South Carolina General Assembly
118th Session, 2009-2010
Journal of the Senate

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
(Statewide Session)


Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

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

In Ecclesiastes we read:
" 'Meaningless! Meaningless!' says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.' "     (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Let us join our hearts and minds as we pray:

Loving and Gracious God, we might agree that apart from You life might well be thought of by some people as "meaningless." Indeed, we cringe to think of those who really believe that life holds no meaning. How reassuring it is to be on the other side of the ledger: to know that You invite us to trust in You, to feel Your presence and power, to hold fast to Your hopeful promises for the future. O Lord, fill these very leaders with Your purpose. Guide these servants of Yours to accomplish great good, never being content with anything less than worthy and noble results. We pray all of this in Your loving name, dear Lord.
Amen.

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

Doctor of the Day

Senator COURSON introduced Dr. Bill Gerald of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator FAIR, at 12:05 P.M., Senator SHOOPMAN was granted a leave of absence for this week.

Leave of Absence

At 12:40 P.M., Senator SHEHEEN requested a leave of absence from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator THOMAS, at 4:15 P.M., Senator HAYES was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 642 (Word version)       Sen. Knotts
S. 903 (Word version)       Sens. Anderson, Larry Martin
S. 1008 (Word version)     Sen. Campsen
S. 1057 (Word version)     Sen. Courson
S. 1075 (Word version)     Sen. Campsen
S. 1167 (Word version)     Sen. Campsen
S. 1185 (Word version)     Sen. Campsen
S. 1188 (Word version)     Sen. Campsen

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1258 (Word version) -- Senator Pinckney: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE ALBERT LLOYD KLECKLEY, SR. OF OKATIE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1259 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND EXPRESS THE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE TO RAYMOND K. WICKER, ESQUIRE OF THE NEWBERRY COUNTY BAR ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR FIFTY YEARS OF DEDICATED AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BAR, AND FOR HIS OUTSTANDING RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT WHILE SERVING HIS NATION, STATE, COUNTY, CITY, AND CHURCH.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1260 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MR. BENNIE CUNNINGHAM UPON RECEIVING THE JOSEPH R. JENKINS AWARD BY THE GREENVILLE ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1261 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CUTTING OF TIMBER ON LANDS HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO DELETE OBSOLETE REFERENCES; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO COORDINATE THE CUTTING AND SALE OF SUCH TIMBER WITH THE STATE FORESTER, RATHER THAN TO SUBMIT THE MATTER TO THE STATE FORESTER FOR APPROVAL; TO PROVIDE THAT LAND OWNED BY THE DEPARTMENT THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY USED FOR AGRICULTURE OR MANAGED FOREST LAND MUST BE MANAGED TO PROVIDE OPTIMUM FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT AND TIMBER PRODUCTION; TO REVISE PROCEDURES FOR ADVERTISING FOR BIDS ON THE TIMBER; TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE HARVEST AND SALE OF TIMBER IF AN EMERGENCY OR NATURAL DISASTER OCCURS NECESSITATING IMMEDIATE HARVESTING OF TIMBER; TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT, RATHER THAN THE BOARD, TO EXECUTE DEEDS AND CONTRACTS REQUIRED IN CARRYING OUT THIS ARTICLE; AND TO PROVIDE THAT, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, THE PROCEEDS OF THESE TIMBER SALES MUST CONTINUE TO BE CREDITED TO THE FISH AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION FUND.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

H. 4093 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Mitchell, H. B. Brown, Bedingfield, Anthony, G. A. Brown, Crawford, Dillard, Harvin, Hiott, Knight, Lowe, J. R. Smith, Toole, D. C. Moss, Sellers, Brady, Funderburk, Hodges, Horne, Gunn, Bowers, Hutto and Stavrinakis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 60 TO TITLE 48 TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSUMER CONVENIENCE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT COLLECTION AND RECOVERY ACT"; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN FINDINGS BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELATED TO THE ACT; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS RELATED TO THE ACT; TO REQUIRE A MANUFACTURER OF CERTAIN COMPUTING, DISPLAY, OR PRINTING EQUIPMENT TO OFFER A RECOVERY PROGRAM FOR THE COLLECTION OF EQUIPMENT FROM A CONSUMER IN A MANNER CONVENIENT TO THE CONSUMER; TO REQUIRE A MANUFACTURER TO DOCUMENT ITS COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER IN AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT; TO LIMIT THE LIABILITY OF A MANUFACTURER FOR DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY A CONSUMER FROM INFORMATION CONTAINED ON EQUIPMENT RETURNED BY THE CONSUMER TO A MANUFACTURER THROUGH THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOVERY PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE A RETAILER TO SELL ONLY EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER; TO LIMIT THE LIABILITY OF A RETAILER FOR DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY A CONSUMER FROM INFORMATION CONTAINED ON EQUIPMENT SOLD BY THE RETAILER TO A CONSUMER AND RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOVERY PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE A MANUFACTURER TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS ABOUT THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOVERY PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS ABOUT ALL RECOVERY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE IN THIS STATE; TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO AUDIT A MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE THE MANUFACTURER'S COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER; TO PROVIDE THAT FINANCIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT BY A MANUFACTURER OR RETAILER PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER IS EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT ANNUALLY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY A MANUFACTURER OR A RETAILER TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR RECOVERY PROGRAMS, REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND RECOVERER CERTIFICATION THAT COMPLY WITH THE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING OPERATING PRACTICES OF THE INSTITUTE OF SCRAP RECYCLING INDUSTRIES; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THIS CHAPTER'S PROVISIONS.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

H. 4225 (Word version) -- Reps. Rutherford, McLeod and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1400, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE ARTICLE ON THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM "VICTIM SERVICE PROVIDER" DOES NOT INCLUDE MAGISTRATE OR MUNICIPAL JUDGES AND THEIR STAFF.

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

H. 4248 (Word version) -- Reps. Horne, Allison, Daning, Long, Littlejohn, Wylie, Gunn, Ballentine, Clemmons and Loftis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-115 SO AS TO REQUIRE A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER HIRED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO UNDERGO A CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCH, TO REQUIRE EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO DEVELOP A WRITTEN POLICY ON THE CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCH, TO PROVIDE WHAT THE POLICY MUST INCLUDE, AND TO REQUIRE THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO APPROPRIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-115, RELATING TO FEES FOR CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCHES, SO AS TO FIX THE FEE AT EIGHT DOLLARS FOR CERTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES.

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

H. 4256 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-30-125, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INCIDENCES WHEN THE SUPERVISING AGENT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MAY ORDER CERTAIN PERSONS TO CUT, REROUTE, OR DIVERT TELEPHONE LINES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SUPERVISING AGENT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MAY ISSUE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA TO A TELEPHONE COMPANY, INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER, OR ANOTHER COMMUNICATIONS ENTITY WHEN IT RECEIVES INFORMATION THAT INDICATES THAT A PERSON'S LIFE IS THREATENED, A PRISONER MAY ESCAPE, A PERSON IS BEING HELD AS A HOSTAGE, A PERSON MAY RESIST ARREST WHILE USING A WEAPON, OR AN ARMED PERSON MAY COMMIT SUICIDE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOOD FAITH RELIANCE BY A TELEPHONE COMPANY, INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER, OR ANOTHER COMMUNICATIONS ENTITY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION SPECIFIED IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA IS A COMPLETE DEFENSE TO A CIVIL, CRIMINAL, OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ARISING OUT OF THE ORDER OR ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA.

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

H. 4261 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, OR HIS DESIGNEE, MAY ISSUE AN ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RECORDS DURING THE INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN CRIMINAL CASES THAT INVOLVE FINANCIAL CRIMES.

