVISIONS TITLE 47, SO AS TO CHANGE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS FROM A FINE OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS TO A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN THAT AMOUNT AUTHORIZED AS THE JURISDICTIONAL MAXIMUM FOR A SUMMARY COURT OR IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN THAT PERIOD OF TIME AUTHORIZED AS THE JURISDICTIONAL MAXIMUM FOR A SUMMARY COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 47-11-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO BRUCELLOSIS TEST REQUIRED FOR CATTLE, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO BRUCELLOSIS TEST REQUIRED FOR CATTLE FOR DAIRY AND BREEDING PURPOSES BEFORE THEY ARE REMOVED FROM A PUBLIC LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET AND PROVIDE THAT, WHEN CONSIDERED ADVISABLE BY THE STATE LIVESTOCK-POULTRY HEALTH COMMISSION, ALL ANIMALS EXCEPT THOSE FOR IMMEDIATE SLAUGHTER MUST BE TESTED FOR BRUCELLOSIS BEFORE BEING REMOVED FROM STOCKYARDS OR OTHER PREMISES WHERE ANIMALS ARE HELD FOR SALE; TO AMEND SECTION 47-13-1350, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HORSES ENTERING THE STATE BEING TESTED FOR EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE HORSE MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN OFFICIAL TEST CHART SHOWING THAT THE HORSE REACTED NEGATIVELY TO THE TEST WITHIN THE TWELVE MONTHS BEFORE ENTRY; TO AMEND SECTION 47-13-1390, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FALSE COGGINS TEST CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF HAVING A FALSE OR FORGED CERTIFICATE MUST BE PUNISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 47-4-130; TO AMEND SECTION 47-13-1400, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA TESTING REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 13, CHAPTER 13, TITLE 47, RELATING TO EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA, MUST BE PUNISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 47-4-130; TO AMEND SECTION 47-15-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "GARBAGE", SO AS TO STRIKE VEGETABLE WASTE FROM THE DEFINITION AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT UNPASTEURIZED MILK AND UNPASTEURIZED MILK PRODUCTS ARE ANIMAL WASTE; TO AMEND SECTION 47-17-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF SECTIONS 47-17-60, 47-17-70, AND 47-17-80 REGULATING MEAT AND MEAT FOOD PRACTICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF A VIOLATION OF THOSE SECTIONS MUST BE PUNISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 47-4-130, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER PENALTIES IF A VIOLATION INVOLVES INTENT TO DEFRAUD OR DISTRIBUTION OF AN ADULTERATED ARTICLE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 47-19-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF SECTIONS 47-19-70, 47-19-80, 47-19-90, 47-19-100, AND 47-19-110 REGULATING POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF A VIOLATION OF THOSE SECTIONS MUST BE PUNISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 47-4-130.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4618 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe, Davenport and Wilkes: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 57, TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT PRIVILEGES AND VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT REPORT IS PRIVILEGED, IMMUNE FROM DISCOVERY, AND INADMISSIBLE IN CERTAIN CIVIL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY ACTIONS AND THAT NO PRIVILEGE APPLIES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OR PROCEEDINGS; TO CLARIFY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE PRIVILEGE; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRIVILEGE CONTINUES FOR CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS WHEN AN AUDIT HAS BEEN OBTAINED OR USED IN A CRIMINAL PROCEEDING; TO CLARIFY AUDIT NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS; TO REQUIRE A PERSON CLAIMING IMMUNITY BECAUSE OF A VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATION TO PROVE SPECIFIC ELEMENTS IN ORDER TO BE ENTITLED TO IMMUNITY AND FOR THE BURDENS OF PROOF IN THIS REGARD; AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A DISCLOSURE IS NOT VOLUNTARY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4571 (Word version) -- Rep. Ott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-1192, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TYPE AND NUMBER OF NONGAME FISHING DEVICES WHICH MAY BE USED IN CERTAIN BODIES OF FRESHWATER, SO AS TO REVISE THAT PORTION OF THE CONGAREE RIVER IN WHICH CERTAIN NONGAME FISHING DEVICES MAY BE USED AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF CERTAIN NONGAME FISHING DEVICES IN A PORTION OF THE CONGAREE RIVER.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4358 (Word version) -- Rep. Barrett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MUZZLELOADER HUNTS IN GAME ZONE 2, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR MUZZLELOADER HUNTS IN GAME ZONE 1; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-150, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HUNTING BAG LIMITS, SO AS TO CONFORM THE HUNTING BAG LIMITS FOR GAME ZONE 1 TO THE HUNTING BAG LIMITS FOR GAME ZONE 2; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR BUYING, SELLING, OR DISPLAYING CARCASSES OR PARTS OF WILD RABBITS FOR SALE IN GAME ZONE 2, SO AS TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR BUYING, SELLING OR DISPLAYING CARCASSES OR PARTS OF WILD RABBITS FOR SALE IN GAME ZONE 1; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO CONFORM THE OPEN SEASON FOR TAKING ANTLERED DEER IN GAME ZONE 1 WITH THE OPEN SEASON FOR TAKING ANTLERED DEER IN GAME ZONE 2.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4295 (Word version) -- Rep. Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-21-133, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ESTABLISHING A NO WAKE ZONE ADJACENT TO SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, SO AS TO CONFORM ITS PENALTIES TO THOSE PROVIDED IN SECTION 50-21-150.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3927 (Word version) -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THE SOLID WASTE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1991, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-50 RELATING TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY AND GOALS, SO AS TO REVISE THE GOAL TO BE THREE AND ONE-HALF POUNDS PER DAY OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE AND TO DEFINE THAT TERM; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STATE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ANNUAL REPORT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE SUCCESS OF MUNICIPALITIES IN ACHIEVING SOLID WASTE RECYCLING AND REDUCTION GOALS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES TO OBTAIN RECYCLING DATA; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-80 RELATING TO COUNTY AND REGIONAL SOLID WASTE PLANS AND GOVERNMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION AUTHORIZING A TEN DOLLAR FEE ON ALL SOLID WASTE GENERATED OUT OF STATE AND DISPOSED OF IN STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-110 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING, SO AS TO REVISE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE, INCLUDING REVISIONS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT RECYCLING PROJECTS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT TRUST FUND SO AS TO INCLUDE GRANTS TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES FOR WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING EDUCATION PROGRAM; AS PROGRAMS TO BE FUNDED BY THE TRUST FUND AND TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE WASTE TIRE GRANT TRUST FUND AS THE WASTE TIRE TRUST FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-130 RELATING TO THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANT PROGRAM SO AS TO SPECIFY THE USE OF CERTAIN GRANT FUNDS AND TO REQUIRE THAT GRANTS BE MADE AVAILABLE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE IN CARRYING OUT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE SOLID WASTE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-140, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO STATE GOVERNMENT RECYCLING PROGRAMS, SO AS TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCIES AND STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT ON ITS SOURCE SEPARATION AND RECYCLING PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-150 RELATING TO DISPOSAL OF PACKAGING AND PLASTICS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR OF PLASTIC RESIN CONTAINERS TO ADOPT A LABELING CODE THAT WILL ASSIST IN SEGREGATION AND COLLECTION OF THAT RESIN FOR RECYCLING; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DISPOSAL OF USED OIL, SO AS TO ALSO PROHIBIT DISPOSING OF USED OIL FILTERS IN LANDFILLS UNLESS THE FILTER HAS BEEN REDUCED IN VOLUME, TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DISPOSAL OF WASTE TIRES, SO AS TO REVISE TIPPING FEES ON WASTE TIRES, TO REVISE WHERE WASTE TIRES MAY BE DISPOSED OF, TO ESTABLISH STATE POLICY FOR MANAGEMENT OF WASTE TIRES, TO REVISE PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING REFUNDS FOR DELIVERY OF WASTE TIRES TO PERMITTED OR APPROVED FACILITIES; TO REVISE THE PURPOSES FOR WASTE TIRE GRANTS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO REQUIRE CERTAIN TIRE HAULERS, PROCESSORS, AND FACILITIES TO COMPLY WITH RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-180, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DISPOSAL OF LEAD-ACID BATTERIES, SO AS TO REQUIRE PERSONS SELLING THESE BATTERIES TO POST NOTICE CONCERNING DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS IN A PLACE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-290, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PERMITTING A SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO PERMITTING A NEW OR AN EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY AND TO REQUIRE PUBLIC NOTICE WHEN A PERMIT IS SOUGHT FOR A NEW OR EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-350 RELATING TO MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE INCINERATOR ASH, SO AS TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF THIS ASH IN A SOLID WASTE LANDFILL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-470 RELATING TO FACILITY ISSUES NEGOTIATION PROCESS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "AFFECTED COUNTY" AND TO REVISE THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY PERMITS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 44-96-230 RELATING TO THE STATE RECYCLING SYMBOL.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 702 (Word version) -- Senator Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-440 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF BAIT TO LURE BEARS, SO AS TO REVISE THIS SECTION TO PROHIBIT FEEDING OR ENTICING WITH FOOD ANY BLACK BEAR, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROHIBITION, AND TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

S. 21 (Word version) -- Senators Leventis, Branton, McConnell, Rankin and Reese: 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 AND ALLOW CERTAIN FIRST OFFENSE VIOLATIONS TO BE TRIED IN MUNICIPAL COURT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4703 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROTECTION OF GAME, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-100, RELATING TO WILDLIFE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO INTENTIONALLY TAKE WILDLIFE INSIDE AN ENCLOSURE WHICH PREVENTS OR MATERIALLY IMPEDES THE FREE RANGE OF WILDLIFE; TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR ENCLOSURES REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

On motion of Rep. LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:

H. 4862 (Word version) -- Rep. Lourie: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND OTHER OFFICIALS ON THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2000, AT A TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND ON THE OCCASION OF THE "YOUTH OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION" APRIL 5 AND 6, 2000, THROUGHOUT THE PALMETTO STATE.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives is extended to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Carolina and other officials on Thursday, April 6, 2000, at a time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of being recognized and commended for their efforts to make a significant difference in our communities and on the occasion of the "Youth of the Year Celebration April 5 and 6, 2000, throughout the Palmetto State.

