This bill establishes standards for Commercial Dog Breeders, as well as require them to be licensed. "Commercial Dog Breeder" is defined as any person or business that owns, has custody of, or maintains twenty or more female dogs over the age of six months that are capable of reproduction and kept primarily for the purpose of breeding and selling the offspring to a person, business, or pet store for resale as pets to the general public.

This bill redefines the coastal zone by removing Dorchester County. As a result the definition includes the seaward portion of Dorchester County bounded beginning at the intersection of the county line and S.C. 165, then northward along S.C. 165 until its intersection with S.C. 642, then southeastward along S.C. 642 until its intersection with the county line.

In order to work as a certified animal caretaker in this state, a person must register and obtain a certificate from appropriate board. This bill provides for the regulation of commercial kennel operators and certified animal caretakers. In addition it provides for necessary definitions as well as creates the Commercial Kennel and Certified Animal Caretakers Examiners Board. The bill provides for the registration, examination and certification of certified animal caretakers.

An owner or operator of a natural freshwater location where swimming is promoted shall post and maintain in close proximity to the swimming location a notice about the amoeba naegleria fowleri and how to minimize the risk of infection by the amoeba when participating in waterrelated activities. "Naegleria Fowleri" is defined as an amoeba that is naturally occurring in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in soil. Violations are subject to civil penalties.

The bill revises the definition of dams to make it further applicable to certain types of dams. The legislation requires dams and reservoir owners annually to provide by July 1 the Department of Health and Environmental Control current contact information regarding the owner, including name, home or business address, phone number, and email address, if any, together with a completed dam owner checklist on a form provided by the department.

This joint resolution states that the Department of Health and Environmental Control shall conduct a feasibility study concerning the most efficient and costeffective manner in which to provide clean drinking water to the residents of any community which has no public infrastructure to provide clean drinking water to its residents without the use of wells with the potential of contamination. The study must be completed by July 1, 2018, and shall include not only the most desirable solution for each community, but also the projected costs involved with that solution.

"Hunting deer with a dog" is defined as the act of releasing a dog to attempt to pursue or be in pursuit of deer; taking or attempting to take deer by aid of a dog; or participating in the pursuit of deer with a dog. Among many things, the legislation outlines that a person hunting deer with a dog must cause the dog to be identified with a collar, as well as legislation that provides procedure whereby a lost dog is returned to its owner.

This bill provides that the owner of a dam which fails or failed on or after October 1, 2015, which has a public road or highway across the top of it, must provide written notification to the SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). The notice must indicate whether the owner intends to repair the dam and the date by which the repairs are to be completed. As a result, the legislation also authorizes the SCDOT to proceed under certain conditions with the process of repairing the public road or highway if dam owner indicates not repairing the dam.

The legislation outlines that it is lawful for gamecock producers to test gamecocks for breeding purposes only. The testing is conducted under the auspices of "The Gamecock Preservation Society" or similar organizations dedicated to the preservation of the gamecock.

This joint resolution creates a study committee to review the feasibility and cost effectiveness of consolidating school districts within the individual counties.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina Course Access Act" to create a state course access program through which eligible students may take courses approved by the commission on higher education.

This bill adds a requirement that a charter school report the racial composition of the school, the racial composition of the local school district in which the charter school is located, or the racial composition of the targeted student population of the local school district that the charter school proposes to serve, and the extent to which, if any, the racial composition of the school varies from that of the local school district or targeted student population. If the racial composition of the school differs from that of the local school district in which the charter school is to be located or the targeted student population of the local school district by more than twenty percent, then the percentage representing the precise variation must be provided, along with any determination by the governing body of the school regarding whether the school is operating in a racially discriminatory manner.

This bill requires that all school buses must be equipped with lap seat belts for all permanent seating accommodations and that school bus drivers shall ensure that these seat belts are fastened about each passenger.

This bill provides that the governing body of each school district of this state shall create a student bullying advisory council to advise the governing body on matters relating to student-on-student bullying problems.

This bill requires a student who participates on a school-sponsored athletic team to be administered an electrocardiogram test during the student's preparticipation physical and to require the doctor who administers the test to clear the student for participation on the team before he is eligible to participate.

This bill provides that the area of each county of this state also must be constituted as a school district and a county may not have multiple school districts within its boundaries. The General Assembly by local law provides for the governance, fiscal authority, and administrative and operational responsibilities for a county-wide school district where no provisions of law now apply.

This bill provides that veterans of the eras encompassing the Korean War and Vietnam War are included in provisions governing the issuance of high school diplomas to certain veterans of the United States military.

This bill eliminates enrollment time limits for persons eligible for in-state college tuition rates of veterans and related persons covered by certain federal education assistance programs.

This enacts the "Advanced Manufacturing Instruction Act of 2017" to provide that beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, every school district shall provide elective instruction in advanced manufacturing for students in grades six through twelve.

This bill requires that institutions of higher learning provide certain written notice to students before terminating or reducing scholarships.

This bill provides that the office of Auditing Services in the State Department of Education shall conduct an audit of a school district or individual school at the request of either five members of the General Assembly or two members or more of the board of trustees that governs the district for which the audit is being sought.

This bill eliminates the provision requiring the opening date for schools to be before the third Monday in August and to require school districts to establish the opening date for each of its schools.

This bill provides that beginning January 1, 2018, the Legislative Audit Council shall conduct a management performance audit of each public institution of higher education in the state every ten years pursuant to a certain schedule.

This bill provides that students determined eligible to receive free lunches and students determined eligible to receive reduced price lunches must be offered the same choice of meals and milk offered to children who pay the full price for their meals or milk.

This bill enacts the "College Financial Aid Education Act of 2017" relating to topics included in high school financial literacy programs, so as to include financing secondary education among the topics.

This bill provides that the State Department of Education shall establish and enforce a statewide mandatory dress code program requiring school uniforms be worn by public school students beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. The bill also provides requirements for these uniforms and flexibility for individual school districts and provides assistance for students eligible for free or reduced school lunches in obtaining at least five sets of school uniforms for each season, contingent on funding.

This bill provides that tuition rates for undergraduate in-state students at public institutions of higher education in this state may not increase for a four-year or eight-semester time period beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

This joint resolution creates the "Public Education Flexibility and Parity Study Committee" to review information about programs and innovations in public education, such as charter and magnet school initiatives.

This bill enacts the "Step Incentive For Successful Teachers In Low-Performing Schools (STILPS) Study Committee" to develop a step increase compensation plan for highly qualified teachers with demonstrated success in elevating student academic achievement and who serve in low-performing schools as a reward for gains in academic achievement by their students.

This bill provides that before August 1, 2018, all school buses must be equipped with lap-shoulder seat belts for all permanent seating accommodations (school bus drivers shall ensure that these seat belts are fastened about each passenger, and to provide no claims for damages may arise from the failure of school bus drivers to ensure passengers wear these seat belts).

This bill allows that a student, other than a nonimmigrant alien, is exempt from paying outofstate tuition at a public institution of higher education in South Carolina and is eligible for statesponsored scholarships and tuition assistance (including, but not limited to, the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, Hope Scholarship, Life Scholarship, the Tuition Grants Program, and free tuition for the children of certain veterans) if the student: attended high school in this State for three or more years; graduated from a high school in this State or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in this State; registers as an entering student or is currently enrolled in a public institution of higher education not earlier than the fall semester of the 20172018 Academic Year; and in the case of a person without lawful immigration status, files an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize his immigration status or will file an application as soon as he is eligible to do so. Also, the student who is eligible for a statesponsored scholarship or tuition assistance by this bill must also must satisfy the requirements of the scholarship or tuition assistance.

This bill establishes the South Carolina College and University Board of Regents and provides for its membership, powers, duties, and responsibilities. It addition, it also provides for the service of trustees or members of the governing body of "constituent institutions", defined as all two-year and four-year colleges and universities in this state including technical colleges and that the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the State Commission on Higher Education and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education are devolved upon the South Carolina College and University Board of Regents.

This bill establishes the Office of Interscholastic Athletics in the State Department Of Education as the sole governing body of athletics in South Carolina public schools, providing: for the appointment of a director and staff of the office; for the requirement that the State Board of Education promulgate certain related regulations; that public schools that engage in interscholastic athletics and private schools wishing to compete with public schools in interscholastic athletic events shall submit to the governance of its interscholastic athletics by the office and may not contract with, join, or otherwise associate with another entity that oversees or authorizes interscholastic athletics; for rights of private and charter schools and their students, among others. It also provides for the establishment of an advisory committee; establishes procedures for appeals from decisions by the office on alleged violations; amends the academic requirements for student participation in interscholastic activities, and those relating to the eligibility of charter school students in certain interscholastic athletic events offered in public schools; and also, relates to interscholastic athletes who participate in independent organized sports teams. It also applies concussion protocols to these interscholastic athletics.

This bill enacts the "Uniform Athlete Agents Act of 2017". The bill adopts the interstate compact for registration of student athlete agents and make necessary conforming changes, to revise various provisions in consideration of the expanded impact of social media on the solicitation and recruitment of student athletes by athlete agents and to revise requirements regarding the establishment of relationships between student athletes and athlete agents.

This bill provides that certain special education students may obtain occupational credential certificates developed and endorsed by the State Department of Education.

This bill includes marching band instruction based on the South Carolina academic standards for the visual and performing arts and participation on interscholastic athletics teams relating to instruction accepted in lieu of physical education instruction required in public schools.

This bill provides that graduating high school students who achieve status as Valedictorians or Salutatorians, attain membership in national honor societies, receive other high academic honors awarded by the district, or achieve other honors are entitled to wear corresponding graduation regalia accessories to denote their achievements.

This bill requires a county or municipality that owns an off-street parking facility to assess a fifty cent surcharge on each customer using the facility, and to credit the revenue to the state highway fund to be used exclusively for road and bridge repair and improvement.

This bill imposes a fifty cent surcharge on all parking violations, and to provide that the revenue from the surcharge must be credited to the state highway fund to be used exclusively for road and bridge repair and improvement.

This bill requires public buildings owned by the state or any agency, office, department, division, commission, or institution thereof, to supply feminine hygiene products in each female public restroom, free of charge.

This bills designates the nineteenth day of June of each year as "Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Day", so as to provide that it also is recognized as "Sickle Cell Day in South Carolina" in commemoration of "World Sickle Cell Day".

This bill establishes the South Carolina Education and Economic Development Coordinating Council.

This bill requires the State Department of Education to develop and adopt a statewide program for identifying fiscal practices and budgetary conditions that, if uncorrected, could compromise the fiscal integrity of a school district and for advising the district on how to take appropriate corrective actions.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina School Bus Modernization Act of 2017", including provisions to provide that the state of South Carolina or any of its school districts shall not (without a wavier) own, purchase, or acquire additional school buses on or after July 1, 2020, which are more than fifteen years of age from the date of manufacture and that a school district under certain conditions may contract with a private provider for a portion of its school bus transportation services where it determines the age and condition of the school bus fleet serving that district is inadequate to consistently allow its students to be transported to or from school on a timely basis.