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

H. 4434 (Word version) -- Reps. Nanney, Clemmons, Horne and Sellers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-35, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE NOTICE OF ELECTION GIVEN BY THE AUTHORITY CHARGED BY LAW WITH CONDUCTING AN ELECTION, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE NOTICE BE PUBLISHED IN A NEWSPAPER AND THAT INSTEAD IT BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS NOTICE BE POSTED FORTY-FIVE DAYS INSTEAD OF SIXTY DAYS BEFORE AN ELECTION.

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

H. 4478 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Cato, Cooper, Duncan, Harrison, Owens, Sandifer, White, Bingham, Barfield, D. C. Moss, Horne, Skelton, V. S. Moss, Bannister, Whitmire, Toole, J. R. Smith, Merrill, Hamilton, Thompson, Bedingfield, Stewart, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Battle, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cole, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Erickson, Forrester, Gambrell, Govan, Hardwick, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hutto, Hosey, Jefferson, Kelly, Huggins, Kennedy, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Mack, McEachern, Miller, Millwood, Nanney, J. M. Neal, Norman, Ott, Parker, Parks, Pinson, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Simrill, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young, T. R. Young, Mitchell, Lucas and Jennings: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMPETITIVENESS ACT OF 2010" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO AMEND SECTION 2-75-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RESEARCH CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE MATCHING ENDOWMENTS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROCESS AND PROCEDURES FOR AWARDING ENDOWMENTS AND FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF MATCHING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 2-75-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AWARD FROM THE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE MATCHING ENDOWMENT, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHAT THE CONTENTS OF AN APPLICATION TO THE REVIEW BOARD MUST CONTAIN; TO AMEND SECTION 4-12-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FEES IN LIEU OF TAXES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF YEARS A FEE IS AVAILABLE AND TO DELETE A PROVISION THAT REQUIRES THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE REAL PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-67, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS REQUIRING A FEE IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES AGREEMENT, SO AS TO ADD CERTAIN DEFINITIONS, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF INVESTMENT FOR A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TIMELINE WHEN THE SPONSOR MUST ENTER INTO AN INITIAL LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY IN REGARD TO A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY, AND THE TIMELINES WHEN THE SPONSOR MUST MEET MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY AND PLACE THE PROJECT INTO SERVICE, AND TO DELETE A PROVISION REQUIRING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-68, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SPECIAL SOURCE REVENUE BONDS WHICH MAY BE ISSUED BASED ON THE RECEIPT OF CERTAIN REVENUES, SO AS TO SPECIFY THAT ONE OF THE PURPOSES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THESE BONDS IS TO PAY FOR THE COST OF PERSONAL PROPERTY INCLUDING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT; BY ADDING CHAPTER 18 TO TITLE 11 SO AS TO ESTABLISH MECHANISMS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ALLOCATION, REALLOCATION, AND ISSUANCE OF FEDERAL RECOVERY ZONE BONDS; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PROJECT" TO INCLUDE RECOVERY ZONE PROPERTY AS DEFINED BY FEDERAL LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-530, RELATING TO THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX, SO AS TO REDUCE THE RATE OF THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX FROM FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY TO ZERO BEGINNING IN 2011 OVER A TEN-YEAR PERIOD IN INTERVALS OF ONE-HALF PERCENT PER YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JOB TAX CREDITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DESIGNATION TERMINOLOGY FOR COUNTIES COMING WITHIN SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATIONS, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING HOW COUNTIES FALL WITHIN CERTAIN TIERS, AND TO REVISE SPECIFIC TERMS OR DEFINITIONS USED FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3375, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR PORT CARGO VOLUME INCREASES, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH TAX CREDIT ALLOCATIONS ARE DETERMINED AND THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS WHICH MAY BE ALLOCATED TO A QUALIFYING TAXPAYER; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "EMPLOYEE" AND "PROJECT"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR BENEFITS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THESE QUALIFICATIONS AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR WHAT A BUSINESS MUST DO TO MEET THESE QUALIFICATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REVITALIZATION AGREEMENTS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND APPLICATION OF THESE REVITALIZATION AGREEMENTS, PROVIDE FOR WHEN SUCH AN AGREEMENT MUST BE EXECUTED, AND PERMIT THE ASSIGNMENT OF ENTERPRISE PROGRAM BENEFITS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JOB DEVELOPMENT CREDITS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO EXPAND ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES WHICH QUALIFY FOR THE CREDIT, TO CAP THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS PER JOB PER YEAR, TO REVISE CERTAIN TERMINOLOGY TO CONFORM TO EARLIER CHANGES HEREIN, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN THESE CREDITS MAY BE CLAIMED AND THE MANNER OF THE DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN FACTORS NECESSARY TO QUALIFY FOR THE CREDITS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUSPENSION OF THE CREDITS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND FOR WHEN THE CREDITS MAY BE CLAIMED; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-85, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE AND USE OF STATE RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THESE FUNDS MAY BE USED AND THEIR AVAILABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-14-20, RELATING TO THE PURPOSES OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THESE PURPOSES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-14-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS UNDER THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS, THE QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR THE CREDITS, AND FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS TO THESE CREDITS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-10, RELATING TO THE CITATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LIFE SCIENCES ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE CITATION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE RENAMED LIFE SCIENCES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING FACILITY"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-30, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF CERTAIN EXPENSES UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT, PROCEDURES FOR WAIVERS, AND THE DURATION OF THESE PROVISIONS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPES OF FACILITIES THAT QUALIFY AND THE DURATION OF THESE PROVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-40, RELATING TO INCOME TAX ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXPAYERS ESTABLISHING A LIFE SCIENCES FACILITY, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPES OF FACILITIES TO WHICH THIS PROVISION APPLIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-20-105, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CREDITS AGAINST ITS CORPORATE LICENSE TAX LIABILITY FOR A COMPANY WHO PAYS CASH FOR INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AN ELIGIBLE PROJECT, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CREDIT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES OR THE CONTINUATION OF THE CREDIT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL TO EXPEND CERTAIN FUNDS FOR SPECIFIED PURPOSES UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-930, RELATING TO VALUATION OF PROPERTY FOR PROPERTY TAX PURPOSES AND DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES FOR MANUFACTURERS, MACHINERY, AND EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO INCLUDE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING FACILITY WITHIN THE DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES ALLOWED FOR MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OF A LIFE SCIENCES FACILITY, AND TO DEFINE WHAT IS A QUALIFYING FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CLASSIFICATION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR AD VALOREM TAX PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY OR LEASED TO A MANUFACTURER AND USED PRIMARILY RATHER THAN EXCLUSIVELY FOR WAREHOUSING AND WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION IS NOT CONSIDERED USED BY THE MANUFACTURER IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS FOR PROPERTY TAX CLASSIFICATION PURPOSES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND ADD CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED FEE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SPONSOR AND THE COUNTY UNDER THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A SPONSOR HAS TO ENTER INTO A FEE AGREEMENT IN REGARD TO A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF A FEE AGREEMENT UNDER THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO DELETE A PROVISION THAT REQUIRES THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MINIMUM INVESTMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR A FEE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO CORRECT A REFERENCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-6-3450 RELATING TO AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR PERSONS TERMINATED FROM EMPLOYMENT AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSING OR REALIGNMENT OF A FEDERAL MILITARY INSTALLATION, SECTION 12-10-88 RELATING TO REDEVELOPMENT FEES IN REGARD TO CLOSED OR REALIGNED MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, SECTIONS 12-14-30, 12-14-40, 12-14-50, AND 12-14-70 RELATING TO ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONES AND ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS AGAINST SOUTH CAROLINA TAXABLE INCOME IN REGARD TO THESE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONES.