The Resolution was adopted.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4863 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Davenport, Law and F. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 46-35-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO WHEN TREES CONSTITUTE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAINTAIN CERTAIN NURSERY STOCK THAT CONSTITUTES A PUBLIC NUISANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 46-35-15, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE "NURSERY STOCK" FOR PURPOSES OF THIS CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 46-35-20, RELATING TO THE DESTRUCTION OF SPECIFIED ORCHARD TREES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN NURSERY STOCK; TO AMEND SECTION 46-35-30, RELATING TO CITATIONS TO SHOW CAUSE AGAINST REMOVAL OR DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN TREES, SO AS TO MAKE THE SECTION APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN NURSERY STOCK; TO AMEND SECTION 46-35-50, RELATING TO ORDERS FOR REMOVAL OR DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN TYPES OF ABANDONED OR NEGLECTED TREES, SO AS TO MAKE THE SECTION APPLICABLE TO ORDERS FOR REMOVAL OR DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN NURSERY STOCK; TO AMEND SECTION 46-35-60, RELATING TO DESTRUCTION OR REMOVAL OF SPECIFIED ORCHARD TREES WHEN THE OWNER FAILS TO DO SO, SO AS TO MAKE THE SECTION APPLICABLE TO THE DESTRUCTION OR REMOVAL OF CONDEMNED NURSERY STOCK WHEN THE OWNER FAILS TO DO SO; AND TO AMEND SECTION 46-35-80, RELATING TO DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS RELATIVE TO THE SALE OF ORCHARDS, SO AS TO MAKE THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION APPLICABLE TO THE SALE OF NURSERIES.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 4864 (Word version) -- Rep. Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-1515, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TAKING SHAD BY HOOK AND LINE AND TO SET LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF SHAD TAKEN, SO AS TO MAKE THE SECTION APPLICABLE TO TAKING SHAD BY CAST NET AND TO REDUCE THE AGGREGATE NUMBER OF SHAD TAKEN FROM TWENTY TO TEN IN ANY ONE DAY.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 4865 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Davenport, Hamilton, Inabinett, Leach, Phillips and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-15-385, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DISSEMINATING HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINORS, SO AS TO DELETE PUBLIC LIBRARY FROM THE LIST OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CARRYING OUT THEIR LEGITIMATE FUNCTIONS WHO ARE GRANTED AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE FROM PROSECUTION UNDER THIS SECTION.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4866 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 41 IN DILLON COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 9 IN THE TOWN OF LAKE VIEW TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 57 IN THE TOWN OF FORK THE "SENATOR GENE CARMICHAEL ROAD".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4867 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 38 AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 95 IN DILLON COUNTY THE "MARION H. KINON INTERCHANGE".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

ROLL CALL

The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:

Allen                  Allison                Altman
Askins                 Bailey                 Bales
Barfield               Barrett                Battle
Bowers                 Breeland               Brown, G.
Brown, H.              Brown, J.              Campsen
Carnell                Cato                   Chellis
Cobb-Hunter            Cooper                 Cotty
Dantzler               Delleney               Easterday
Edge                   Emory                  Fleming
Frye                   Gamble                 Gilham
Gourdine               Govan                  Hamilton
Harrell                Harrison               Harvin
Haskins                Hawkins                Hayes
Hines, J.              Hines, M.              Hinson
Hosey                  Howard                 Huggins
Inabinett              Keegan                 Kelley
Kennedy                Kirsh                  Klauber
Knotts                 Koon                   Law
Leach                  Lee                    Littlejohn
Lloyd                  Loftis                 Lourie
Lucas                  Mack                   Martin
McCraw                 McGee                  McKay
McLeod, W.             McMahand               Meacham-Richardson
Miller                 Moody-Lawrence         Neal, J.M.
Neilson                Parks                  Perry
Phillips               Quinn                  Rhoad
Rice                   Riser                  Robinson
Rodgers                Sandifer               Scott
Sharpe                 Sheheen                Simrill
Smith, F.              Smith, J.              Smith, R.
Stille                 Stuart                 Taylor
Townsend               Tripp                  Trotter
Walker                 Webb                   Whatley
Whipper                Wilder                 Wilkins
Witherspoon            Woodrum                Young-Brickell

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, April 5.

E.B. "Mac" McLeod                 Ralph Davenport
Todd Rutherford                   William Clyburn
Doug Smith                        Theodore Brown
Harry Ott                         Steve Lanford
Joseph Neal                       H.B. "Chip" Limehouse
Ralph Canty                       Timothy Wilkes
Clementa Pinckney                 Lynn Seithel
Anthony Harris
Total Present--120

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. JENNINGS a leave of absence for the day due to illness and being hospitalized.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. VAUGHN a leave of absence for the day due to illness.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Coleman Floyd of Florence is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2     Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. After a bill or resolution has been presented and given first reading, no further names of co-sponsors may be added. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:     H. 4844 (Word version)
Date:     ADD:
04/05/00     CAMPSEN

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:     H. 4338 (Word version)
Date:     ADD:
04/05/00     KNOTTS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:     H. 4338 (Word version)
Date:     ADD:
04/05/00     WHATLEY

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:     H. 4852 (Word version)
Date:     ADD:
04/05/00     RHOAD

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:     H. 4797 (Word version)
Date:     ADD:
04/05/00     RISER

RETURNED TO THE SENATE WITH AMENDMENTS

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments:

S. 95 (Word version) -- Senators Giese and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-71-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A HOSPICE CARE FACILITY IS SUBJECT TO REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PURSUANT TO TITLE 44, CHAPTER 71 AND THAT SUCH FACILITIES ARE NOT SUBJECT TO REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF NURSING HOMES OR COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE STATE CERTIFICATION OF NEED AND HEALTH FACILITY LICENSURE ACT AND SECTION 44-7-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS, BOTH SO AS TO EXEMPT HOSPICE CARE FACILITIES FROM THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-71-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE LICENSURE OF HOSPICE PROGRAMS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE SCOPE OF INPATIENT HOSPICE SERVICES AND TO DEFINE HOSPICE CARE FACILITIES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-71-60, RELATING TO THE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS FOR HOSPICE PROGRAMS, SO AS TO INCLUDE REGULATIONS FOR HOSPICE CARE FACILITIES.

S. 755 (Word version) -- Senator Bryan: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-9-90 AND 44-9-100 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RIGHTS, DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE COMMISSION COLLECT STATISTICS AND ADOPT REGULATIONS ON MENTAL DEFICIENCIES AND EPILEPTICS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-11-10, RELATING TO STATE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT HALL PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE SHALL NO LONGER BE MAINTAINED AS A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 44-15-50, RELATING TO GRANTS AUTHORIZED AND APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SO AS TO DELETE REQUIREMENTS AS TO HOW FUNDS MAY BE EXPENDED; TO AMEND SECTION 44-15-80, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANYONE WHO CANNOT AFFORD TREATMENT IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE CERTAIN SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-17-410, RELATING TO THE EMERGENCY ADMISSION OF PERSONS TO A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE HOSPITAL, MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC, OR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES FOR REVIEWING INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-17-540, RELATING TO THE EXAMINATION OF PERSONS ADMITTED FOR INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT OF MENTAL ILLNESS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS WHEN INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT IS REQUIRED; TO AMEND SECTION 44-17-580, RELATING TO HOSPITALIZATION FOR INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT OF MENTAL ILLNESS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISMISSAL OF PROCEEDINGS WHEN A PERSON IS NOT IN NEED OF INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-22-150, RELATING TO THE RESTRAINT, SECLUSION OR PHYSICAL COERCION OF PATIENTS RESIDING IN MENTAL HEALTH OR ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE FACILITIES, SO AS TO DEFINE RESTRAINT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-1100, RELATING TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 44-22-100; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 44-23-50.

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 4684 (Word version) -- Rep. Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 17, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXTRADITION PROCEDURES, BY ADDING SECTION 17-9-15, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXTRADITION OF A PERSON WHO IS CHARGED IN THE REQUESTING STATE WITH COMMITTING AN ACT IN THIS STATE OR A THIRD STATE WHICH INTENTIONALLY RESULTED IN COMMITTING AN OFFENSE IN THE REQUESTING STATE.

H. 4393 (Word version) -- Reps. Jennings and Bales: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-365 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE MUST FILE A DECLARATION STATING THAT HE IS A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE, AS WELL AS THE OFFICE HE IS SEEKING, IN ORDER TO HAVE ANY WRITE-IN VOTES CAST FOR HIM COUNTED AND REPORTED AND PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-360, RELATING TO WRITE-IN NAMES ON A BALLOT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT WRITE-IN CANDIDATES COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 7-13-365.

H. 4281 (Word version) -- Reps. Rodgers and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS CONTAINED IN THE "LAW ABIDING CITIZENS SELF-DEFENSE ACT OF 1996" WHICH AUTHORIZES PERMITS TO BE ISSUED TO SPECIFIED RESIDENTS TO CARRY CONCEALED WEAPONS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "RESIDENT" TO INCLUDE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO POSSESSES A VALID SOUTH CAROLINA VOTER REGISTRATION CARD OR A VALID SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER'S LICENSE.

H. 4526 (Word version) -- Reps. Campsen, Quinn, Taylor, McGee, Altman, Barrett, Easterday, Hamilton, Harrell, Haskins, Leach, Meacham-Richardson, Rice, Robinson, Sandifer, Simrill, F. Smith, Tripp, Trotter, Wilkins, Woodrum and Loftis: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACT OF 2000" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO ADD SECTION 1-7-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL DESIGNATE ONE MEMBER OF HIS PROFESSIONAL STAFF AS THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFICER" AND TO PROVIDE FOR THIS OFFICER'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES; TO ADD SECTION 59-17-135 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THIS STATE SHALL CONDUCT TRAINING FOR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS DURING ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING REGARDING CONSTITUTIONALLY AND STATUTORILY PERMITTED SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EXERCISES AND EXPRESSIONS; AND TO ADD SECTION 59-17-140 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT BY JULY 1, 2001, SHALL ADOPT A RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLICY AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS POLICY AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT SHALL BE DEVELOPED.

H. 4445 (Word version) -- Reps. Robinson, Wilkins, Quinn, Barfield, Barrett, H. Brown, Chellis, Cotty, Dantzler, Fleming, Gamble, Gilham, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Hinson, Huggins, Keegan, Koon, Law, Leach, Littlejohn, Martin, Meacham-Richardson, Riser, Rodgers, Sandifer, D. Smith, Stuart, Taylor, Walker, Young-Brickell, Seithel, Cooper, Whatley, Tripp, Allison, Altman, Beck, Campsen, Cato, Davenport, Easterday, Edge, Frye, Haskins, Kelley, Knotts, Lanford, Limehouse, Loftis, Lucas, McGee, McKay, Perry, Rice, Sharpe, Simrill, R. Smith, Trotter, Vaughn, Webb, Witherspoon and Woodrum: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO REDUCE BY ONE PERCENT A YEAR THE STATE PORTION OF SALES TAX ON FOOD ITEMS WHICH LAWFULLY MAY BE PURCHASED WITH UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD COUPONS, TO EXEMPT COMPLETELY FROM THE STATE PORTION OF THE TAX ALL SUCH FOOD AND MEALS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2004, TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF THE REVENUE FROM THE REDUCED RATES OF TAX DURING THE PHASE-IN PERIOD, AND TO ALLOW A COUNTY BY ORDINANCE TO EXEMPT FOOD ITEMS FROM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES.

