House Week in Review

Bills Introduced in the House This Week

NOTE: THESE SUMMARIES ARE PREPARED BY THE STAFF OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND ARE NOT THE EXPRESSION OF THE LEGISLATION'S SPONSOR(S) OR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THEY ARE STRICTLY FOR THE INTERNAL USE AND BENEFIT OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED BY A COURT OF LAW AS AN EXPRESSION OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT.

On Tuesday, January 8, 2013, the House of Representatives convened in Columbia for the commencement of the 120th South Carolina General Assembly.

As the House begins its legislative session, the body operates under the rules it adopted with resolution H.3001 at last month's organizational session, including a rules change that revises the COMPOSITION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE by increasing its size from six members to ten and providing for representation on the committee to be divided equally between the majority and minority parties. The House of Representatives Legislative Ethics Committee, which is elected by the House membership to address allegations of unethical conduct involving current and former House Members, House candidates, and House officers and staff, is composed, under the revised rules, of five House Members who are from the majority party and five House Members who are from a minority party or who have no party affiliation. The Chairman of the Ethics Committee must be one of the five members from the majority party and is elected by the members of the Ethics Committee. The other officers of the Ethics Committee are also elected by the committee's membership, but are not required to be affiliated with a particular party.

H.3235 "SOUTH CAROLINA BEVERAGE CONTAINER RECYCLING ACT" Rep. J.E. Smith
This legislation provides for the recycling of beverage containers by consumers. The legislation further outlines that by September 1, 2013, all deposit beverage distributors that operate within the state are to register with the Department of Revenue and to maintain certain records. The legislation establishes a container recovery fee and a deposit fee. The legislation outlines guidelines for the program.

H.3246 HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE Rep. Loftis
This bill revises the residency requirement for an active member of the United State Armed Forces, by deleting the provision that provides residency for certain dependents of members of the armed forces. The bill also provides that a retired member of the United States Armed Forces is considered a resident.

H.3290 "BUSINESS FREEDOM TO CHOOSE ACT" Rep. Bingham
The bill provides that any prior, existing, or future county ordinance that restricts or prohibits disposal of waste at any permitted solid waste management facility, regardless of location, or impedes the development or implementation of a public or private recycling program, regardless of location, is considered inconsistent with the provisions of the South Carolina Solid Waste Policy and Management Act. The legislation also provides that a local government must not be held liable for any costs or damages resulting from operation of a privately owned or operated solid waste management facility solely on the basis that solid waste managed at the facility was generated within the jurisdiction of the local government.

H.3224 "MILITARY SERVICE OCCUPATION, EDUCATION, AND CREDENTIALING ACT" Rep. J. E. Smith
This legislation allows a public, post-secondary institution of higher education in this state to award educational credit to an honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces for a course that is part of his military training or service, subject to certain conditions; the legislation further requires the institution to implement related policies and regulations within a specified time frame. Additionally, this legislation provides miscellaneous licensure provisions for military personnel, and it provides that a person licensed by board or commission under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is exempt from continuing education requirements and fee assessments during active duty in the United States Armed Forces. This legislation provides that a board or commission may issue a temporary professional license to the spouse of an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces in certain circumstances, and it provides that a board or commission shall accept certain coursework or experience obtained during the course of military service to satisfy related professional or occupational education or training licensure requirements. The legislation repeals certain current code sections, the substance of which are incorporated into this legislation.

H.3225 SC RIVERKEEPERS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES Rep. J. E. Smith
This legislation authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue SC Riverkeepers special license plates.

H.3229 CREATION OF THE DIVISION OF INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS TO SERVE AS THE SOLE GOVERNING BODY OF ATHLETICS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Rep. Daning
This legislation creates the Division of Interscholastic Athletics within the State Department of Education to serve as the sole governing body of athletics for public schools. The legislation provides for a director of the division to be appointed by the Superintendent of Education. Among other thing, the legislation provides for the creation of an advisory committee to assist the division in evaluating the overall interscholastic athletic program and related recommendations concerning matters that would enhance interscholastic athletic competition.