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

H. 4684 (Word version) -- Rep. Anthony: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 848 OF 1946, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE UNION HOSPITAL DISTRICT, SO AS TO ADD THREE ADVISORY MEMBERS TO THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND TO DELETE PROVISIONS MAKING THE UNION COUNTY TREASURER THE BOARD'S TREASURER, PROHIBITING A TRUSTEE FROM RECEIVING COMPENSATION, ALLOWING REIMBURSEMENT TO A TRUSTEE FOR ACTUAL CASH EXPENDITURES MADE BY HIM AS A TRUSTEE, AND CONCERNING A SEAL AND CERTAIN OFFICE PROCEDURES OF THE DISTRICT.

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

H. 4694 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Herbkersman, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Hiott, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUFORT ON THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

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

H. 4699 (Word version) -- Reps. Haley, Ballentine, Bingham, Brantley, Chalk, Erickson, Frye, Herbkersman, Hodges, Huggins, McLeod, Ott, E. H. Pitts, Spires and Toole: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JIM MANSHIP OF BEAUFORT COUNTY FOR UNCOMMON VALOR IN THE HEROIC RESCUE OF TWO WOMEN TRAPPED IN A SINKING CAR.

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

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Senator HAYES from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a majority favorable and Senators BRYANT and ANDERSON a minority unfavorable report on:

S. 1031 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Reese, O'Dell, Jackson, Rose, Coleman, Nicholson, Ford, Elliott, Bright, Campbell, Massey and Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-45-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO LICENSURE OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS AND GROUNDS FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST LICENSEES, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROHIBITION AGAINST A LICENSEE WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE DIVIDING, TRANSFERRING, ASSIGNING, REBATING, OR REFUNDING OF FEES RECEIVED FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BY CERTAIN MEANS BY DELETING THE REFERENCE TO "WAGES", AS A MEANS OF ENGAGING IN THE PROHIBITED CONDUCT, AND TO FURTHER SPECIFY ARRANGEMENTS THAT MAY EXIST BETWEEN A PHYSICAL THERAPIST AND A PHYSICIAN WHICH MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED CONDUCT SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAMINERS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1137 (Word version) -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-398, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MONITORING THE SALE OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING EPHEDRINE OR PSEUDOEPHEDRINE, SO AS TO ALSO MONITOR PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE AND THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF THESE PRODUCTS, TO MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO PURCHASE THESE PRODUCTS, TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THE PURCHASER AT THE TIME OF THE SALE OF THESE PRODUCTS MUST BE ENTERED IN AN ELECTRONIC LOG, RATHER THAN A WRITTEN LOG, TO PROVIDE THAT THE INFORMATION MUST BE TRANSMITTED TO A CENTRAL DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM THAT WILL SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION TO SLED WHICH WILL MAINTAIN THIS INFORMATION TO ASSIST LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MONITORING THESE SALES AND PURCHASES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A RETAILER OF THESE PRODUCTS MAY APPLY TO THE BOARD OF PHARMACY FOR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE ELECTRONIC LOG REQUIREMENT; AND BY ADDING CHAPTER 14 TO TITLE 23 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION SHALL SERVE AS THE REPOSITORY FOR INFORMATION THE CENTRAL DATA COLLECTION GATHERS AND TRANSFERS TO SLED PERTAINING TO THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING EPHEDRINE, PSEUDOEPHEDRINE, AND PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3170 (Word version) -- Reps. Gunn, Wylie, Hart, Loftis, R.L. Brown, Whipper and King: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE JOINT ELECTRONIC HEALTH INFORMATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF INCREASING THE USE OF HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONIC PERSONAL HEALTH RECORDS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY COMMITTEE'S MEMBERSHIP, AND TO REQUIRE THE STUDY COMMITTEE TO REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2010, AT WHICH TIME THE STUDY COMMITTEE IS ABOLISHED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., March 9, 2010

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:

H. 3395 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A.D. Young, Edge, Bedingfield, J.R. Smith, G.R. Smith, D.C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Hiott, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E.H. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T.R. Young and Wylie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND PURSUANT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE AND THE RATE OF REPLENISHMENT OF THAT AMOUNT.
Respectfully submitted,
Speaker of the House

Received as Information

The Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., March 9, 2010

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:

H. 3396 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Scott, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A.D. Young, Edge, J.R. Smith, G.R. Smith, Bedingfield, Whitmire, Hiott, D.C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E.H. Pitts, Rice, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T.R. Young and Wylie: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 36, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE PERCENT THE AMOUNT OF STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUE IN THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND.
Respectfully submitted,
Speaker of the House

Received as Information

The Joint Resolution was ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE CONCURRENCES

S. 1095 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary, Cromer, Campsen, Land and Davis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE ANY FISHING AREA CLOSURES OFF THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL'S PROPOSED AMENDMENT 17A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION.
Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

S. 1121 (Word version) -- Senators Mulvaney and Sheheen: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE ON SANDHILL ROAD IN KERSHAW, SOUTH CAROLINA, AS THE "LEIGH ALLISON SHEPARD MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "LEIGH ALLISON SHEPARD MEMORIAL BRIDGE".

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

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

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

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

H. 4485 (Word version) -- Reps. A.D. Young, Horne, Knight and Harrell: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF SUMMERVILLE NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY IN SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, TO THE TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE.

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

There was no objection and the Resolution was read the third time and ordered enrolled for Ratification.

THIRD READING BILLS

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

S. 591 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie and Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 22-3-1330, 22-3-1340, 22-3-1370, 22-3-1400, AND 22-3-1410 OF THE 1976 CODE, ALL RELATING TO PROCEEDINGS IN CLAIM AND DELIVERY ACTIONS, TO ALLOW SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PERSONS OTHER THAN CONSTABLES.

S. 591--Recorded Vote

Senators RYBERG and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.

S. 718 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen and Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-3-550 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ORDERING RESTITUTION IN MAGISTRATE'S COURT, TO PROVIDE THAT A MAGISTRATE HAS JURISDICTION OF ALL OFFENSES WHICH MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES OF A FINE OR FORFEITURE NOT EXCEEDING ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND TO PROVIDE THAT A MAGISTRATE MAY ORDER RESTITUTION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE CIVIL JURISDICTIONAL AMOUNT FOR MAGISTRATES.

S. 718--Recorded Vote

Senators RYBERG and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.

S. 879 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-3150, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ASSESSABLE TRANSFERS OF INTEREST FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING THE VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR PROPERTY TAXATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INSTANCES OF PROPERTY TRANSFERS NOT CONSIDERED ASSESSABLE TRANSFERS OF INTEREST, INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FRACTIONAL INTERESTS CONSTITUTING NOT MORE THAN FIFTY PERCENT OF FEE SIMPLE TITLE, TRANSFERS INTO AND OUT OF A SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NOT TAXED AS A CORPORATION WHEN THE SINGLE MEMBER IS THE TRANSFEREE AND TRANSFEROR, TRANSFERS RELATING TO EASEMENTS, TRANSFERS TO QUIET TITLE OR ESTABLISH A BOUNDARY LINE, AND TRANSFERS CREATING OR TERMINATING A JOINT TENANCY WITH RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP IF THE GRANTORS AND GRANTEES ARE THE SAME.

S. 879--Recorded Vote

Senators RYBERG and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.