H. 4444--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4444 (Word version) -- Reps. Robinson, Wilkins, Quinn, Barfield, Barrett, H. Brown, Chellis, Cotty, Dantzler, Fleming, Gamble, Gilham, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Hinson, Huggins, Keegan, Koon, Law, Leach, Martin, Meacham-Richardson, Riser, Rodgers, Sandifer, D. Smith, Stuart, Taylor, Walker, Young-Brickell, Whatley, Tripp, Cooper, Seithel, Allison, Altman, Beck, Campsen, Cato, Davenport, Easterday, Edge, Haskins, Kelley, Knotts, Lanford, Limehouse, Loftis, Lucas, McGee, McKay, Perry, Rice, Sharpe, Simrill, R. Smith, Trotter, Vaughn, Webb, Witherspoon, Woodrum and Frye: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-520, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ANNUAL INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS TO STATE INCOME TAX BRACKETS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION LIMITING THE INFLATION ADJUSTMENT TO ONE-HALF OF THE ACTUAL INFLATION RATE AND THE OVERALL FOUR PERCENT LIMIT ON THE TOTAL INFLATION ADJUSTMENT AND TO DELETE REDUNDANT LANGUAGE.

The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name SKB\AMEND\18291HTC00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, beginning on page 2, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
/SECTION     2.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and first applies for income tax brackets applicable for taxable year 2000. Notwithstanding the inflation adjustment required pursuant to Section 12-6-520 of the 1976 Code as amended by this section, the adjustment applicable for taxable year 2000 is limited to not less than seventy-five percent nor more than eighty-five percent of the adjustment otherwise required which must be determined based on the certification of the Board of Economic Advisors to the Department of Revenue as to the maximum percentage in that range that does not reduce general fund revenues by more than eighteen million dollars in fiscal year 2000-2001. Notwithstanding the date required for bracket adjustments provided in Section 12-6-520 of the 1976 Code as amended by this section, the adjustment required for taxable year 2000 brackets must be made no later than fifteen days after the effective date of this section. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. ROBINSON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill, as amended, on second reading.

Rep. ROBINSON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 95; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allen                  Allison                Altman
Askins                 Bales                  Barfield
Barrett                Battle                 Breeland
Brown, G.              Brown, H.              Brown, J.
Campsen                Carnell                Cato
Chellis                Cobb-Hunter            Cotty
Dantzler               Delleney               Easterday
Edge                   Emory                  Frye
Gamble                 Gilham                 Gourdine
Govan                  Hamilton               Harrell
Harrison               Harvin                 Haskins
Hawkins                Hines, J.              Hines, M.
Hinson                 Hosey                  Huggins
Keegan                 Kelley                 Kirsh
Klauber                Knotts                 Koon
Law                    Leach                  Lee
Limehouse              Littlejohn             Lloyd
Loftis                 Lourie                 Lucas
Mack                   Martin                 McCraw
McGee                  McKay                  McLeod, W.
McMahand               Meacham-Richardson     Miller
Moody-Lawrence         Neal, J.M.             Neilson
Parks                  Perry                  Quinn
Rice                   Riser                  Robinson
Rodgers                Sandifer               Scott
Sheheen                Simrill                Smith, F.
Smith, J.              Smith, R.              Stille
Stuart                 Taylor                 Townsend
Tripp                  Trotter                Walker
Webb                   Whatley                Whipper
Wilder                 Wilkins                Witherspoon
Woodrum                Young-Brickell

Total--95

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

H. 4338--ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4338 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Robinson, Harrison, Sandifer, Quinn, Huggins, Lanford, Harrell, H. Brown, Barrett, Vaughn, Riser, Cooper, Cato, D. Smith, Haskins, Witherspoon, Townsend, Leach, Allison, Altman, Campsen, Chellis, Hinson, Klauber, Loftis, Rice, Taylor, Littlejohn, Cotty, Walker, Easterday, Kirsh, Gamble, McGee, Meacham-Richardson, Gilham, Rodgers, Knotts and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-440, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON GENERAL TAX INCREASES AND NEW GENERAL TAXES, SO AS TO REQUIRE A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE ELECTED MEMBERSHIP OF EACH HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A NEW OR INCREASED TAX.

Rep. W. MCLEOD proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\AMEND\21209SD00), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in subsection 11-11-440(A) of SECTION 1, by striking on lines 30 and 32, page 1, /two-thirds / and inserting /five-sixths /
Amend further, as and if amended, by striking /TWO-THIRDS/ in the title on line 14, page 1 and inserting /FIVE-SIXTHS/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. W. MCLEOD explained the amendment.
Rep. SIMRILL spoke against the amendment.

Rep. ROBINSON moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.

The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill on second reading.

Rep. ROBINSON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 84; Nays 13

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Altman                 Askins
Bales                  Barfield               Barrett
Battle                 Bowers                 Brown, H.
Brown, J.              Campsen                Carnell
Cato                   Chellis                Clyburn
Cooper                 Cotty                  Davenport
Delleney               Easterday              Edge
Frye                   Gamble                 Gilham
Gourdine               Hamilton               Harrell
Harris                 Harrison               Haskins
Hawkins                Hines, J.              Hinson
Hosey                  Howard                 Huggins
Keegan                 Kelley                 Kirsh
Klauber                Koon                   Law
Leach                  Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Lourie                 Lucas
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
Meacham-Richardson     Miller                 Moody-Lawrence
Neilson                Parks                  Perry
Phillips               Quinn                  Rice
Riser                  Robinson               Rodgers
Sandifer               Scott                  Sharpe
Simrill                Smith, D.              Smith, J.
Smith, R.              Stille                 Stuart
Taylor                 Townsend               Tripp
Trotter                Walker                 Webb
Whatley                Wilder                 Wilkins
Witherspoon            Woodrum                Young-Brickell

Total--84

Those who voted in the negative are:

Bailey                 Breeland               Brown, G.
Emory                  Harvin                 Inabinett
Lee                    McLeod, W.             McMahand
Rutherford             Sheheen                Smith, F.
Whipper

Total--13

So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

RECORD FOR VOTING

I tried without success to amend House Bill 4338 on the House floor so as to increase to five-sixths the vote required for any increase in general taxes imposed by the State.

House Bill 4338 passed with the requirement that any new state general taxes be passed by the House and Senate by a two-thirds vote of each body. This effort to raise the standard for increasing taxes to two-thirds is inadequate. For this reason, I voted against House Bill 4338.

Rep. Walton J. McLeod

H. 3090--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3090 (Word version) -- Reps. Altman and Rodgers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE DWELLING HOME AND LOT OF A FORMER PRISONER OF WAR OR MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER AND TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE EXEMPTION CONTINUES FOR A SURVIVING SPOUSE.

The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name BBM\AMEND\9448HTC00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
/SECTION     2.     Upon approval by the Governor, this act is effective for property tax years beginning after 1999. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. MCKAY explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

H. 3750--AMENDED AND REQUESTS FOR DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3750 (Word version) -- Reps. Walker, Allison, Altman, Bailey, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Beck, H. Brown, Campsen, Carnell, Cato, Chellis, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Easterday, Edge, Fleming, Gilham, Hamilton, Harrell, Harris, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hawkins, Hinson, Jennings, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Law, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McGee, M. McLeod, W. McLeod, Meacham-Richardson, Miller, Neilson, Phillips, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Scott, Seithel, Sharpe, Simrill, D. Smith, R. Smith, Stille, Stuart, Taylor, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Webb, Whatley, Wilder, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Woodrum, Young-Brickell and Lucas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-224, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MULTIPLE LOT DISCOUNT ALLOWED FOR PURPOSES OF PROPERTY TAX VALUATION WHEN UNDEVELOPED ACREAGE IS SURVEYED INTO INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTIAL LOTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE DISCOUNT PROVISION AND PROVIDE THAT THE VALUE OF THESE LOTS AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS IS DEEMED TO BE ITS UNDEVELOPED VALUE UNTIL THE SOONER OF THE DATE THE LOT IS SOLD OR THE RESIDENCE CONSTRUCTED THEREON IS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPANCY.

Reps. MEACHAM-RICHARDSON, SHEHEEN and KIRSH requested debate on the Bill.

The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name BBM\AMEND\9451HTC00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 12-43-224, as contained in SECTION 1, page 2, line 23, by striking / the date and inserting:
/ midnight December thirty-first of the tax year in which /
Amend further, as and if amended, page 2, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
/ SECTION     2.     Upon approval by the Governor, this act is effective for property tax years beginning after 1999. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. WALKER explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. DELLENEY requested debate on the Bill.

Rep. WALKER explained the Bill.

Reps. EMORY, COBB-HUNTER, STUART, WALKER, KNOTTS, OTT, BAILEY, LLOYD, RISER, F. SMITH, J. M. NEAL, LITTLEJOHN, RICE, MOODY-LAWRENCE and DAVENPORT requested debate on the Bill.

H. 4416--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4416 (Word version) -- Reps. Kelley, Robinson, Riser and Carnell: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 9, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE VARIOUS STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, BY ADDING CHAPTER 19 ENACTING THE "OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS" AND PROVIDE FOR ITS OPERATION.

The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name BBM\AMEND\9446HTC00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION     1.     Title 9 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"CHAPTER 20
Optional Retirement Program for Teachers
and School Administrators

Section 9-20-10.     As used in this chapter:

(1)     'Employer' means a school district which receives funding from the State from the annual appropriation to the Department of Education for Aid to School Districts - Employer Contributions in the annual general appropriations act.

(2)     'Employee' means a person employed full time by a public school district who is:

(a)     certified and teaching in the classroom;

(b)     assisting a certified classroom teacher;

(c)     a professional specialist having direct contact with students;

(d)     an academic subject, or specialty area coordinator or director working in a school or school district;

(e)     a principal, vocational center director, assistant principal or vocational center assistant director, district assistant, county or area superintendent.

(3)     'Participant' means an employee who participates in the optional retirement program provided by this chapter.

Section 9-20-20.     There is established an optional retirement program for public school (kindergarten through grade twelve) teachers, specialists, coordinators, and administrators. An employee is not eligible to participate in the optional retirement program unless the employee is eligible for membership in the South Carolina Retirement System. The following retirement and death benefit payment options may be provided for a participant in the optional retirement program: annuities, lump sum distributions, partial distributions, or periodic withdrawals, whether through individual annuity contracts or individual certificates issued for group annuity contracts, fixed or variable in nature, or a combination of them, which must be issued to, and become the property of, the participant, or through mutual fund companies, or through state or national banking institutions. The employer and the participant shall contribute toward the purchase of the contract or investment under this program. The contribution made by the employer must be derived, in whole or in part, from the funds appropriated annually by the General Assembly as Aid to School Districts - Employer Contributions in the Department of Education appropriation in the annual general appropriations act. In accordance with the definition provided in Section 9-20-10(2), the State Department of Education annually shall provide to the South Carolina Retirement System a listing of positions that qualify an employee for the optional retirement program.