H.3230 SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST OBSERVE VETERAN’S DAY AND MEMORIAL DAY Rep. Atwater
This legislation provides that local school districts shall observe Veteran's Day and Memorial Day as legal holidays and schools and offices of the districts must be closed on those dates.

H.3231 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST MOTORCYCLES, MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS, OR MOTORCYCLE PASSENGERS Rep. Atwater
This legislation provides that in formulating transportation policy, promulgating regulations, allocating funds, and planning, designing, constructing, equipping, operating and maintaining transportation facilities, no action of the South Carolina Transportation Commission, or the South Carolina Department of Transportation shall have the effect of discriminating against motorcycles, motorcycle operators, or motorcycle passengers. No regulation or action of the commission, or department shall have the effect of enacting a prohibition or imposing a requirement that applies only to motorcycles or motorcyclists, and the principal purpose of which is to restrict or inhibit access or motorcycles and motorcyclists to any highway, bridge, tunnel, or other transportation facility. These provisions shall apply also to transportation facilities and projects undertaken or operated by counties, cities, towns, and other political subdivisions of the state where public funds have been used in whole or in part to plan, design, construct, equip, operate, or maintain the facility or project.

H.3237 SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS Rep. Sellers
This legislation requires every public school district to request a school resource officer for each school in the district; also, it requires the provision of a school resource officer in every public school upon request.

H.3255 PROPOSED STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROVIDING FOR A HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN OF THE STATE Rep. J. E. Smith
This joint resolution proposes to amend the State Constitution so as to require the General Assembly to provide for a high-quality education for all children of the state. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives.

H.3306 ESTABLISHMENT OF HIGH SPEED RAIL SYSTEM COMMISSION Rep. Stavrinakis
This legislation establishes a High Speed Rail System Commission to examine and develop a plan for action for a high speed rail system in this state. The legislation provides for the duties of the commission, and it requires the commission to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2014.

H.3226 TIME OFF TO VOTE Rep. J. E. Smith
This legislation provides that an employee is permitted, upon reasonable notice to his employer, to take any necessary time off from his employment to vote in a municipal, county, state, or federal political party primary or election for which the employee is qualified and registered to vote on the day on which the primary or election is held. This time off may not exceed two hours. If the hours of work of the employee begin at least two hours after the opening of the polls or end at least two hours before the closing of the polls, then the time off for voting as provided for in this legislation is not available. The employer may specify the hours during which the employee may absent himself.

H.3227 CERTAIN MEETINGS OF THE GOVERNOR MUST BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Rep. J. E. Smith
This legislation provides that meetings of the Governor with agency or department heads she appoints together with any other public officials or employees invited to attend must be open to the public in the same manner and under the same conditions that meetings of public bodies must be open to the public.

H.3234 PROCEDURE FOR CERTIFICATION OF CERTAIN RECORDS Rep. Quinn
This legislation provides a procedure for the certification of domestic and foreign records of regularly conducted activity, or business records, in accordance with Federal Rule 902(11) and (12).

H.3238 CONSOLIDATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE AND PARDON SERVICES WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS Rep. Sellers
This legislation transfers all functions, powers, duties, responsibilities and authority statutorily exercised by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to the Department of Corrections, Division of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. This legislation also requires certain inmates to obtain a high school diploma or a general educational diploma before being released from custody.

H.3247 ADMINISTRATION OF THE DOCKET BY THE CIRCUIT SOLICITOR IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT Rep. Harrell
This legislation clarifies the role of the circuit solicitor in the administration of the general sessions court docket and provides that this ability to administer the docket shall not interfere with the court's ability to protect a litigant's rights.

H.3249 REVISIONS TO THE ETHICS, GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND CAMPAIGN REFORM ACT Rep. Lucas
This legislation revises definitions of terms applicable to general provisions of the Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act as well as definitions applicable to campaign practices provisions. Relating to the use of one's official position for financial gain and the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, the legislation revises the disclosure provisions for members of the General Assembly and requires that the written disclosure statement describe the specific nature of the potential conflict. Relating to the contents of a person's statement of economic interests, the legislation provides for certain other disclosures which must be made by a filer on his statement of economic interests.

