South Carolina General Assembly
116th Session, 2005-2006
Journal of the House of Representatives

Wednesday, March 22, 2006
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr., as follows:

Our thought for today is from Colossians 4:5: "Be wise in the way you act, make the most of every opportunity."
Let us pray. Fill us O Lord, with Your spirit as these Representatives wrestle with decisions that have life changing consequences for many people in our State. Give courage of conviction and wisdom to each this day. Help them to make laws and resolutions for the good of all. Bless and keep in Your care our Nation, President, State, Governor and leaders. Protect and keep our defenders of freedom as they protect us. In Your name we pray. 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.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. SCOTT moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Gordon Parks of New York City, which was agreed to.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

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

H. 4821 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Barfield, Edge, Hardwick and Witherspoon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF HIGHWAY 139 IN HORRY COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 701 IN THE TOWN OF LORIS TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH CANE BRANCH ROAD IN THE CITY OF CONWAY THE "AUSTIN M. ENZOR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "AUSTIN M. ENZOR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 4827 (Word version) -- Rep. J. E. Smith: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES AND EMPLOYERS TO INCLUDE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE SCREENING AND DETECTION OF COLORECTAL CANCER, AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO BECOME BETTER EDUCATED ABOUT THE HEALTH BENEFITS AND HEALTH CARE COST BENEFITS OF EARLY CANCER DETECTION THROUGH COLORECTAL SCREENING.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4317 (Word version) -- Reps. Brady, Funderburk, Mitchell, Bowers, Ballentine, Ceips and Scarborough: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 48-52-690 TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACT SO AS TO REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF "GREEN BUILDING" OR COMPARABLE STANDARDS TO STANDARDS OR MEASURES OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION, WITH LIMITATIONS TO BUILDINGS OF MORE THAN TEN MILLION DOLLARS AND EXEMPTIONS OF CERTAIN STATE-FUNDED STRUCTURES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

S. 46 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 29-5-21, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SURVEYOR'S SERVICES AS MATERIAL FURNISHED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF REAL ESTATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A REAL ESTATE LICENSEE WHO PERFORMS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE OWNER OF REAL ESTATE INCIDENT TO A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION PURSUANT TO A WRITTEN AGREEMENT HAS FURNISHED LABOR OR MATERIAL FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF REAL ESTATE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 4559 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, Allen, Ballentine, Bannister, Dantzler, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Haskins, Hinson, Leach, Loftis, Merrill, F. N. Smith, J. R. Smith, Umphlett and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-200 SO AS TO PROVIDE A UNIFORM METHOD OF FILLING VACANCIES IN AN ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICE WHEN A PERSON MOVES HIS RESIDENCE OUTSIDE OF THE AREA FROM WHICH HE WAS ELECTED OR APPOINTED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4866 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND DANIEL R. DIMICCO FOR HIS EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP AND DILIGENCE AS VICE CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT, AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF NUCOR CORPORATION AND HIS COMMITMENT TO PRESERVING SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE NATION'S MANUFACTURING SECTOR THROUGH HIS PERSEVERANCE, INTEGRITY, AND FAITH IN THE AMERICAN WORKFORCE.

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4867 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE MRS. LILLIE PATTON DEVLIN, A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF GREENWOOD COUNTY, ON THE OCCASION OF HER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES TO HER FOR MANY MORE TO COME.

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

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

H. 4868 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Duncan and M. A. Pitts: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE WEEK OF APRIL 30-MAY 7, 2006, AS SOIL AND WATER STEWARDSHIP WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO COMMEND THE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR PROMOTING WISE AND RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP OF OUR SOIL AND WATER.

Whereas, assuring food for the future is the most basic issue any society faces. The world's food still depends on an adequate supply of good farmland, and the care of soil and water resources is essential to continued food production; and

Whereas, the ability to feed a world that could grow to eight billion by 2030 is a serious task that will require a serious stewardship ethic among all of us. Food for the future will come from those people and nations fortunate enough to have the soil and water for agricultural production, the ability to provide stewardship for the land, and the freedom to pursue their agriculture in peace; and

Whereas, Soil and Water Conservation Districts provide local conservation leadership for America's working lands and have been assisting landowners with the adoption of soil and water technology since the 1930's by taking available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focusing or coordinating them so that they meet the needs of the local land user for conservation of soil, water, and related resources; and

Whereas, the forty-six Soil and Water Conservation Districts of South Carolina and their two hundred thirty governing commissioners join with America's three thousand conservation districts to work directly with more than 2.5 million cooperating landowners and operators to manage the soil, water, forest, and wildlife resources on nearly ninety-eight percent of the private working lands in the United States; and

Whereas, Soil and Water Stewardship Week has been observed in the United States since 1955, and the celebration for 2006 is focused on being "Water Wise"; and

Whereas, water is vital to our life, making up more than sixty percent of our body and about seventy-five percent of our brain, and helps make possible our every movement, thought, and feeling; and

Whereas, all our food and most other products we use require water; and

Whereas, though we sometimes take water for granted, this precious resource may become increasingly scarce as more demands are placed on fresh water supplies. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, declare the week of April 30-May 7, 2006, as Soil and Water Stewardship Week in South Carolina, and commend South Carolina's Conservation Districts for promoting wise and responsible stewardship of our soil and water.