Section 9-20-30.     The South Carolina Retirement System shall provide for the administration of the optional retirement program under this chapter. The Director of the South Carolina Retirement System shall designate no fewer than four companies to provide annuity contracts, mutual fund accounts, or similar investment products offered through state or national banking institutions, or a combination of them, under the program. In making the designation the director shall consider:

(1)     the nature and extent of the rights and benefits to be provided by the contracts or accounts, or both, of participants and their beneficiaries;

(2)     the relation of the rights and benefits to the amount of contributions to be made;

(3)     the suitability of these rights and benefits to the needs of the participants;

(4)     the ability and experience of the designated companies in providing suitable rights and benefits under the contracts or accounts, or both;

(5)     the ability and experience of the designated companies to provide suitable education and investment options.

Section 9-20-40.     Employees first employed in an eligible position or job classification within each school district after June 30, 2000, shall elect either to join the South Carolina Retirement System or to participate in the optional retirement program under this chapter on or before December 1, 2000, or within ninety days after the entry into service, whichever is later, or failing to make the initial election within the required time, the employee is considered to have elected membership in the South Carolina Retirement System. An election made pursuant to this section must be made in writing and filed with the retirement system and the appropriate officer of the employee's participating employer and is effective on the date of employment.

The election to participate in the optional retirement program is irrevocable. However, an employee who participates in the optional retirement program may irrevocably elect to join the South Carolina Retirement System upon the passage of sixty months after initial enrollment in the optional retirement program. The optional retirement participant must make this election to participate in the South Carolina Retirement System within ninety days after the expiration of sixty months after the employee's initial enrollment in the optional retirement program, or failing to make the election within the allotted time, the employee is considered to have irrevocably elected to participate in the optional retirement program. Upon joining the system, the employee may establish up to five years of credit in the system for service earned while participating in the optional retirement program, by making a payment to the system in an amount determined by the board.

Section 9-20-50.     Each participant shall contribute monthly to the program the same amount he would be required to contribute to the South Carolina Retirement System if the participant were a member of that system. Participant contributions may be made by payroll deduction, by a reduction in salary, or by employer pick up in accordance with any applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Each employer shall contribute on behalf of each participant the same amount it would be required to contribute to the South Carolina Retirement System if the participant were a member of that system. Each employer shall remit to the designated companies, for application to participants' contracts or accounts, or both, an amount equal to the participant's contribution plus that percentage of each employer's contribution which would have been used to fund all retirement system benefits for future service if the participants had been members of the retirement system, but the employer's contribution may not be less than four and one-quarter percent of compensation. The employer shall remit the remainder of its required contribution to the retirement system, but the contribution to the retirement system must not be less than two and fifty-five hundredths percent of the employee's compensation.

Section 9-20-60.     No retirement benefit or preretirement death benefit may be paid by the State for service rendered while participating in the optional retirement program except as authorized in Section 9-20-40. The benefits are payable to optional retirement program participants or their beneficiaries by the designated companies in accordance with the terms of the contracts issued to participants."
SECTION     2.     This act takes effect July 1, 2000. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. KELLEY explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:

H. 4818 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell and M. McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 9-1-1615, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF A RETIRED MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR THE MONTH IN WHICH THE RETIREE DIES; TO AMEND SECTION 9-1-1770, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PRERETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OF MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO INCREASE INSURANCE PAYMENTS ON BEHALF OF A DECEASED RETIRED MEMBER UNDER THE GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-8-80, 9-9-80, AND 9-11-160, RELATING TO THE PAYMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS, THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF A RETIRED MEMBER FOR THE MONTH IN WHICH THE RETIREE DIES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 9-11-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PRERETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO INCREASE INSURANCE PAYMENTS ON BEHALF OF DECEASED RETIREES UNDER THE GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM.

Rep. HARRELL explained the Bill.

H. 3875--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3875 (Word version) -- Reps. Robinson and H. Brown: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-440, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF GENERAL TAX INCREASES OR NEW GENERAL TAXES IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT OR IN SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACTS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT IN SUCH ACTS ANY PERMANENT LAW PROVISIONS AFFECTING THE VARIOUS STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS.

Rep. RISER explained the Bill.

Rep. SHEHEEN moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Thursday, April 6, which was agreed to.

H. 4852--AMENDED AND DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4852 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, Frye, Gamble, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hosey, Howard, Kelley, Lucas, Scott, Stuart, W. McLeod, Rhoad, Knotts and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-250, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR TAXPAYERS SIXTY-FIVE AND OVER OR THOSE WHO ARE TOTALLY AND PERMANENTLY DISABLED OR LEGALLY BLIND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DOLLAR AMOUNT OF THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION SHALL BE ADJUSTED ANNUALLY BEGINNING IN 2000 BY THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL TO REFLECT ANY PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN THE PRIOR YEAR'S CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR THE SOUTHEAST REGION AS PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

Rep. BALES proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name BBM\AMEND\9474HTC00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/ SECTION     __.     A.     Section 12-37-220(B) of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an appropriately numbered item at the end to read:

"( )     Any otherwise nonexempt assessed value of a homestead receiving both the exemptions allowed pursuant to Sections 12-37-250 and 12-37-251 if the household income of the taxpayer eligible for the exemption allowed by Section 12-37-250 is less than two hundred percent of the federal poverty level. The Comptroller General shall design and provide a form which must be filed by the taxpayer with the county auditor before the first penalty date for taxes to claim this additional exemption for the property tax year. Taxpayers must reapply annually for this exemption. The form must require the taxpayer to certify eligibility under penalty of perjury."
B.     This section is effective for property tax years beginning after 1999. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. BALES explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. SCOTT proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name BBM\AMEND\9475HTC00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

/ SECTION     __.     A.     The first paragraph of Section 12-37-250 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 530 of 1990, is further amended to read:

"The first twenty thousand dollars of the fair market value of the dwelling place of a person is exempt from county, municipal, school, and special assessment real estate property taxes when the person:

(1)     has been a resident of this State for at least one year and has reached the age of sixty-five years on or before as of December thirty-first, the person has been classified as totally and permanently disabled by a state or federal agency having the function of classifying persons, or the person is legally blind as defined in Section 43-25-20, preceding the tax year in which the exemption is claimed;

(2)     has attained the age of sixty-five years or has been classified as totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind before or during the tax year for which the exemption is claimed; and

(3)     holds complete fee simple title or a life estate to the dwelling place.

For purposes of the disabilities giving rise to this exemption, a person is totally and permanently disabled when so classified by a state or federal agency charged by law with making such classifications and a person is legally blind when his vision falls within the definition of legal blindness provided in Section 43-25-20(1). A person claiming to be totally and permanently disabled, but who has not been classified by one of the agencies, may apply to the State Agency of Vocational Rehabilitation. The agency shall make an evaluation of the person using its own standards. The exemption includes the dwelling place when jointly owned in complete fee simple or life estate by husband and wife, and either has reached sixty-five years of age, or is totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind under this section, before January first of the tax year in which the exemption is claimed, and either has been a resident of the State for one year. The exemption must not be granted for the tax year in which it is claimed unless the person or his agent makes written application for the exemption before July sixteenth of that tax year. If the person or his agent makes written application for the exemption after July fifteenth, the exemption must not be granted except for the succeeding tax year for a person qualifying under this section when the application is made. However, if application is made after July fifteenth of that tax year but before the first penalty date on property taxes for that tax year by a person qualifying under this section when the application is made, the taxes due for that tax year must be reduced to reflect the exemption provided in this section. The application for the exemption must be made to the auditor of the county and to the governing body of the municipality in which the dwelling place is located upon forms provided by the county and municipality and approved by the Comptroller General, and a failure to apply constitutes a waiver of the exemption for that year. Beginning with tax year 1979 The auditor, as directed by the Comptroller General, shall notify the municipality of all applications for a homestead exemption within the municipality and the information necessary to calculate the amount of the exemption. 'Dwelling place' means the permanent home and legal residence of the applicant."
B.     This section applies for property tax years beginning after 1999. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. SCOTT explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. HARRELL moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Thursday, April 6, which was agreed to.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. HARRIS moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4868 (Word version) -- Rep. Wilkins: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND A WARM WELCOME AND OUR BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO OUR FRIENDS FROM FRANCE PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH J. L. MANN HIGH SCHOOL.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4869 (Word version) -- Rep. Harris: A BILL TO ENACT THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOND-PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPLEMENTATION FOLLOWING REFERENDUM APPROVAL OF A SALES AND USE TAX IN CHESTERFIELD COUNTY NOT TO EXCEED ONE PERCENT FOR DEBT SERVICE ON GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS ISSUED FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION OR FOR DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION.
On motion of Rep. HARRIS, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 4870 (Word version) -- Rep. Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 54, TITLE 12, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF TAXES LEVIED AND ASSESSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, BY ADDING SECTION 12-54-270 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DENIAL OF A PROFESSIONAL OR OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE TO A PERSON WHO HAS AN OUTSTANDING STATE TAX LIABILITY OR IS OTHERWISE IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THE TAX LAWS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4871 (Word version) -- Rep. Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-60-920, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DETERMINATION OF THE APPROPRIATENESS OF A JEOPARDY ASSESSMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REQUEST FOR A CONTESTED CASE BY THE TAXPAYER BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, TO ASSIGN BURDENS OF PROOF FOR DETERMINATION OF THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE JEOPARDY ASSESSMENT AND ITS AMOUNT, TO PROVIDE FOR CONSEQUENCES OF VARIOUS DETERMINATIONS BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE, AND TO LIMIT JUDICIAL REVIEW TO APPEAL OF A FINAL AGENCY DETERMINATION OF THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT FOR COLLECTION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4872 (Word version) -- Rep. Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE SALES AND USE TAX, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE TAXPAYER TO GIVE NOTICE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE THAT IT QUALIFIES FOR THE EXEMPTION BY INVESTING AT LEAST THIRTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TOLLING OF THE TIME LIMIT FOR ASSESSMENT OF TAXES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2680, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF AN EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE, SO AS TO ELIMINATE A CERTIFICATE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN FARM, GROVE, VINEYARD, AND GARDEN PRODUCTS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4873 (Word version) -- Rep. Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1910, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF TAXES ON MOTOR FUELS, SO AS TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OR ITS DESIGNEE TO CONDUCT INSPECTIONS AND REMOVE SAMPLES OF FUEL FROM ANY VEHICLE, TANK, OR OTHER CONTAINER, INSTEAD OF LIMITING THE INSPECTION AND REMOVAL OF SAMPLES TO A PLACE WHERE THE TAXABLE FUEL IS PRODUCED, STORED, OR LOADED FOR TRANSPORT; AND BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 27 AND 29 OF TITLE 12 RELATING TO TAX ON GASOLINE AND ON OTHER MOTOR FUELS; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 28 OF TITLE 12, RELATING TO TAX ON MOTOR FUELS, SO AS TO REENACT FORMER SECTION 12-27-405 AS SECTION 12-28-2940.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4874 (Word version) -- Rep. Hawkins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1960, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF PLACARDS THAT ALLOW HANDICAPPED PERSONS FREE PARKING PRIVILEGES, SO AS TO DELETE THE ONE DOLLAR FEE FOR EACH PLACARD.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 4875 (Word version) -- Rep. D. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 33-3-102, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL POWERS OF CORPORATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE POWERS EXTEND TO THOSE GRANTED BY CHAPTER 21 OF TITLE 33.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4876 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins and Bailey: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 27, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY AND CONVEYANCES, BY ADDING CHAPTER 50 SO AS TO REQUIRE A WRITTEN PROPERTY CONDITION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT UPON THE SALE OF CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, TO PROVIDE EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS REQUIREMENT, TO IMPOSE DUTIES ON OWNERS AND BROKERS IN REGARD TO THESE REQUIREMENTS, TO AUTHORIZE THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION TO PERFORM SPECIFIC DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS IN REGARD TO THESE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CIVIL PENALTIES AND OTHER REMEDIES UPON VIOLATION.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4877 (Word version) -- Reps. Kelley, Keegan, Quinn and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 33-42-75, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INTEREST OF A MANUFACTURER, BREWER, OR IMPORTER OF BEER LICENSED IN THIS STATE IN A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ACQUIRE A LICENSED BEER WHOLESALER.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 704--CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED
CONFERENCE REPORT
S. 704
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., April 4, 2000

