Senator SENN proposed the following amendment (491R003.SP.SS):

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION to read:

/SECTION __. Section 54-3-10 and Section 54-3-20 of the 1976 Code are amended to read:

"Section 54-3-10. (A) There is created the South Carolina State Ports Authority. The governing body of the authority is a board of directors consisting of eleven fourteen members, nine voting members appointed by the Governor as provided in Section 54-3-20, the Secretary of Transportation, or his designee, and the Secretary of Commerce, or his designee, and the mayors of North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston. The voting members shall be responsible for setting policies and direction for the authority so that the authority may achieve its mission. The powers and duties of the authority shall be exercised by the board. The board may delegate to one or more officers, agents, or employees such powers and duties as it determines are necessary and proper for the effective, efficient operation of the port.

(B) The Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Commerce, and mayors of North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston:

(1) shall serve on the board, ex officio, as nonvoting members; and

(2) are ineligible for election as chairman, vice chairman, secretary, treasurer, or any other office elected by the board; and

(3) may only attend meetings or portions of meetings open to the public. They are not permitted to attend executive session meetings.

Section 54-3-20. (A) The members of the board, except for the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Commerce, and mayors of North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston, shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, for terms of five years each and until their successors shall have been appointed, screened, and qualified. In the event of a vacancy, however caused, a successor shall be appointed in the manner of original appointment for the unexpired term. No member of the board, except for the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Commerce, and mayors of North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston, may serve more than three terms total.

(B) A candidate for appointment to the board may not be confirmed by the Senate or serve on the board, even in an interim capacity, until he is found qualified by possessing the abilities, the experience, and the minimum qualifications contained in Section 54-3-60." /