This bill relates to the Secretary of Transportation's duty to evaluate and approve routing operation and maintenance requests or emergency repairs for highway facilities that are not included in the statewide transportation improvement program.

This bill relates to the Department of Transportation obtaining consent from a municipality before performing work on a state highway within a municipality.

This bill provides that it is unlawful for a driver or occupant of a motor vehicle to smoke a tobacco product while a child five years old or younger is also an occupant of the motor vehicle.

This bill relates to the persons who must sign an application of an unemancipated minor for a beginner's permit, instruction permit, or driver's license, so as to provide that it must be signed by a person responsible for an unemancipated minor's welfare.

This bill provides for the circumstances when it is lawful or unlawful to drive a commercial motor vehicle in the left lane of an interstate highway.

H. 3245 FAILURE TO STOP Rep. Crosby

This bill relates to the offense of failure to stop a motor vehicle when signaled to stop by a law enforcement vehicle, so as to increase certain penalties associated with a violation of this provision.

This bill provides that it is unlawful to drive a vehicle while distracted, to provide a penalty, and to allow a warning ticket to be issued to a driver whose actions could result in a distracted driving violation.

This bill makes changes to the law regarding mopeds.

This bill requires a fastened safety belt for the driver and occupants of school, church, and day care buses.

This joint resolution provides that the Department of Transportation increase the speed limit along a portion of South Carolina highway 24 in Anderson County and to provide that the department may adjust the speed limit after a two-year period.

This bill provides that a person whose driver's license was suspended for a moving violation must complete a defensive driving course before his privilege to operate a motor vehicle may be reinstated by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

This bill provides that the Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Palmetto Cross" special license plates for recipients of the Palmetto Cross Medal.

This bill relates to a driver carrying his driver's license while operating a vehicle and displaying it upon demand by a law enforcement officer. The bill also regards the issuance, possession, and display of motor vehicle registration cards, and the maintenance and display of motor vehicle proof of insurance, all so as to provide that an operator of a motor vehicle must maintain his driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance in plain view on the driver's side corner of the dashboard of a vehicle equipped with a dashboard and in his immediate possession when operating a vehicle that is not equipped with a dashboard.

This bill provides for the issuance of National Football League team special license plates.

This bill changes numerous code citations from "Comptroller General" to appropriate agency references.

This bill requires the Department of Transportation to impose a toll along Interstate Highway 95 where it crosses Lake Marion in either Orangeburg County or Clarendon County and to provide for the expenditure of the toll revenues.

This bill provides that it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle along a highway without a speedometer that is maintained in good working order.

This bill regulates the operation of a moped along certain public roads. The bill requires that a person operating a moped and his passenger must wear reflective vests, requires that a moped sold in this state must be equipped with a rear red tail light that flashes continually while the moped is in motion, and requires a moped's rear red tail light that flashes continually to be turned on at all times while the moped is in operation.

This bill, relating to the distance that must be maintained between vehicles traveling along a highway, provides that provision does not apply to the operator of any non-leading vehicle traveling in a procession of vehicles if the speed of each vehicle is automatically coordinated.

This bill, relating to the issuance of Department of Motor Vehicles special identification cards, provides that one identification card must be issued free to certain persons per issuance cycle, and to provide that a five dollar fee must be charged to replace a card before its expiration date.

This bill provides that the per diem fine assessed by the Department of Motor Vehicles upon a person whose motor vehicle liability insurance has lapsed shall not be assessed against a person whose insurance has lapsed due to his incarceration.

This bill relates to the Department of Motor Vehicles' vision screening requirement for a person who renews his license, so as to only require vision screening for persons obtaining an initial license and for persons who are sixty-five years of age or older when they renew their licenses, and to require persons who use bioptic lenses to adhere to the provisions that regulate their use.

This bill provides that the Department of Motor Vehicles may issue Virginia Tech special license plates.

This bill, relating to the issuance of special identification cards and driver's licenses that contain a veteran designation, provides that certain persons who have been separated from the National Guard are eligible to obtain a driver's license that contains a veteran designation.

This bill acts to include private school students if the private school they attend does not offer the same activity with regards to interscholastic activities of public school districts by home school, charter school, and Governor's school students.

This bill enacts the "Disciplinary Procedure Due Process Act" that pertains to students in post-secondary higher education. The bill defines terms, establishes the requirements of a proceeding, enumerates the rights of a student who is subject to a proceeding, establishes standards for the disclosure of evidence relating to the proceeding, requires written statements entered as evidence to be notarized, prohibits certain documents from being used as evidence without the consent of both parties and allows for the informal disposition of a proceeding in certain circumstances, among several provisions. The bill also allows the student or institution to appeal to the Circuit Court or Administrative Law Court, to establish a presumption of non-violation for the student and the burden of proof for the institution, to require any punishment to be reasonable and proportionate to the violation and to allow the Circuit Court or Administrative Law court to issue an injunction and allow for the award of attorney's fees and costs.

This bill designates the twenty-sixth day of March each year as "South Carolina Independence Day", provides that each public school shall ensure that the history of South Carolina liberty and independence be taught to all students using grade-appropriate materials and instruction, provides related requirements of the State Superintendent of Education, and to encourage the Governor to annually proclaim recognition of South Carolina Independence Day in a certain manner.

This bill requires the Department of Social Services to establish a program to pay for certain expenses incidental to becoming legally authorized to drive for children fifteen years of age or older who reside in out-of-home care.

This bill, relating to schools providing for a minute of mandatory silence at the beginning of each school day, permits schools to lead a prayer at the beginning of the school day, provides that the school allow a student to leave the classroom if the student does not want to listen to or participate in the prayer.

This bill provides that a teacher employed by a public school district may express a religious viewpoint, and also may conduct or participate in any studentled prayer or studentorganized prayer groups, religious clubs, or other religious gatherings organized by students of a public school (pursuant to various citations).

This bill increases from seventeen to eighteen the age of the child at which a parent or guardian no longer has responsibility to cause the child to attend school.

This bill, relating to the Special School of Science and Mathematics and the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, asserts that in the interest of promoting access to the school by diverse student populations, the racial composition of the school enrollment must reflect that of the State, differing from that statewide composition by no more than twenty percent. A student enrolled in the school pursuant to this subsection must be included in the average daily membership of the student's district of permanent residence for purposes relating to the allocation of all state and federal education funding, and the student's membership district of permanent residence must receive one hundred percent of the base student cost from the State for this student. For the purposes of this section, ‘membership district of permanent residence' means the district of the permanent residence of the student and where the student ordinarily would attend public school."

This bill amends current South Carolina law by striking that the state "shall not participate in the implementation of the federal REAL ID Act" and declares that the policy of South Carolina is committed to the continuing effort of enhancing the security, authentication, and issuance procedure standards of its driver's licenses and identification cards and of meeting all requirements of the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005 (P. L. 109-13) and accompanying regulations. The bill directs that the department shall enable qualifying citizens to obtain state driver's licenses and identification cards that are in compliance with the REAL ID Act.

Amends existing laws to add the "Human Trafficking Prevention Act." It requires businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers, or individuals who manufacture, distribute, or sell obscene internet content to first install a digital block that potential users must pay a fee to remove before they can access it. Allows a reporting system to unblock content that is not obscene. Consumers may seek judicial relief if filtered content is not unblocked within a reasonable time. Establishes criminal penalties for businesses or individuals that violate this article. Authorizes the attorney general to seek injunctive relief against any producer not filtering their content in compliance with this law. Consumers, or the attorney general, may file lawsuits against any party that is unresponsive to a report of obscene material breaching their filter.

Reduces the time deadline from three months to thirty days for mortgage holders to send out and record the satisfied note and mortgage. Sets penalties against mortgage holders who fail to record satisfactions after thirty days.

Would require motion picture theaters, sporting arenas, and concert venues to install and operate walk-through, or hand held, metal detectors.

Local governments or other political subdivisions would be prohibited from enacting laws, ordinances, orders, or other regulations that would require places of public accommodations, private clubs, or other such establishments to allow persons to use a multiple occupancy bathroom or changing facilities regardless of their biological sex. Custodians, maintenance crews, medical emergency technicians, and minors less than 17, who are accompanied by a parent or guardian, are exempt from this legislation.

Probate court judges would be required to order electronic communication service providers to disclose to deceased customers' personal representatives certain information regarding electronic communications. Outlines procedures for releasing this information to them. Includes exceptions to disclosure, and notices that must be sent to current account users.

Anyone harmed by the malicious publication of photographs on a social media website could file a lawsuit under the provisions of this proposed bill.

Establishes the criminal offense of maliciously publishing people's photograph with the intent to injure their character or reputation. Violators can go to jail for up to one year, or be fined up to $1,000.

Develops a process for nonelected officials-- including judges, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, public defenders, certain agency directors, and others-- to request the removal of their personal information from any website maintained by a state agency or political subdivision. Defines the terms "nonelected official" and "political subdivision."

Anyone elected coroner must meet minimum education and experience requirements, complete necessary training, and then would be deemed qualified to serve as coroner.

The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division [SLED] would be given specific and exclusive jurisdiction to conduct investigations of all officer-involved shootings that result, or could have resulted, in bodily injury or death. Establishes protocols for evidence collection. Investigating officers would have the same authority they would have in their home jurisdictions for the duration of the investigation. Sets procedures for the forwarding evidence to the Attorney General. Also contains penalties for failure to complete independent investigations on time.

Proposes enacting the "Uniform Antidiscrimination Act" for the stated purpose of promoting harmony and the betterment of human affairs. Expands definitions of discrimination under numerous state code sections to include any discrimination based on someone's sexual orientation.

Amends our 1895 South Carolina Constitution to exempt anyone appointed or elected to serve on the governing body of a public college or public university from constitutional qualification requirements to be an elector in order to qualify for an appointment.

The State Superintendent of Education would be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor. Appointment would be with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Modifies existing state law to include EMS workers in the list for lowering flags to half-staff upon their death in the line of duty. They would be added to this list along with firefighters or law enforcement officers.

Individuals who serve as poll managers, assistant poll managers, or poll workers would have to be paid at least $15.00 an hour while attending compulsory training and working on election day.

Declares that employers failing to hire applicants because of their credit history or credit report, to be unlawful an employment practice, unless it relates to bona fide occupation qualifications.

Requires the Criminal Justice Academy to develop a cultural competency model training program curriculum for school resource officers. Clarifies the role of School Resource Officers. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the State Department of Education must require one hour of training in conflict intervention and resolution before renewing the credentials of teachers and administrators employed in middle schools or high schools.