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:

S. 229 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-655 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF ENGAGING IN A HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT OR A HOG-DOG RODEO, TO DEFINE THE TERMS "HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT" AND "HOG-DOG RODEO", AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 680 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen and Ryberg: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 39-41-295 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL MAY BE DISPENSED AT UNATTENDED SERVICE STATIONS IF THE DISPENSING DEVISE HAS AN AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT IS ACTIVATED WHEN THE SALE REACHES FIFTY DOLLARS.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 1208 (Word version) -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF SHOOTING PRESERVES, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER OF THEIR ESTABLISHMENT, THE LEGAL SHOOTING PRESERVES SPECIES, AND OTHER PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO THE OPERATION OF SHOOTING PRESERVES.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 1238 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Moore, Rankin, Drummond, Land, Setzler, Leatherman, Peeler, Matthews, McGill, O'Dell, Elliott, Martin, Mescher, Ryberg, Short, Alexander, Grooms, Richardson, Verdin, Cromer, Bryant, Ford and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 58-31-200, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ABILITY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY TO JOINTLY OWN A NUCLEAR POWER STATION AND RELATED TRANSMISSION FACILITIES WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY ON A SITE AT OR NEAR PARR SHOALS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, SO AS TO CONFIRM THAT NEW NUCLEAR GENERATION UNITS AT THE SITE ARE AUTHORIZED AND TO ALLOW THESE UNITS TO BE JOINTLY OWNED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY WITH PRIVATELY OWNED ELECTRIC UTILITIES.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

ROLL CALL

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

Agnew                  Allen                  Anderson
Anthony                Bailey                 Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bingham                Brady
Branham                Breeland               G. Brown
J. Brown               R. Brown               Cato
Ceips                  Chalk                  Chellis
Clark                  Clemmons               Clyburn
Coates                 Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Cooper                 Dantzler               Davenport
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Emory                  Frye                   Hagood
Haley                  Hamilton               Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Harvin
Haskins                Hayes                  Herbkersman
J. Hines               M. Hines               Hinson
Hiott                  Hodges                 Hosey
Howard                 Huggins                Jefferson
Jennings               Kennedy                Kirsh
Leach                  Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Mack                   Mahaffey
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
McLeod                 Merrill                Miller
Moody-Lawrence         J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Norman                 Ott                    Owens
Perry                  Phillips               E. H. Pitts
M. A. Pitts            Rhoad                  Rice
Rivers                 Sandifer               Scarborough
Scott                  Sinclair               Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. E. Smith
J. R. Smith            W. D. Smith            Stewart
Talley                 Taylor                 Thompson
Toole                  Townsend               Umphlett
Vaughn                 Viers                  Walker
Weeks                  Whipper                White
Whitmire               Witherspoon            Young

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, March 22.

Ted Vick                          William Bowers
Daniel Tripp                      G. Murrell Smith
Anne Parks                        Bill Cotty
Lewis E. Pinson                   Todd Rutherford
James Lucas                       Gary Simrill
Harold Mitchell                   Denny Neilson
Laurie Funderburk

Total Present--121

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Steve Ross of Florence is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. BANNISTER presented to the House the Mauldin High School Cross Country Team, the 2005 AAAA Cross Country Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. BANNISTER presented to the House the Mauldin High School Cheerleading Team, the 2005 AAAA Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. BANNISTER presented to the House the J. L. Mann High School Boys Swim Team, the 2005 Class AAA Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

CO-SPONSOR REMOVED

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 REMOVED

Bill Number:   H. 4838 (Word version)
Date:   REMOVE:
03/22/06   HARVIN

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. COOPER moved that H. 4810, the General Appropriation Bill for Fiscal Year 2006-2007, be set for Special Order on Monday, March 27, immediately after Senate Amendments and immediately after roll call every day thereafter and continue each day until given second reading, which was agreed to.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. COOPER moved that H. 4810 be set for Special Order for third reading on the first legislative day following second reading of H. 4810, immediately after roll call and immediately after roll call every day thereafter, and continue each day thereafter until given third reading, which was agreed to.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. COOPER moved that H. 4811, the Supplemental Appropriation Bill, be set for Special Order immediately following third reading of H. 4810, and immediately after roll call every day thereafter, and continue each day until given second reading; provided, however, that H. 4811 may be considered for the duration of the legislative day upon which H. 4810 receives second reading, which was agreed to.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. COOPER moved that H. 4812, the Joint Resolution appropriating the Capital Reserve Fund for Fiscal Year 2005-2006, be set for Special Order immediately following second reading of H. 4811, and immediately after roll call every day thereafter, and continue each day until given second reading; provided, however, that if H. 4811 does not receive second reading on the same legislative day as H. 4810 receives second reading, H. 4812 shall be set for Special Order following third reading of H. 4810, and second reading of H. 4811, which was agreed to.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. COOPER moved that H. 4811 be set for Special Order for third reading immediately after second reading of H. 4812, and immediately after roll call every day thereafter, and continue each day thereafter until given third reading, which was agreed to.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. COOPER moved that H. 4812 be set for Special Order for third reading immediately after third reading of H. 4811, and immediately after roll call every day thereafter, and continue each day thereafter until given third reading, which was agreed to.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. COOPER moved that while debating H. 4810 on second reading, the Bills on the Calendar may be printed by number only, which was agreed to.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. COOPER moved that when the House adjourns Thursday, March 23, that it adjourns to meet in local session on Friday, March 24, and convene at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 27, in statewide session, which was agreed to.