S. 905 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-7-71 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TAX BILLS AND REVENUE IMPACT STATEMENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVENUE IMPACT STATEMENT MUST BE SIGNED BY THE CHIEF ECONOMIST OF THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 2-7-78, RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF A REVENUE ESTIMATE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVENUE IMPACT MUST BE CERTIFIED BY THE CHIEF ECONOMIST OF THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS.

S. 905--Recorded Vote

Senators RYBERG and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.

S. 931 (Word version) -- Senator L. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF PAROLE OR CONDITIONAL RELEASE OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS, TO PROVIDE THAT WRITTEN NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY DAYS RATHER THAN ONE HUNDRED DAYS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PAROLE OR CONDITIONAL RELEASE ORDER DOES NOT TAKE EFFECT FOR ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS, RATHER THAN NINETY DAYS, AFTER ISSUANCE OF THE ORDER; TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-80, RELATING TO THE FACILITY IN WHICH A PERSON MUST BE HELD AFTER PROBABLE CAUSE IS FOUND TO EXIST THAT THE PERSON IS A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR, TO REQUIRE THAT THE PERSON ONLY BE HELD IN A LOCAL OR REGIONAL DETENTION FACILITY PENDING CONCLUSION OF THE PROCEEDINGS IN THIS CHAPTER AND THAT THE COURT MUST DIRECT THE PERSON TO BE TRANSPORTED TO AN APPROPRIATE FACILITY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH; TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-90, RELATING TO THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A JURY TRIAL MUST BE REQUESTED AND HELD TO DETERMINE IF A PERSON IS A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR, TO PROVIDE THAT A JURY TRIAL MUST BE REQUESTED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DETERMINATION OF PROBABLE CAUSE UNDER SECTION 44-48-80, TO PROVIDE THAT THE TRIAL MUST BE HELD WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF ISSUANCE OF THE COURT APPOINTED EVALUATOR'S OPINION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT UPON RECEIPT OF THE ISSUANCE OF THE OPINION, EITHER PARTY MAY RETAIN HIS OWN EXPERT TO CONDUCT A SUBSEQUENT EVALUATION; TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-100, RELATING TO THE FACILITY IN WHICH A PERSON MUST BE HELD UPON A MISTRIAL IN DETERMINING IF THE PERSON IS A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR, TO REQUIRE THAT THE PERSON ONLY BE HELD IN A LOCAL OR REGIONAL DETENTION FACILITY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-120, RELATING TO PROCEDURES REQUIRED WHEN THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DETERMINES A PERSON COMMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT AS A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR IS NO LONGER LIKELY TO COMMIT ACTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE, TO REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR TO CERTIFY THIS DETERMINATION IN WRITING AND TO NOTIFY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THIS CERTIFICATION AND OF THE PATIENT'S AUTHORIZATION TO PETITION THE COURT FOR RELEASE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY REQUEST AN EXAMINATION BEFORE A HEARING ON THE RELEASE IS HELD, AND TO PROVIDE THAT EITHER PARTY MAY REQUEST THAT THE HEARING BE HELD BEFORE A JURY.

S. 931--Recorded Vote

Senators RYBERG and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.

S. 1028 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 32-8-320, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MAY SERVE AS A DECEDENT'S AGENT TO AUTHORIZE CREMATION, SO AS TO ALSO PERMIT A PERSON NAMED IN THE DECEDENT'S DD FORM 93 TO AUTHORIZE CREMATION IF THE DECEDENT SERVED IN THE MILITARY SERVICES IF THERE IS NO SUCH DESIGNATION IN THE WILL OR OTHER VERIFIED AND ATTESTED DOCUMENT OF THE DECEDENT.

S. 1028--Recorded Vote

Senators RYBERG and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.

S. 1147 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Rankin, Hutto, Campbell, Knotts and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITION OF TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF SEVERAL EXISTING TERMS AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR SEVERAL NEW TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO 911 SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE "A CAPABILITY TO HAVE CELLULAR PHONES ROUTED TO 911" AS A SYSTEM REQUIREMENT AND TO ADD "ROUTING AND CAPABILITIES TO RECEIVE AND PROCESS CMRS SERVICE AND VOIP SERVICE CAPABLE OF MAKING 911 CALLS" AS A SYSTEM REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-50, RELATING TO SUBSCRIBER BILLING OR 911 SERVICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR THE BILLING OF 911 CHARGES FOR LOCAL EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITIES THAT ARE CAPABLE OF SIMULTANEOUSLY CARRYING FIVE OR MORE OUTGOING 911 VOICE CALLS, TO REVISE THE 911 CHARGE THAT PREPAID WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE IS SUBJECT TO AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-65, RELATING TO THE CMRS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SO AS TO REVISE THE NAME OF THE COMMITTEE AND ITS MEMBERSHIP, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMITTEE AND THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD ARE AUTHORIZED TO REGULATE PREPAID WIRELESS SELLERS; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-67 SO AS TO IMPOSE A VOIP 911 CHARGE ON EACH LOCAL EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF THE CHARGE AND ITS DISTRIBUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-68 SO AS TO IMPOSE A PREPAID WIRELESS 911 CHARGE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-69 SO AS TO LIMIT THE CHARGES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED FOR 911 SERVICE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-70, RELATING TO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR FROM A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY PROVIDING 911 SERVICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR LIABILITY WHEN 911 SERVICE IS PROVIDED AND WHEN IT IS NOT PROVIDED PURSUANT TO TARIFFS ON FILE WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE.

S. 1175 (Word version) -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 9-8-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON ASSUMING THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THIS STATE AFTER 2010, MUST BE A MEMBER OF THAT RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND TO MAKE THE NECESSARY PROVISIONS FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Senator LAND explained the Bill.

S. 1175--Recorded Vote

Senators RYBERG and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.

S. 1251 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE, RELATING TO FUNERAL SERVICE PRACTICE ACT, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4068, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 1251--Recorded Vote

Senators RYBERG and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Joint Resolution.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED
AMENDMENT PROPOSED, CARRIED OVER

H. 3365 (Word version)--Reps. Cooper, T.R. Young and J.R. Smith: A BILL TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHER EDUCATION EFFICIENCY AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES ACT OF 2009, RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO PROVIDE FOR HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE; BY ADDING SECTION 2-47-53 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE STATE'S INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-65, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, TO EXEMPT CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS MADE FOR OR BY THESE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING; BY ADDING SECTIONS 59-147-35 AND 59-147-36 AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-147-30, RELATING TO THE PROCEDURES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS, TO REVISE THESE PROCEDURES AND THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE BONDS MAY BE USED; BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-135 TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN A COUNTY, MUNICIPALITY, OR SCHOOL DISTRICT ENTERS INTO A CONTRACT WITH A VENDOR TO ACQUIRE GOODS OR SERVICES, A FOUR-YEAR OR GRADUATE LEVEL PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING LOCATED IN THE COUNTY, MUNICIPALITY, OR SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY BECOME A PARTY TO THE CONTRACT; BY ADDING SECTION 59-112-115 TO PROVIDE THAT WHENEVER THE GOVERNING BOARD OF A FOUR-YEAR AND GRADUATE LEVEL PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE NOT INCLUDING A TECHNICAL COLLEGE ADOPTS A CHANGE TO THE TUITION OR FEES IMPOSED ON STUDENTS, THE CHANGE ONLY MAY BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE INSTITUTION AFTER A PUBLICALLY RECORDED ROLL CALL VOTE. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Education.

The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (3365FIN001), which was adopted:

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

  /   Part I

Citation

SECTION   1.   This act is known and may be cited as the "South Carolina Higher Education Efficiency and Administrative Policies Act of 2010".

