Legislative Update
March 8, 2021
Vol. 38, No. 8
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
BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK
NOTE: These summaries were prepared by the staff of the South Carolina House of Representatives and are not the expression of the legislation's sponsor(s) or the House of Representatives. They are strictly for the internal use and benefit of members of the House of Representatives and are not to be construed by a court of law as an expression of legislative intent.
The House passed and sent to the Senate H.3443, a bill to establish more General Assembly Oversight of Gubernatorial Emergency Orders. In its amended version, after 30 days of an order's date, the General Assembly could meet at the call of the House Speaker and Senate President. An issued order could be terminated, or consented to, via a concurrent resolution; or altered, or amended, via a Joint Resolution, at this called meeting. The Governor could not re-issue emergency orders that have been so addressed by the General Assembly.
The House of Representatives amended and gave second reading approval to H.3770, a joint resolution authorizing the expenditure of federal funds disbursed to the state to assist those who are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation creates the South Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered by the South Carolina State Housing Financing and Development Authority (SC Housing), under the direction of its board of commissioners, and establishes an advisory panel to review and monitor the implementation and evaluation of the program and funding. Program assistance addresses renter households in which at least one individual: (a) qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; (b) demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and (c) has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median. Priority is given to eligible households where someone has been unemployed for at least ninety days and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median. The South Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance Program does not administer the share of federal funds that seven South Carolina counties claimed directly by completing the application process to run their own rental assistance programs. Program funds may not be awarded for residents of Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland, or Spartanburg counties unless there are additional funds remaining after obligating funds to all other eligible residents in the state.
The House approved and sent to the Senate H.3166, a bill that enacts the "Rena Nicole Grant Sickle Cell Disease Voluntary Patient Registry Act." The bill directs DHEC to develop and maintain the Sickle Cell Disease Voluntary Patient Registry for individuals who have been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. The purpose of the registry is to provide a means for health care practitioners providing care to a sickle cell patient to confirm whether the individual has been diagnosed with sickle cell. The registry also would be a means to collect and study data on the incidence and nature of sickle cell disease in order to improve patient care and access to services. If a physician diagnoses a patient with sickle cell disease, the physician shall notify the patient of the Sickle Cell Disease Voluntary Patient Registry and his or her right to register as a person having sickle cell disease. DHEC may provide a copy of the registration to a physician or other health care practitioner who is treating a patient and who requests the information after certifying that the patient, or the patient's parent or caregiver if the patient is a minor or is incapacitated, has indicated that the patient has submitted a registration and would like the physician or other health care practitioner to verify the registration.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3011. The bill would provide that on any controlled access roadway having two or more lanes allowing movement in the same direction, a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver knows or reasonably should know that he is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed. This does not apply to the overtaking vehicle or when a commercial motor vehicle is unable to move to the right lane safely due to other vehicles. The House approved the amendment from the Committee that removed a two-point penalty and states that for a period of 180 days after the effective date only warning tickets may be issued for a violation.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3505. Currently an infrastructure maintenance fee is assessed against a vehicle (owned or leased) upon its first registration. Among several things, this bill would provide that upon its first registration this fee also applies to the first "titling" of a vehicle. This also applies to "lessors" (but not a second time when purchasing a vehicle for which they have already paid the fee). The House approved an amendment that excluded the fee to an insurer for the purpose of applying for a salvage title.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3101. This bill would create Title 40 Disposition of Motor Vehicles by a Salvage Pool Operator Subject to an Insurance Claim or Charity Donation. The bill would provide for the disposition of a motor vehicle in the possession of a salvage pool operator (who upon the request of an insurance company or charity takes possession of a motor vehicle) that is the subject of an insurance claim or a charity donation and subsequent insurance coverage is denied or the charity does not take ownership of the motor vehicle. This bill would change the current process involving Magistrate court to where the salvage pool operator would follow notice procedures with the SC DMV reviewing the documentation and ultimately transferring the vehicle title. Changes to the original bill modify the process regarding the vehicle and include limits on costs and fees by the salvage operator, especially within the first 30 days.