H.3250 HOMICIDE BY CHILD ABUSE Rep. Murphy
Relating to homicide by child abuse, this legislation increases the age of the child whose death has been caused by child abuse or neglect from eleven to eighteen for both offenses of causing death or aiding or abetting the death of a child by abuse or neglect.

H.3251 FORFEITURE PROCEDURES FOR SEIZED PROPERTY Rep. Murphy
Relating to controlled substances and forfeiture procedures for property seized accordingly, this legislation allows a petition to the magistrates court if the value of the property seized is less than $7,500. The legislation requires notice to owners of record, lienholders of record, and other interested parties by certified mail, and it provides that a petition for forfeiture is not subject to a filing fee.

H.3257 ADJOURNMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Rep. J. E. Smith
This bill changes the date for the mandatory adjournment of the General Assembly from the first Thursday in June to the first Thursday in May. The bill further provides that in any year the House of Representatives fails to give third reading to the appropriations bill by the last Thursday in February the date of adjournment is extended by one statewide day for each statewide day after the last Thursday in February that the House fails to give the bill third reading. The legislation also deletes the authority to extend the session.

H.3259 PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO SESSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Rep. J. E. Smith
This joint resolution proposes to amend the State Constitution so as to provide for annual sessions of the General Assembly commencing on the second Tuesday in February rather than the second Tuesday in January of each year. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives.

H.3261 THREATENING THE LIFE, PERSON, OR FAMILY OF A PUBLIC OFFICIAL, TEACHER, OR PRINCIPAL Rep. J. E. Smith
Relating to threatening the life, person, or family of a public official, teacher, or principal, this bill amends the law to include direct or indirect threats.

H.3267 PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING CHARITABLE RAFFLES Rep. Merrill
This joint resolution proposes to amend the State Constitution so as to provide that the General Assembly shall enact a general law authorizing a charitable organization to conduct a raffle. The legislation shall define the type of organization allowed to conduct a raffle, provide the standards for the conduct and management of the raffle, provide penalties for violations, and ensure the proper functioning, honesty, integrity, and charitable purposes for which the raffle is conducted. A raffle conducted in conformity with these provisions is not considered a lottery prohibited by the constitution. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives.

H.3268 DISSOLUTION OF CERTAIN SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS Rep. G. R. Smith
This legislation allows the governing body of a special purpose district created by act of the General Assembly that provides recreational services and has as its boundary the same as the county in which it is located to voluntarily dissolve itself and transfer its assets and liabilities to a county under certain circumstances. For purposes of calculating the millage limitation imposed pursuant to Section 6-1-320 for a county, any millage for operating purposes imposed by the dissolved special purpose district is considered to have been imposed by the county. These provisions do not apply to a special purpose district that provides both recreational and aging services.

H.3284 LIMITATION ON LOBBYING BY CERTAIN ENTITIES Rep. Barfield
This legislation provides that any authority, agency, institution, or quasi-governmental organization that is governed by a board, that is appointed by the local governing board or boards of a political subdivision of this state, may not expend any funds lobbying unless the expenditure is approved by the local governing board or boards.

H.3287 CERTAIN PROMOTIONAL SWEEPSTAKES GAMES ALLOWED Rep. Gilliard
Relating to types of games and coin-operated machines prohibited by law, this legislation provides that the prohibition does not extend to an otherwise prohibited machine or game that solely allows for the conduct of a promotional sweepstakes promoting a specific product through the awarding of a prize through the use of a game display on the machine which includes a sweepstakes entry process or the reveal of a sweepstakes prize. The legislation further provides that this exception to the prohibition applies only if no consideration is required from the game player by way of purchasing the product promoted by the sweepstakes or otherwise. The legislation provides that such machines may be licensed in locations in areas zoned "light industrial" or an equivalent category, and the legislation imposes a $500 additional biennial license tax on these machines the proceeds of which must be used to provide homeless shelters and programs for the homeless.