  Part II

Human Resource Reforms

SECTION   2.   Chapter 101, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

  "Article 5

Human Resources at a Public Institution

of Higher Learning

Section 59-101-1010.   As used in this article, 'public institution of higher learning', or 'institution' means a four-year public institution of higher learning or graduate level public institution of higher learning, including two-year branch campuses of a graduate level public institution of higher learning in this state, not including technical colleges.

Section 59-101-1020.     The Budget and Control Board's State Office of Human Resources shall participate with five representatives selected by the respective presidents of the public institutions of higher learning to represent all of the public institutions of higher learning to study, develop, and recommend a separate, comprehensive human resources system for the public institutions of higher learning. The recommendation shall include, but not be limited to, prescription of a methodology to establish a uniform compensation and classification plan among the public institutions of higher learning. The recommendations must provide for necessary accountability to the Budget and Control Board, including a process for reporting human resources data. The recommendation must be submitted to the State Budget and Control Board for its review no later than July 1, 2011 and shall not be implemented until approved by the Budget and Control Board pursuant to Section 8-11-230."

  Part III

Facilities and Capital Expenditure Revisions

SECTION   3.   Section 2-47-50 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 2-47-50.   The board shall establish formally each permanent improvement project before actions of any sort which implement the project in any way may be undertaken and no expenditure of any funds for any services or for any other project purpose contracted for, delivered, or otherwise provided prior to the date of the formal action of the board to establish the project shall be approved. State agencies and institutions may advertise and interview for project architectural and engineering services for a pending project so long as the architectural and engineering contract is not awarded until after a state project number is assigned. After the committee has reviewed the form to be used to request the establishment of permanent improvement projects and has reviewed the time schedule for considering such requests as proposed by the board, requests to establish permanent improvement projects shall be made in such form and at such times as the board may require.

Any proposal to finance all or any part of any project using any funds not previously authorized specifically for the project by the General Assembly or using any funds not previously approved for the project by the board and reviewed by the committee shall be referred to the committee for review prior to approval by the board.

Any proposed revision of the scope or of the budget of an established permanent improvement project deemed by the board to be substantial shall be referred to the committee for its review prior to any final action by the board. In making their determinations regarding changes in project scope, the board and the committee shall utilize the permanent improvement project proposal and justification statements, together with any supporting documentation, considered at the time the project was authorized or established originally. Any proposal to increase the budget of a previously approved project using any funds not previously approved for the project by the board and reviewed by the committee shall in all cases be deemed to be a substantial revision of a project budget which shall be referred to the committee for review. The committee shall be advised promptly of all actions taken by the board which approve revisions in the scope of or the budget of any previously established permanent improvement project not deemed substantial by the board. However, with regard to institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010, a previously approved permanent improvement project, whose total costs increase not more than ten percent of the most recently approved total costs, not to exceed two million dollars in the aggregate for all the revisions made pursuant to this section, is not required to have that proposal reviewed by the committee, except that the proposal is subject to staff level review.

For purposes of this chapter, with regard to all institutions of higher learning, except institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010, permanent improvement project is defined as:

(1)   acquisition of land, regardless of cost;

(2)   acquisition, as opposed to the construction, of buildings or other structures, regardless of cost;

(3)   construction of additional facilities and work on existing facilities for any given project including their renovation, repair, maintenance, alteration, or demolition in those instances in which the total cost of all work involved is five hundred thousand dollars or more;

(4)   architectural and engineering and other types of planning and design work, regardless of cost, which is intended to result in a permanent improvement project. Master plans and feasibility studies are not permanent improvement projects and are not to be included;

(5)   capital lease purchase of a facility acquisition or construction; and

(6)   equipment that either becomes a permanent fixture of a facility or does not become permanent but is included in the construction contract shall be included as a part of a project.

For purposes of this chapter, with regard to all institutions of higher learning, as defined in Section 59-101-1010, 'permanent improvement project' is defined as:

(1)   acquisition of land costing more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars. For the acquisition of land costing two hundred fifty thousand dollars or less, the proposal is subject to staff level review;

(2)   acquisition, as opposed to the construction, of buildings or other structures costing more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars. For the acquisition, as opposed to construction, of building or other structures costing two hundred fifty thousand dollars or less, the proposal is subject to staff level review;

(3)   work on existing facilities for any given project including their renovation, repair, maintenance, alteration, or demolition in those instances in which the total cost of all work involved is one million dollars or more;

(4)   architectural and engineering and other types of planning and design work, regardless of cost, which is intended to result in a permanent improvement project. Master plans and feasibility studies are not permanent improvement projects and are not to be included;

(5)   capital lease purchase of a facility acquisition or construction in which the total cost is one million dollars or more;

(6)   equipment that either becomes a permanent fixture of a facility or does not become permanent but is included in the construction contract shall be included as a part of a project in which the total cost is one million dollars or more; and

(7)   new construction of a facility that exceeds a total cost of five hundred thousand dollars.

Any permanent improvement project that meets the above definition must become a project, regardless of the source of funds. However, an institution of higher learning that has been authorized or appropriated capital improvement bond funds, capital reserve fund or state appropriated funds, or state infrastructure bond funds, or state institution bond funds by the General Assembly for capital improvements shall process a permanent improvement project, regardless of the amount.

For purposes of this chapter, Clemson University Public Service Activities (Clemson--PSA) and South Carolina State University Public Service Activities (SC State-PSA) shall be considered an institution of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010."

SECTION   4.   Section 1-11-65 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an appropriately lettered subsection at the end to read:

"( )   Any public institution of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010 with approval of the Budget and Control Board may enter into one or more ground lease agreements with a private entity whereby the private entity will provide all services necessary for the creation and operation of on-campus infrastructure including, but not limited to, financing which is subject to review and approval of state treasurer, designing, constructing, managing, operating, maintaining, and related services. Upon expiration of the ground lease agreement term, the private entity shall surrender to the institution such premises with the existing buildings, other structures, and improvements constructed and located thereon and therein, in the same condition as when the construction of the buildings, other structures, and improvements were completed, only natural and normal wear and tear excepted. The Budget and Control Board shall approve all ground lease agreement terms and conditions including the consideration involved. The full faith and credit of the State toward the lease obligations must not be pledged, and any statement to the contrary is deemed null and void as a matter of public policy. The private entity may be a nonprofit organization. Budget and Control Board approval required is instead of or a substitute for any other approval required by any other provision of law or regulation in connection with the undertaking of the private entity and the subject institution; however, the private entity and the subject institution shall adhere to fire, life, and safety codes as required by the Office of the State Engineer. This section and the approval required by this section does not exempt any transaction or entity from complying with Chapter 35, Title 11."

  Part IV

Procurement Code Revisions

SECTION   5.   Section 11-35-1550(2) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 376 of 2006, is further amended to read:

"(2)   Competition and Price Reasonableness.

(a)   Purchases not in excess of two thousand five hundred dollars. Except as provided in subitem (d) below, small purchases not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars may be accomplished without securing competitive quotations if the prices are considered reasonable. The purchasing office must annotate the purchase requisition: 'Price is fair and reasonable' and sign. The purchases must be distributed equitably among qualified suppliers. When practical, a quotation must be solicited from other than the previous supplier before placing a repeat order. The administrative cost of verifying the reasonableness of the price of purchase 'not in excess of' may more than offset potential savings in detecting instances of overpricing. Action to verify the reasonableness of the price need be taken only when the procurement officer of the governmental body suspects that the price may not be reasonable, comparison to previous price paid, or personal knowledge of the item involved.