Prohibits causes of action for loss or damage caused by acts or omissions resulting from the implementation of these provisions, or resulting from any training or lack of training required, unless the loss or damage was caused by wilful or wanton misconduct.

School districts shall adopt zero-tolerance policies that may not be rigorously applied to petty acts of misconduct and misdemeanors. They also must apply them equally to all students regardless of their economic status, race, or disability. These policies must promote safe and supportive learning environments in schools, protect students and staff from conduct that poses a serious threat to school safety, and encourage schools to use alternatives to expulsion or referral, unless they have brought in a deadly weapon, filed a false report, or made a threat concerning the school. Public schools, public school districts, and the State Department of Education must maintain records and make annual reports concerning student suspensions, expulsions, and referrals to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Data will include the age, race, and grade level of the students. These records and reports are public records subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Restructures the offense of disturbing schools and revises penalties for violations.

Proposes the "Jacob Hall School Protection Act" to allow school districts to issue public school concealed weapons permits. These permits will be for the limited purpose of responding to live shooters or the imminent threat of live shooters on school property.The identities of permit holders would not be subject to disclosure under the SC Freedom of Information Act and may not be provided to the public.

Public law enforcement and county clerks of court in this state must disclose full names and birth dates for individual on arrest warrants and incident reports.

Would enact the "Stop the School House to Jail House Pipeline Act." Creates a Restorative Justice Study Committee to review state juvenile justice laws. They will then make recommendations concerning proposed changes to facilitate and encourage diversion of juveniles from the juvenile justice system to restorative justice practices.

Also would require Common Sense Zero-Tolerance Policies. Under this section, School District zero-tolerance policies could not be rigorously applied to petty acts of misconduct and misdemeanors. Any of these policies must apply equally to all students regardless of their economic status, race, or disability. They must be intended to promote safe and supportive learning environments in schools, protect students and staff from conduct that poses a serious threat to school safety, and encourage schools to use alternatives to expulsion, except when students bring a firearm to school, make a false report, or make threats concerning the school. Implements a cultural competency model training program curriculum for school resource officers.

While deferring to applicable federal laws and regulations, and at the same time citing certain exceptions to them, prohibits any train from blocking four-lane right of way intersections in municipalities from 7 to 9 a.m., 12 to 2 p.m., and 4 to 6 p.m. each day.

Designates "Dum Spiro Spero" translated "While I Breathe, I Hope" to be our official state anthem.

Would allow a War Between the States flag to be removed from a chapel, or other structure having a religious purpose, when it is located on public property at a public institution of higher learning. That flag could then be relocated after approval by the institution's board of directors, only after having provided 30 days advance notice of their proposed vote.

Proposes holding a statewide advisory referendum as part of the 2018 general election. The question would be whether or not, for the next ten years, the motor fuel user fee on motor vehicles, and the corresponding road tax on motor carriers should be, over a three year period, be increased by a total of ten cents per gallon. Also to be asked is whether any proceeds from the increase should supplement existing funding for the repair, maintenance, and improvement of existing streets, roads, highways, and bridges in our state highway primary system.

Seeks to require at least one member of the State Commission for Minority Affairs to be Native American. The Governor would be required to consult with the Native American Advisory Committee prior to making this appointment.

Authorizes a statewide advisory referendum to be conducted during the 2018 general election. The question would be whether or not the constitutional per diem for General Assembly members should be increased to $42,830.

Creates an Internet Crimes Against Children Fund, to be funded by the General Assembly, for investigating, prosecuting, and preventing internet crimes against children.

Proposes a ballot referendum on whether to amend the 1895 South Carolina Constitution to allow gambling and gaming activities for everyone, including public office holders. Bets could be made, including pari-mutuel betting, on horse racing, sports betting on professional sports, casino activities, card and dice games where the skill of the player is involved in the outcome, and games of chance with the use of electronic devices or gaming tables. This gambling would be strictly regulated.

Proposes the "Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of 2017" to regulate limited liability company organization, operation, regulation, dissolution, transfer, and conversion. Repeals the "Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of 1996," and as amended in 2006 and codified in SC Code 33, Chapter 44.

Adds to existing law the "Revised Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act," to define terms, specify applicability, set forth powers of unincorporated nonprofit associations, specify liability, and set forth how a legal action against these associations will be adjudicated.

Creates the Juvenile Justice Reform Study Committee, to determine the need for any South Carolina Juvenile Justice System reforms. This group would be charged with making recommendations to the General Assembly regarding any proposed changes. The scope of these recommendations is limited to the policies, practices, and programs of agencies and other public institutions whose roles and responsibilities impact children at risk of entering, or who have entered, our juvenile justice system.

Requires applicants or recipients of public benefits under the family independence program and the supplemental nutrition assistance program --whom the SC Department of Social Services (SCDSS) reasonably suspects are engaged in the illegal use of a controlled substance --to undergo a drug test as a condition of eligibility to continue to receive those benefits. Certain exceptions apply. Anyone testing positive for the illegal use of a controlled substance would then be ineligible to receive certain benefits for an established period of time. Terminated benefits could be restored once that person successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program or meets other exceptions.

Would allow leaving an infant not more than one year old [current law covers only infants up to 60 days old] at a safe haven, and without criminal implications.

Specifies that certain facilities and programs operated by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs must have video monitoring equipment in common areas. They would also have to maintain copies of all video recordings. Notices would be posted that video monitoring is being done. Criminal penalties are also set forth for violations or tampering with this equipment.

Prohibits serving arrest warrants for failure to pay child support at respondents' places of employment, unless it is not otherwise possible to serve them at another location. Also prohibits employers from discharging or taking other disciplinary action against any employee who is served with an arrest warrant, or is detained or arrested, for failure to pay child support. Enables a noncustodial parent who is detained or imprisoned for failure to participate in an employment training program or public service employment to be released upon demonstrating the willingness to participate.

Family Court judges could award 'transitional alimony,' for a specified period of time. Allows modification of this award when 'continued cohabitation' occurs. Family Courts would have to consider alternative forms of alimony --other than periodic alimony-- for marriages lasting less than ten years. For alimony payment modifications, Family Court judges would have to take into consideration certain conduct by the supported spouse. In the case of a modification based on the retirement of a supporting spouse, the receipt of certain social security payments by the supported spouse must be considered as well.

Foster care placement plans would now have to include a notice that caseworkers who fail to make the prescribed number of personal contacts with foster children must be terminated from employment, absent good cause for their failure. Foster parents would have to make foster children reasonably available to facilitate caseworker contacts with foster children. County foster care directors will perform audits to determine their caseworker's compliance. County directors who fail to perform prescribed audits would be dismissed from employment.

This proposed comprehensive legislation, allows, among other things, temporary placement of children with relatives or alternative caregivers pursuant to a safety plan. Lists requirements for safety plans and limits them to ninety days, with exceptions. In certain child abuse or neglect matters, sets requirements for child and family plans and limits their duration to six months, with exceptions. Adds definitions for "safety plan," "placement plan," and "treatment plan."

Creates a presumption that it is in the best interest of the child to spend approximately an equal amount of time with each parent, with exceptions. Requires Family Court judges to take into consideration certain factors when determining what is in the best interest of a child when issuing a child custody order. If a child time-sharing schedule does not allocate approximately equal parenting time to each parent, certain findings of fact must be made. Also, before modifying child custody orders, listed requirements must be met, and written findings of fact must be made.

Proposes a "Put Patients First Act" to authorize registered patients to use marijuana for medical purposes after their physicians recommend it. This comprehensive bill contains definitions, prohibitions, and omits minors from these prescriptions. Creates a confidential registry for identification cards to registered patients and registered caregivers. Provides certain defenses and other protections to registered patients, registered caregivers, and physicians from criminal liability and professional discipline. Authorizes medical use marijuana dispensaries to cultivate, grow, and dispense marijuana for medical use. They would have protections similar to those described above.

Requires the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control to list each spouse in a same-sex marriage to be the parents of a child of their union.

Permanently disqualifies any person convicted of committing fraud, with exceptions, and within two weeks of mailing notice of benefits termination, from receiving public assistance, or other benefits. They include any federal or state means-tested welfare or public assistance program benefits.

Adds conduct or treatment that destroys the well-being, happiness, and welfare of a spouse as a new grounds for divorce, so long as it renders continued cohabitation unsafe or unendurable.

Children, their parent or guardian, could not waive the child's right to counsel, when the family court proceeding may result in detention or confinement of the child, under this proposed legislation.

Increases the amount of alcoholic liquors that can be dispensed at licensed premises to any one person in any one day. Would permit retail sales at these licensed premises and the use of mixers during tastings.

Authorizes the SC Department of Revenue to issue permits to sell beer and wine at multiple locations on multiple days at a festival via one application. Defines "festival."

Would make baseball complexes, as defined in the proposed bill, eligible for permits to allow the purchase and sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption, and biennial licenses to purchase alcoholic liquors by the drink. This list currently includes motorsports entertainment, or tennis specific, complexes.

Would require the State Department of Education, State Election Commission, and county boards of voter registration and elections, ensure that high school students aged seventeen years of age have completed a voter registration form and received classroom instruction regarding the importance of voting. Students may opt out of this process. All participating high school registrants will receive a voter registration card before the first election in which they are eligible to vote.

Would amend the 1895 South Carolina Constitution to authorize the General Assembly to enact term limitations on its members.

Limits House members to six terms and Senators to four terms. Elections held before January 1, 2017, would not be counted as terms served.

Allows a municipality to contract with a public or private academic institution for police protection services.

Would establish early voting procedures. Early voting, including voting via an absentee ballot, could begin thirty days before an election. Each county would have to have at least one early voting location.

Proposes amending the 1895 South Carolina Constitution to require candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, or elective office to be qualified electors in the district for which they are a candidate for at least ninety consecutive days prior to the first day that candidates may file for that office.

Seeks amending 1895 SC Constitution so that the Superintendent of Education would be appointed by the Governor, upon the advice and consent of the Senate. The Superintendent would serve at the pleasure of the Governor. An appointed Superintendent would begin January 2023, or upon a vacancy in the office of the Superintendent of Education after the date of the ratification of this amendment, whichever occurs first

Would delete all state code sections that allow straight party ticket voting for general election ballots, straight ticket voting on any type of recorder, and voting for all of the candidates of one party by use of any voting machine.

Requires probate judge elections to be nonpartisan. Sets procedures for nominating candidates and conducting nonpartisan elections.

Requires clerk of court elections to be nonpartisan. Sets procedures for nominating candidates and conducting nonpartisan elections.

Removes municipalities' authority to forego conducting general elections when only one person has filed for office, and no one has officially declared they will run as a write-in candidate.

Under this legislation, anyone serving as a poll manager, assistant poll manager, or poll worker must be paid at least $15.00 an hour while attending compulsory elections training and while working on Election Day.

