South Carolina House of Representatives
James H. "Jay" Lucas, Speaker of the House
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND CONSTITUENT SERVICES
Room 212, Blatt Building, P.O. Box 11867, Columbia,
S.C. 29211, (803) 734-3230
The House of Representatives amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3137, a bill making REVISIONS TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND. The legislation discontinues the retrospective approach for funding political subdivisions that is tied to the previous year's revenues and, beginning with Fiscal Year 20192020, implements prospective budgeting that draws upon state revenue forecasts. The funding requirement for the Local Government Fund, set at 4.5% of the previous year's state general fund revenues, is replaced with new funding requirements structured to deliver a revenue stream to counties and municipalities that is adjusted according to whether the state is projected to experience revenue growth. Under the revisions, when state general fund revenue is projected to increase, Local Government Fund appropriations must be increased by the same percentage as the growth estimate, up to a cap of 5%. When the state experiences revenue shortfalls, the Local Government Fund must share in the necessary mid-year budget cuts ordered for agencies and other state government functions to avoid a deficit.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3136, a bill EXPANDING THE EXCEPTIONAL SC PROGRAM which allows income tax credits for donations to a fund that is used to grant scholarships to independent schools for exceptional needs children with disabilities or acute or chronic conditions that significantly impede the ability to learn and succeed in school without specialized instruction, support, and services tailored to the child's unique needs. The cumulative maximum annual amount of the tax credit is increased from $12 million to $20 million for contributions to the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children's Fund and provisions are included to guarantee scholarships for exceptional needs children of South Carolina's military families. The cumulative maximum for the annual credit is increased by an amount necessary to award a scholarship to any desirous exceptional needs child of a member of the armed forces of the United States who is either on active duty or who was killed in the line of duty.
The House approved and sent the Senate H.3135, the "WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT AND MILITARY RECOGNITION ACT". The legislation removes the maximum amounts that currently determine what portion of an individual's military retirement benefits may be deducted each year in South Carolina income taxes, allowing for the deduction of all military retirement income for those who are at least sixty-five years old beginning in 2021.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3576, a bill creating the SOUTH CAROLINA WORKFORCE INDUSTRY NEEDS SCHOLARSHIP (SC WINS) to cover the full cost of a technical college education that equips a student for a career in sector experiencing a high demand for qualified employees. The legislation makes provisions allowing a student who is attending a twoyear public technical college and is majoring in an identified critical workforce area program and who is receiving a Lottery Tuition Assistance Program Scholarship (LTAP) for the current school year, to receive an additional South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS). The SC WINS scholarship is equal to the cost of attendance, after applying all other scholarships or grants, not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars each school year for no more than three school years of instruction, including the student's freshman year. A threehundreddollar yearly book allowance is included for a SC WINS recipient.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3369, a bill REPEALING THE PREGNANCY EXCEPTION THAT ALLOWS THE ISSUANCE OF MARRIAGE LICENSES TO MINORS. The legislation eliminates a provision that allows the issuance of marriage licenses to those who are under eighteen years of age when the female is pregnant or has borne a child. While the legislation eliminates this provision, which has allowed some young minors who were several years from attaining the age of eighteen to marry the putative fathers of their children, South Carolina law continues to allow comparatively older minors, aged sixteen and seventeen, to obtain marriage licenses with parental consent.
The House approved and sent the Senate H.3472, a bill AUTHORIZING ATTORNEYS GENERAL TO CARRY CONCEALABLE WEAPONS THROUGHOUT SOUTH CAROLINA. The legislation adds the Attorney General and assistant attorneys general to the list of officials who are authorized to carry a concealable weapon anywhere within this state, when carrying out the duties of their office.
The House approved and sent the Senate H.3411, a bill authorizing the Department of Revenue to implement INTERNET FILING AND INDEXING OF TAX LIENS for public inspection online. Replacing the existing system of filing tax liens with county clerks of court, the legislation allows the Department of Revenue to implement a centralized system of filing and indexing liens which is accessible to the public over the Internet or through other means.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3446, a bill providing AUTHORIZATION FOR HOUSE AND SENATE ETHICS COMMITTEES TO ISSUE SUBPOENAS and subpoenas duces tecum to financial institutions and state and local government in order to further their investigations of campaign accounts.