(b)   Purchases over two thousand five hundred dollars to ten thousand dollars. Except as provided in subitem (d) below, solicitation of written quotes from a minimum of three qualified sources of supply must be made and documentation of the quotes attached to the purchase requisition for a small purchase over two thousand five hundred dollars but not in excess of ten thousand dollars. The award must be made to the lowest responsive and responsible sources.

(c)   Purchases over ten thousand dollars up to fifty thousand dollars. Written solicitation of written quotes, bids, or proposals must be made for a small purchase over ten thousand dollars but not in excess of fifty thousand dollars. The procurement must be advertised at least once in the South Carolina Business Opportunities publication or through a means of central electronic advertising as approved by the designated board office. A copy of the written solicitation and written quotes must be attached to the purchase requisition. The award must be made to the lowest responsive and responsible source or, when a request for proposal process is used, the highest ranking offeror.

(d)   For institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010, small purchase amounts to which the provisions of subitem (a) above shall apply are those purchases not exceeding ten thousand dollars, and for these purchases subitem (b) above shall not apply. In addition, purchasing cards of the institution for these purchases also may be used by officials or employees of the institution as the governing board thereof approves."

SECTION   6.   Section 11-35-3310 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 174 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3310.   (1)   General Applicability. Indefinite delivery contracts may be awarded on an as-needed basis for construction services pursuant to the procedures in Section 11-35-3015(2)(b) and for architectural-engineering and land surveying services pursuant to Section 11-35-3220.

(a)   Construction Services. When construction services contracts are awarded, each contract shall be limited to a total expenditure of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars for a two-year period with individual project expenditures not to exceed one hundred fifty thousand dollars; provided, that these limits for institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010 in this item shall be one million dollars for total expenditures and two hundred fifty thousand dollars for individual expenditures within the time periods specified.

(b)   Architectural-Engineering and Land Surveying Services. When architectural-engineering and land surveying services contracts are awarded, each contract shall be limited to a total expenditure of three hundred thousand dollars for a two-year period with individual project expenditures not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars; provided, that these limits for institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010 in this item shall be five hundred thousand dollars for total expenditures and two hundred thousand dollars for individual expenditures within the time periods specified.

(2)   Small Indefinite Delivery Contracts. Small indefinite delivery contracts for architectural-engineering and land surveying services may be procured as provided in Section 11-35-3230. A contract established under this section shall be subject to Section 11-35-3230, and any regulations promulgated thereunder except that the individual and total contract limits shall be fifty and one hundred fifty thousand dollars respectively for institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010."

SECTION   7.   Section 11-35-4810 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 11-35-4810.   Any public procurement unit may participate in, sponsor, conduct, or administer a cooperative purchasing agreement for the procurement of any supplies, services, or construction with one or more public procurement units or external procurement activities in accordance with an agreement entered into between the participants. Such cooperative purchasing may include, but is not limited to, joint or multi-party contracts between public procurement units and open-ended state public procurement unit contracts which shall be made available to local public procurement units, except as provided in Section 11-35-4820 or except as may otherwise be limited by the board through regulations.

However, thirty days notice of a proposed multi-state solicitation shall be provided through central advertising and such contracts may be only awarded to manufacturers who will be distributing the products to South Carolina governmental bodies through South Carolina vendors; provided, however, that the provisions of this paragraph do not apply to institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010, if the institution demonstrates a cost savings to the Office of State Procurement in regard to the multi-state solicitation and procurement."

  Part V

Miscellaneous Provisions

SECTION   8.   Section 1-7-170 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 353 of 2008, is amended to read:

"Section 1-7-170.   (A)   A department or agency of state government may not engage on a fee basis an attorney at law except upon the written approval of the Attorney General and upon a fee as must be approved by him. This section does not apply to the employment of attorneys in special cases in inferior courts when the fee to be paid does not exceed two hundred fifty dollars or exceptions approved by the State Budget and Control Board. This section does not apply to an attorney hired by the General Assembly or the judicial department.

(B)   Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (A), when a public institution of higher learning, as defined in Section 59-101-1010, decides to employ outside counsel on a particular matter, except in matters involving public financing or related financing issues, for a series of similar matters, or on a retainer basis shall submit the names of three qualified law firms consisting of a single practitioner or a group of practitioners from which the Attorney General shall approve one or more which the institution is then authorized to employ or retain. Subject to approval by the Attorney General, the institution may pay legal fees to that firm at its usual and customary rates for engaging in that type of work. Attorneys employed in matters involving public financing or related financing issues must be assigned and approved by the Budget and Control Board according to policies and procedures adopted by the board."

SECTION   9.   Article 1, Chapter 101, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-101-55.   State appropriated funds shall not be used to provide out-of-state subsidies to students attending state-supported institutions of higher learning."

SECTION   10.   Section 59-101-620 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 59-101-620.   (A)   A public institution of higher learning may offer educational fee waivers to no more than four percent of the undergraduate student body; however, an institution of higher learning, as defined in Section 59-101-1010, may offer educational fee waivers to not more than eight percent of the undergraduate student body. Any fee waivers above four percent must be used for in-state students. For the purposes of fee waivers, an in-state student shall be defined by Section 59-112-20(A).

(B)   State-supported institutions of higher learning to which subsection (A) applies shall annually report to the Commission on Higher Education the amount of such waivers provided during that fiscal year and such other information as the commission may require in regard to these waivers."

SECTION   11.   Chapter 112, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-112-115.   Whenever the governing board of an institution of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010, adopts a change to the tuition or fees imposed on students, the change may be implemented by the institution only after a public vote with the number of trustees voting for and against the change being counted. A majority vote shall be required to implement any change to the tuition or fees."

  Part VI

Severability and Time Effective

SECTION   12.   If any section, subsection, item, subitem, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, item, subitem, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, items, subitems, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.

SECTION   13.   Unless otherwise provided, this act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.       /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator COURSON explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senator BRYANT proposed the following amendment (3365R001.KLB):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 11-35-1550(2)(d), as found in SECTION 5:

/   (d)(i)   For institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010, small purchase amounts to which the provisions of subitem (a) above shall apply are those purchases not exceeding ten thousand dollars, and for these purchases subitem (b) above shall not apply. In addition, purchasing cards of the institution for these purchases also may be used by officials or employees of the institution as the governing board thereof approves.

(ii)   an institution of higher learning must maintain a transaction register that records all of its small purchases made pursuant to subitem (b)(i). Entries in the register must include a description of and the amount of the purchase. The register must be prominently posted on the institution's internet website and made available for public viewing and downloading."       /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in SECTION 6 by adding a new subsection to Section 11-35-3310 to read:

/   (3)   Expenditures made pursuant to this section by institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-101-1010 must maintained in a transaction register by the institution making the expenditure. Entries in the register must include a description of and the amount of the expenditure. The register must be prominently posted on the institution's internet website and made available for public viewing and downloading."       /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in SECTION 7, by adding a new sentence at the end of the second paragraph to read:

/   Purchasing agreements that are exempted from this section which are entered into by institutions of higher learning must be maintained in a transaction register. Entries in the register must include a description of and the amount of the agreement. The register must be prominently posted on the institution's internet website and made available for public viewing and downloading."     /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in SECTION 8, by striking Section 1-7-170(B) and inserting:

/     (B)   Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (A), when a public institution of higher learning, as defined in Section 59-101-1010, decides to employ outside counsel on a particular matter, except in matters involving public financing or related financing issues, for a series of similar matters, or on a retainer basis shall submit the names of three qualified law firms consisting of a single practitioner or a group of practitioners from which the Attorney General shall approve one or more which the institution is then authorized to employ or retain. Subject to approval by the Attorney General, the institution may pay legal fees to that firm at its usual and customary rates for engaging in that type of work. Attorneys employed in matters involving public financing or related financing issues must be assigned and approved by the Budget and Control Board according to policies and procedures adopted by the board. A record of all legal fees paid must be must be maintained in a transaction register. Entries in the register must include a description of the legal services rendered to the institution and the amount of the fees paid for the legal services. The register must be prominently posted on the institution's internet website and made available for public viewing and downloading." /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in SECTION 10 by striking Section 59-101-620(B) and inserting:

/     (B)   State-supported institutions of higher learning to which subsection (A) applies shall annually report to the Commission on Higher Education the amount of such waivers provided during that fiscal year and such other information as the commission may require in regard to these waivers. The report made to the Commission on Higher Education must be prominently posted on the institution's internet website and made available for public viewing and downloading."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator BRYANT explained the amendment.