Allows voters to distribute an electronic or digital image of their own marked ballot.

The examination of return-addressed envelopes containing absentee ballots may begin at 9:00 a.m. on the day immediately prior to Election Day. The absentee voter's oath on these ballots would no longer have to be witnessed.

Authorizes probate courts to order reasonable payments, expenditures, or disbursements when needed to satisfy minors', or incapacitated persons', specific needs following the death of their parent or guardian, and these payments are not specifically authorized elsewhere in the probate code.

Would allow qualified electors to register and vote on the same day. Also sets up early voting during a seven-day period preceding an election at one or more early voting locations in each county. Voting sites in schools cannot disrupt school activities.

County councils would have to provide office space and appropriate funds for county legislative delegation office operations. Legislative delegations would maintain responsibility for the employment, supervision, and discharge of all personnel they employ.

Each state identification card application or motor vehicle driver's license application, including renewal applications, submitted to the SC Department of Motor Vehicles would serve as an application for voter registration. Eliminates any requirements that applicants sign a separate voter registration. Individuals may decline voter registration.

The "Local Government Efficiency Act" would authorize municipal governing bodies to annex an area if it does not exceed twenty-five acres and is completely surrounded by the municipality.

In case of a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant governor, the Governor would appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a successor to fill the unexpired term. Beginning with the 2018 general election, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor must be jointly elected. Sets joint candidacy procedures. Allows the Governor to assign duties to the Lt. Governor. In case both the Governor and Lt. Governor become unable to serve, the Speaker of the House would become Governor.

Limits House members to four consecutive terms and Senators to two consecutive terms. Terms held before the 2020 General Election, would not be counted as terms served.

Limits House members to six consecutive terms and Senators to three consecutive terms. Terms held before the 2020 General Election, would not be counted as a term served.

Legalizes the possession of twenty-eight grams, or one ounce or less, of marijuana as well as ten grams or less of hashish by veterans with honorable discharge, or general under honorable conditions discharges. These veterans must have been diagnosed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be suffering service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) arising from their duty in an area designated by executive order as a combat area

Sets forth a procedure for allowing write-in voting for US President and Vice President.

Limits House members to six terms and Senators to three terms. Elections held before January 1, 2017, would not be counted as a term served.

Prohibits government agencies, bodies, commissions, committees, or councils, who have governing boards appointed by a legislative delegation of this state, from assigning, conveying, devolving, entrusting, or transferring to another board or entity their governance authority, duties, functions, responsibilities, or operational oversight without a prior affirmative act by the General Assembly.

Limits House members to six full terms [or twelve years] and Senators to three full terms [or twelve years]. Terms held before the 2018 General Election, would not be counted as a term served.

Would allow write-in voting for US President and Vice President.

Candidates who execute candidacy pledges with political parties when running for a particular office in that party's primary election, and are later elected to office, must resign that elective office before they may change their political party affiliation.

Proposes amending the 1895 South Carolina Constitution to provide an exception that would allow public officers --other than certain named officeholders such as the Governor, Lt. Governor, constitutional officers, General Assembly members, justices, and judges on the Court of Appeals-- to participate in the State Education, and other state-conducted, lotteries.

In civil actions by whistleblowers against an employing public body, for retaliation because the public employee reported violations of law, or regulations, the maximum amount of actual damages that could be recovered would be increased from $15,000 to $300,000.

Would add, as a mitigating circumstance, for purposes of death penalty trials, that defendants had a severe mental disability when they committed the murder. Defines the parameters of this mitigating circumstance, prohibits the death penalty for a person who had a severe mental disability while committing the crime. Sets procedures for pretrial hearings and jury considerations for death penalty defendants with a severe mental disability.

Would allow victim advocates employed by law enforcement agencies to carry a concealable weapon while on duty.

Modifies the Judicial Merit Selection Commission process for nominating judicial candidates from nominating three qualified candidates to nominating five qualified candidates to be presented to the General Assembly for a vote.

Deletes all requirements that individual retirement accounts and other similar plans are exempt from attachment, levy, and sale, only to the extent permitted under Section 522(d), Federal Bankruptcy Code.

Requires that recognized Native American Indian groups continue to be recognized, complete with all privileges and obligations authorized by that designation. The State Commission for Minority Affairs must cease from recognizing any additional Native American Indian groups. Any regulations providing for recognition of any additional Native American Indian groups are repealed, but the Commission must revise its regulations to ensure that the privileges and obligations for currently recognized Native American Indian groups are preserved.

Would allow cumulative roll-call voting on a certain number of sections grouped together from the annual general appropriations bill when authorized by the rules of the Senate or House of Representatives to do so.

Requires national instant criminal background checks to be completed prior to delivery of a firearm to a purchaser or transferee. The results of all required background checks must be in hand and the purchaser or transferee must not be prohibited from delivery of the firearm before it is handed over.

Requires national instant criminal background checks before any sale, exchange, or transfer of a firearm in South Carolina. Sets up procedures for these background checks. They must be done at gun shows. Any records kept would be exempt from disclosure as a public record under the SC Freedom of Information Act. Sets penalties for violations.

Increases maximum penalties for unlawfully carrying a handgun from one year to five years jail time and from $1,000 to $10,000 in fines.

Adds assault weapons to penalties for committing certain criminal offenses involving weapons. Increases penalties for violations and creates a two-tiered penalty scheme. Defines "assault weapon." Adds assault weapons to the banned list as well as to the offenses of unlawful transportation; storing, keeping, or possessing; and sale, rental, or giving away of machine guns, military firearms, sawed-off shotguns or rifles. Adds a new section to make it unlawful to sell or give a firearm to a person whose name appears on the terrorist watch list. Sets penalties.

Sets penalties for persons committing crimes against law enforcement officers, with the intent to assault, intimidate, or threaten them because they are law enforcement officers.

Prohibits courts from requiring a citizen to serve on a jury on a primary, or general, election day.

Grants emergency medical service providers, firefighters, and other first responders, working during an emergency, an exemption from the offense of unlawfully carrying a handgun, under certain delineated circumstances.

Prevents state courts, or other enforcement authorities, from enforcing foreign law from a forum outside of the United States, or its territories, in this state. Exceptions to this prohibition are listed in this proposed legislation.

This proposed legislation makes comprehension modifications to the judicial nomination process for state judgeships and authority of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission [JMSC]. Among other things, it requires procedures for investigating complaints against candidates for directly or indirectly seeking pledges in violation of existing law and adding the period of time up to the actual vote by the General Assembly for a judge or justice. JMSC would maintain jurisdiction over candidates until elections are held by the General Assembly. It could remove a candidate from nomination if a violation is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Any pledges for judicial candidates could not be directly or indirectly sought or given until fourteen days, rather than forty-eight hours, after their initial release of the report concerning nominees. There also would be a period of not more than twenty-eight days, rather than two weeks, after the final report of nominations to the General Assembly before a judicial election could be held. Finally, it requires that candidates be nominated by the second Thursday in January each year and that judicial elections only be held once per year.

Establishes a tiered penalty structure for the offense of Unlawfully Carrying a Handgun, with first offenses as misdemeanors and second, or more offenses, as felonies.

Creates graduated penalties for subsequent offenses of Unlawfully Carrying a Handgun.

Adds indoor or outdoor shopping malls, movie theaters, parking lots, and any other public gatherings with three or more people, to the offense of discharging firearms at, or into, dwellings, structures, enclosures, vehicles, or equipment.

Increases magistrates court civil jurisdiction from $7,500 to $15,000.

Requires destruction of arrest records, for anyone arrested as a result of mistaken identity, not later than one hundred eighty (180) days after an investigation by a law enforcement or prosecution agency reveals that they were arrested as a result of mistaken identity. No law enforcement or other prosecution agency may charge a fee for arrest records destruction under these circumstances.

Sets penalties for anyone assaulting, intimidating, or threatening people because of their race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. Adds more penalties to the criminal offense of maliciously injuring personal or real property of another person, with the intent to assault, intimidate, or threaten that person.

Includes law enforcement officers as persons who can be charged with the offense of filing false police reports.

Would enact the "Online Impersonation Prevention Act." Defines necessary terms; creates the offense of impersonating another person with the intent to harass, or harm, on the Internet or other electronic means; allows civil lawsuits, and designates "Identity Theft" sections in our state code of laws.

Allows plaintiffs who have obtained judgments against defendants in magistrates court seek a writ of garnishment. Sets procedures for this garnishment including service of the writ of garnishment on the State Department of Revenue and defendants, any objections to the writ of garnishment, deposit of any state income tax refund, and to include state income tax refunds as subject to attachment proceedings.

Limits the circumstances when magistrates may place a person in an electronic monitoring program as a condition of bond. Only those arrested for criminal sexual conduct offense or certain other violent crimes could be so monitored.

Declares certain arbitration clauses contained in adhesion contracts with consumers to be void, unenforceable, and severable from the remaining terms of these contracts.

Form of notice requirements, for the validity of arbitration agreements, would apply regardless of whether any other contract provisions, with arbitration clauses, would apply.

Instead of releasing only three nominated judicial candidates, the JMSC must release a list of all qualified candidates to the General Assembly for judicial elections.

Allows listed public officials, including prosecutors, judges, and justices, whether active or retired, now also adding clerks of court, to carry a concealable weapon while on duty.

Assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature would include assaults on a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer or corrections officer in the discharge of, or because of, their official duties under this criminal offense.

Revises commission membership. Instead of releasing three nominated judicial candidates, JMSC would a release the names of all qualified candidates to the General Assembly for its consideration.

Adds the offense of furthering terrorism. Defines the elements of the offense and sets penalties. Creates the offenses of material, or financial, support of an act of terrorism and concealment of the actions or plans of another to carry out an act of terrorism. Also allows seizure and forfeiture of real and personal property used in connection with these an offenses.

Eligibility for expungement of offenses that are no longer crimes because they were subsequently repealed would still be able to be expunged when the elements of the former offenses are consistent with existing, similar current-day offenses. Clarifies that expungement provisions apply retroactively to these offenses.

In controlled substance investigations, and forfeiture of property seized as part of them, the expedited return, of certain property and monies seized, can be undertaken when forfeiture proceedings have not been instituted within thirty (30) days, or charges have not been filed within thirty (30) days of the seizure. Lawful owners would not be required to prove that seized property or monies seized had been legally acquired by them. Prohibits seizing authorities from requiring lawful owners to sign any release absolving the seizing authority from civil liability. Allows forfeiture proceedings to be held in the magistrates court if the value of the property seized does not exceed seven thousand five hundred dollars. Modifies the method of allocating various assets obtained through drug forfeitures, so that after the first one thousand dollars is retained by the appropriate law enforcement agency, the remaining assets must be forwarded to the prosecuting agency.