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
S. 704 (Word version) -- Senators Holland and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 6, TITLE 23, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY BY ADDING ARTICLE 5, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A FORMER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY OR ANY AGENCY, OFFICE, OR UNIT TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENTAL RESTRUCTURING OR THEREAFTER, INCLUDING FORMER OR RETIRED OFFICERS MAY RECEIVE A SPECIAL DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CONSTABLE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR SHALL DETERMINE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THESE CONSTABLES, INCLUDING TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER CRITERIA; TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS COMMISSIONED BY THE DEPARTMENT MAY RECEIVE SPECIAL DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CONSTABLE IDENTIFICATION CARDS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-145, RELATING TO COMMISSIONED AND UNIFORMED OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COMMISSIONED OR UNIFORMED OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT MAY MAKE TRAFFIC STOPS.

Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:

That the same do pass with the following amendments: (Reference is to Printer's Version 6/2/99--S.)

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting therein the following:
/     SECTION     1.     Chapter 6, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 5
'Department of Public Safety Special Constable'

Section 23-6-200.         For purposes of this article:

(1)     'Former law enforcement officer' means:

(a)     an officer who was previously commissioned by the Governor and who during his law enforcement career worked for the department;

(b)     an officer who was commissioned by the Governor, and whose agency, office, or unit was transferred to the department pursuant to governmental restructuring, including former retired officers;

(c)     an officer who was previously commissioned by the Governor whose agency, office, or unit was transferred to the department pursuant to governmental restructuring or any subsequent restructuring, including former retired officers; or

(d)     other formerly commissioned law enforcement officers or retired officers in good standing from any law enforcement agency, state constables, or volunteer state constables serving without compensation whose appointment is certified by the State Law Enforcement Division as having completed the requisite training to maintain an active commission.

(2)     'Department of Public Safety Special Constable' means a commission authorized by the department for a former law enforcement officer as defined in (1).

(3)     'Director' means the chief administrative officer of the Department of Public Safety.

(4)     'Department' means Department of Public Safety.

Section 23-6-210.         (A)     The director is authorized to establish programs for the commissioning of former law enforcement officers of the department. An individual commissioned pursuant to this section shall receive a Department of Public Safety Special Constable commission.

(B)     The powers and duties of these special constables shall be determined by the director and specified in writing, and individuals commissioned pursuant to this section shall be subject to removal by the director at any time. Before assuming their duties, special constables shall take the oath of office required by law and successfully complete a course of training specified by the director.

(C)     A constable shall be entitled to enforce the laws of this State and exercise the duties of his office throughout the State except as may be limited in subsection (B).

(D)     The course of training required in subsection (B) does not apply to former officers holding a valid commission issued by another agency or governmental entity, except that all officers shall meet any annual continuing training requirements established by the director in order to maintain their commissions.

Section 23-6-220.         (A)     Constables may not receive compensation including, but not limited to, salary for services rendered absent specific statutory authorization.

(B)     Any uniforms and equipment issued by the department shall remain the property of the department, but may, in the discretion of the director, be entrusted to the care and control of the constables. A constable assisting a full-time department law enforcement officer shall wear uniforms or other insignia which identify the constable as a special law enforcement officer assisting the department.

(C)     Workers' compensation benefits may be provided on an as needed basis for special constables by the director in the same manner as benefits are provided for full-time officers. For purposes of compensation or benefits arising from duty-related injury or death, special constables shall be considered as employees of the department.

Section 23-6-230.         Identification cards registering a special constable must be issued by the Department of Public Safety for all individuals commissioned pursuant to this article.

Section 23-6-240.         Notwithstanding any other provision of law, constables who have received the required training shall be authorized by the director to carry pistols on and about their persons unless otherwise restricted by the director in writing. However, the director, after hearing and for cause, may deny such privilege to any constable pursuant to this section who is guilty of using his pistol at any time in a manner inconsistent with accepted law enforcement procedures as determined by the director or who has been convicted of any crime for which a penalty of imprisonment for more than one year may be imposed. The term 'conviction' shall include a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or forfeiture of bail."
SECTION     2.         Section 23-6-145 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-6-145.         A commissioned officer and or a uniformed officer of the department may, upon reasonable belief that any vehicle is being operated in violation of any provision of statutory law, require the driver thereof to stop and exhibit the registration card issued for the vehicle, the individual's driver's license, and submit to an inspection of such vehicle and license."
SECTION     3.     Section 1-11-140 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 145 of 1995, is further amended by adding an appropriately lettered subitem to read:

"( )         The board, through the Office of Insurance Services, is further authorized to provide insurance for state constables, including volunteer state constables, to protect these personnel against tort liability arising in the course of their employment, whether or not for compensation, while serving in a law enforcement capacity."
SECTION     4.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.     /

Amend title to conform.

Edward E. Saleeby                 Douglas Jennings, Jr.
/s/Robert Ford                    /s/William Douglas "Doug" Smith
/s/C. Bradley Hutto               /s/James Gladney "Jim" McGee III
On Part of the Senate             On Part of the House

Rep. D. SMITH explained the Conference Report.

The Conference Report was adopted and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill and Joint Resolution were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:

H. 4783 (Word version) -- Reps. Harris, Lucas, Jennings and Neilson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AUTHORIZED TO PILOT A PROGRAM TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF USING SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION AS PART OF A COORDINATED COMMUNITY SERVICE BY ALLOWING CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO RIDE STATE-OWNED SCHOOL BUSES OPERATED ON STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROVED ROUTES ON A SPACE-AVAILABLE BASIS AND UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO ALLOW THE USE OF STATE-OWNED SCHOOL BUSES IN CONJUNCTION WITH NONSCHOOL-RELATED ACTIVITIES OR PROGRAMS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROVISION IS NOT A WAIVER OR ABROGATION OF THE STATE'S LIMITED IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY AND SUIT UNDER THE STATE'S TORT CLAIMS ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST OBTAIN A SLED BACKGROUND CHECK ON EACH INDIVIDUAL WHO SEEKS PERMISSION TO RIDE A SCHOOL BUS PURSUANT TO THIS PROVISION, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ADULT GIVEN PERMISSION TO RIDE A SCHOOL BUS PURSUANT TO THIS PROVISION MUST POSSESS AND WEAR A PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION CARD CONTAINING CERTAIN INFORMATION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS OTHER THAN SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED "LAWFUL OCCUPANTS" PURSUANT TO CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Rep. HARRIS explained the Joint Resolution.

H. 4860 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Barrett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 30-5-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS' DUTIES BY A CLERK OF COURT IN CERTAIN COUNTIES, SO AS TO ADD OCONEE COUNTY TO THE LIST OF THOSE COUNTIES WHICH HAVE BOTH A REGISTER OF DEEDS AND A CLERK OF COURT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-5-12, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A REGISTER OF DEEDS, SO AS TO ADD OCONEE COUNTY TO THE LIST OF COUNTIES IN WHICH THE GOVERNING BODY APPOINTS THE REGISTER OF DEEDS.

Rep. SANDIFER explained the Bill.

H. 4716--SENATE AMENDMENTS AMENDED AND RETURNED TO THE SENATE

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:

H. 4716 (Word version) -- Reps. Altman, Campsen, Harrell and Limehouse: A BILL TO REQUIRE THE CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD TO PROVIDE SUITABLE SPACE FOR VOTING PURPOSES, AT NO CHARGE, WHEN REQUESTED BY THE COUNTY OR STATE CHAIRMAN OF A CERTIFIED POLITICAL PARTY.

Rep. SEITHEL proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\AMEND\21189SD00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
/ SECTION     2.     Section 10 of Act 340 of 1967, as last amended by Act 1602 of 1972, is further amended to read:

"Section 10.     The Board of Trustees of the Charleston School District shall prepare and submit to the Charleston County Legislative Delegation, as information on or before the fifteenth day of August June thirtieth of each year beginning in 1968 a proposed budget its complete proposed budgets for the ensuing school year. In order to obtain funds for school purposes the board is authorized to impose an annual tax levy, commencing in 1968, not to exceed ninety mills, exclusive of any millage imposed for bond debt service. In the event the board determines that the annual tax levy should exceed ninety mills, the board shall hold a public hearing on the question at least two weeks prior to submitting such request to the legislative delegation before acting on such increase. Notice of such the public hearing shall must be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, and shall state the date, time, and place of the hearing as well as a clearly worded statement of the requested proposed annual tax levy. Upon certification by the board to the county auditor of the tax levy to be imposed, the auditor shall levy and the county treasurer shall collect the millage so certified upon all taxable property in the district." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. SEITHEL explained the amendment.

Rep. ALTMAN moved to table the amendment.

Rep. SEITHEL demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 4; Nays 7

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Altman                 Campsen                Harrell
Limehouse

Total--4

Those who voted in the negative are:

Breeland               Dantzler               Inabinett
Mack                   Seithel                Whatley
Whipper

Total--7

So, the House refused to table the amendment.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. ALTMAN raised the Point of Order that Amendment No. 1 was out of order in that it was not germane to the Bill.
SPEAKER WILKINS overruled the Point of Order.

The question then recurred to the adoption of the amendment.

Rep. ALTMAN demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 7; Nays 4

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Breeland               Dantzler               Inabinett
Mack                   Seithel                Whatley
Whipper

Total--7

Those who voted in the negative are:

Altman                 Campsen                Harrell
Limehouse

Total--4

So, the amendment was adopted.