On motion of Senator BRYANT, the Bill was carried over, as amended.

ADOPTED

S. 1221 (Word version) -- Senator Knotts: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2010, AT NOON AS THE DATE AND TIME 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 BOARDS OF TRUSTEES FOR THE CITADEL, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON, COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY, LANDER UNIVERSITY, THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL, AND WINTHROP UNIVERSITY TO SUCCEED THOSE MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2010, OR WHOSE POSITIONS OTHERWISE MUST BE FILLED; AND TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE REGARDING NOMINATIONS AND SECONDING SPEECHES FOR THE CANDIDATES FOR THESE OFFICES DURING THE JOINT SESSION.

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

H. 4605 (Word version) -- Rep. Huggins: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010, SOUTH CAROLINA REALTOR DAY IN ORDER TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MANY OUTSTANDING REALTORS AND REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS IN OUR STATE.

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

CARRIED OVER

S. 1174 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, O'Dell and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO STATE INCOME TAX LAWS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO THE YEAR 2009; TO ADOPT THE PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC LAW 111-126 RELATING TO THE TIMING OF DEDUCTIONS FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR HAITI RELIEF; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE NOT ADOPTED BY STATE LAW, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS TO THOSE NOT ADOPTED; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ESTIMATED STATE INCOME PAYMENTS, SO AS TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO WAIVE PENALTIES ON CORPORATE TAXPAYERS WHO CALCULATE SOUTH CAROLINA ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENTS BASED ON FEDERAL ESTIMATED TAX PERIODS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO STATE LAW; AND TO AMEND ACT 110 OF 2007 AND ACT 16 OF 2009, RELATING TO MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE PROVISIONS AND CONFORMITY OF STATE INCOME TAX LAW TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, SO AS TO DELETE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS.

On motion of Senator O'DELL, the Bill was carried over.

H. 4174 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin, Bales, Harrison, G.M. Smith and Wylie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-3150, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DETERMINING WHEN A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY MUST BE APPRAISED AS A RESULT OF AN ASSESSABLE TRANSFER OF INTEREST, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CONVEYANCE TO A TRUST DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ASSESSABLE TRANSFER OF INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY IF THE SETTLOR OR SETTLOR'S SPOUSE CONVEYS THE PROPERTY TO A TRUST THE BENEFICIARIES OF WHICH ARE A CHILD OR CHILDREN OF THE SETTLOR OR THE SETTLOR'S SPOUSE AND TO PROVIDE THAT A CONVEYANCE BY DISTRIBUTION UNDER A WILL OR BY INTESTATE SUCCESSION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ASSESSABLE TRANSFER OF INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY IF THE DISTRIBUTEE IS A CHILD OR CHILDREN OF A DECEDENT AND THE DECEDENT DID NOT HAVE A SPOUSE AT THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH.

On motion of Senator MALLOY, the Bill was carried over.

H. 3841 (Word version)--Reps. Owens, Cooper, Skelton, Sottile, J.M. Neal, R.L. Brown, Simrill, Battle, Govan, Barfield, Gullick, Stavrinakis, Hutto, Jefferson, Umphlett, Daning, Kirsh, Knight, Williams, Merrill, Weeks, Whipper, Mack, G.M. Smith, Lowe, Clemmons, Gilliard, Sellers, Erickson, Willis, Wylie, Mitchell, Stewart, Gunn, Vick, Harrell and J.R. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ENACTING THE "TECHNICAL COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2009" TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A TIERED SYSTEM FOR CATEGORIZING TECHNICAL COLLEGES; BY ADDING SECTION 2-47-70, TO ALLOW TECHNICAL COLLEGES TO ENTER INTO ONE OR MORE LEASE AGREEMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-137 TO ALLOW TECHNICAL COLLEGES TO BE A PART OF CERTAIN CONTRACTS MADE BY COUNTIES, MUNICIPALITIES, OR SCHOOL DISTRICTS; TO AMEND SECTION 2-47-50, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND AUTHORIZATION OF PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A TECHNICAL COLLEGE MAY NOT ADVERTISE AND INTERVIEW FOR PROJECT ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING PHASE OF A PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; TO AMEND SECTION 2-65-30, RELATING TO RECEIPT AND EXPENDITURE OF UNANTICIPATED FUNDS, TO EXCLUDE TECHNICAL COLLEGES FROM STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD REVIEW OF EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 8-11-35, RELATING TO SALARY PAYMENT SCHEDULES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION MAY APPROVE ALTERNATIVE SALARY PAYMENT SCHEDULES FOR TECHNICAL COLLEGE EMPLOYEES. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)

On motion of Senator BRYANT, the Bill was carried over.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

RECALLED

S. 2 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Peeler, Leatherman, Sheheen, Rose, Courson, Elliott, Massey, Hayes, Davis, Bright and L. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-410, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIMIT ON STATE SPENDING IMPOSED PURSUANT TO SECTION 7(C), ARTICLE X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, SO AS TO REVISE THIS LIMIT BY IMPOSING AN ANNUAL LIMIT ON THE APPROPRIATION OF STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUES BY ADJUSTING SUCH REVENUES BY A ROLLING TEN-YEAR AVERAGE IN ANNUAL CHANGES IN GENERAL FUND REVENUES AND THE CREATION OF A SEPARATE BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY TO WHICH MUST BE CREDITED ALL GENERAL FUND REVENUES IN EXCESS OF THE ANNUAL LIMIT, THE REVENUES OF WHICH MUCH FIRST BE USED TO STABILIZE GENERAL FUND REVENUES AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION, TO DEFINE EMERGENCIES AND TO PROVIDE FOR SUSPENSION OF THIS APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT IN EMERGENCIES, TO PROVIDE THAT A CASH BALANCE IN THE BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND IN EXCESS OF FIFTEEN PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND REVENUES OF THE MOST RECENT COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR MAY BE APPROPRIATED IN SEPARATE LEGISLATION FOR VARIOUS NONRECURRING PURPOSES, AND TO DEFINE SURPLUS GENERAL FUND REVENUES.

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

The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Finance and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

MOTION ADOPTED

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

HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF VETOES.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., March 3, 2010

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has overridden the veto by the Governor on R130, H. 3624 by a vote of 4 to 1:

(R130, H3624 (Word version)) -- Reps. A.D. Young, Horne, Knight and Harrell: AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE DORCHESTER COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE IS ALLOWED AND MUST BE PAID FROM DORCHESTER COUNTY "C" FUND REVENUES SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH THE MEMBER IS IN ATTENDANCE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information

Ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

VETO OVERRIDDEN

(R130, H3624 (Word version)) -- Reps. A.D. Young, Horne, Knight and Harrell: AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE DORCHESTER COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE IS ALLOWED AND MUST BE PAID FROM DORCHESTER COUNTY "C" FUND REVENUES SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH THE MEMBER IS IN ATTENDANCE.