H.3289 PROPOSED STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ALLOWING PUBLIC OFFICERS TO PARTICIPATE IN LOTTERIES CONDUCTED BY THE STATE Rep. Spires
This is a joint resolution proposing to amend the State Constitution relating to the prohibition on public officers gambling or betting on games of chance so as to provide an exception that allows participation in lotteries conducted by the state. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives.

H.3294 MORATORIUM ON THE FORECLOSURE OF, AND ON THE ACCRUAL OF INTEREST ON, CERTAIN MORTGAGES Rep. Hart\
This legislation provides a six-month moratorium on the foreclosure of, and on the accrual of interest on, certain mortgages secured by residential real estate located in South Carolina.

H.3297 PROHIBITED ACTS REGARDING THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE Rep. Hart
This legislation prohibits the placement of portable containers or coolers containing beer or wine near doors used for ingress or egress from a licensed establishment.

H3298 ELECTION REVISIONS Rep. Lucas
This legislation makes various election law revisions. Among other things, it imposes new requirements regarding the acknowledgment of statements of candidacy and publication of filing periods. The legislation requires statements of economic interests to be filed online no later than April fifteenth for all candidates. Relating to methods of nominating candidates, this legislation deletes references to political party convention. Relating to qualifications to run as candidate in a general election, the legislation revises the procedures for filing statements of intention of candidacy to be filed with the county boards of registration and elections. Relating to the notice of candidacy and pledge, the legislation revises the procedures for notice submissions, candidate signatures, and officer acknowledgments. Relating to the time of party primary, certification of names, verification of candidates' qualifications, and the filing fee, the legislation revises the procedures for certifying and compiling the names of candidates to be placed on primary ballots. The legislation provides that all counties must have a single board of registration and elections. Relating to electronic filing of campaign disclosures and reports, the legislation provides that a disclosure form filed pursuant to this section is deemed to satisfy any other filing requirement mandated by law. This legislation requires the State Ethics Commission to furnish a website on which all statements of economic interests are to be filed online and to designate an annual deadline by which statements of economic interests are to be filed online. The legislation repeals section 7-11-30, relating to convention nomination of candidates, and it repeals section 7-11-220, relating to notice or pledge by candidates for state senator.

H.3304 ELIGIBILITY FOR A FORMER MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO BE ELECTED TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE POSITION Rep. Stavrinakis
The legislation provides that a member of the General Assembly must not be elected to an Administrative Law Judge position for a period of one year after leaving office. This replaces the current four-year prohibition.

H.3228 FIVE YEAR EXPIRATION OF STATE AGENCY REGULATIONS Rep. Atwater
This bill provides that a regulation promulgated under the Administrative Procedures Act expires five years from the date on which it becomes effective. The legislation eliminates the requirement that a state agency periodically review regulations it promulgates.

H.3232 TEMPORARY MOTORCYCLE DEALER’S LICENSE Rep. Atwater
This bill revises provisions for the issuance of motorcycle dealer and wholesaler licenses by the Department of Motor Vehicles by providing for the issuance of a temporary dealer’s license that allows a holder to sell motorcycles and their related products at fairs, recreational or sports shows, vacation shows, and other similar events or shows.

H.3240 REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUP HEALTH INSURERS TO COVER HEARING AIDS FOR CHILDREN Rep. Huggins
This bill establishes requirements for group health insurance and group health benefit plans to cover hearing aids and replacement hearing aids for an insured with impaired hearing and who is twenty-one years of age or less.

H.3295 REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL UTILITIES TO BURY POWER LINES LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE'S MUNICIPALITIES Rep. Hart
This bill requires an electrical utility operating in this state to bury all of its new electrical power transmission lines installed within the boundaries of a municipality in this state after January 2, 2014, and bury all of its existing electrical power transmission lines located within the boundaries of a municipality in this state according to a graduated schedule before January 1, 2021.