HOUSE RULES CHANGES were approved through the adoption of three resolutions.
House Resolution H.3741 was adopted to establish a new protocol for the distribution of gifts to members of the House of Representatives. Under the revised rules, gifts intended for members of the House of Representatives, whether individually or collectively as a body, may not be delivered to the House chamber in the Capitol for distribution or placement on members' desks. A gift may be delivered to the members' offices so long as the value of the gift is below the twenty-five dollar limit that is set in reporting requirements of the Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act. The giver is presumed to be under penalty of perjury that gifts do not exceed the value thresholds of the Ethics Act that would require them to be reported on a member's Statement of Economic Interests. Those who wish to provide a gift that is valuable enough to require inclusion on a Statement of Economic Interests must announce the intended gift through correspondence delivered to the offices of the members of the House and must submit a statement of value to the House Ethics Committee. House members have the opportunity to opt in to the receipt of these gifts, to be delivered to their offices, by notifying the giver in writing within seven days of receiving the correspondence.
House Resolution H.3742 was adopted to establish a procedure that allows House members to remove their names from House Resolutions or Concurrent Resolutions after the entire roll of the House has been added to the resolution by unanimous consent. This new procedure allows House members to remove their names from these resolutions by submitting a form to the Clerk of the House by noon on the following legislative day. After this deadline has passed, House members who were not present when the roll of the House was added by unanimous consent to a House or Concurrent Resolution are permitted to add a brief written statement in the House Journal indicating that, had they been present in the chamber, they would not have voted in favor of the resolution.
House Resolution H.3744 was adopted to clarify that the Speaker of the House, as the body's Chief Administrative Officer, is authorized to initiate or otherwise participate in litigation on behalf of the House of Representatives even when the General Assembly is not in session.
The Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee met on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, and reported out several bills.
H.3127, a joint resolution establishing a MOLD ABATEMENT AND REMEDIATION STUDY COMMITTEE, was given a favorable with amendment recommendation by the full committee. Among many things, the study committee shall look at mold and mold abatement in public buildings; examine public policy issues relative to mold in public buildings; and determine the impacts on public health with a focus on children in public school. The study committee shall seek assistance from state agencies and members of the private sector. The committee shall consist of six appointed members. This committee shall provide a report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2019, at which time the study committee shall dissolve.
H.3483, a bill that eliminates the sunset date of March 2021 for the provisions requiring CERTAIN COAL COMBUSTION RESIDUALS BE PLACED IN A CLASS 3 LANDFILL, was given a favorable recommendation by the committee.
The committee gave a favorable with amendment recommendation to H.3378, a bill relating to the ABANDONMENT OF WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS. The bill outlines that after the Department of Natural Resources deems that the watercraft is officially abandoned, local government, at their expense, has the option to remove these vessels.
H.3644, a bill that provides for a label requirement for WILD TURKEY FEATHERS IN ART, was given a favorable report by the committee. The legislation outlines that the artist must affix a label to the product or provide a document with the product with the artist's name and the following: "American Indian Art Resale of this Product in its Unaltered Original Condition is Lawful in South Carolina".
The committee gave a favorable with amendment recommendation to H.3698, legislation dealing with the STATE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN. The management plan helps to manage the use of coastal waters and lands especially in critical areas. As a result, DHEC requires a permit to alter critical areas. This bill exempts from review construction permits for recreational docks in navigable waters outside of critical areas.
H.3700, legislation dealing with EXISTING EROSION CONTROL STRUCTURES OR DEVICES, was given a favorable with amendment recommendation by the committee. The legislation allows wingwalls to be extended landward from existing erosion control structures or devices when wingwalls are perpendicular to the shoreline.
The House Judiciary Committee met Tuesday, January 29th, and reported out the following bills:
They gave a favorable report, with amendments, to H.3031 VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES. It changes the date for closing voter registration books from 30 days before each election to 24 days. Similar reductions in deadlines are also included for registration of electors by mail, filing the appropriate state or federal registrations by mail forms, electronic applications for voter registration, registration deadlines, deadlines regarding the completion, receipt, or disposition of certain voter registration, notifying county boards of voter registration and elections of address changes, applying for transfer authorization allowing the elector to vote at a county barrier-free polling place, and absentee voter registration forms.