Adds the Attorney General to those officials who are authorized to file motions for reduction of sentences after defendants have provided substantial assistance to our state within one year of their sentencing.

An order of immunity from prosecution, issued pursuant to the protection of persons and property act, would be immediately appealable. Defendants who do not immediately appeal a denial of their motions may still appeal any denial after their conviction and sentencing.

Defines the term "tracking device" and creates a criminal offense for using unlawful tracking devices, with listed penalties. This offense does not apply to the use of global positioning systems (GPS), traffic information systems, missing motor vehicle assistance, or diagnosing mechanical problems.

Creates the offense of intentionally impersonating another person, their domain address, phone number, or other personally identifying information (including email, social media, or internet websites). This bill also sets penalties and defines necessary terms.

Creates the offense of impersonating a lawyer, and provides graduated penalties, from misdemeanors for initial violations to felonies for subsequent violations.

Sets penalties for anyone assaulting, intimidating, or threatening a people because of their race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. Adds more penalties to the criminal offense of maliciously injuring personal or real property of another person, with the intent to assault, intimidate, or threaten that person.

Requires firearm, rifle, or shotgun owners or custodians to report the loss or theft of each weapon. Law enforcement agencies must to collect certain information regarding lost or stolen weapons. Incorporates graduated penalties for the failure to report a lost or stolen weapon.

Anyone convicted of kidnapping before June 5, 1991, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, may petition for a reduction of their sentence to thirty (30) years.

Makes various civil lawsuit reforms, including requiring a special verdict form to proportion liability amongst multiple defendants. It would specify that certain causes of action must be filed in magistrates court. Sets magistrates court as the venue for all cases involving less than $5,000, except cases filed under the Torts Claim Act. Prohibits recovering punitive or exemplary damages or prejudgment interest. Allows state agencies, or political subdivisions, to be represented by department managers, staff, or other officials in certain actions. Increases the civil jurisdiction for certain claims brought pursuant to the Tort Claims Act.

Proposes amending the 1895 South Carolina Constitution so that, upon the expiration of the term of the Comptroller General serving as of the 2020 general election, any successor, who must be a certified public account licensed to practice, would be appointed by the Governor. Their term would be coterminous with the Governor's.

Would enact the "South Carolina Uniform Partnership Act Of 2017." It will cover the formation of partnerships, the nature of partnerships, the relation of partners to each other and the partnership, persons dealing with the partnership, the transfer of interest and rights, dissociations, dissolutions, limited liability partnerships, foreign limited liability partnerships, merger, interest exchange, conversion and domestication, and transition provisions. Repeals SC Code Section 33-41-10, et seq. on January 1, 2020.

Would create a Spartanburg Police Department and Fire Department Civil Service Commission under such terms and conditions as the General Assembly shall set. Spartanburg City Council shall establish the terms, conditions, membership, and procedures of the commission for the benefit of the police and fire departments. Repeals 1936 Act 612, 1965 Act 345; 1966 Act 991, and 1992 Act 618, all relating to a police and fire departments civil service commission for Spartanburg.

Seeks to apply to the US Congress for a convention to propose limited amendments to the US Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of congress. This application will contain certain reservations, understandings, and declarations as well as set out certain selection criteria for, and limitations on.

Sets procedures to determine reductions in inmate sentences. Inmates who have been incarcerated at least fifteen years may petition courts for sentence modification. Inmates who have committed "no parole offenses" must serve at least 65% of their sentences before becoming eligible for early release, discharge, or community supervision. Sets procedures for inmate petitions to modify their sentences. Increases the number of good behavior days an inmate who has committed a "no parole offense" may receive. Makes this legislation retroactive for listed offenses.

Any premises owner, or any person in legal possession of premises, can be held liable for injuries sustained by concealed weapon permit holders who are injured there, under certain circumstances. When a crime occurs, these premises ban concealable weapons, and permit holders are injured as a result of the crime being committed, civil liability for these injuries will then strictly attach against owners or premises tenants in favor of the permit holders.

Would enact the "National Concealed Weapons Permit Reciprocity Act." Valid out-of-state concealed weapons permit holders must be allowed to carry their permitted weapon in our state.

Would enact "Fargo's And Hyco's Law." It will increase the penalties associated with recklessly, wilfully, or maliciously, torturing, mutilating, injuring, disabling, poisoning, or killing a police dog or police horse. It would make this offense a felony, rather than a misdemeanor.

Allows post-secondary educational institution governing bodies to develop policies to allow concealed weapon permit holders to carry a firearm on that institution's premises.

Sets penalties for anyone who violates SC Code Section 56, Chapter 2, when there is no specific penalty listed for that particular violation.

Increases penalties for pointing, aiming, or discharging a laser device at aircraft to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, without the possibility of probation or parole.

Makes it unlawful for anyone to use, transport, manufacture, possess, distribute, sell, or buy green tip ammunition, and sets penalties.

Creates a study committee to examine best methods for assisting convicted felons to reenter the workforce upon completion of their sentences.

All law enforcement officers would be required to undergo a mental health evaluation before they could be certified or recertified. These evaluations must be conducted under the direction of the Law Enforcement Training Council.

Requires certified law enforcement officers to annually complete continuing law enforcement education credits in diversity training.

Would allow anyone who is required to register as a sex offender to petition the court to terminate their registration requirement ten years after the date of their initial registration requirements. Anyone required to register as a sex offender for life would only have to do so for a maximum period of fifteen (15) years.

Deletes restrictions prohibiting concealed weapons permit holders from carrying a firearm on university, college, or technical college campuses.

Law enforcement agencies would be prohibited from entering into confidential agreements with a federal agencies to employ cell-site simulator technology without first obtaining a warrant for its use.

Prohibits law enforcement agencies from using any drug court participant as a confidential informant.

No law enforcement agencies could operate an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with firearms intended to inflict deadly force upon individuals or property. However this legislation does not apply to vehicles equipped with firearms intended to detonate explosives.

Makes it a felony offense to sell or give a firearm to a person whose name appears on the terrorist watch list. Sets penalties for violations.

Makes it unlawful for a law enforcement officer to knowingly obstruct, or render inoperable, law enforcement video recording equipment, or body-worn cameras.

Candidates wanting to be certified law enforcement officers would have to first pass a drug test. These tests must include a screening panel for the unlawful use of anabolic steroids. All currently certified law enforcement officers must undergo random drug testing. Drug testing must be conducted under the direction of the Law Enforcement Training Council. Lawful use of anabolic steroids shall not prohibit any candidate from receiving or maintaining certification.

Establishes procedures to allow certain registered juvenile sex offenders to be removed from the sex offender registry. Certain juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent by the family court for committing certain offenses could be placed on the sex offender registry.

No driver may be placed under custodial arrest when stopped for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver's license. When drivers appeal a conviction that requires the suspension of his driver's license, the license suspension must be stayed while appeal is pending. The SC Department of Motor Vehicles could not suspend a person's driver's license if it fails to receive notice of a conviction that requires the license to be suspended within thirty days of the conviction.

Revises the list of low-risk offenders who may be placed in a home detention program.

Prohibits a state, county, or municipal detention facility from preventing an in-person meeting between an inmate and his attorney.

State, county, or municipal detention facilities would be prohibited from intercepting, recording, monitoring, or divulging any communication between an inmate and his attorney.

Drivers could not be placed under custodial arrest when charged with certain traffic offenses other than driving under the influence (DUI) that can be made using a uniform traffic ticket. No motor vehicle could be stopped for having a frame over its license plate that obscures the license plate letters or numbers in the absence of another violation. Motor vehicles could not be stopped for having an inoperable taillight or separate lamp, absent another violation.

Pardon applicants, for certain offenses, could make a one-time request for the Board of Paroles and Pardons to recommend expungement of their criminal records. Would allow retroactive application of this new statutory section. Makes exceptions for persons pardoned for violent crimes. Sets an application fee, and provides procedures for criminal records to be expunged, and for nonpublic records to be maintained.

All testimony presented at a parole hearings would be require to be taken under oath. Potential parolees, or their lawyers, would have the right to confront any witness that appears before the board during his hearing.

The Director of the Department of Corrections would be empowered to conditionally release an inmate who is serving a sentence for the unlawful possession, manufacture, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance.

Allows the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, to consider an offender's ability to make restitution when it determines the amount of an offender's monthly payment.

Prohibits law enforcement agencies from purchasing cell-site simulator technology from companies requiring them enter into a nondisclosure agreement.

Law enforcement agencies would be banned from purchasing cell-site simulator technology or devices and any law enforcement agency that currently possesses or uses cell-site simulator technology would have to discontinue its use and discard the technology or devices.

Repeals the statutory requirement for the Department of Corrections Director, as well as Corrections officers, employees, and agents to post a surety bond for their faithful performance of their work responsibilities.

Authorizes law enforcement officers, and other persons authorized to prosecute those offenses, to reissue a uniform traffic ticket for another offense incident to any plea negotiation or agreement.

Would allow law enforcement officers to release a motor vehicle, operated by a driver who has been taken into custody, to a responsible party in lieu of having the vehicle impounded.

Deletes the requirement that drivers complete a vision screening during the fifth year of a ten-year driver's license.

Would require candidates for magistrates court to be screened by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission before they could be appointed. Alters commission membership and requires the commission to release a list of all qualified candidates. Deletes statutory language allowing a magistrates' term to continue until a successor is appointed and qualified.

The Department of Insurance Director would have to be elected to office. The governing authority of the Department of Insurance will be its Director.

Changes the definition of "Director" and makes changes concerning removing the director. Deletes the requirement that, if the director becomes a candidate for public office or becomes a member of a political committee during tenure, his office immediately must be vacated. Election Department of Insurance Director will begin with the 2018 statewide election.

Establishes the Illegal Immigration Enforcement Unit within the State Law Enforcement Division. Eliminates the Illegal Immigration Enforcement Unit established within the Department of Public Safety. Transfers all the so associated DPS employees, authorized appropriations, assets, and liabilities.

Would require the South Carolina Department of Mental Health to reimburse sheriffs, counties, municipalities that have incurred incarceration costs for persons determined to be unfit to stand trial.

National instant criminal background checks would have to be completed and the results sent to licensed dealers, or 28 days must have elapsed since licensed dealers requested these background checks, before firearms could be delivered by licensed dealers to firearms purchasers, whichever event occurs first.

Deletes the definition of "trafficking in persons." Restructures this offense and provides penalties when the victim is a minor. Ensures the protection of minor victims.

Enacts "Jacob Hall's Law." Under it, school personnel and concealed weapon permit holders --as authorized by school officials-- could carry a weapon on school property. School officials could authorize carrying weapons on school property by school personnel or concealed weapon permit holders. Requires weapons training before authorizing school personnel or concealed weapon permit holders could carry weapons on school property, or prohibit school personnel or concealed weapon permit holders from carrying weapons on school property.