The veto of the Governor was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator ROSE moved that the veto of the Governor be overridden.

The question was put, "Shall the Act become law, the veto of the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding?"

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

Ayes 3; Nays 0

AYES

Grooms                    Matthews                  Rose

Total--3

NAYS

Total--0

The necessary two-thirds vote having been received, the veto of the Governor was overridden, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.

HOUSE AMENDMENTS AMENDED
RETURNED TO THE HOUSE WITH AMENDMENTS

S. 328 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin, Grooms, Cromer, Campbell, Bright, Bryant and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-5-60 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO INOCULATING PETS AGAINST RABIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE INOCULATIONS MUST BE ADMINISTERED BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN OR SOMEONE UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED VETERINARIAN.
The House returned the Bill with amendments.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.

Senator VERDIN proposed the following amendment (328R001.DBV), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 47-5-60 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 47-5-60.   (A) A pet owner must have his pet inoculated against rabies at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. The rabies inoculation for pets must be administered by a licensed veterinarian or someone under a licensed veterinarian's direct supervision, as defined in Section 40-69-20. Evidence of rabies inoculation is a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian. The rabies vaccination certificate forms may be provided by the licensed veterinarian or by the department or its designee. The veterinarian may stamp or write his name and address on the certificate. The certificate must include information recommended by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. The licensed veterinarian administering or supervising the administration of the vaccine shall provide one copy of the certificate to the owner of the pet and must retain one copy in his files for not less than three years. With the issuance of the certificate, the licensed veterinarian shall furnish a serially numbered metal license tag bearing the same number and year as the certificate with the name and telephone number of the veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or practice. The metal license tag at all times must be attached to a collar or harness worn by the pet for which the certificate and tag have been issued. Annually before February first, the veterinarian shall report to the department the number of animals inoculated against rabies during the preceding year. The department, in conjunction with licensed veterinarians, shall promote annual rabies clinics. The fee for rabies inoculation at these clinics may not exceed three ten dollars, including the cost of the vaccine, and this charge must be paid by the pet owner. Fees collected by veterinarians at these clinics are their compensation."

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

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was ordered returned to the House with amendments.

Recorded Vote

Senators McCONNELL, CAMPSEN, SHANE MARTIN, MASSEY and BRIGHT desired to be recorded as voting against the adoption of the amendment.

Statement by Senators McCONNELL, SHANE MARTIN CAMPSEN and BRIGHT

We voted against the amendment because we agreed with the House version that eliminated the government setting the costs that could be charged for a rabies shot. The Senate amendment would mandate that veterinarians could not charge more than $10. We firmly believe that charges for goods and services should be subject to the free market. In a choice between the free market and government price control, we believe that the free market should be victorious. Fortunately, the House amendment recognized that. Unfortunately, the Senate amendment did not. For that reason, we voted against this amendment which reestablished price controls.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE SPECIAL ORDERS.

DEBATE INTERRUPTED

H. 3305 (Word version) -- Reps. Bedingfield, Merrill, Bingham, Duncan, Loftis, G.R. Smith, Cato, Owens, Crawford, A.D. Young, Nanney, Bannister, Daning, Harrison, Horne, Kirsh, Lowe, Lucas, E.H. Pitts, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Wylie, T.R. Young, Long, Rice, Parker, Allison, Littlejohn, Cole, Hiott, Edge, Whitmire, Hearn, Hardwick, D.C. Smith, Pinson, J.R. Smith, Simrill, Brantley, Willis, Hamilton, Erickson, Sottile, Scott, Harrell, Delleney, Gullick, Frye, Clemmons, G.M. Smith, Battle, Sandifer, Millwood, Haley, Ballentine, M.A. Pitts, Cooper, White, Gambrell, Bowen, Umphlett, Forrester, Barfield, Chalk, Herbkersman, Viers, Spires, Huggins, Limehouse, Stewart, Kelly, Brady and D.C. Moss: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE II OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE, BY ADDING SECTION 12 SO AS TO GUARANTEE THE RIGHT OF AN INDIVIDUAL TO VOTE BY SECRET BALLOT FOR A DESIGNATION, A SELECTION, OR AN AUTHORIZATION FOR EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION BY A LABOR ORGANIZATION.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Joint Resolution, the question being the third reading of the Joint Resolution.

Senator HUTTO spoke on the Joint Resolution.

PRESIDENT Pro Tempore PRESIDES

At 2:29 P.M., Senator McCONNELL assumed the Chair.

Senator HUTTO spoke on the Joint Resolution.

Point of Quorum

At 3:27 P.M., Senator SETZLER made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator LARRY MARTIN moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:

Alexander                 Anderson                  Bright
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Cleary                    Coleman                   Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Elliott
Fair                      Ford                      Grooms
Hayes                     Hutto                     Jackson
Knotts                    Land                      Leatherman
Leventis                  Lourie                    Malloy
Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
Matthews                  McConnell                 McGill
Mulvaney                  Nicholson                 O'Dell
Peeler                    Pinckney                  Rankin
Reese                     Rose                      Ryberg
Scott                     Setzler                   Thomas
Verdin                    Williams

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Senator HUTTO resumed speaking on the Joint Resolution.

Motion Under Rule 15A Failed

At 3:53 P.M., Senator LARRY MARTIN moved under the provisions of Rule 15A to vote on the entire matter of H. 3005.

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

Ayes 23; Nays 19

AYES

Alexander                 Bright                    Bryant
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cleary
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Grooms                    Hayes
Leatherman                Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane
Massey                    McConnell                 Mulvaney
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Rose
Thomas                    Verdin

Total--23

NAYS

Anderson                  Elliott                   Ford
Hutto                     Jackson                   Knotts
Land                      Leventis                  Lourie
Malloy                    Matthews                  McGill
Nicholson                 Pinckney                  Rankin
Reese                     Ryberg                    Setzler
Williams

Total--19

Having failed to receive the necessary vote, the motion under Rule 15A failed.

Senator HUTTO resumed speaking against the Joint Resolution.

Point of Quorum

At 4:15 P.M., Senator SETZLER made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:

Alexander                 Anderson                  Bright
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Cleary                    Coleman                   Cromer
Davis                     Elliott                   Ford
Grooms                    Hutto                     Jackson
Knotts                    Land                      Leatherman
Leventis                  Lourie                    Malloy
Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
Matthews                  McConnell                 McGill
Mulvaney                  Nicholson                 O'Dell
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reese
Rose                      Ryberg                    Scott
Setzler                   Thomas                    Verdin
Williams

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Recorded Presence

Senators FAIR and PINCKNEY recorded their presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.

Senator HUTTO argued contra to the third reading of the Resolution.

Objection

With Senator HUTTO retaining the floor, Senator LARRY MARTIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Senate stand adjourned.

Senator BRIGHT objected.

Senator HUTTO argued contra to the third reading of the Resolution.

On motion of Senator HUTTO, debate was interrupted by adjournment.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator LARRY MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Wayne Williams, 90 years old. A highly respected, lifelong resident of the Dacusville Community in Pickens County, he was a retired rural mail carrier and businessman, who was blessed with a wonderful family. Mr. Williams died on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

and

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator PINCKNEY, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of the Honorable Albert Lloyd Kleckley, Sr. of Okatie, S.C., beloved husband, devoted father, judge, friend and former colleague, having served in the House of Representatives from 1973-1976.

ADJOURNMENT

At 5:02 P.M., on motion of Senator HUTTO, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 2:00 P.M.

Recorded Vote

Senators BRIGHT and BRYANT desired to be recorded as voting against the motion to adjourn.

* * *

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