A favorable report was also given to H.3035 POLL WORKER QUALIFICATIONS. Poll workers could be residents and registered electors anywhere in South Carolina under this bill. Current law requires them to be residents of the area where the primary or election is being held.
Also receiving a favorable report was H.3046 ILLEGALLY FACILITATING TERRORISM. This bill establishes a criminal offense of furthering terrorism, defines the elements of this offense, and sets penalties. It also 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. Law enforcement can seize and force forfeiture of real and personal property used in connection with these offenses.
A favorable report was given to H.3369 LIMITING MARRIAGE LICENSES FOR MINORS. It repeals existing law that permitted the issuance of marriage licenses to minors when females are pregnant or have given birth to a child. Minors aged 16 and 17 years old could still obtain a marriage license with parental permission, under the current version of this legislation.
The committee voted a favorable report, with amendment, to H.3417 ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT BY SLED. This proposal would transfer our state Illegal Immigration Enforcement Unit from the SC Department of Public Safety to SLED.
Receiving a favorable report, with amendments, was H.3420 YOUTH ACCESS TO TOBACCO PREVENTION ACT REVISIONS. It updates the "Youth Access to Tobacco Prevention Act of 2006" to prohibit minors from entering retail establishments that primarily sell tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or both. Revises the definition of "alternative nicotine product." Also, an adult would have to sign for deliveries of tobacco or alternative nicotine products when delivered. In lieu of this delivery restriction, online companies would be permitted to use 3rd party verification process providers.
Also given a favorable report, with amendment, was H.3446 HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBPOENA POWERS. This proposal extends to the House Ethics Committee authority to issue subpoenas, and subpoenas duces tecum, to private entities or individuals as required by law, including, but not limited to, financial institutions. Under this version, as amended, "financial institution" means depository financial institutions--banks insured by the FDIC or credit unions insured by the NCUAB.
The final proposed legislation given a favorable report, as amended, was H.3472 ATTORNEYS GENERAL CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA. Under it, the active state Attorney General, and all active Assistant Attorneys General, who have a valid concealed weapons permits, could carry their weapon anywhere in our state.
The House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee met on Thursday, January 31, and reported out three bills.
The committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H.3585, relating to INSURANCE LAW REVISIONS. The bill provides for various technical changes and clean-up provisions for the laws governing insurance and regulation by the Department of Insurance.
The committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H.3587, a bill addressing INSURER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES. The legislation establishes requirements for insurers and insurance groups to submit an annual disclosure to the Department of Insurance that summarizes their corporate governance structure, policies, and practices.
The committee gave a favorable report on H.3705, a bill addressing the MERGER OF A SELFINSURER WITH A LICENSED INSURER. The legislation provides that South Carolina Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association provisions do not apply to any claims or losses covered by selfinsurance that occurred prior to the assumption, transfer, merger, or other acquisition of a block of business by a licensed insurer. The legislation requires the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission to secure an actuarial opinion before approving the transfer of a selfinsurer to a licensed insurer.
The Ways and Means Committee met on Tuesday, January 29, and reported out several bills.
The committee gave a favorable report on H.3135, the "WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT AND MILITARY RECOGNITION ACT". The legislation removes the maximum amounts that currently determine what portion of an individual's military retirement benefits may be deducted each year in South Carolina income taxes, allowing for the deduction of all military retirement income for those who are at least sixty-five years old beginning in 2021.
The committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H.3136, a bill EXPANDING THE EXCEPTIONAL SC PROGRAM which allows income tax credits for donations to a fund that is used to grant scholarships to independent schools for exceptional needs children with disabilities or acute or chronic conditions that significantly impede the ability to learn and succeed in school without specialized instruction, support, and services tailored to the child's unique needs. The cumulative maximum annual amount of the tax credit is increased from $12 million to $20 million for contributions to the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children's Fund and provisions are included to guarantee scholarships for exceptional needs children of South Carolina's military families. The cumulative maximum for the annual credit is increased by an amount necessary to award a scholarship to any desirous exceptional needs child of a member of the armed forces of the United States who is either on active duty or who was killed in the line of duty.
The committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H.3137, a bill making REVISIONS TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND. The legislation discontinues the retrospective approach for funding political subdivisions that is tied to the previous year's revenues and, beginning with Fiscal Year 20192020, implements prospective budgeting that draws upon state revenue forecasts. The funding requirement for the Local Government Fund, set at 4.5% of the previous year's state general fund revenues, is replaced with new funding requirements structured to deliver a revenue stream to counties and municipalities that is adjusted according to whether the state is projected to experience revenue growth. Under the revisions, when state general fund revenue is projected to increase, Local Government Fund appropriations must be increased by the same percentage as the growth estimate, up to a cap of 5%. When the state experiences revenue shortfalls, the Local Government Fund must share in the necessary mid-year budget cuts ordered for agencies and other state government functions to avoid a deficit.
The committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H.3576, a bill creating the SOUTH CAROLINA WORKFORCE INDUSTRY NEEDS SCHOLARSHIP (SC WINS) to cover the full cost of a technical college education that equips a student for a career in sector experiencing a high demand for qualified employees. The legislation makes provisions allowing a student who is attending a twoyear public technical college and is majoring in an identified critical workforce area program and who is receiving a Lottery Tuition Assistance Program Scholarship (LTAP) for the current school year, to receive an additional South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS). The SC WINS scholarship is equal to the cost of attendance, after applying all other scholarships or grants, not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars each school year for no more than three school years of instruction, including the student's freshman year. A threehundreddollar yearly book allowance is included for a SC WINS recipient.
The committee gave a report of favorable with amendments on H.3595. The legislation revises the INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP FUND TAX CREDIT to provide that the maximum annual amount is two hundred fifty thousand dollars for a single taxpayer, not to exceed an aggregate credit of nine million dollars for all taxpayers. The increased maximum credit amount is phased in under a three-year schedule beginning after 2018.
The committee gave a favorable report on H.3411, a bill authorizing the Department of Revenue to implement INTERNET FILING AND INDEXING OF TAX LIENS for public inspection online. Replacing the existing system of filing tax liens with county clerks of court, the legislation allows the Department of Revenue to implement a centralized system of filing and indexing liens which is accessible to the public over the Internet or through other means.
The committee gave a favorable report on H.3274, a bill providing for the PREEMPTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF E-CIGARETTES and other tobacco and nicotine products. The legislation provides that political subdivisions of this state may not enact any laws, ordinances, or rules pertaining to ingredients, flavors, or licensing of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, tobacco products, or alternative nicotine products. Local government laws, ordinances, or rules enacted prior to January 1, 2019, are exempt from the preemption imposed by this legislation.
H.3800 APPRENTICE HUNTING LICENSES Rep. B. Cox
The bill outlines that the certificate of completion requirement may be waived for a maximum of three license years if a person obtains an apprentice hunting license, and the waiver can only be received no more than three times.
S.168 EDUCATION PAPERWORK RELIEF Sen. Hembree
This joint resolution provides that the State Department of Education shall develop recommendations for reducing and streamlining the amount of paperwork and reporting requirements of teachers, schools, and school districts.
H.3776 GOLF CARTS AND MOPEDS Rep. Clemmons
This bill provides that local governmental bodies may regulate an entity offering golf carts or mopeds for rent or lease within its jurisdiction.
H.3789 DRIVER'S LICENSES Rep. Willis
This bill relates to the issuance, renewal, and expiration of a driver's license, beginner's permit, commercial driver license, and special identification card, and the placement of a veteran designation on a driver's license or special identification card, in order to revise the period in which a driver's license and certain commercial driver licenses are valid, to revise the fee to obtain a driver's license, certain commercial driver licenses, and special identification cards, and to revise the documents that must be provided to the DMV to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license or a special identification card.
H.3790 SCHOOL WAIVERS Rep. Anderson
This bill relates to the authority of the State Department of Education to waive three school days missed for snow, extreme weather conditions, or other disruptions requiring schools to close, so as to remove the three-day limit and leave the decision of the number of such waivers to grant within the discretion of the Department.