H.3011 PURPLE HEART DAY Rep. Whitmire
This bill moves the Purple Heart Day in South Carolina from the third Saturday in February to the seventh day of August.

H.3236 "CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION ACT" Rep. Sellers
Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) may offer the cervical cancer vaccination series for adolescent students enrolling in the seventh grade in any school, public or private, in this state. No student is required to have the cervical cancer vaccination series before enrolling in or attending school. This provision is contingent upon the appropriation of state and federal funding to DHEC to fully cover the costs of providing this vaccination series to eligible students as well as the availability of funds to produce an informational brochure to be developed by DHEC.

H.3263 "SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY PREPAREDNESS AND ENHANCEMENT ACT" Rep. J. E. Smith
This bill enacts the "Military Preparedness and Enhancement Act" which is a proactive response to the presently evolving transformation of national defense strategies. As a result, the South Carolina Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission will be established within the Governor’s Office. The commission will advise the Governor and the General Assembly on military issues and economic and industrial development related to military issues and make recommendations. Not later than July first of each year, the commission shall prepare and submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly about the active military installations, communities that depend on military installations, and defense-related businesses in this state. The bill also provides for membership of this commission.

H.3288 CLEAN AND DEBRIS-FREE PROPERTY Rep. Murphy
This bill authorizes local governments to adopt by ordinance the requirement that a property owner shall keep a lot or other property clean and free of rubbish and debris. The bill also requires the local government to provide for enforcement procedures of the ordinance.

H.3223 LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY Rep. White
This bill redesignates the Legislative Printing, Information and Technology Systems (LPITS) to the Legislative Services Agency (LSA).

H.3233 VEHICLE SURCHARGE FOR REPAIR, PAVING, AND RESURFACING OF ROADS AND BRIDGES Rep. Jefferson
This bill establishes a thirty dollar surcharge imposed on each motor vehicle required to be registered in this state in addition to any other biennial registration fee, and provides that this surcharge must be used for the repair, paving, and resurfacing of roads and bridges throughout the state.

H.3239 PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT OF MULTIUNIT RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY Rep. Bowers
This bill revises provisions for the classification and assessment of property for ad valorem tax purposes, so as to provide that multiunit residential real property containing four units or less which each unit occupant occupies as his principal residence on a rental or ownership basis must be taxed on an assessment equal to four percent of the fair market value of the property. The legislation provides for this reduced ratio by means of a property tax exemption.

H.3241 "SOUTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT ACT" Rep. Mitchell
This bill enacts the "South Carolina Community Investment Tax Credit Act" to provide a tax credit to financial institutions making investments, loans, and contributions for activities creating or preserving low-income housing for low-income residents of this state, assisting low-income residents in obtaining safe and affordable housing, and building the capacity of eligible nonprofit organizations to provide housing opportunities for low-income residents.

H.3252 SOLAR ENERGY REAL PROPERTY CLASSIFIED AS AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY FOR TAX PURPOSES Rep. J. E. Smith
This bill revises provisions for the classification and assessment of property for tax purposes so as to provide that solar energy real property is considered agricultural property.

H.3253 INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR MORTGAGE CLOSING COSTS Rep. J. E. Smith
This bill provides for a credit against the state income tax up to two thousand dollars for closing costs incurred in connection with a purchase money residential or commercial mortgage or the refinancing of a residential or commercial mortgage.

H.3254 BIENNIAL STATE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT Rep. J. E. Smith
This bill provides that, beginning with its 2014 session, the General Assembly shall enact a biennial state general appropriations act.

H.3256 RETENTION OF OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX STATUS BY ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL REGARDLESS OF DUTY STATION REASSIGNMENT Rep. J. E. Smith
This bill revises the classification of property for purposes of property tax and the assessment ratios applicable for each class of property, so as to provide that residential property owned by an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States eligible for and receiving the special four percent assessment ratio allowed owner-occupied residential property retains that assessment ratio and exemptions based on that classification for so long as the owner remains on active duty in the armed forces of the United States regardless of duty station and does not claim the special four percent assessment ratio on any other residential property owned by the service member or a member of his household in this state.