Reps. HARRELL, CAMPSEN and LIMEHOUSE proposed the following Amendment No. 3 (Doc Name BBM\AMEND\9465HTC00), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, beginning on page 1 by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
/ SECTION     2.     Section 10 of Act 340 of 1967, as last amended by Act 1602 of 1972, is further amended to read:

"Section 10.     The Board of Trustees of the Charleston School District shall prepare and submit to the Charleston County Legislative Delegation Council, as information, on or before the fifteenth day of August thirtieth day of June of each year beginning in 1968 a proposed budget for the ensuing school year. In order to obtain funds for school purposes the board is authorized to impose an annual tax levy, commencing in 1968, not to exceed ninety mills, exclusive of any millage imposed for bond debt service. In the event the board determines that the annual tax levy should exceed ninety mills, the board shall hold a public hearing on the question at least two weeks prior to submitting such the request to the legislative delegation county council. Notice of such the public hearing shall must be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, and shall must state the date, time, and place of the hearing as well as a clearly worded statement of the requested annual tax levy. Upon certification by the board to the county auditor of the tax levy to be imposed the auditor shall levy and the county treasurer shall collect the millage so certified upon all taxable property in the district. A tax levy for any year exceeding ninety mills must be approved by county council by ordinance."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. HARRELL explained the amendment.

Rep. INABINETT moved to table the amendment.

Rep. HARRELL demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 7; Nays 4

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Breeland               Dantzler               Inabinett
Mack                   Seithel                Whatley
Whipper

Total--7

Those who voted in the negative are:

Altman                 Campsen                Harrell
Limehouse

Total--4

So, the amendment was tabled.

The Senate amendments, as amended, were then agreed to and the Bill was ordered returned to the Senate.

STATEMENT FOR THE JOURNAL
ABSTENTION FROM VOTING ON H. 4716
BASED ON POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST

In accordance with Section 8-13-700(B) of the S.C. Code, I abstained from voting on the above referenced Bill because of a potential conflict of interest and wish to have my recusal noted for the record in the House Journal of this date:

The reason for abstaining on the above referenced legislation is:

A potential conflict of interest may exist in that an economic interest of myself, an immediate family member, or an individual or business with which I am associated may be affected in violation of S.C. Code Section 8-13-700(B).

Rep. Converse A. Chellis III

RETURNED TO THE SENATE WITH AMENDMENTS

The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments:

S. 139 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Giese, Leventis, Russell and Reese: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 32 SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR BODY PIERCING IN THIS STATE, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR REGISTRATION, PAYMENT OF FEES, INSPECTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, AND CRIMINAL OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 4550 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, G. Brown, Askins, Bailey, Barrett, Canty, Cato, Chellis, Davenport, Edge, Fleming, Frye, Gilham, Govan, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Hosey, Howard, Keegan, Kelley, Kirsh, Lanford, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Martin, McCraw, M. McLeod, Meacham-Richardson, Moody-Lawrence, Perry, Phillips, Quinn, Rodgers, J. Smith, R. Smith, Stille, Tripp, Trotter, Walker, Webb, Wilder, Young-Brickell, Neilson, Emory, J. M. Neal and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 55, TITLE 39, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CEMETERIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA PERPETUAL CARE CEMETERY BOARD UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION; TO CONFORM THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL BOARDS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT; AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF CEMETERY COMPANIES.

MOTION PERIOD

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. FLEMING.

H. 4127--RECOMMITTED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4127 (Word version) -- Reps. Stuart, Cobb-Hunter, Gamble, Harris, J. Hines, Jennings, Lee, Littlejohn, Moody-Lawrence, Neilson, Ott, Rodgers, Simrill and Woodrum: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AS AMENDED, BY ADDING SECTION 59-67-546 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD MAY ALLOW AN INDIVIDUAL TO RIDE A STATE-OWNED SCHOOL BUS OPERATED ON STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROVED ROUTES ON A SPACE-AVAILABLE BASIS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND MAY ALLOW THE USE OF STATE-OWNED SCHOOL BUSES IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NON-SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITY OR PROGRAM UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROVISION MUST NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A WAIVER OR ABROGATION OF THE STATE'S LIMITED IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY AND SUIT UNDER THE STATE'S TORT CLAIMS ACT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD SHALL INDEMNIFY THE STATE AGAINST LEGAL CLAIMS FILED AGAINST THE STATE DUE TO CERTAIN NEGLIGENT ACTS PERFORMED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.

Rep. TOWNSEND moved to recommit the Bill, which was agreed to.

H. 4306--INTERRUPTED DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4306 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse and Fleming: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-7-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A ONE DOLLAR SURCHARGE MUST BE IMPOSED IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PENALTY ASSOCIATED WITH AN OFFENSE CONTAINED ON A UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKET ISSUED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND BE DISBURSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS TO FUND SPINAL CORD INJURY RESEARCH PROJECTS.

The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\AMEND\21011SD00):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1.     Subsections (A) and (B) of Section 14-1-211 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 105 of 1999, is further amended to read:

"(A)(1)     In addition to all other assessments and surcharges, a one hundred dollar surcharge is imposed on all convictions obtained in general sessions court and a twenty-five dollar surcharge is imposed on all convictions obtained in magistrate's and municipal court in this State. The surcharge must not be imposed on convictions for misdemeanor traffic offenses. However, the surcharge applies to all violations of Section 56-5-2930, driving under the influence of liquor, drugs, or like substances. No portion of the surcharge may be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(2)     In addition to all other assessments and surcharges, a five dollar surcharge is imposed on all convictions for misdemeanor traffic offenses obtained in general sessions court and in magistrate's and municipal court in this State. No portion of the surcharge may be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)     The revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A)(1) must be retained by the jurisdiction which heard or processed the case and paid to the city or county treasurer, for the purpose of providing services for the victims of crime, including those required by law. Any funds retained by the county or city treasurer pursuant to subsection (A)(1) must be deposited into a separate account for the exclusive use for all activities related to the requirements contained in this provision. For the purpose of funds allocation and expenditure, these funds are a part of the general funds of the city or county. These funds must be appropriated for the exclusive purpose of providing victim services as required by Article 15 of Title 16; specifically, those service requirements that are imposed on local law enforcement, local detention facilities, prosecutors, and the summary courts. First priority must be given to those victims' assistance programs which are required by Article 15 of Title 16 and second priority must be given to programs which expand victims' services beyond those required by Article 15 of Title 16. These funds must be used for, but are not limited to, salaries, equipment that includes computer equipment and internet access, or other expenditures necessary for providing services to crime victims. All unused funds must be carried forward from year to year and used exclusively for the provision of services to the victims of crime. All unused funds must be separately identified in the governmental entity's adopted budget as funds unused and carried forward from previous years. The revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A)(2) must be paid over to the State Treasurer monthly and placed in a separate account to be used for spinal cord research by the Medical University of South Carolina.

All one-time operating and administrative costs for municipal and county governments related to computer upgrades or programming related to this additional five dollar surcharge shall be deducted from the revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A)(2) by municipal and county governments before remission of these funds to the State Treasurer. All operating, personnel, and administrative costs and expenses of the Spinal Cord Injury Research Board and its programs as established in Article 5, Chapter 38 of Title 44, must be paid for through revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A)(2) and deposited in this separate account. A report detailing the use of these funds must be furnished to the General Assembly on an annual basis."
SECTION 2.     Chapter 38, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 5
Spinal Cord Injury Research Board

Section 44-38-510.     (A)     The South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Research Board is created for the purpose of administering the spinal cord injury research fund created pursuant to Section 14-1-211. The board is composed of seven members who must be residents of this state, and appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the President of the Medical University of South Carolina, as follows: two members who are medical doctors from the staff or faculty of the Medical University of South Carolina; two members who are medical doctors specializing or significantly engaged in treatment of spinal cord injuries in South Carolina; two members who have a spinal cord injury or who have a family member with a spinal cord injury; and one at-large member who is a medical doctor and a member of the South Carolina Medical Association.

(B)     The terms of board members shall be four years, except that the Governor must stagger the initial appointments to the board so that one of the two members who are medical doctors from the staff or faculty of the Medical University of South Carolina shall be appointed for a two year term; one of the two members who are medical doctors specializing or significantly engaged in treatment of spinal cord injuries in South Carolina shall be appointed for a two year term; one of the two members who have a spinal cord injury or who have a family member with a spinal cord or head injury shall be appointed for a two year term; and the at-large member who is a medical doctor and a member of the South Carolina Medical Association shall serve a three year term. All subsequent appointments shall be for four year terms.

(C)     At the end of a term, a member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun shall serve the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who serves two consecutive four year terms shall not be reappointed for two years after completion of those terms.

(D)     A majority of the membership of the board shall constitute a quorum.

(E)     The board shall elect, by a majority vote, a chairman who shall be the presiding officer of the board, preside at all meetings, and coordinate the functions and activities of the board. The chairman shall be elected or reelected for each calendar year. The board shall have such other organization as deemed necessary and approved by the board.

(F)     Meetings of the board shall be held at least twice a year but may be held more frequently as deemed necessary, subject to call by the chairman or by request of a majority of the board members. Board meetings shall concern, among other things, policy matters relating to spinal cord injury research projects and programs, research progress reports, authorization of projects and financial plans, and other matters necessary to carry out the intent of this section.

(G)     No member of the board shall be subject to any personal liability or accountability for any loss sustained or damage suffered on account of any action or inaction of the board.

(H)     Board members shall be reimbursed for ordinary travel expenses, including meals and lodging, incurred in the performance of duties.

(I)     The board shall be attached to the Medical University of South Carolina for meetings, staff, and administrative purposes.

(J)     The board shall set forth guidelines and standards for allocation of these funds.

(K)     Nothing in this article prohibits the board from allocating funds for spinal cord research projects at other institutions other than MUSC as long as the receiving institution shares the research statistics with each medical institution in this State."
SECTION     3.     This act takes effect on December 1, 2000. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. ASKINS explained the amendment.
Rep. PERRY spoke in favor of the amendment.
Rep. PERRY spoke in favor of the amendment.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. KIRSH raised the Point of Order that Amendment No. 1 was out of order under Rule 4.4 in that it attempted to appropriate money in the Bill and therefore the Bill should be referred to the Ways and Means Committee before being considered by the House.
SPEAKER WILKINS stated that the Point of Order was premature since the amendment had not been adopted and he therefore overruled the Point of Order.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. KIRSH raised the Point of Order that the Bill was out of order under Rule 4.4 in that it was a statewide bill, which appropriated money and should first be referred to the Ways and Means Committee before being considered by the House.
SPEAKER WILKINS stated that he would render a ruling upon the conclusion of the Joint Assembly.

Further proceedings were interrupted by the Joint Assembly, the pending question being the ruling on the Point of Order on the Bill and consideration of Amendment No. 1, Rep. PERRY having the floor.

JOINT ASSEMBLY

At 12:00 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.