H.3794 PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ACT Rep. Huggins
This bill provides a necessary definition in the "Parental Involvement in Their Children's Education Act" so as to require schools provide parents with a related pledge of parental expectations during annual registration beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.
H.3799 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT COSTS Rep. Loftis
This bill provides that an entity undertaking a transportation improvement project are to bear the costs related to relocating water and sewer lines.
H.3826 PARENTS FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF LIBERTY Rep. Loftis
This bill establishes that parents have the fundamental right of liberty to direct the education of their children, provides public schools may not infringe on this right without meeting certain criteria, provides school districts may include elective coursework surveying religions of the world in high school curricula, provides requirements for the content of the coursework, provides districts also may require teaching various theories concerning the origin of life, and provides public school principals may allow students to attend certain schools for religious instruction. The bill also provides directions relating to the required display of the United states flag and the flag of this state, so as to also require display of the Motto of the United States, to specify the manner of displaying these flags and this motto, and to provide options for the acquisition of these displays.
S.21 ADDING PUTATIVE FATHERS TO AMENDED BIRTH CERTIFICATES Senator Hutto
When appropriate court orders determine that a putative father is the legal father, then a child's birth certificate will have to be amended accordingly.
S.94 VICTIMS AND VICTIMS FAMILIES FILING ELECTRONIC INFORMATION FOR PROBATION, PAROLE, AND PARDON HEARINGS Senator Campsen
Allows crime victims and families of crime victims to submit electronic information for review by the SC Board of Probation, Parole, and Pardons. This electronic information can include film, tapes, videotapes, written, or other forms of electronic information. This board must retain this information for use at subsequent hearings, unless they are provided a written statement that this information no longer reflects the present position of the person who submitted them.
S.108 CAPITOL COMPLEX METES AND BOUNDS Senator Massey
Defines the state capitol grounds as the area of land inward from the vehicular traveled surfaces of Gervais, Sumter, Pendleton, and Assembly Streets.
S.176 CHOOSING HOW TO BE EXECUTED Senator Hembree
Inmates sentenced to death would be executed unless they elect to die by lethal injection. This proposed legislation would allow this election to be made only if lethal injection is available at that time. Any stay of an execution will also cancel the election made. In the event lethal injection is judicially determined to be an unconstitutional execution method, then executions would be carried out by electrocution.
S.194 UPDATING PROSTITUTION PENALTIES Senator Shealy
Increases the penalties for soliciting prostitution, establishing or keeping a house of prostitution, or inducing another to participate in prostitution. Permits, as an affirmative defense to these charges, that an accused is a victim of human trafficking. Enhances penalties for defendants soliciting, causing, or inducing another into prostitution when the prostitute has a mental disability.
S.196 LIMITING MINOR MARRIAGES Senator Shealy
Repeals existing state law that permits an unmarried female and male under the age of 18 to get a marriage license when the female is pregnant or has borne a child.
H.3777 DISCLOSING PARTY AFFILIATION AT VOTER REGISTRATION Rep. Clemmons
Revises South Carolina voter registration application forms by adding appropriately-sized checkboxes so that registrants could voluntarily disclose their political party affiliation. These voluntary disclosures would then be considered public information under the SC Freedom of Information Act. However, nothing in these voluntary disclosures could be used to restrict primary voting by these voters.
H.3779 SOUTH CAROLINA UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION FROM DISMEMBERMENT ABORTION ACT Rep. Bennett
Would enact the "South Carolina Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act." This Act would prohibit dismemberment abortions, with exceptions. Allows injunctive relief and civil remedies to enforce the provisions of the article. Also sets out criminal penalties.
H.3786 WORKPLACE FREEDOM ACT Rep. Norrell
The "Workplace Freedom Act" prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Sets out definitions for "sexual orientation" and "gender identity."
H.3787 ALIMONY PAYMENT CREDITS FOR SPOUSAL BENEFIT PAYMENTS Rep. Govan
Alimony payors would be given credits against their alimony obligations for specified spousal benefit payments. Creates transitional alimony and fixed-term alimony. Sets out circumstances for modifying and suspending of certain kinds of alimony. Modifies the definition of "continued cohabitation."