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

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

S. 511 (Word version) -- Senator Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 27-31-250, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO USE OF INSURANCE PROCEEDS TO RECONSTRUCT DAMAGED PROPERTY GOVERNED BY THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REPAIR OR RECONSTRUCTION UPON A VOTE OF EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE CO-OWNERS, OR MORE, IF REQUIRED BY THE PROPERTY BYLAWS, AND TO PROVIDE, FURTHER, FOR DISTRIBUTION OF INSURANCE PROCEEDS.

H. 4855--POINT OF ORDER

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

H. 4855 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO HUNTING IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3040, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. LOFTIS made the Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

H. 4856--POINT OF ORDER

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

H. 4856 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3003, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. LOFTIS made the Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

H. 4857--POINT OF ORDER

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

H. 4857 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO SHELLFISH, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3002, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. LOFTIS made the Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

H. 4858--POINT OF ORDER

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

H. 4858 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO CLASSIFIED WATERS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3025, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. LOFTIS made the Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

H. 3796--SENATE AMENDMENTS CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

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

H. 3796 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Huggins and Ballentine: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 60, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL BOARDS IN CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, INCLUDING AMONG OTHER THINGS, REVISIONS OF THE CLASSROOM OR COURSE HOURS REQUIRED TO QUALIFY FOR THE DESIGNATED LEVELS OF APPRAISAL PERMITS, LICENSURE, AND CERTIFICATION.

Rep. CATO explained the Senate Amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

H. 3720--SENATE AMENDMENTS CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

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

H. 3720 (Word version) -- Reps. Talley, Harrison and Clark: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-3-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SERVE AS THE CHIEF STATE ELECTION OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING THE STATE'S RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT; TO AMEND ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 15 OF TITLE 7, BY ADDING SECTION 7-15-405, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE AUTHORITY CHARGED WITH CONDUCTING AN ELECTION TO PROVIDE AN ABSENTEE INSTANT RUNOFF BALLOT FOR VOTING IN A POTENTIAL PRIMARY RUNOFF AT LEAST FORTY FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO THE PRIMARY ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THIS STATE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE AS PROVIDED BY THE UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-460, RELATING TO ABSENTEE VOTING BY ARMED SERVICES PERSONNEL DURING A MILITARY EMERGENCY, SO AS TO DIRECT THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, IN COOPERATION WITH UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, TO TAKE ALL STEPS AND ACTION AS MAY BE NECESSARY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS OF STANDARD FORM 76 ISSUED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN APPLICATION FOR VOTER REGISTRATION AND AN APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS AND ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS TO OR FROM ANY ELECTOR ELIGIBLE TO VOTE AS PROVIDED BY THE UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT.

Rep. VAUGHN proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\DKA\3667DW06), which was ruled out of order:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/SECTION   __.   A.   Section 7-5-110 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 7-5-110.   (A)   No A person shall be is not allowed to vote at any election unless he shall be is registered as herein required by the provisions of this chapter.

(B)   A person is not allowed to vote in a partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum unless he has registered as being a member of that party.

(C)   The provisions of this section do not apply to a partisan presidential preference primary.

(D)   The State Election Commission shall assist the county entities charged by law with registering electors with capturing the data and maintaining a list of all electors registered by party affiliation. To expedite the registration of electors, the county entities shall allow electors to register by party, if they wish, at all partisan primary elections conducted before June 2008.

(E)   After the first primary is conducted under the provisions of this section, the entity charged by law with registering qualified electors shall contact the qualified electors of that county, by whatever method it determines to be appropriate, informing them of partisan primary voting procedures as provided in this section.

(F)   The State Election Commission shall provide a format for absentee voting registration to comply with the provisions of this section."
B.   Section 7-5-170 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 239 of 2004, is further amended to read:

"Section 7-5-170.   (1)   Written application required. -- No A person may not be registered to vote except upon written application which shall become that becomes a part of the permanent records of the board to which it is presented and which must be open to public inspection. However, the social security number contained in the application as required by this section must not be open to public inspection.

(2)   Form of application. -- The application must be on a form prescribed and provided by the executive director and shall must contain the following information: name, sex, race, social security number, date of birth, residence address, mailing address, telephone number of the applicant, political party affiliation, if any, and location of prior voter registration. The applicant must shall affirm that he is not under a court order declaring him mentally incompetent, confined in any public prison, has never been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws, or if previously convicted that he has served his entire sentence, including probation and parole time, or has received a pardon for the conviction. Additionally, the applicant must shall take the following oath: 'I, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen of the United States and that on the date of the next ensuing election, I will have attained the age of eighteen years and am a resident of South Carolina, this county, and of my precinct. I further swear (or affirm) that I am a member of the ...... political party. I further swear (or affirm) that the present residence address listed herein is my sole legal place of residence and that I claim no other place as my legal residence.' Any applicant convicted of fraudulently applying for registration is guilty of perjury and is subject to the penalty for that offense.

(3)   Administration of oaths. -- Any A member of the registration board, deputy registrar, or any a registration clerk must be qualified to administer oaths in connection with the application.