PRESENTATION OF LIFE ABILITIES-
EASTER SEAL REPRESENTATIVES

The Reading Clerk of the Senate read the following Concurrent Resolution:

S. 1077 (Word version) -- Senator Giese: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2000, AS "DISABILITIES DAY", TO ENDORSE THE "B.A.C.-COFFEE DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES" PROJECT AND OTHER OUTSTANDING PROGRAMS OF EASTER SEALS SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A JOINT SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 11:30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2000, AT WHICH TIME THE STATE EASTER SEAL REPRESENTATIVES AND THEIR PARENTS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The State Easter Seal Representatives, their parents, and members of their party entered the Chamber.
The PRESIDENT of the Senate then recognized Senator GIESE, who addressed the Joint Assembly as follows:
"Mr. PRESIDENT, thank you very much. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to stand before you today to participate in the forty-eighth annual Buck-A-Cup campaign kickoff. You know to an old coach, kickoff has a very special meaning. You expect great things when you kick something off and we expect great things kicking off this Buck-A-Cup campaign. Thousands of law enforcement officers and the South Carolina Restaurant Association volunteers have raised over ten million dollars in the last forty-eight years. The campaign begins today and, as always, runs through Good Friday, this year on April 21. I would now like to introduce the children who are Easter Seals to us."

Senator GIESE introduced the following members who presented the State Easter Seal Representatives and guests:
Senator J. V. SMITH and Representative ALLISON escorted Trevor Conrad, son of Suzan Conrad of Greer.
Senator LEATHERMAN and Representative MCGEE escorted Taylor Parrott, son of Jeannie and Chip Parrott of Florence.
Senator PATTERSON and Representative J. BROWN escorted Karl Hoecke, son of W.C. and Catherine Hoecke of Columbia.
Senator RUSSELL and Representative LEE escorted Christine Harley, daughter of Debora and Mark Harley of Spartanburg.
Senator MESCHER and Representative H. BROWN escorted Tyler Cauldwell, son of Kimberly Cauldwell of Hanahan.
Senator WALDREP and Representative ALLEN escorted Josh MacDonald, son of Alan and Candy MacDonald of Anderson.
Upon the conclusion of the presentation, the honored guests and escort party retired from the Chamber.

JOINT ASSEMBLY RECEDES

The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the PRESIDENT announced that under the terms of the Concurrent Resolution the Joint Assembly would recede from business.
The Senate accordingly retired to its Chamber.

THE HOUSE RESUMES

At 12:20 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

H. 4306--COMMITTED

Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of the ruling on the Point of Order on the Bill and Amendment No. 1, Rep. PERRY having the floor:

H. 4306 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse and Fleming: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-7-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A ONE DOLLAR SURCHARGE MUST BE IMPOSED IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PENALTY ASSOCIATED WITH AN OFFENSE CONTAINED ON A UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKET ISSUED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND BE DISBURSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS TO FUND SPINAL CORD INJURY RESEARCH PROJECTS.

SPEAKER'S RULING ON POINT OF ORDER

SPEAKER WILKINS stated that based on the Supreme Court case of Walker vs. Durham and a similar 1999 Point of Order, which was overruled, there was not a specific sum of money indicated and he therefore overruled the Point of Order.

The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\AMEND\21011SD00):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1.     Subsections (A) and (B) of Section 14-1-211 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 105 of 1999, is further amended to read:

"(A)(1)     In addition to all other assessments and surcharges, a one hundred dollar surcharge is imposed on all convictions obtained in general sessions court and a twenty-five dollar surcharge is imposed on all convictions obtained in magistrate's and municipal court in this State. The surcharge must not be imposed on convictions for misdemeanor traffic offenses. However, the surcharge applies to all violations of Section 56-5-2930, driving under the influence of liquor, drugs, or like substances. No portion of the surcharge may be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(2)     In addition to all other assessments and surcharges, a five dollar surcharge is imposed on all convictions for misdemeanor traffic offenses obtained in general sessions court and in magistrate's and municipal court in this State. No portion of the surcharge may be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)     The revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A)(1) must be retained by the jurisdiction which heard or processed the case and paid to the city or county treasurer, for the purpose of providing services for the victims of crime, including those required by law. Any funds retained by the county or city treasurer pursuant to subsection (A)(1) must be deposited into a separate account for the exclusive use for all activities related to the requirements contained in this provision. For the purpose of funds allocation and expenditure, these funds are a part of the general funds of the city or county. These funds must be appropriated for the exclusive purpose of providing victim services as required by Article 15 of Title 16; specifically, those service requirements that are imposed on local law enforcement, local detention facilities, prosecutors, and the summary courts. First priority must be given to those victims' assistance programs which are required by Article 15 of Title 16 and second priority must be given to programs which expand victims' services beyond those required by Article 15 of Title 16. These funds must be used for, but are not limited to, salaries, equipment that includes computer equipment and internet access, or other expenditures necessary for providing services to crime victims. All unused funds must be carried forward from year to year and used exclusively for the provision of services to the victims of crime. All unused funds must be separately identified in the governmental entity's adopted budget as funds unused and carried forward from previous years. The revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A)(2) must be paid over to the State Treasurer monthly and placed in a separate account to be used for spinal cord research by the Medical University of South Carolina.

All one-time operating and administrative costs for municipal and county governments related to computer upgrades or programming related to this additional five dollar surcharge shall be deducted from the revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A)(2) by municipal and county governments before remission of these funds to the State Treasurer. All operating, personnel, and administrative costs and expenses of the Spinal Cord Injury Research Board and its programs as established in Article 5, Chapter 38 of Title 44, must be paid for through revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A)(2) and deposited in this separate account. A report detailing the use of these funds must be furnished to the General Assembly on an annual basis."
SECTION 2.     Chapter 38, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 5
Spinal Cord Injury Research Board

Section 44-38-510.     (A)     The South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Research Board is created for the purpose of administering the spinal cord injury research fund created pursuant to Section 14-1-211. The board is composed of seven members who must be residents of this state, and appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the President of the Medical University of South Carolina, as follows: two members who are medical doctors from the staff or faculty of the Medical University of South Carolina; two members who are medical doctors specializing or significantly engaged in treatment of spinal cord injuries in South Carolina; two members who have a spinal cord injury or who have a family member with a spinal cord injury; and one at-large member who is a medical doctor and a member of the South Carolina Medical Association.

(B)     The terms of board members shall be four years, except that the Governor must stagger the initial appointments to the board so that one of the two members who are medical doctors from the staff or faculty of the Medical University of South Carolina shall be appointed for a two year term; one of the two members who are medical doctors specializing or significantly engaged in treatment of spinal cord injuries in South Carolina shall be appointed for a two year term; one of the two members who have a spinal cord injury or who have a family member with a spinal cord or head injury shall be appointed for a two year term; and the at-large member who is a medical doctor and a member of the South Carolina Medical Association shall serve a three year term. All subsequent appointments shall be for four year terms.

(C)     At the end of a term, a member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun shall serve the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who serves two consecutive four year terms shall not be reappointed for two years after completion of those terms.

(D)     A majority of the membership of the board shall constitute a quorum.

(E)     The board shall elect, by a majority vote, a chairman who shall be the presiding officer of the board, preside at all meetings, and coordinate the functions and activities of the board. The chairman shall be elected or reelected for each calendar year. The board shall have such other organization as deemed necessary and approved by the board.

(F)     Meetings of the board shall be held at least twice a year but may be held more frequently as deemed necessary, subject to call by the chairman or by request of a majority of the board members. Board meetings shall concern, among other things, policy matters relating to spinal cord injury research projects and programs, research progress reports, authorization of projects and financial plans, and other matters necessary to carry out the intent of this section.

(G)     No member of the board shall be subject to any personal liability or accountability for any loss sustained or damage suffered on account of any action or inaction of the board.

(H)     Board members shall be reimbursed for ordinary travel expenses, including meals and lodging, incurred in the performance of duties.

(I)     The board shall be attached to the Medical University of South Carolina for meetings, staff, and administrative purposes.

(J)     The board shall set forth guidelines and standards for allocation of these funds.

(K)     Nothing in this article prohibits the board from allocating funds for spinal cord research projects at other institutions other than MUSC as long as the receiving institution shares the research statistics with each medical institution in this State."
SECTION     3.     This act takes effect on December 1, 2000. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. PERRY continued speaking.

Rep. SIMRILL moved to commit the Bill to the Judiciary Committee.

Rep. FLEMING moved to table the motion, which was rejected.

The question then recurred to the motion to commit the Bill to the Judiciary Committee.

Rep. FLEMING demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 54; Nays 35

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Bailey                 Battle                 Bowers
Brown, H.              Brown, T.              Campsen
Canty                  Carnell                Cato
Clyburn                Cooper                 Cotty
Dantzler               Delleney               Easterday
Emory                  Gamble                 Gourdine
Govan                  Harris                 Hinson
Hosey                  Howard                 Kennedy
Kirsh                  Knotts                 Law
Lloyd                  Loftis                 McLeod, M.
McLeod, W.             McMahand               Meacham-Richardson
Miller                 Neal, J.M.             Parks
Rice                   Riser                  Robinson
Rodgers                Sharpe                 Sheheen
Simrill                Smith, R.              Stille
Tripp                  Walker                 Webb
Whatley                Whipper                Wilkes
Witherspoon            Woodrum                Young-Brickell

Total--54

Those who voted in the negative are:

Allen                  Askins                 Bales
Barrett                Chellis                Edge
Fleming                Frye                   Hamilton
Harrell                Harrison               Hawkins
Inabinett              Keegan                 Kelley
Klauber                Koon                   Leach
Littlejohn             Lourie                 Lucas
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
Perry                  Phillips               Quinn
Sandifer               Seithel                Smith, D.
Smith, J.              Taylor                 Trotter
Wilder                 Wilkins

Total--35

So, the Bill was committed.

H. 4491--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4491 (Word version) -- Reps. Campsen, Edge, Wilkins, Allison, Altman, Barfield, Barrett, Beck, Cato, Cotty, Delleney, Easterday, Frye, Gilham, Hamilton, Harris, Harrison, Haskins, Huggins, Jennings, Leach, Limehouse, Loftis, Lucas, McGee, Meacham-Richardson, Perry, Quinn, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Simrill, D. Smith, Stille, Tripp, Vaughn, Witherspoon, Kelley and W. McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-19-170 ENACTING THE "GAMBLING CRUISE PROHIBITION ACT" SO AS TO PROHIBIT GAMBLING OR THE REPAIR OF GAMBLING DEVICES ON A VESSEL IN A VOYAGE THAT BEGINS AND ENDS WITHIN THIS STATE AND PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF A VESSEL THAT TRANSPORTS PERSONS TO ANOTHER VESSEL FOR THE PURPOSE OF GAMBLING IF BOTH THE TRANSPORTING VESSEL AND THE VESSEL ON WHICH A GAMBLING DEVICE IS USED OR REPAIRED BEGINS AND ENDS ITS VOYAGE IN THIS STATE, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.

Rep. KLAUBER proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\AMEND\21101SD00), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 16-19-170 of the 1976 Code as contained in SECTION 2, pages 4491-2, by adding a new subitem (c) to subsection (A)(1) to read:

/(c)     The term 'vessel' as used above and for purposes of this section does not include a commercial passenger vessel having berth or stateroom accommodations for more than five hundred passengers on a voyage which extends over one or more nights regardless of its beginning and ending locations./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. COTTY explained the amendment.

Rep. COTTY moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.