H.3788 CRIMINAL MOTORING Rep. Willis
Motorists who commit traffic offenses or neglect any duty legally imposed on them, and causes great bodily harm to another person, would be guilty of a misdemeanor. Motorists causing the death of another person would be guilty of a felony. Motorists causing great bodily injury or death to another person would be required to submit to testing for alcohol or drugs.
H.3804 FUNDAMENTAL FAIRNESS IN COLLEGE DISCIPLINE ACT OF 2019 Rep. Bannister
Enacts the "Fundamental Fairness in College Discipline Act of 2019." This legislation enumerates the rights of a student who is subject to a proceeding, establishes standards for the disclosure of evidence to be used in proceedings, and requires written statements entered as evidence to be notarized. Prohibits certain documents from being used as evidence without the consent of both parties. Contains a number of procedures that apply in these proceedings. Also establishes a presumption of nonviolation for students, while placing the burden of proof on institutions to establish that a violation has occurred. Nevertheless, institutions could immediately suspend a student for alleged misconduct in certain circumstances.
H.3805 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PUNISHMENTS Rep. Bennett
Restructures the penalties for criminally trafficking in human beings.
H.3808 INDECENT EXPOSURE PENALTIES Rep. Wooten
Restructures the penalties for committing the crime of indecent exposure and sets up degrees of this offense.
H.3825 MAKING HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR NON COMPOS MENTIS PATIENTS Rep. Taylor
Modifies the list of people who may make health care decisions for adults mentally unable to make such decisions.
H.3827 SOLICITORS' GENERAL SESSIONS COURT DOCKET CONTROL Rep. Pope
Clarifies the role of circuit solicitors when developing, disseminating, and executing General Sessions Court docket plans. Prohibits solicitors from interfering with defendants' rights to a speedy trial. Also protects crime victims' constitutional rights. Disputes related to these docket plans would be judicially resolved.
H.3829 CONSENT VERSUS CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT Rep. Norrell
Adds a definition for the term "consent" for use in criminal sexual conduct prosecutions. Prosecutions for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree will also be able to bring out any fraud perpetrated by the accused.
H.3830 SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS' BILL OF RIGHTS ACT Rep. Norrell
Proposes a sexual assault survivors' bill of rights.
H.3832 RESCHEDULING DATE RAPE DRUGS Rep. Norrell
Upgrades the date rape drugs of flunitrazepam and gamma hydroxybutyric acid to Schedule II controlled substances.
S.75 INSURER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES Sen. Cromer
This bill establishes requirements for insurers and insurance groups to submit an annual disclosure to the Department of Insurance that summarizes their corporate governance structure, policies, and practices.
H.3780 "GROWING RURAL ECONOMIES WITH ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY (GREAT) PROGRAM" Rep. White
This bill creates the "Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Program", to facilitate the deployment of broadband to unserved areas of the state. The legislation establishes the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology Fund. The legislation provides that any property owned by a municipality may be leased or rented in certain situations. The legislation provides that a municipalityowned utility may be leased. The legislation provides that a municipality is authorized to sell or lease any public enterprise that it owns. The legislation provides that the state shall allow collocation, installation, and operation of certain equipment by a broadband provider on any existing structures, and to provide for a monthly 911 service charge.
H.3783 STATE BOARD OF PYROTECHNIC SAFETY Rep. Clemmons
This bill increases the membership of the State Board of Pyrotechnic Safety from seven seats to nine seats and provides that these additional seats must be held by pyrotechnics retailers.
H.3785 BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY Rep. Sandifer
This bill revises relating to the operation of the Board of Accountancy to provide that meetings may be closed in certain instances pursuant to federal law or at the discretion of the board. The legislation revises a definition relating to the regulation of certified public accountants and public accountants. The legislation revises provisions relating to examination requirements for licensure by the board, so as to remove the requirement that certain examinations be computer based. The legislation revises provisions relating to the confidential treatment of certain evidence obtained during investigations by the board, so as to provide all proceedings and inquiries related to the investigations are confidential except as otherwise provided. The legislation revises provisions relating to investigations by the board to provide disciplinary hearings by the board must be open to the public except in certain circumstances. The legislation revises criteria for the licensure of outofstate persons by the board. The legislation revises provisions for disclaimers that accounting practitioners and accounting practitioner firms must use when associating their names with certain compiled financial statements, so as to remove the existing boilerplate language and instead provide such disclaimers must comply with certain national standards.