Requires the Legislative Audit Council to conduct a management performance audit of the Office of Indigent Defense beginning in December 2017, then every three years thereafter. This audit will include reviewing the application and approval process for indigent defense representation. It will also include the budgets, expenditures, and receipts of circuit public defender offices. Would require information on budgets, expenditures, and receipts of the public defender offices to be included in an annual report to the General Assembly.

Adds, to the offense of burglary in the first degree, the act of remaining in, or entering, a dwelling during an ordered evacuation, or within twenty-four hours after an evacuation order has been lifted.

Sets procedures, in specified instances, for the timely satisfaction of judgment liens and the cancellation of judgments after full tender of payment.

Revises filing and recording fees, including a flat fee of thirty-five dollars, for certain documents recorded with the Register of Deeds, or filed with the Clerk of Court, including deeds, mortgages, installment contracts, Uniform Commercial Code filings, leases, and other such documents. Also sets flat fees for other documents recorded, or filed, in these offices.

On January 1 after the year the US Census is conducted, this legislation establishes the South Carolina Reapportionment Commission. It would have seven members. The scope of work for this group will be to submit reapportionment plans to the General Assembly. The selection, qualifications, powers, and duties of this commission and its members are set forth in it.

Provides that the definition of a "claimant agency" will include not only the State Ethics Commission, but also the House of Representatives Ethics Committee and the Senate Ethics Committee to the extent that any unpaid fines, or other monetary sanctions, levied by these committees on behalf of their respective body are included.

Adds to existing state law, the "South Carolina State Employee Equal Pay For Equal Work Act." It will prohibit discrimination by gender for compensation paid state employees for the same kind, grade, and quality of state employment. Includes definitions and exceptions. Prohibits specific employer actions with regard to the enforcement of this act. Also sets out administrative and, where applicable, judicial remedies for violations.

Creates the Office of Freedom of Information Act Review within the Administrative Law Court. Sets out the duties and functions of the office. This office will be considered part of the unified judicial system for the purposes of certain ethics, government accountability, and campaign reform statutes. Will include electronic transmissions among the record formats available for inspection. Establishes record request limitations for prisoners. Public bodies could not be required to create electronic versions of public records to fulfill records requests. Revises fees chargeable to fulfill records requests as well as the manner for responding to records requests. Certain law enforcement recordings are added to records exempt from disclosure. Allows law enforcement to apply for injunctive relief in circuit court if there is clear and convincing evidence of specific harm posed by the release of recordings. Removes criminal penalties for Act violations. Vests exclusive jurisdiction over cases arising from requests for records and exemptions from disclosure. Extends prohibitions to using information obtained from local governments and political subdivisions of the state for commercial purposes.

Eliminates application of minor in possession of alcohol criminal statutes to minors consuming these substances. Ends the right of law enforcement to request that minors suspected of violating this law submit to an alcohol screening test.

This bill revises smoke detector requirements for onefamily and twofamily dwellings, so as to recharacterize "smoke detectors" as "smoke alarms" and to require that all existing onefamily, twofamily, and multifamily dwellings must be equipped with approved and properly functioning smoke alarms. The legislation makes revisions relating to batteryoperated detectors, including a requirement for an owner of a rental property to complete a smoke alarm compliance sheet. The legislation makes revisions to provisions governing: the responsibilities of owners and tenants of rental dwellings or houses; prohibitions on transfers of real estate without installed smoke detectors; and penalties established for violations.

DEDUCTIBLE IN A PERSONAL LINES RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE POLICY Rep. Gilliard

This bill provides that, if a policy for personal lines residential property insurance requires a separate deductible for a hurricane, wind, or named storm damage, the deductible must be calculated as a percentage of the value of the damage caused to the property by the hurricane, wind, or named storm and may not be calculated as a percentage of the value of the property. This formula may not be waived or modified by agreement of the parties.

This bill enacts the "Homeowners' Association Regime Fee Fairness to Deployed Service Members Act" so as to require a service member who belongs to a homeowners' association to notify the association of orders of deployment and to prohibit a homeowners' association from enforcing a lien or imposing a penalty for regime fees not paid during the time period that the homeowner is deployed or mobilized outside of this state. These protections are applied to dependents residing with the service member. The legislation provides that the protections to deployed homeowners may not be waived by contract and only apply to the service member's primary residence. The legislation provides that these provisions shall not be construed to waive an obligation of the deployed service member from continuing to maintain the property.

AUTOMOBILE SAFETY GLASS CLAIMS WHEN DETERMINING PREMIUM RATES Rep. King

This bill revises automobile collision coverage provisions, so as to provide that an automobile insurer may not consider claims submitted for the repair or replacement of automobile safety glass when determining the premium rates to be charged on the insured's policy.

AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT THAT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE INSURED Rep. Toole

This bill provides that it is unlawful for an automobile insurer to raise an insured's premium rates as a result of a motor vehicle collision or accident for which the insured was not at fault. The Department of Insurance or the director's designee is authorized to impose a fine of up to two hundred thousand dollars for a violation. The Department of Insurance is afforded authority to conduct examinations for enforcement purposes with expenses paid by the insurer, agent, or broker.

This bill enacts the "Freedom of Employment Contract Act" by repealing South Carolina's "RighttoWork" laws that govern collective bargaining and representation by labor unions.

This bill establishes provisions under which franchisors are not considered employers or coemployers of franchisees or franchisee employees unless the franchisor agrees, in writing, to assume the role of an employer or coemployer of the franchisee or the employee of a franchisee.

This bill makes provisions for the licensure and regulation of locksmiths. The legislation creates the Board of Locksmiths and provides for its composition, function, and duties. The legislation requires applicants for licensure to satisfy certain criteria, complete written testing requirements, and submit to fingerprintbased national criminal background records checks. Locksmiths are required to complete certain continuing education requirements to maintain licensure.

This bill expands provisions requiring criminal background checks for initial licensures by the Real Estate Commission, so as to also require these background checks for licensure renewals.

This bill provides that when dead human bodies are transferred from one funeral service provider to another funeral service provider, the transferor may recover certain unpaid service fees and legal fees from the transferee in certain circumstances. The legislation makes provisions for when these actions must be heard in magistrates court regardless of the jurisdictional amounts involved.

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS UNRELATED TO THE EMPLOYMENT POSITION Rep. Robinson-Simpson

This bill provides that no job application may include questions related to convictions of a crime, unless the crime directly relates to the position of employment sought or the occupation for which the license is sought.

This bill enacts the "Ban the Box Act" to provide that no job application may include questions related to convictions of a crime, unless the crime directly relates to the position of employment sought or the occupation for which the license is sought.

This bill creates the Office of Homeowners Association Ombudsman in the Department of Consumer Affairs. The legislation provides for the qualifications, powers, and duties of the Ombudsman. The legislation require the department to facilitate and maintain a registry of homeowners associations and to establish procedures for filing and resolving complaints concerning homeowners associations.

This bill provides that the minimum wage in this state is the greater value of either ten dollars and ten cents or the minimum wage set by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The legislation revises provisions relating to the scope of authority to set minimum wage, so as to provide that a political subdivision of this state may not require a minimum wage that exceeds the one set in state statute. The legislation revises provisions relating to therapeutic patient employment and Sunday work to incorporate these state statutory minimum wage provisions.

This bill enacts the "Uniform Voidable Transactions Act" to strengthen creditor protections by providing remedies for certain transactions by a debtor that are unfair to the debtor's creditors.

This bill revises provisions relating to permits for cremation which must be issued by coroners, so as to provide that no fee for a permit for cremation may be charged.

PROVISIONS TO PREMISES USED BY THE OCCUPANT PRIMARILY FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES Rep. McEachern

This bill revises exemptions to the provisions of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, so as to eliminate the exemption currently provided under the act for occupancy under a rental agreement covering the premises used by the occupant primarily for agricultural purposes.

This bill provides that a seller of services that uses a consumer's credit score to determine the price of the services must report the score to the consumer on the consumer's invoice.

This bill enacts the "Safe Water Act" to provide that a private or public utility or municipality operating a public water system must provide the average water purification levels on the customer's water bill. The utility or municipality may: (1) include the report on the bill; or (2) publish the information in a conspicuous place on the utility's or municipality's website and publish the website link on the monthly bill.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina Homeowners Association Act" to: require a property owner subject to a homeowners association to disclose the association's governing documents to a prospective owner; instruct the South Carolina Real Estate Commission to offer an online instructional course covering the basics of homeowners' association management and the rights and responsibilities of property owners; and, grant concurrent civil jurisdiction in certain actions between a homeowners association and a property owner.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina CommercialProperty Assessed Clean Energy Act" (CPACE) to authorize governing bodies to establish a district by adoption of an ordinance for the purpose of promoting, encouraging, and facilitating clean energy improvements within its geographic area; provide requirements to be included in the ordinance; provide that members of the district and owners of qualifying real property may voluntarily execute a written agreement to participate in the commercialproperty assessed clean energy program; authorize the governing body to impose an assessment on the qualifying real property; provide that the assessment shall constitute a CPACE lien against the qualifying real property until paid subject to the consent of existing mortgagees; provide for how clean energy improvements may be financed; and, require that clean energy improvements meet all applicable safety, performance, interconnection, and reliability standards.

BY THIRD PARTIES ON BEHALF OF INDIVIDUALS INSURED BY QUALIFIED HEALTH PLANS Rep. Stringer

This bill allows for the payment of insurance premiums and other cost sharing on behalf of individuals insured by qualified health plans by certain third parties, including state or federal government programs, Indian tribes, and programs conducted by certain tax-exempt organizations.

This bill establishes provisions for restroom access for retail sales customers that require a retailer selling tangible personal goods in a place of business to provide restroom facilities for customers, which must be available for use upon the request of the retail store customers.

TRANSFERRING DELINQUENT CHARGES FROM ONE ACCOUNT TO ANOTHER Rep. Williams

This bill provides that a public utility that supplies electricity or natural gas may not transfer or apply a delinquent, late, overdue, or unpaid balance from one account to another account held individually or jointly in the same customer's name.

PERSONAL INJURY CAUSED BY POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER Rep. Duckworth

This bill revises the definitions of "injury" and "personal injury" in workers' compensation law to modify the requirements for firefighters seeking workers' compensation for personal injury caused by post traumatic stress disorder arising from his direct involvement in a significant traumatic experience.