H.3258 DONATION OF STATE EMPLOYEE LEAVE TO A SPECIFIC RECIPIENT Rep. J. E. Smith
This bill provides that a leave donor under the State Employees Leave Transfer Program may also donate sick leave and/or annual leave to a specific leave recipient rather than to the leave pool account in the manner the Human Resource Management Division shall direct.

H.3260 PROGRAMMATIC FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS Rep. J. E. Smith
This bill provides that the Governor’s budget recommendation and the reports of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee on the annual general appropriations act must contain a narrative regarding each agency and each program administered by the agency. The narrative must include mission, goals, statutory and regulatory basis of each program, and a brief history of the agency’s administration of the program. Proposed appropriations for each agency must reflect an overall agency budget comprised of budget categories, but also must include amounts for debt service attributable to the agency and aid to political subdivisions provided by the agency. Additionally, the recommendation must identify specifically the source of funds for appropriations to the agency. Each separate program administered by an agency must be included in the recommendation with that program’s share of each of the amounts appropriated for each budget category and specific source of funds for the appropriations. The narratives must conform to a format established by the Office of State Budget for the State Budget and Control Board.

H.3264 ELIMINATION OF THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX Rep. Stringer
This bill provides for the elimination of the corporate income tax over a four year period.

H.3265 TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR MANUFACTURING PROPERTY AND BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY Rep. Stringer
This bill revises property tax exemptions, so as to exempt from property tax forty-two and seventy-five one hundredths percent of the fair market value of manufacturing property and to exempt from property tax forty-two and seventy-five one hundredths percent of the fair market value of business personal property required to be reported and returned annually to the Department of Revenue or county auditors. The legislation provides for these exemptions to be phased in over a four year period.

H.3266 INCOME TAX REDUCTION AND BRACKET CONSOLIDATION Rep. Stringer
This bill eliminates the four, five, and six percent income tax brackets and provides instead for the taxation of those incomes at three and 75/100ths percent.

H.3296 TAX CREDIT FOR EMPLOYERS HIRING INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS Rep. Hart
This bill establishes a state tax credit for employers hiring an unemployed individual receiving unemployment compensation benefits who is hired after June 30, 2013, and before July 1, 2014. The tax credit remains in effect for fifty consecutive months for each creditable employee.

H.3299 "OTHER FUNDS" COLLECTED BY AN AGENCY MUST BE DEPOSITED IN THE GENERAL FUND Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill provide that all "other funds" collected by an agency must be deposited in the general fund and must be considered general funds.

H.3300 LIMITATIONS ON PENALTIES FOR LATE PAYMENT LOCAL HOSPITALITY TAXES Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill provides that a local governing body may not impose a penalty, fine, or other additional cost, however described, for late payment of local hospitality tax received within seven days of the due date that in the aggregate exceeds five percent of the delinquent tax.

H.3301 SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY ELECTRICAL GENERATION MACHINERY Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill establishes a sales tax exemption for machinery and machine tools, or part of them, actually used in the production of electricity from a renewable source, such as solar, wind, tides, geothermal, and biomass, whether or not the purchases of these items are capitalized or expensed.

H.3302 SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR MACHINERY USED TO PRODUCE ELECTRIC OR HYBRID MOTOR VEHICLES Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill establishes a sales tax exemption for any device, equipment, or machinery actually used in the production of electric or hybrid motor vehicles, whether or not the purchases of these items are capitalized or expensed.

H.3303 ZERO BASE BUDGET PROCESS Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill establishes a zero base budget process, beginning with Fiscal Year 2013-2014, that divides state agencies, programs, and institutions into four functional areas and subjects them to a zero base budget review on a four-year rotating basis.

H.3305 INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR COSTS OF IDENTITY FRAUD AND THEFT PROTECTION SERVICES Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill establishes a refundable income tax credit for costs and expenses incurred by a taxpayer related to purchasing and maintaining identity fraud and theft protection services.

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