H.3822 REPEAL OF THE ANNUAL REPORT ON THE WORKLOAD OF THE ACCOUNTANCY BOARD'S ADMINISTRATOR Rep. Sandifer
This bill repeals Section 6 of Act 268 of 2014 relating to the uncodified requirement that the Director of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation must submit an annual report to the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labor, Licensing and Regulation concerning the workload of the Accountancy Board's administrator addressing such matters as the amount of time that the administrator must devote to the work of the Accountancy Board compared to the amount of time that he must devote to other duties and responsibilities.
H.3828 "SOUTH CAROLINA DEVELOPERPROVIDED TRANSIT STOP ACT" Rep. Pendarvis
This bill enacts the "South Carolina DeveloperProvided Transit Stop Act" to authorize counties and municipalities to incentivize developers of certain housing projects that adjoin or are within a half mile of a public transit line to provide space and appropriate bus stop infrastructure for transit riders including a safe, walkable path on their property to such stops. The legislation makes provisions for a tax credit for expenses accrued by a taxpayer to build, construct, or otherwise provide space and appropriate bus stop infrastructure in conjunction with the development of a housing project that received one or more of the local government incentives provided under this legislation.
H.3831 INSURANCE COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR NURSING HOMES AND COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES Rep. Norrell
This bill requires every nursing home and community residential care facility operating in this state to acquire and keep in effect comprehensive general liability insurance coverage in an amount of at least one million dollars to respond to claims and occurrences. A violation of this insurance coverage requirement is grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of a facility's license.
S.12 "BARBER'S DAY" Sen. Reese
This bill states that the third Wednesday in February of each year is designated as "Barbers' Day" in recognition of the cultural significance of barbering and the invaluable contributions of the practice of barbering in this state.
S.16 EMERGENCY PRESCRIPTION REFILLS Sen. Rankin
The bill increases the amount of a prescription from 10-day supply to a 30-day supply that may be refilled by the pharmacist when authorization from the doctor is not obtainable.
S.80 SC AMERICAN REVOLUTION SESTERCENTENNIAL COMMISSION Sen. Sheheen
This bill increases the membership of this commission from 12 to 15 persons. It also deletes all references to appointments by the Lieutenant Governor.
S.169 THE REMOVAL OF FEDERAL STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BARRIERS THAT
PREVENT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND TESTING OF POTENTIAL USE OF CANNABIS Sen. Hembree
This concurrent resolution urges the Federal government to work expeditiously to remove barriers to conducting research on the use of cannabis to treat medical conditions and illnesses.
H.3806 PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF CEMETERIES Rep. Gilliard
The legislation authorizes the county or municipality to adopt by ordinance the requirement that cemetery owners and operators shall maintain, preserve and protect the cemetery. The legislation also requires procedure for enforcement of ordinance.
H.3807 "TEEN SKIN CANCER PREVENTION ACT" Rep. Felder
The bill enacts the "Teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act" which outlines that an individual must be at least eighteen years of age to use tanning equipment in a tanning facility.
H.3821 "ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE ACT" Rep. Clary
The bill includes advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) among persons authorized to sign death certificates.
H.3824 DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS COMMISSION Rep. Taylor
The bill outlines that all existing members and future appointments of the commission shall complete successfully a training program on the powers, duties, and responsibilities of a commission member and the department.
H.3825 "ADULT HEALTH CARE ACT" Rep. Taylor
The bill makes changes to the list of authorized decision makers under the Adult Health Care Act.
S.227 NEW MUNICIPAL OPERATING MILLAGE Sen. Gambrell
This bill establishes a procedure that allows a municipality without an operating millage on January 1, 2019, or a municipality that incorporates after January 1, 2019, to impose an operating millage. After the operating millage is imposed, it is subject to the statutory limitations on increases.