This bill revises provisions relating to the presumption that certain diseases sustained by a firefighter are occupational diseases for the purposes of workers' compensation, so as to provide certain additional medical conditions also must be presumed to be occupational diseases for the purposes of workers' compensation. The legislation revises these provisions by eliminating a minimum age for the applicability and to eliminate a requirement that eligibility for this presumption be conditioned upon the medical condition having developed while the firefighter was actively engaged in firefighting or within twentyfour hours from the last date he engaged in firefighting. The legislation provides that a person is considered to have passed the requisite physical examination if the fire department fails to require or obtain this examination upon his entry of service. The legislation provides that a firefighter with ten years of service who sustains an impairment or injury caused by cancer is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that this impairment or injury arose from and in the course of his employment as a firefighter. The legislation provides that this presumption is conditioned upon certain medical examinations and reporting requirements, and provides that a person is considered to have passed the requisite physical examination if the fire department fails to require or obtain this examination upon his entry of service.

This bill revises Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provisions, so as to define the term "protected tenant" as a person entitled under a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others who holds a valid order of protection or restraining order against another person. The legislation: allows a protected tenant to terminate a rental agreement under certain circumstances; establishes rental fees for which the protected tenant is responsible after the termination of a rental agreement; and, provides that the rental agreement must continue to any remaining tenants residing in the dwelling unit.

Under certain conditions, a pharmacist, without an order of a practitioner, may prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and selfadministered oral hormonal contraceptives to a person. The legislation also outlines that the Board of Pharmacy shall adopt certain rules to establish standard procedures for these prescriptions and dispensations.

The legislation increases staffing requirements for nursing homes. The minimum staff-resident ratio is one for every nine residents during all shifts.

Any physical examination that is required for admission to a nursing home must be performed no sooner than five days before admission to the facility and no later than seven business days after admission to the facility and must address the physical condition and diagnosis of the resident. The physical examination must be performed by the resident's personal attending physician or, with the permission of the resident or the resident's representative, by a legally authorized health care provider.

This bill establishes minimum staff-resident ratio requirements for community residential care facilities. It also provides for mandatory training of staff and volunteers.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control shall develop and maintain the Sickle Cell Disease Voluntary Patient Registry for residents who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease. The registry will enable individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease to register so that physicians and other health care practitioners providing care may confirm whether the individual has been diagnosed with sickle cell disease; and collect and study data on the incidence and nature of sickle cell disease in order to improve patient care and access to services.

This bill provides for the registration of multiple office locations of licensed hospices and it provides for expansion of hospice service areas.

Among many things, the bill requires birth centers to be accredited in order to be licensed and to operate in this state. A birth center must be accredited by a birth center accrediting organization approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control that determines accreditation based on the birth center's compliance with national standards for birth centers.

The bill requires surgical technologists to be certified from a certification program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

The intent of the Family Support Services Program is to assist individuals with disabilities and their families who desire or choose to support a family member with an intellectual disability or a related disability or head injury. This bill enables these individuals and families to select a specific agency or person to provide services that are needed for the individual or family member to remain in the home. As a result, the bill also revises the definition of "service provider".

The bill revises the provisions of the compact to reflect changes mandated for membership in the compact.

The bill outlines that surgery of the ankle and soft tissue structures governing the ankle must be performed in an accredited hospital or ambulatory surgical center. A podiatrist who performs osseous (boney) surgical procedures of the ankle must be boardcertified or boardeligible by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and shall satisfy all requirements for credentials as outlined by the facility.

This bill makes revisions relating to instate tuition rates at public institutions of higher education for certain persons associated with the Armed Services of the United States, so as to revise residency requirements and provide veterans who evidence their intent to establish domicile in this state and their dependents may receive instate tuition rates without having established a physical presence in this state.

UNDERGRADUATE INSTATE STUDENTS AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION Rep. Putnam

This bill makes provisions that tuition rates for undergraduate instate students at public institutions of higher education in this state may not increase for a fouryear or eightsemester time period beginning with the 20172018 school year. The legislation provides for a similar but modified increase prohibition for current students and certain others. Discretion is provided for schools to extend these periods for programs not normally capable of completion with these periods and in other extenuating individual circumstances. The legislation establishes miscellaneous requirements concerning winter and summer classes, tolling for periods of military service, and for circumstances in which students do not complete an undergraduate degree within the fouryear or eightsemester time limit.

This bill establishes South Carolina Leadership Scholarships to cover the cost of attending a public institution of higher education in South Carolina for students who demonstrate leadership potential. The legislation provides for scholarship eligibility criteria, and provides that the scholarship in combination with all other grants and scholarships must not exceed actual attendance costs. The legislation makes provisions for regulation by the Commission on Higher Education and requires all participating institutions to report their enrollment and other relevant data as solicited by the commission which may audit these institutions to ensure their compliance. The legislation includes South Carolina Leadership Scholarships among those who are eligible to receive appropriations from the South Carolina Education Lottery.

This bill provides for a designated lottery game within the South Carolina Education Lottery, "The Boost Learning Game", from which proceeds must be used to provide additional funds to facilitate accelerated learning for underachieving students to eliminate disparity in student achievement in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

This bill makes revisions relating to the homestead exemption allowance, so as to provide that a county shall adjust a taxpayer's tax bill to automatically reflect the homestead exemption when the taxpayer reaches the appropriate age.

This bill provides that a state employer shall allow a state employee to attend an educational activity at the school of the employee's child. The legislation makes provisions for an income tax credit for an employer who allows an employee to attend an educational activity for his child, and eliminates certain provisions relating to recommendations for employer tax credit incentives.

This bill makes provisions for a zerobase budget review on a ten year schedule of each state agency, beginning with appropriations for Fiscal Year 20182019.

This bill expands property tax exemption provisions for certain individuals who permanently and totally are disabled by adding a former emergency medical technician who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of an emergency medical serviceconnected disability.

This bill revises property tax exemption provisions, so as to exempt eighty percent of the fair market value of certain distributed energy resources and to exempt the value of renewable energy resource property for residential use.

TUITION PAID BY THE LEGAL GUARDIAN OF A CHILD LIVING IN A

SCHOOL DISTRICT DESIGNATED AS BELOW AVERAGE OR AT-RISK Rep. McKnight

This bill makes provisions for an individual income tax deduction for private school tuition paid by the legal guardian of a child living in a school district that is designated as ‘below average' or ‘school/district at-risk' under the Education Accountability Act. If a taxpayer claims an income tax credit under the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children Fund, then the taxpayer may only claim a deduction equal to the difference of the cost of tuition and the amount of the credit.

This bill creates the "Poverty Elimination Bank" to fund poverty reduction initiatives in South Carolina. The legislation adds the "Poverty Elimination Bank" to provisions that allow for voluntary contributions made by an individual by means of the income tax return check off.

This bill revises provisions relating to the determination of the assessed value of a vehicle for property tax purposes, so as to require that the value of a vehicle not set forth in certain guides or manuals may not exceed ninetytwo percent, rather than the current ninety-five percent, of the prior year's value. The legislation makes provisions for a vehicle tax notice to include a statement on this limitation on the assessed value of a vehicle and requires notice of the appeal process to be included on the tax bill.

This bill makes provisions for additional funding for public kindergarten through grade twelve schools from proceeds of a designated lottery game, "The K12 Game".

PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES ON A MOTOR VEHICLE SOLELY

BECAUSE THE TAXPAYER IS DELINQUENT ON ANOTHER PROPERTY Rep. King

This bill provides that a county treasurer may not refuse to accept full payment of property taxes on a motor vehicle or refuse to issue a tax receipt, upon full payment, to a taxpayer on a motor vehicle solely because the taxpayer is delinquent on another property.

This bill revises property tax exemptions, so as to allow an exemption from all property tax equal to one hundred percent of the value subject to tax of an owneroccupied residence if the owner has attained the age of eighty years.

ASSESSMENT RATE UNTIL A DECEASED'S ESTATE IS CLOSED Rep. Loftis

This bill provides that when a homeowner receiving the four percent property tax assessment ratio dies, the property shall continue to receive the special owner-occupied assessment rate until the deceased's estate is closed, so long as the property is not rented or occupied.

KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS CONSIDERED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL RATE PROGRAM Rep. Loftis

This bill provides that for purposes of the federal Educational Rate Program, a child attending a statefunded fouryearold kindergarten program must be considered an elementary school student.

This bill revises the sales and use tax exemption for the rental or lease of portable toilets, so as to exempt from the tax all of the gross proceeds of the lease of a portable toilet including gross proceeds attributable to service or other maintenance provided with the lease.

This bill revises provisions relating to the determination of the assessed value of a vehicle for property tax purposes, so as to require the Department of Revenue to post its value guides and manuals on its website, and to allow the department to determine values in a different manner if the nationally recognized publication prohibits its public publishing.

KEY PROFESSIONS IN THE MOST UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTIES Rep. McKnight

This bill establishes a state individual income tax deduction for all income attributable to certain employment in the counties with the highest unemployment rates and lowest per capita income that are designated as Tier IV under job tax credit provisions for the first five years the taxpayer resides in and is licensed to perform the qualifying employment in the Tier IV county. The deduction applies to teachers in a K12 school, professions licensed by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and attorneys working in a circuit solicitor's office or in a neighborhood legal assistance program.

This bill makes revisions to the State Aid to Subdivisions Act, so as to: change the name of the Local Government Fund to the Local Government Revenue Sharing Fund; eliminate the requirement that the fund receive not less than four and onehalf percent of the state General Fund revenues of the latest completed fiscal year; eliminate a provision regarding midyear cuts, to provide that the appropriation to the fund must be increased by the same percentage that General Fund revenues are projected to increase, if applicable, but not to exceed five percent; to require that the percentage increase, if applicable, be included in all stages of the budget process; to revise the distribution percentage of the fund; and, to eliminate a provision requiring amendments to the State Aid to Subdivisions Act be included in separate legislation.

This bill establishes provisions allowing a five thousand dollar tax credit to a taxpayer who employs a formerly incarcerated individual as a fulltime employee for one year.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES BEFORE RECEIVING STATE AGENCY FUNDS Rep. Ryhal

This bill provides that before a state agency makes a contribution of funds to a nonprofit organization, the organization must provide the state agency with an accounting of the manner in which the funds will be spent, a copy of the organization's adopted budget for the year in which the funds are accepted, and a copy of the organization's most recent operating financial statement. The State Auditor shall review and audit, if necessary, the financial structure and activities of each organization receiving contributions and make a report to the General Assembly of the review or audit, when requested to do so by the State Fiscal Accountability Authority. For purposes of this requirement, the procurement of goods or services is not considered a contribution of funds.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina Giving Back to Our Veterans Act" to provide a South Carolina individual income tax exemption for military retirement benefits attributable to active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States for taxable years beginning after 2018. The exemption provisions also apply to military retirement benefits received by the surviving spouses of deceased veterans.

This bill makes provisions for increasing the amount of the pension for certain members of the National Guard of South Carolina.