RECORD FOR VOTING

I am voting against Amendment No. 2 because after drafting the amendment, I am not convinced that it meets constitutional muster with regard to the Equal Protection Clause. Since the case law on this issue is not settled and I have always opposed gambling in South Carolina, I must vote to defeat this amendment.

Rep. James S. Klauber

Rep. CAMPSEN proposed the following Amendment No. 4 (Doc Name COUNCIL\BBM\AMEND\9468HTC00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 16-19-170(A) as contained in SECTION 2, pages (4491-2), by adding a new item immediately after item (2) to read:
/     (3)     For purposes of this section, an 'Intervening stop' occurs when a vessel departs the jurisdictional waters of this State and sails into United States or international waters on a voyage or segment of a voyage, and between the time the vessel departs the jurisdictional waters of this State and the time it returns to the jurisdictional waters of this State, each of the following occurs:

(a)     a person repairs or uses any gambling device aboard the vessel; and

(b)     the vessel docks at a port of call in another state or possession of the United States or foreign country and remains in that port for at least six hours so as to allow passengers the opportunity to disembark the vessel for sightseeing, shopping, or other tourism-related activities at that port. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the Yeas and Nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 93; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allen                  Allison                Askins
Bailey                 Bales                  Barrett
Battle                 Bowers                 Brown, H.
Brown, T.              Campsen                Canty
Cato                   Chellis                Clyburn
Cooper                 Cotty                  Davenport
Delleney               Easterday              Edge
Emory                  Frye                   Gamble
Gourdine               Hamilton               Harrell
Harris                 Harrison               Harvin
Haskins                Hawkins                Hines, J.
Hines, M.              Hinson                 Hosey
Huggins                Inabinett              Keegan
Kelley                 Kennedy                Kirsh
Klauber                Knotts                 Koon
Lanford                Law                    Leach
Littlejohn             Lloyd                  Loftis
Lourie                 Lucas                  Martin
McCraw                 McGee                  McLeod, M.
McLeod, W.             McMahand               Meacham-Richardson
Miller                 Moody-Lawrence         Neal, J.M.
Neilson                Parks                  Perry
Quinn                  Rice                   Robinson
Rodgers                Sandifer               Scott
Seithel                Sharpe                 Sheheen
Simrill                Smith, D.              Smith, J.
Smith, R.              Stille                 Taylor
Townsend               Tripp                  Trotter
Walker                 Webb                   Whatley
Whipper                Wilder                 Wilkins
Witherspoon            Woodrum                Young-Brickell

Total--93

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

H. 3300--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3300 (Word version) -- Reps. Beck, Mason, R. Smith, Lourie, J. Smith, Jennings, Emory, Howard and Seithel: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-195 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS MUST TRANSPORT TEN OR MORE STUDENTS IN A SCHOOL BUS OR ACTIVITY BUS, PROVIDE THAT VEHICLES PURCHASED BEFORE A CERTAIN DATE HAVE A GRACE PERIOD DURING WHICH THEY MUST COMPLY WITH THIS PROVISION, AND PROVIDE THAT DURING THE GRACE PERIOD A NON-COMPLYING VEHICLE MUST DISPLAY A DECAL THAT STATES THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MEET THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF A SCHOOL BUS; BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-196 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MUST NOTIFY OWNERS OF CERTAIN VEHICLES USED TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-190, RELATING TO SCHOOL BUSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROVISION APPLIES TO SCHOOL BUSES TRANSPORTING STUDENTS TO BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-67-30, RELATING TO PAINTING AND MARKINGS ON SCHOOL BUSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE MARKINGS THAT MUST APPEAR ON A SCHOOL BUS THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STATE'S REQUIREMENTS.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name GGS\AMEND\22547CM00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION     1.     The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-5-195.     (A)     Effective July 1, 2000, any entity transporting preprimary, primary, or secondary school students to or from school, school-related activities, or child care, and utilizing a vehicle defined as a 'school bus' under 49 U.S.C. Section 30125, or any successor to this section, must transport these students in a vehicle meeting federal school bus safety standards, as contained in 49 U.S.C. Section 30101, et seq., or any successor statutes, and all applicable federal regulations. Nothing in this section prohibits the transportation of children to or from child care in nonconforming vehicles by a State of South Carolina human service provider or public transportation authority as long as each child is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian whose transportation is in connection with his work, education, or training.

(B)     Notwithstanding subsection (A) of this section, any vehicle that is purchased before July 1, 2000, and is utilized to transport preprimary, primary, or secondary students to or from school, school-related activities, or child care is not subject to the requirements contained in subsection (A) of this section until July 1, 2006. A vehicle that is purchased on or after July 1, 2000, and is utilized to transport preprimary, primary, or secondary students to or from school, school related activities, or child care is subject to the requirements contained in subsection (A) of this section once the vehicle is utilized for those purposes.

(C)     Before July 1, 2006, nothing in this section may be construed to create a duty or other obligation to cease utilizing nonconforming vehicles purchased before the effective date of this Act.

(D)     To facilitate compliance with the provisions contained in this section, any entity contained in this section may purchase conforming vehicles under the State of South Carolina contracts for purchase of these vehicles.

(E)     Nothing in the section prohibits the transportation of students by common carriers that are not exclusively engaged in the transportation of school students or by the entities subject to this section which own or operate these vehicles. However, the motor carriage used by the common carrier or entity to transport students must be designed to carry thirty or more passengers."
SECTION     2.     The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-5-196.     The parents or legal guardians of a student who is eligible to receive public school bus transportation must have the option of designating a child daycare center or other before or after school program as the student's origin or destination for school transportation."
SECTION     3.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. WALKER explained the amendment.
Rep. WALKER spoke in favor of the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. LOURIE proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\AMEND\11960CM00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 56-5-195(A) as contained in SECTION 1, by striking line 33, page [3300-1] and inserting:
/Section 30125, as defined on April 5, 2000, must transport/
Amend title to conform.

Rep. LOURIE explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the Yeas and Nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 86; Nays 11

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Bailey                 Bales
Barrett                Battle                 Breeland
Brown, G.              Brown, H.              Brown, J.
Brown, T.              Clyburn                Cotty
Dantzler               Edge                   Emory
Fleming                Frye                   Gamble
Gilham                 Gourdine               Govan
Hamilton               Harrell                Harrison
Harvin                 Haskins                Hayes
Hines, J.              Hinson                 Howard
Huggins                Keegan                 Kelley
Kirsh                  Knotts                 Koon
Lanford                Law                    Leach
Lee                    Limehouse              Littlejohn
Lloyd                  Loftis                 Lourie
Lucas                  Mack                   Martin
McCraw                 McGee                  McLeod, M.
McLeod, W.             McMahand               Meacham-Richardson
Miller                 Moody-Lawrence         Neal, J.M.
Neilson                Parks                  Perry
Phillips               Quinn                  Rhoad
Rice                   Riser                  Robinson
Rodgers                Rutherford             Sandifer
Scott                  Sharpe                 Sheheen
Simrill                Smith, J.              Smith, R.
Stille                 Taylor                 Townsend
Trotter                Walker                 Webb
Whatley                Wilder                 Wilkes
Wilkins                Witherspoon

Total--86

Those who voted in the negative are:

Allen                  Bowers                 Cato
Chellis                Cooper                 Davenport
Delleney               Easterday              Tripp
Woodrum                Young-Brickell

Total--11

So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. TOWNSEND moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., April 5, 2000
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Conference on S. 704:

S. 704 (Word version) -- Senators Holland and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 6, TITLE 23, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY BY ADDING ARTICLE 5, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A FORMER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY OR ANY AGENCY, OFFICE OR UNIT TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENTAL RESTRUCTURING OR THEREAFTER, INCLUDING FORMER OR RETIRED OFFICERS MAY RECEIVE A SPECIAL DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CONSTABLE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR SHALL DETERMINE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THESE CONSTABLES, INCLUDING TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER CRITERIA; TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS COMMISSIONED BY THE DEPARTMENT MAY RECEIVE SPECIAL DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CONSTABLE IDENTIFICATION CARDS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-145, RELATING TO COMMISSIONED AND UNIFORMED OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COMMISSIONED OR UNIFORMED OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT MAY MAKE TRAFFIC STOPS.

Very respectfully,
President

S. 704--ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The Report of the Committee of Conference having been adopted by both Houses, and this Bill having been read three times in each House, it was ordered that the title thereof be changed to that of an Act and that it be enrolled for ratification.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4878 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport and Walker: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND EXPRESSING THE GRATITUDE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE STUDENTS OF BOILING SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL FOR DEMONSTRATING THE VERY EXCELLENCE THAT THE STATE IS STRIVING TO MAKE A REALITY IN ALL SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOLS AND ENCOURAGING EACH STUDENT TO CONTINUE TO BE A SOURCE OF GREAT PRIDE AS THEY GRADUATE AND BECOME AMBASSADORS OF SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4879 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport and Walker: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE GRATITUDE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND STAFF OF SPARTANBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE RECOGNITION OF BOILING SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL AS A CAROLINA FIRST PALMETTO'S FINEST INSTITUTION AND WHO CREATE THE RICH LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WHICH IS THE KEY TO EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4880 (Word version) -- Rep. Lucas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT AND REGULATIONS, CONCERNING HUNTING MIGRATORY BIRDS AND WATERFOWL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE LEGAL SHOOTING HOURS ON DAYS THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DESIGNATES AS LESS THAN A FULL DAY FOR HUNTING DOVES IS FROM ONE-HALF HOUR BEFORE SUNRISE UNTIL TWELVE-THIRTY P.M.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 4881 (Word version) -- Rep. Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-770, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SHRIMP TRAWLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HAVE ON BOARD OR TO TRAWL WITH ANY TRAWL HAVING A TOTAL FOOT ROPE LENGTH GREATER THAN TWO HUNDRED TWENTY FEET, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 4882 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Smith and Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-250, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR TAXPAYERS OVER AGE SIXTY-FIVE, TOTALLY AND PERMANENTLY DISABLED OR LEGALLY BLIND, SO AS TO RAISE THE EXEMPTION FROM TWENTY TO FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS AND TO DELETE AN OBSOLETE PROVISION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4883 (Word version) -- Rep. Lourie: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE DEEP APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THEIR INVALUABLE DEDICATION AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITIES ON THE OCCASION OF THE "YOUTH OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION" APRIL 5 AND 6, 2000, AND TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE OUTSTANDING 2000 YOUTH OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 4859 (Word version) -- Rep. Riser: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL "WILDCATS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND THEIR COACHES FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL SEASON AND ON THE OCCASION OF WINNING THE 1999-2000 CLASS AAAA STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

H. 4883 (Word version) -- Rep. Lourie: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE DEEP APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THEIR INVALUABLE DEDICATION AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITIES ON THE OCCASION OF THE "YOUTH OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION" APRIL 5 AND 6, 2000, AND TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE OUTSTANDING 2000 YOUTH OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES.

ADJOURNMENT

At 1:10 p.m. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. LAW adjourned to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

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