(4)   Decisions on applications. -- Any A member of the registration board, deputy registrar, or registration clerk may pass on the qualifications of the prospective voter. In case of a question of an applicant being refused registration, at least one member of the board shall pass on the qualifications of the voter. A concise statement of the reasons for the refusal must be written on the application."
C.   Section 7-9-20 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 7-9-20.   (A)   The qualifications for membership in a certified party and for voting at a party primary election include the following:

(1)   the applicant for membership, or voter, must be at least eighteen years of age or become so before the succeeding general election,; and

(2)   must be a registered elector, and a citizen of the United States, and of this State.; and

(3)   has registered as a member of the certified party.

(B)   No A person may not belong to any a party club or vote in any a primary unless he is a registered elector and a member of that party. The state convention of any political party, organization, or association in this State may add by party rules to the qualifications for membership in the party, organization, or association and for voting at the primary elections if such the qualifications do not conflict with the provisions of this section or with the Constitution and laws of this State or of the United States.

(C)   The entity charged by law with conducting a primary shall allow an elector to change his political party affiliation by executing an affidavit not later than thirty days before the primary. During that time, an elector may execute an affidavit declaring that he desires not to be affiliated with a political party. The affiliation with a political party or as a nonpartisan is valid until changed by the qualified elector pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(D)   When a qualified elector presents himself at a polling place to vote in a primary election, the entity charged by law with conducting the election or its representative shall require the qualified elector to sign an affidavit affirming that he is a member of the party conducting the primary. If the qualified elector does not sign this affidavit, he is declared to be nonpartisan and he may not vote in a partisan primary election."
D.   Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, in all primaries conducted before June 2008, an elector is permitted to vote if he has not signed the affidavit required by this section. After May 31, 2008, all political party primaries must be conducted pursuant to the provisions of this section. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. VAUGHN explained the amendment.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SCOTT raised the Point of Order that Amendment No. 1 was out of order in that it was not germane to the Bill.
SPEAKER HARRELL stated that the amendment dealt with vote registration by party and the Bill dealt with overseas military personnel voting. He therefore sustained the Point of Order and ruled the amendment out of order.

Rep. TALLEY explained the Senate Amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

H. 4165--NONCONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

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

H. 4165 (Word version) -- Reps. M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Umphlett, E. H. Pitts, Loftis, Whipper, Witherspoon, Haley, Hardwick, Agnew, Anderson, Vaughn, Mahaffey, Leach, Bales, Clemmons, Cooper, Littlejohn, Owens, Taylor, Weeks, Whitmire, Duncan and Toole: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-316, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CRITERIA FOR HIRING NATURAL RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

Rep. WITHERSPOON explained the Senate Amendments.

The House refused to agree to the Senate amendments and a message was ordered sent accordingly.

H. 4328--SENATE AMENDMENTS CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

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

H. 4328 (Word version) -- Reps. Walker, Townsend, Anthony, Clark, J. Hines, J. H. Neal, Owens, E. H. Pitts, D. C. Smith, M. A. Pitts, Bailey, Littlejohn, Clyburn, Toole, Bannister and Loftis: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY AND COST OF CONVERTING THE STATE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM TO A COMPUTER-BASED OR COMPUTER-ADAPTIVE FORMAT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 59-18-120, 59-18-310, AS AMENDED, 59-18-320, 59-18-330, 59-18-340, AND 59-18-360, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO THE EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT AND THE ADOPTION OF EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE ADOPTION LIST OF FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS THAT PROVIDE DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL ADOPT A DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE FORMATIVE READING ASSESSMENT FOR FIRST AND SECOND GRADES, TO PROVIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ASSESSMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN ANNUAL SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES ASSESSMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR A TASK FORCE TO RECOMMEND ALTERNATIVE EVIDENCE AND PROCEDURES FOR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR CONTINUING TEACHER TRAINING TO ENSURE THE VALID AND RELIABLE USE OF ASSESSMENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE READINESS ASSESSMENT MUST BE MODIFIED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON STUDENT LITERACY DEVELOPMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL ADMINISTER ANNUALLY THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATION PROGRESS TO OBTAIN AN INDICATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE RELATIVE TO NATIONAL PERFORMANCE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL CONVENE ANNUALLY ITS TEAM OF CURRICULUM EXPERTS TO ANALYZE THE RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-1595, RELATING TO REALLOCATION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING, SO AS TO CHANGE A REFERENCE FROM THE PALMETTO ACHIEVEMENT CHALLENGE TEST TO END-OF-YEAR ASSESSMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 59-28-200, RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS, SO AS TO CHANGE A REFERENCE FROM THE PALMETTO ACHIEVEMENT CHALLENGE TESTS TO STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 30 OF TITLE 59 RELATING TO THE BASIC SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.

Rep. WALKER explained the Senate Amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