Section 2 of this bill would prevent dealers and individuals from removing salvage branding from car titles. The bill creates a series of "brands" that identify the vehicle's history. Among them: "salvage," "salvage rebuilt," "salvage flood," "salvage flood rebuilt," "salvage fire," "salvage fire rebuilt," "junk," and "off-road use only."
The House approved H.3208 and sent it to the Senate. This bill would create an exception to existing law that would allow a school bus to pass another school bus on a multilane highway. The bill would repeal the existing SC Code section governing certain exceptions to speed limits pertaining to school buses.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3805. This legislation would standardize military license plates administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles Article by creating Article 147 Military Special License Plates for consistent treatment. Currently, there are different standards for similarly classified military-related license plates. This bill would provide that the DMV may issue and regulate various military special license plates and repeal various articles. The following categories and lists are reflective of the bill, which may bear reading for further identification.
The House amendment involved defining veteran or veteran wheelchair if the registrant qualifies for handicapped parking and Combat-Related Disabled Veteran where the registrant must have a combat-related disability as evidenced by a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs defining a combat and operations-related disability.
Valorous Awards:
Medal of Honor- Army
Medal of Honor- Navy
Medal of Honor- Air Force
Distinguished Service Cross- Army
Distinguished Service Cross- Navy
Distinguished Service Cross- Air Force
South Carolina Medal of Valor
Silver Star
Bronze Star (with valor)
Soldier's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards:
Distinguished Service Medal- Army
Distinguished Service Medal- Navy
Distinguished Service Medal- Air Force
Distinguished Service Medal- Marine Corps
Distinguished Service Medal- Coast Guard
Distinguished Flying Cross
Legion of Merit
Palmetto Cross
Exemplary Service Awards:
Gold Star Family
Gold Star Family Prisoner of War
Purple Heart:
Purple Heart Wheelchair
The following Military Campaigns:
World War II Veteran
Pearl Harbor Survivor
Normandy Invasion Survivor
Korean War
Vietnam War
Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Operation Enduring Freedom
Meritorious Service Awards:
Air Medal
Bronze Star (service).
Reflective of Military Service:
Veteran
Combat-Related Disabled Veteran
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
National Guard- Army
National Guard- Air
National Guard- Retired
US Military Reserve- Army
US Military Reserve- Marine Corps
US Military Reserve- Navy
US Military Reserve- Air Force
US Military Reserve- Coast Guard
US Armed Forces Retired
State Guard
Support for Military-Related Private Organizations:
Blue Star Family
Veterans of Foreign Wars
American Legion
Disabled American Veterans
American Veterans
Marine Corps League
Chief Petty Officer
The House approved and sent to the Senate H.3179, a bill that creates an exception for surgically implanted drug delivery systems (such as pain pumps) from the thirty-one day supply limitation for Schedule II control drugs. Removing the thirty-one day supply limitation will improve patient's safety by reducing how often the patient must have pain pumps refilled.
The House approved and sent to the Senate H.3325, a bill that removes the exemption for certain individuals from the mandatory electronically filing of death certificates. The bill removes physicians who certify fewer than twelve deaths per year and funeral homes that perform fewer than twelve funerals per year from the mandatory electronically filing exemption list, requiring all physicians and funeral homes to file electronically. As a result, only those who act, without compensation, as a funeral director on behalf of a deceased family member or friend remain covered by the exemption from electronic filing. The provision takes effect July 1, 2021.
The House approved and sent to the Senate H.3193, a bill that modifies the boundaries of the Florence and Williamsburg Counties South Lynches Fire District to include the municipal limits of the Town of Scranton for fire service.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3765, a bill that exempts campgrounds and RV parks from the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act." The bill gives innkeepers the ability to use law enforcement for ejectment of a person for reasons that are in current trespassing law. In addition, the bill provides ten days for a person ejected to make a valid claim for any property that was allegedly left behind. Once the notice is issued to the innkeeper, the person has ten days to collect the property. An innkeeper may keep or dispose of any property left uncollected after twenty days from an ejectment.