H.3778 PORT CARGO VOLUME INCREASE TAX CREDITS AND PORT TRANSPORTATION CREDITS Rep. Lucas
This bill increases the maximum annual amount of tax credits for port cargo volume increases available to all qualifying taxpayers from eight million to fifteen million dollars. The legislation makes provisions for a port transportation credit for the costs of transporting freight, goods, and materials from qualifying facilities located in the counties of Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, or Orangeburg to a South Carolina port facility. The port transportation credit expires effective at the end of the calendar year in which a port in Jasper County is opened and is accepting shipments. The legislation provides that a port facility is a distribution facility for purposes of certain sales tax exemptions.
H.3781 EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT REVISIONS Rep. White
This bill creates the "Higher Education Scholarship Endowment Fund" within the office of the State Treasurer. The legislation makes provision for the General Assembly to appropriate certain funds to the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services or other certain nonprofits for the prevention and treatment of compulsive gambling disorder. The legislation revises Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program provisions to provide that, beginning in school year 20192020, a student shall receive the scholarship based on credit hours attempted. The legislation revises provisions relating to an additional Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Stipend, so as to provide that, beginning in school year 20192020, new students are not eligible for the stipend. The legislation revises LIFE Scholarship provisions, so as to provide that, beginning in school year 20192020, a student shall receive the scholarship based on credit hours attempted. The legislation revises provisions relating to an additional LIFE Scholarship Stipend, so as to provide that, beginning in school year 20192020, new students are not eligible for the stipend. The legislation provides that unclaimed Education Lottery prize money must be deposited in the Higher Education Scholarship Endowment Fund. The legislation revises provisions relating to the management and administration of the Education Lottery Account, so as to eliminate provisions on what the Education Lottery account proceeds may be certified to fund. The legislation revises HOPE Scholarship provisions so as to provide that, beginning in school year 20192020, a student shall receive the scholarship based on credit hours attempted. The legislation repeals certain the Education Lottery appropriations and uses. The legislation repeals the Education Lottery Teaching Scholarship Grant Program.
H.3782 "RURAL REVITALIZATION ACT" Rep. Bamberg
This bill enacts the "Rural Revitalization Act" to provide for a South Carolina individual income tax deduction for all income attributable to certain employment in a Tier IV county. The legislation allows the deduction for five years. The taxpayer is required to reside in a Tier IV county.
H.3801 TESTING OF BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES Rep. Herbkersman
This bill provides that a state agency or political subdivision of this state may not expend any funds to perform, and may not require otherwise, the testing of an authorized backflow prevention device installed between a public water system and another water source more than once every five years by a certified tester.
H.3809 FIVE PERCENT STATE EMPLOYEE PAY INCREASE Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This joint resolution establishes the plan by which the Department of Administration must allocate amounts appropriated for employee pay increases so that state employees receive a five percent employee pay increase effective July 1, 2019.
H.3820 2019 STATE SURPLUS FUNDS INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX CREDIT Rep. Mace
This joint resolution makes provisions for an individual income tax credit in tax year 2019. The legislation sets the aggregate credit amount to equal general fund revenues in excess of general fund appropriations in Fiscal Years 20172018 and 20182019, and sets the amount of the credit to a proportionate amount of the individual's liability.
H.3823 ELIMINATION OF HEALTH FACILITY CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROGRAM Rep. Mace
This bill revises provisions for the regulation of health care facilities in the state, so as to eliminate certificate of need requirements. With the repeal of the Certificate of Need Program, Article 3, Chapter 7, Title 44 is renamed the "State Health Facility Licensure Act".
H.3833 "MUNICIPAL TAX RELIEF ACT" Rep. Elliott
This bill enacts the "Municipal Tax Relief Act" to allow a municipality to impose a sales and use tax not to exceed one percent, subject to a referendum, for municipal tax relief or to defray debt service for certain authorized projects. The legislation revises Capital Project Sales Tax Act provisions to allow a municipality to create a commission. The legislation revises provisions governing the use of revenues from the Local Option Tourism Development Fee, so as to provide that if the fee is imposed in a municipality that is imposing the sales and use tax authorized by the Municipal Tax Relief Act, then at least twenty percent of the revenues must be used to provide a property tax credit.