H. 3184--POINT OF ORDER

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

H. 3184 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, G. R. Smith, Whipper, Cato, G. M. Smith and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO NOTICE AND HEARING IN A CONTESTED CASE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STANDARD OF PROOF IS BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-23-380, 1-23-390, 1-23-600, ALL AS AMENDED, AND 1-23-610, ALL RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT JUDICIAL REVIEW OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION MUST BE MADE BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE, TO PROVIDE THAT DECISION MAY BE APPEALED TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-650, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROMULGATION OF RULES GOVERNING THE OPERATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE HEARING OF CONTESTING CASES OR APPEALS BY INDIVIDUAL AGENCIES ARE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT IN PROCEEDINGS BEFORE AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; TO AMEND SECTION 14-8-200, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO ADD THAT THE COURT OF APPEALS HAS JURISDICTION OVER ANY CASE IN WHICH AN APPEAL IS TAKEN FROM A FINAL DECISION OF AN AGENCY AND A FINAL DECISION OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-320, RELATING TO AN ORDER OF THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPEAL FROM A FINAL DECISION OF THE COMMISSION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS AS PROVIDED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA APPELLATE COURT RULES; TO AMEND SECTION 41-35-750, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPEAL WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF A FINAL DECISION BY THE COMMISSION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS AS PROVIDED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA APPELLATE COURT RULES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 58-5-330, 58-5-340, 58-5-990, 58-9-1410, AND 58-27-2310, ALL RELATING TO AN ORDER OR DECISION BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPEAL FROM A FINAL DECISION OF THE COMMISSION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT OR COURT OF APPEALS AS PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR THE SOUTH CAROLINA APPELLATE COURT RULES; TO AMEND SECTION 1-13-90, RELATING TO AN ORDER OF THE STATE HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION, SECTION 8-17-340, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE, SECTION 11-35-4410, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE PROCUREMENT REVIEW PANEL, SECTION 31-21-130, RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION, SECTION 33-56-140, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE BRINGING AN ACTION TO ENJOIN A CHARITY FROM CONTINUING A VIOLATION OF THE SOLICITATION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS ACT, SECTIONS 35-1-1310, 35-1-1320, AND 35-1-1330, ALL AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO AN ORDER BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSIONER, SECTION 39-37-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SECTION 43-25-90, RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND, SECTION 45-9-75, RELATING TO A DETERMINATION BY A PANEL OF THE STATE HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION, SECTION 46-3-220, RELATING TO AN ORDER OR DECISION BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, SECTION 46-9-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING A PROVISION OF THE CHAPTER ON THE STATE CROP PEST COMMISSION, SECTION 47-4-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING A PROVISION OF TITLE 47 DEALING WITH ANIMALS, LIVESTOCK, AND POULTRY, SECTIONS 47-17-50 AND 47-19-60, BOTH RELATING TO A DETERMINATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE LIVESTOCK-POULTRY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, SECTIONS 48-20-160, 48-20-190, BOTH AS AMENDED, AND 48-20-200, ALL RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, SECTION 48-39-150, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL OR DENIAL OF A PERMIT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, SECTION 54-3-470, RELATING TO AN ORDER OF THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY, SECTIONS 55-5-230, 55-5-240, 55-5-250, ALL AS AMENDED, AND 55-8-20, ALL RELATING TO AN ORDER OF THE DIVISION OF AERONAUTICS, SECTIONS 59-25-260, 59-25-830, AND 59-40-90, ALL RELATING TO DECISIONS BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, SECTION 59-58-120, RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, ALL SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE AND THAT DECISION APPEALED TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 58-5-350, 58-5-360, 58-9-1420, 58-9-1440, 58-9-1460, 58-9-1470, 58-9-1480, AND 58-27-2330, ALL RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A DECISION BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. J. E. SMITH made the Point of Order that the Senate Amendments were improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

MOTION PERIOD

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

H. 4427--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. CATO moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, April 4, which was adopted:

H. 4427 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Harrell, Sandifer, Leach, Walker, Loftis, Bingham, Townsend, Simrill, Haley, Anthony, Littlejohn, Davenport, Clark, Taylor, Young, Vaughn, Witherspoon, Bailey, Barfield, Battle, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clemmons, Cooper, Dantzler, Duncan, Edge, Hamilton, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hiott, Huggins, Kirsh, McCraw, Norman, Owens, Perry, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Scarborough, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Stewart, Tripp, White, Thompson, Mitchell and Mahaffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 42-1-180 SO AS TO DEFINE "PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM PLAYER" FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW; BY ADDING SECTION 42-1-378 SO AS TO ELIMINATE CONCURRENT JURISDICTION BETWEEN THE SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT AND THE FEDERAL EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY ACT, THE LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT, OR ANY OF ITS EXTENSIONS, AND THE JONES ACT; BY ADDING SECTION 42-7-315 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ORDERLY DISSOLUTION OF THE SECOND INJURY FUND AND TO PROVIDE FOR SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD RELATING TO THE WINDING DOWN OF OPERATIONS OF THE FUND; BY ADDING SECTION 42-15-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON THE EMPLOYEE, AND TO PROVIDE HOW CAUSATION IN MEDICALLY COMPLEX WORKERS' COMPENSATION CASES MUST BE PROVEN, TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION, AND TO DEFINE "EXPERT WITNESS" FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-55-530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS AS USED IN OMNIBUS INSURANCE FRAUD AND REPORTING IMMUNITY ACT, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE "FALSE STATEMENT AND MISREPRESENTATION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-55-540, RELATING TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS OR MISREPRESENTATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE REVISED CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS OR MISREPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH AN INSURANCE TRANSACTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-55-560, RELATING TO THE INSURANCE FRAUD DIVISION BY THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO HIRE A FORENSIC ACCOUNTANT; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-1-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS OF "INJURY" AND "PERSONAL INJURY", SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE THESE TERMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-1-360, RELATING TO EXEMPTION OF CASUAL EMPLOYEES AND CERTAIN OTHER EMPLOYMENTS FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW, SO AS TO INCLUDE "PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM PLAYER" IN THE EXEMPTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-3-20, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP, TERMS OF OFFICE, VACANCIES, AND DUTIES OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION, SO AS TO INCREASE THE COMMISSION'S MEMBERSHIP AND REVISE THE PROCEDURE FOR HEARING CONTESTED CASES; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-9-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION AND THE PERIOD OF DISABILITY FOR CERTAIN INJURIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEFINITION OF "PERMANENT MEDICAL IMPAIRMENT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-9-60, RELATING TO COMPENSATION THAT IS NOT ALLOWED WHEN INJURY OR DEATH IS CAUSED BY INTOXICATION OR WILFUL INTENTION OF EMPLOYEE, SO AS TO EXCLUDE FROM COVERAGE INJURIES CAUSED BY THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL DRUGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-9-360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ASSIGNMENTS OF COMPENSATION AND THE EXEMPTIONS FROM CLAIMS OF CREDITORS AND TAXES, SO AS TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION NOT SUBJECT TO ASSIGNMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-11-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE", SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE THIS TERM; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-15-60, RELATING TO MEDICAL TREATMENT AND SUPPLIES BEING FURNISHED AND AN EMPLOYEE'S REFUSAL TO ACCEPT TREATMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMINATION OF THE EMPLOYER'S OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE MEDICAL BENEFITS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-15-80, RELATING TO PRIVILEGED INFORMATION COMMUNICATED AT EMPLOYEE EXAMINATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PHYSICIAN, SURGEON, OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE EMPLOYEE, MAY DISCUSS AND COMMUNICATE AN EMPLOYEE'S MEDICAL HISTORY, DIAGNOSIS, CAUSATION, COURSE OF TREATMENT, PROGNOSIS, WORK RESTRICTIONS, AND IMPAIRMENTS WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INSURANCE CARRIER, THE EMPLOYER, THE EMPLOYEE, THEIR ATTORNEY, THE REHABILITATION PROFESSIONAL, OR THE COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-15-90, RELATING TO FEES OF ATTORNEYS AND PHYSICIANS AND HOSPITAL CHARGES APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ATTORNEY'S FEES FOR REPRESENTING AN EMPLOYEE BEFORE THE COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-15-95, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS AND THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, SO AS TO DEFINE "MEDICAL AND VOCATIONAL INFORMATION", TO PROVIDE THAT ALL MEDICAL AND VOCATIONAL INFORMATION INSTEAD OF ALL INFORMATION COMPILED BY A HEALTH CARE FACILITY OR PROVIDER BE PROVIDED WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE MANNER OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND THE EMPLOYER IS NOT LIMITED IF THE INFORMATION IS RELATED TO A WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIM; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 42-17-90, RELATING TO THE REVIEW OF AN AWARD ON CHANGE OF A CONDITION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE CASES, A REVIEW MUST NOT BE MADE AFTER TWELVE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE LAST PAYMENT OF BENEFITS.

H. 4572--ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4572 (Word version) -- Reps. Witherspoon, Frye, Rhoad and Loftis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-1-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DIVISION OF THE STATE INTO GAME ZONES, SO AS TO REVISE AND REDUCE THE NUMBER OF THESE GAME ZONES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HUNTING SEASON FOR SMALL GAME, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THESE SEASONS BASED ON THE REVISED GAME ZONES AS PROVIDED FOR ABOVE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-150, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO BAG LIMITS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THESE BAG LIMITS BASED ON THE REVISED GAME ZONES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THESE OPEN SEASONS BASED ON THE REVISED GAME ZONES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-335, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO BAG LIMITS ON ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THESE BAG LIMITS FOR DEER BASED ON THE REVISED GAME ZONES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-350, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR ILLEGALLY TAKING, POSSESSING, OR KILLING DEER IN CERTAIN GAME ZONES, SO AS TO REVISE REFERENCES TO PARTICULAR GAME ZONES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-520, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SPECIAL STUDIES OF GAME ZONES STOCKED WITH WILD TURKEY, SO AS TO REVISE REFERENCES TO PARTICULAR GAME ZONES AND FURTHER TO PROVIDE FOR THE SEASON FOR HUNTING AND TAKING MALE WILD TURKEYS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-708, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS IN GAME ZONE 6, SO AS TO REVISE THESE PROVISIONS, MAKE THEM APPLICABLE TO ALL GAME ZONES, AND PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 50-11-90, 50-11-555, 50-11-560, 50-11-700, 50-11-703, 50-11-704, 50-11-705, 50-11-706, AND 50-13-360 ALL RELATING TO VARIOUS WILDLIFE AND FISH AND GAME PROVISIONS.

Rep. WITHERSPOON explained the Bill.

SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE IN CHAIR

Rep. WITHERSPOON continued speaking.