The House read S.242 a third time and enrolled the bill for ratification. This bill would provide that the DMV may issue "Drivers for a Cure special license plates. Any portion of the thirty-dollar fee in excess of the costs of production and distribution of the license plates must be distributed evenly between the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center and the Duke Cancer Institute.
The House approved and sent the Senate H.3664, a bill providing for more extensive criminal background check requirements for initial licensure by the Real Estate Commission. The legislation requires Social Security Number-based criminal records checks in addition to the existing fingerprint-based screening requirements.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3255, a bill revising qualifications and other provisions governing the licensure and regulation of real estate appraisers to bring these state provisions into alignment with federal standards.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3606, a bill providing clarification on what sort of decks can be built by homeowners and what other kinds of improvements to residential property can be undertaken by owners for their homes without becoming subject to requirements for obtaining building permits, inspections, and licensure.
The House amended, approved, and sent the Senate H.3244, a bill enacting the "Employment First Initiative Act" progress reports and identifying barriers to achieving the outcomes and effective strategies and policies that can help realize the employment first initiative.
The House approved and sent the Senate H.3726, a bill addressing buy down arrangements under the sales and use tax by codifying established practices. The legislation revises the definition of "gross proceeds of sales" under sales and use tax provisions. It would exclude amounts received from a buy down, an agreement between a retailer and a manufacturer or wholesaler in which the retailer receives a payment from the manufacturer or wholesaler that requires the retailer to reduce the sales price of the manufacturer's or wholesaler's product to the retail purchaser.
The Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
The Education and Public Works Committee did not meet this week.
The committee issued a favorable report with amendment to H.3094, the "Open Carry with Training Act." This bill would allow concealed weapon permit holders to carry openly a concealable weapon on them, or in their motor vehicle. As amended, property owners could post conforming signage to prohibit either concealed or open weapon carrying on their premises.
It also favorably reported out H.3211 to reauthorize the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children. Under this proposed legislation, the committee could continue to operate through December 31, 2030.
As a last item of business for the week, the committee issued a favorable report on H.3821 the "South Carolina Uniform Transfers to Minors Act." This bill updates existing law and establishes a more modern method for, and a uniform manner of making, transfers of custodial property for the benefit of minors. This proposed legislation repeals existing, outmoded law covering these transfers.
The committee did not meet this week.
The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee met on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 and reported out several bills.
The committee gave a favorable recommendation to H.3466, a bill that addresses reimbursement for mandatory firefighting training costs. This bill requires an employer who hires a firefighter to reimburse the firefighter's former employer for mandatory firefighter training costs. If the firefighter is hired within one year of completing training, the new employer must reimburse 100 percent of the training costs, including the firefighter's salary paid during training. If the firefighter is hired after one year but within two years of completing training, the new employer must reimburse 50 percent of the costs. This applies to more than one subsequent employer, and no employer may be reimbursed for more than 100 percent of the training costs. An employer may not, as a condition of employment, enter into a promissory note for the repayment of costs for mandatory training after the effective date of this provision.
H.3024, legislation authorizing the issuance of mobile barbershop permits, was given a favorable with an amendment recommendation by the committee. This bill authorizes the Board of Barber Examiners to issue mobile barbershop permits, establish permit requirements, and provide for regulations of mobile barbershops. Inspections must be conducted on mobile barbershops and upon satisfactory inspection, the board shall issue a bi-annual permit to be affixed within the mobile barbershop as prescribed by the board. In addition, the board shall issue a permit card to be carried by the barber when practicing barbering through a portable barber operation. At all times, a licensed barber must be in charge and present during the operation of a mobile barbershop and is responsible for all barbering services provided at the mobile barbershop.
The committee gave a favorable report to S.287, legislation adding that the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation may require physical therapists and physical therapy assistants to have a state and national criminal records background check (supported by fingerprints) performed as a requirement for eligibility for initial licensure. The applicant is responsible for the costs of conducting these background checks.