This bill revises a county's authority to extend the payment of property taxes for military service members in or near a hazard duty zone, so as to: require each county to allow for a deferment; provide that the deferment begins on the tax due date and ends ninety days after the last date of deployment; and, to provide that no interest may be charged during the deployment unless the tax is not paid within the ninetyday grace period.

This bill establishes a limit on general fund appropriations for a fiscal year set at the total amount of the general fund revenue estimate as of February 15, 2017, for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, increased annually and cumulatively by a percentage determined by population increases and increases in inflation as expressed by the consumer price index. A Spending Limit Reserve Fund is established to receive all surplus general fund revenues in excess of the spending limit. The Spending Limit Reserve Fund must first be used to address any revenue shortfalls and then any remaining balance may be appropriated for or used to offset revenue reductions for the following list of priorities: temporary tax reductions; infrastructure improvements ranging from highway, rail, water, air, and other transportation facilities to basic government facilities, services, and installations such as water, sewer, and public sector communications; school buildings; school buses; and expenses incurred by the state as a result of natural or other disasters declared by the President of the United States. The legislation provides for the appropriation of fund revenues after these priorities are met and requires that appropriation of Spending Limit Reserve Fund revenues must be made by a joint resolution originating in the House of Representatives. The legislation excludes constitutional and statutory requirements from the new spending limit and provides for the limitation to be suspended for a fiscal year for a specific amount upon a special vote of the General Assembly. The legislation provides that this limit first applies for Fiscal Year 2018-2019.

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY BOARDS OF TRUSTEES DEDUCTED FROM INSTITUTIONS' GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS Rep. Toole

This bill provides that if a member of the governing board of a public institution of higher learning receives lodging or meals reimbursements, from whatever source, in excess of the limits set forth for such board members in the annual general appropriations act, then the State Treasurer, in conjunction with the Comptroller General, shall withhold the amount of the excess from the institution's general fund appropriation.

This bill imposes an additional user fee equal to seven cents a gallon on certain motor fuels with revenue credited to the State Highway Fund. The additional user fee is terminated if wholesale prices exceed certain averages. The legislation provides for the imposition of an additional road tax in the same manner as the additional user fee.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina Access to Health Care Act" to direct the State Department of Health and Human Services to design a health care coverage program comparable to the Arkansas Option, by accepting federal funds allowing appropriate uninsured persons to obtain private health insurance with premiums paid for by federal funds. The legislation provides that the program is contingent upon appropriate approvals of the program design by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and further provides that the program is contingent upon specified levels of federal health care funding. The legislation specifies that the state assumes no obligation to any private insurance carrier participating in the program other than the payment of premiums as allowed pursuant to the "South Carolina Access to Health Care Act".

OR UNDEREMPLOYED NONCUSTODIAL PARENTS WHO OWE CHILD SUPPORT Rep. Robinson-Simpson

This bill revises provisions relating to employment training programs targeting unemployed or underemployed noncustodial parents who owe child support, so as to require the Department of Employment and Workforce to offer employment training and placement programs funded by the Workforce Investment Act and to undertake efforts to offer stipends to program participants.

This bill provides for comprehensive revisions to the Certificate of Need Program at the Department of Health and Environmental Control which requires providers of health care services, such as hospitals and nursing homes, to obtain department approval for additions to or significant expansions of their facilities and services.

TO ASSIST THE LEAD CLASSROOM TEACHER WHERE NEEDED Rep. Brown

This bill provides that the State Board of Education shall establish a revolving fund with such monies as may be appropriated by the General Assembly to operate a grant program to provide recurring or nonrecurring aid to school districts for additional teacher funding for the compensation of an additional teacher in those classrooms of a school district where two teachers are most needed. The second teacher must be a certified first or second year teacher who shall act as an associate teacher to the more experienced lead teacher.

This bill provides authority for local school districts and special schools to transfer certain funds among appropriated state General Fund revenues, Education Improvement Act funds, Education Lottery Act funds, and funds received from the Children's Education Endowment Fund in order to meet any legitimate school purpose beginning with the 20172018 Fiscal Year. Under these flexibility provisions, a school district may not transfer funds required for debt service or bonded indebtedness, and the legislation provides that at least sixtyfive percent of the school district's per pupil expenditures must be utilized within the categories of instruction, instructional support, and noninstruction pupil services.

This bill makes provisions for the State Fiscal Accountability Authority to consider the sale of the South Carolina Public Service Authority to a third party. A schedule is established for the State Fiscal Accountability Authority to issue request for proposals and solicit bids for the complete purchase of or a noncontrolling percentage ownership interest in the South Carolina Public Service Authority and to consider proposals and bids. Should a bid be accepted, the legislation provides for the use of proceeds derived from a sale and repeals pertinent statutes relating to the Public Service Authority.

FIVE PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT Rep. Cobb-Hunter

This bill makes provisions to allow a refundable state individual income tax credit equal to three percent of the federal earned income tax credit of a taxpayer beginning with tax year 2017 and annually to increase the amount of the credit in increments of onehalf percent until the credit equals five percent.

DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS Rep. Gilliard

This bill authorizes the governing body of a county or municipality to impose an impact fee on any private developer for each new residential dwelling unit constructed by the developer within the county or municipality, and to provide that the funds may be used only for the prevention of or measures to combat homelessness.

HIGHWAY FUND CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS Rep. Allison

This bill revises provisions relating to the allocation of state source highway funds for construction and renovation projects to firms owned and controlled by disadvantaged ethnic minorities and women, so as: to provide that this provision also applies to highway funds expended on highway contractors and consultants; to provide that it applies to highway maintenance projects; to provide that it applies to certain subcontractors; to authorize the Department of Transportation and counties to set minority business enterprise (MBE) and women's business enterprise (WBE) subcontracting goals on certain contracts and require prime contractors to show good faith effort to meet the subcontracting goals; to eliminate the provision that requires the department to consider the location and availability of MBE or WBE firms when designing projects to be set aside; to require MBE or WBE firms to be certified in their area of work prior to advertisement letting of certain projects; to eliminate the provision that established the amount of work an MBE or WBE acting as a prime contractor must perform on a project with its own forces and how this amount of work is counted toward the MBE/WBE setasides; to provide that the department shall specify the minimum percentage of work that a prime contractor must perform with its own forces; to provide the amount of work that must be set aside by the department; and, to replace the term "setasides" with the term "goals".

RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE OFFICE OF COMPTROLLER GENERAL Rep. Newton

This bill provides for various statutory updates and revisions recommended by the House Legislative Oversight Committee as a result of its study of the Comptroller General's Office.

PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT RATIO ON ANOTHER RESIDENCE OCCUPIED BY THE TAXPAYER'S PARENT OR CHILD Rep. Bowers

This bill revises provisions for assessment ratios on residential property, so as to allow a taxpayer to claim the four percent assessment ratio on a residential property other than their legal residence if the additional residence is the legal residence of either a parent or child of the taxpayer.

This bill revises provisions relating to the classification and assessment ratios of certain properties, so as to eliminate provisions relating to rollback taxes and to eliminate a provision relating to rollback tax for open space.

This bill 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 requires the commission to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2018.

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.

This bill provides for the development and implementation of a Career Pathways Initiative, including a Pathways to First Careers Program and a Pathways to New Opportunities Program. The legislation makes provisions for a Workforce Scholarship and Grant Fund by establishing a tax credit for taxpayers who hire an apprentice and providing a tax credit for taxpayers who contribute to the Workforce Scholarship and Grant Fund.

This bill provides that a county or municipality with a population of fifty thousand or less may create, by resolution, Promenade Pride Districts within the territorial boundaries of the political subdivision. The value of any addition or improvement to real property located within the district is exempt from any property tax levied by the political subdivision that created the district. The addition or improvement is exempt for the seven property tax years following the completion of the addition or improvement so long as the owner of the real property remains the same.

This bill makes provisions for the imposition of a uniform statewide ad valorem tax on personal motor vehicles to replace any other ad valorem tax imposed on personal motor vehicles for school operating purposes. The legislation specifies the manner in which the tax is to be imposed and administered and provides for the manner in which its revenue is appropriated.

This bill makes provisions for the imposition of a uniform statewide ad valorem tax to replace any other ad valorem tax imposed for school operating purposes. The legislation specifies the manner in which the tax is to be imposed and administered and provides for the manner in which its revenue is appropriated.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina Voluntary Infrastructure Funding Act" to: impose an additional user fee equal to ten cents a gallon on certain motor fuels; provide that the revenue be credited to the State Highway Fund; provide for exemptions, including a voluntary exemption for individual residents; and, establishing provisions that allow an individual taxpayer to claim an income tax credit equal to ten percent of the additional user fee paid.

This joint resolution creates a temporary MileageBased User Fee Study Committee to determine the feasibility of implementing a mileagebased user fee program instead of the motor fuel user fee. The legislation establishes the composition of the committee and requires a report of its recommendations to be submitted to the General Assembly by December 31, 2018, at which time the study committee is dissolved.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina Fair Tax Act" which makes comprehensive revisions to the state's taxation provisions in order to simplify the tax laws, reducing the costs of administering and complying with tax laws, and raise revenue by taxing all nonfederal government consumption of goods and services in this state without exception, but only once, avoiding double, multiple, or cascading taxation, and administering tax law in a manner that respects privacy, due process, individual rights when interacting with the government, the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings, and the presumption of lawful behavior in civil proceedings.

This bill provides for the implementation of a zero base budget process, beginning with the annual general appropriations act for Fiscal Year 20182019. A schedule is established to subject state agencies, grouped by subject matter, to periodic zero base budget scrutiny on a fouryear rotating basis.

This bill establishes a sales and use 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.

This bill establishes a sales and use tax exemption for any device, equipment, or machinery actually used in the production of electric or hybrid motor vehicles.

This bill provides that before a state entity may enter into a contract to sell or lease real property owned by it or the state of South Carolina, it must cause a study to be made of what public uses could be made of the property if it would be put to a nonpublic use. The legislation requires a public hearing in the county where the property is located if the study finds that there are other feasible and costeffective public uses of the property.

This bill enacts the "South Carolina Education School Facilities Act" to provide financial assistance to school districts in order to acquire school facilities by using general obligation bonds, and other forms of assistance. The legislation: makes provisions for the State Board of Education to determine and select on a priority basis, qualified school projects which shall receive financial assistance from the state; provides for the powers and duties of the State Board of Education and the State Department of Education in this regard; and, makes other provisions in connection with the construction or renovation of school facilities. The legislation repeals State School Facilities Bonds Act provisions which authorized the issuance of specific dollar amounts of state school facilities bonds within a specified time period.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WHEN A PERSON REGISTERS A VEHICLE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES Rep. McCravy

This bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to implement a procedure to allow it to collect motor vehicle property taxes owed to local governments when a person registers a vehicle with the department. The legislation provides that the department shall remit the funds collected to the appropriate governmental entities, and may collect a fee for providing this service.