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

Yeas 107; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Anthony                Bailey
Bales                  Ballentine             Bannister
Barfield               Battle                 Bingham
Bowers                 Brady                  Branham
Breeland               G. Brown               J. Brown
R. Brown               Cato                   Chalk
Chellis                Clark                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Cooper                 Cotty                  Dantzler
Davenport              Delleney               Duncan
Edge                   Emory                  Frye
Funderburk             Hagood                 Haley
Hamilton               Hardwick               Harrison
Hayes                  Herbkersman            J. Hines
Hinson                 Hiott                  Hodges
Hosey                  Huggins                Jefferson
Jennings               Kirsh                  Leach
Limehouse              Littlejohn             Loftis
Lucas                  Mack                   Mahaffey
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
McLeod                 Merrill                Miller
Mitchell               Moody-Lawrence         J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Norman
Ott                    Owens                  Parks
Perry                  Phillips               Pinson
E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts            Rhoad
Rice                   Rivers                 Rutherford
Sandifer               Scott                  Sinclair
Skelton                D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. E. Smith            J. R. Smith
W. D. Smith            Stewart                Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Townsend               Tripp                  Umphlett
Vaughn                 Vick                   Walker
Weeks                  White                  Whitmire
Witherspoon            Young

Total--107

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

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

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. LEACH moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

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

H. 4801 (Word version) -- Rep. Delleney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MASTERS-IN-EQUITY FEES, SO AS TO REVISE THE MAXIMUM COMMISSION ON CERTAIN SALES OF LAND AND THE FEE FOR PREPARATION OF A DEED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1249 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Short and Gregory: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING DUKE POWER COMPANY TO WORK IN CONJUNCTION AND COORDINATION WITH THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE LANDS SURROUNDING AND IMPACTED BY THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER ON LAKE WATEREE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1252 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE SPAN BRIDGE OVER THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY THAT CROSSES HIGHWAY 9 IN HORRY COUNTY IN HONOR OF J. BRYAN FLOYD, AND TO INSTALL APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THE BRIDGE CONTAINING THE WORDS "J. BRYAN FLOYD BRIDGE".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4869 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty, Chellis, Chalk and Coleman: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE JOHN A. MCALLISTER, JR., OF COLUMBIA ON RECEIVING THE ALVAH H. CHAPMAN, JR., DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR 2006 AWARDED BY THE CITADEL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND FOR HIS INDUCTION INTO THE CITADEL BUSINESS HALL OF FAME, AND FURTHER TO EXTEND TO HIM BEST WISHES IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4870 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Duncan and M. A. Pitts: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 221 IN LAURENS COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 39 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 72 THE "JOE B. MEDLOCK MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "JOE B. MEDLOCK MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

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

H. 4871 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell and Phillips: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2006, AT 12:00 NOON, IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE FOLK HERITAGE AND ELIZABETH O'NEILL VERNER AWARDS AS THE DATE FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE TO MEET IN JOINT SESSION IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COUNCIL, AND OLD EXCHANGE BUILDING COMMISSION TO SUCCEED THOSE MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2006, OR WHOSE POSITIONS OTHERWISE MUST BE FILLED; AND TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE REGARDING NOMINATIONS AND NOMINATING AND SECONDING SPEECHES FOR THE CANDIDATES FOR THESE OFFICES DURING THE JOINT SESSION.

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

(1)   That the House of Representatives and the Senate meet in joint session in the Hall of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at 12:00 noon, immediately before the Folk Heritage and Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Awards for the purpose of electing members of the board of trustees of Coastal Carolina University, and members of the Legislative Audit Council, and Old Exchange Building Commission to succeed those members whose terms expire in 2006, or whose positions otherwise must be filled; and

(2)   That all nominations be made by the Chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee which screened the candidates for the above offices and that no further nominating nor any seconding speeches be made during the joint session by members of the General Assembly on behalf of any of the candidates.

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4872 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Owens: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ERIKA GRACE POWELL OF PICKENS COUNTY FOR HER SCHOLASTIC HONORS AND HER MANY OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TO CONGRATULATE HER ON BEING CROWNED MISS SOUTH CAROLINA 2005.

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4873 (Word version) -- Rep. Agnew: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE CLAUDE THOMAS OF ABBEVILLE COUNTY FOR HIS LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS CAREER AND COMMUNITY AND TO DESIGNATE APRIL 14, 2006 AS "CLAUDE THOMAS DAY" TO COMMEMORATE THE WORK HE HAS DONE IN FURTHERANCE OF THIS GREAT STATE.

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 committee:

H. 4874 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Merrill, Cotty, Ballentine, G. Brown, Duncan, Barfield, Haley, Bailey, Bales, Bannister, Battle, Bingham, Brady, Breeland, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clemmons, Cooper, Dantzler, Delleney, Edge, Frye, Hardwick, Harrison, Haskins, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hodges, Huggins, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Mack, McGee, Miller, Norman, Ott, Perry, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Sandifer, Scarborough, Simrill, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Talley, Thompson, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, White, Whitmire and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE ACT, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3589 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A CREDIT AGAINST THE STATE CORPORATE INCOME TAX FOR COSTS INCURRED BY A MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN COMPLYING WITH WHOLE EFFLUENT TOXICITY TESTING, THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT AND A TEN-YEAR CARRY FORWARD PERIOD, AND TO DEFINE "MANUFACTURING FACILITY"; BY ADDING SECTION 12-36-2140 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXEMPTION FOR A MANUFACTURING PROPERTY FROM THE STATE SALES TAX ON NATURAL GAS ONCE THE PRICE OF NATURAL GAS EXCEEDS $6.50 FOR A DECATHERM; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-2250, RELATING TO APPORTIONMENT OF INCOME FOR CERTAIN BUSINESSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CALCULATION OF APPORTIONED INCOME USING SALES FIGURES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JOB TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO INCLUDE A BANK AS A TAXPAYER WHO MAY QUALIFY FOR THE CREDIT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3375, RELATING TO A TAX CREDIT AGAINST INCOME TAX FOR COMPANIES USING THE STATE'S PORT FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ALLOCATION OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS ANNUALLY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3410, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, SO AS TO INCLUDE A BANK'S HEADQUARTERS AND TO REDEFINE "COMPANY BUSINESS UNIT"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JOB DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR A REDUCTION AGAINST THE CREDIT FOR TAXES DUE AND TO INCLUDE CERTAIN EMPLOYEE RELOCATION EXPENSES AS QUALIFYING EXPENSES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-20-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CERTAIN ENTITIES TO WHICH CORPORATION LICENSE FEES PROVISIONS DO NOT APPLY, SO AS TO INCLUDE A CERTIFIED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ENTITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTION FROM THE STATE SALES TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING A SINGLE MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER WITH CERTAIN MINIMUM INVESTMENTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-44-130 AND 12-44-140, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE FEE IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES, SO AS TO CORRECT A CROSS REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-12-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO QUALIFICATION OF AN INDUCEMENT LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE FEE IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES, SO AS TO REDUCE THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENT AND TO DELETE CERTAIN INVESTMENTS FROM A FOUR PERCENT MINIMUM ASSESSMENT RATIO; AND TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-67, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE FEE IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN INVESTMENTS FROM A FOUR PERCENT MINIMUM ASSESSMENT RATIO AND TO REDUCE THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4875 (Word version) -- Rep. J. H. Neal: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3377 SO AS TO ALLOW A STATE INCOME TAX CREDIT EQUAL TO THIRTY PERCENT OF THE COST TO THE TAXPAYER FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A SOLAR OR WIND ENERGY SYSTEM ON PROPERTY IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE FOR CLAIMING THIS CREDIT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

SPEAKER IN CHAIR

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 EASTER SEALS REPRESENTATIVES
The Reading Clerk of the House read the following Concurrent Resolution:

S. 1173 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2006, AS "CREATING SOLUTIONS FOR DISABILITIES DAY" TO ENDORSE THE "BUCK-A-CUP CAMPAIGN" AND OTHER 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 ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2006, AT WHICH TIME THE STATE EASTER SEAL AND "BUCK-A-CUP" REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The State Easter Seals Representatives, their parents and members of their party entered the Chamber.
The President Pro Tempore of the Senate then recognized Senator Lourie who addressed the General Assembly as follows:
Thank you, Mr. President and ladies and gentlemen of the Joint Assembly. What a great day it is here in South Carolina. I am pleased to talk a little bit today about the beginning of the annual Buck-A-Cup campaign. As you know every year, we start today and go until Good Friday and we sell the Buck-a-Cup pins for a dollar all over South Carolina. Let me tell you a little bit about Easter Seals and how this all got started. Easter Seals has been serving families here in South Carolina, children and adults with disabilities, since 1934. I was kind of interested to know the story behind Easter Seals and we did a little research and this all started back in 1907 in the State of Ohio. There was a businessman by the name of Edgar Allen who tragically lost his son in a streetcar accident and basically sold his business and dedicated his life to building a hospital in his hometown in Ohio. Through his work, he discovered the lack of adequate services that were available for children with disabilities and therefore he became the founder of an organization called the National Society for Crippled Children. This was founded in 1919. About sixteen years later, the organization launched the first Easter Seals campaign to raise money for its services. To show their support, donors would place little seals on envelopes and in fact, a Cleveland newspaper had a cartoonist design the first seal. It was designed on the concept of simplicity that simply said "Simply for the Right to Live a Normal Life". Today we start the Buck-A-Cup campaign. Every law enforcement agency in South Carolina will participate by selling these pins. Last year, the campaign raised over $400,000. This year's goal with your help, will be $500,000. So you will know, the highest ever raised was $610,000, which was in the 1990's. In its 55 year history, the Buck-A-Cup campaign has raised over 18 million dollars, making it one of the most successful fund raising programs for Easter Seals in the country. Without Buck-A-Cup we could not offer the services we do for children and adults with disabilities here in South Carolina. On behalf of Easter Seals, we have some special guests with us today: Miss South Carolina, Erika Grace Powell; Deanna Lewis, President & CEO of Easter Seals of South Carolina; Lila Anna Sauls, Director of Development for Easter Seals; Gene Rountree, Chairman of the Easter Seals of South Carolina Board of Directors; Alisa Mosely, representing the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, whose members play such a significant role to the success of the Buck-A-Cup campaign; and Tom Sponseller, Executive Director of the South Carolina Restaurant Association, whose members will give every person wearing a Buck-A-Cup button on Good Friday a free cup of coffee. Now it is my honor to call on some of our colleagues to introduce their special guests.

Senator Patterson and Representative SCOTT escorted Tonara Beaver of Columbia.

Senator Leatherman and Representative BRANHAM recognized Antoine Brown of Florence, who was unable to attend.

Senator Bryant and Representative MARTIN recognized Matthew Scott Burdette of Anderson, who was unable to attend.

Senator Reese and Representative W. D. SMITH escorted Christine Harley of Spartanburg.

Senator Hayes and Representative MOODY-LAWRENCE escorted Heaven McCoy of Rock Hill.

Senator O'Dell and Representative WHITE escorted Anna Grace Wright of Anderson.

Upon conclusion of the presentation, the State Easter Seals Representatives and their escort party retired to its 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 12:26 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

Rep. JEFFERSON moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

At 12:27 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. SCOTT, adjourned in memory of Gordon Parks of New York City, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

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