The committee gave a favorable with an amendment recommendation to H.3225, legislation that increases awareness of the rising maternal morbidity rate for African American women by enacting the "South Carolina Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act." Among the bill's findings: American women die in childbirth at a higher rate than in any other developed country and African American women have a three to four times higher risk of dying from pregnancy complications than other women. South Carolina maternal mortality rates among African American women have soared by over 300 percent in recent years. As a result, the bill creates a study committee to examine, a) the maternal mortality rate among non-Hispanic Black women in South Carolina and how this varies from the rates experienced by other women; b) the maternal mortality data associated with perinatal care, including by race or ethnicity, to determine any statewide trends, statistically significant differences in maternal mortality rates among races or ethnicities, and reasons for the differences; and c) all methods and practices that will improve rates of maternal mortality among non-Hispanic Black women in South Carolina. This thirteen-member study committee shall provide a report that outlines findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2022.
The Ways and Means Committee approved H.4100, the general appropriation bill, and H.4101, the joint resolution making appropriations from the Capital Reserve Fund, which together comprise the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 state government budget. The budget includes $9 billion in recurring state general fund revenue, after $650 million is transferred to the Tax Relief Trust Fund that provides for the residential property tax caps. The budget's nonrecurring funds include $36.3 million in surplus funds estimated for Fiscal Year 2020-2021, $103 million in the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Contingency Reserve Fund, and $176 million in Capital Reserve Funds.
$500 million in nonrecurring funds is allocated to a Pandemic Stabilization Reserve Fund.
$50 million in nonrecurring funds is appropriated to begin a Disaster Relief and Resilience Reserve Fund that is to be used for disaster relief assistance, hazard mitigation, infrastructure improvements, and statewide resilience planning.
In public education, the base student cost is increased to $2,500 per pupil, utilizing an additional $50 million in recurring general funds.
$48 million is provided for instructional materials.
$10.2 million in Education Improvement Act funding is used to expand 4K programs.
$5.5 million in Education Improvement Act funding provides for a school nurse in every South Carolina school.
Charter schools are afforded $15 million in Education Improvement Act funds.
$2 million in EIA funding is used to add more school resource officers.
$7.9 million in funds from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust is allocated for purchasing school buses.
$1.5 million in Education Improvement Act funding is devoted to a GED Incentive Program, which allows someone receiving unemployment benefits to receive a $500 one-time payment for earning a GED.
Full funding is provided for the LIFE, HOPE, and Palmetto Fellows higher education scholarship programs through $318 million in Education Lottery funds.
The Lottery Tuition Assistance Program is afforded $51 million.
The Commission on Higher Education is afforded $60 million in lottery funds for need-based grants. Twenty million dollars in lottery funds is provided for tuition grants.
The Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education is provided $5 million in lottery funds for workforce scholarships and grants.
The Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education is afforded $17 million in lottery funds for SC Workforce Industry Needs scholarships that help provide full tuition at technical colleges for SC WINS recipients seeking degrees in industry sectors with critical workforce needs.
The Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education is provided $18 million in lottery funds for high demand job skill training equipment.
$750,000 in lottery funds is provided for college transition program scholarships.
$2.5 million in Capital Reserve Funds is allocated to the Ready SC Program, which provides worker training at the state's technical colleges that is customized to the needs of new and expanding business and industry.
The Capital Reserve Fund is devoted primarily to capital needs at the state's colleges, universities, and tech schools with most of the $176 million in these nonrecurring funds allocated among the institutions for repairs, renovations, and maintenance of various facilities.
SC State PSA receives $350,000 in nonrecurring funds for small business assistance and training.
The budget emphasizes assistance for the state's tourism sector, which has been hard hit by the shutdowns and disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism receives $15 million in nonrecurring funds for destination-specific tourism marketing, $5 million in nonrecurring funds for tourism advertising, and $1.1 million in nonrecurring funds for SC Association of Tourism Regions.
$1.5 million in nonrecurring funds is provided for statewide community arts grants through the Arts Commission.
$3.7 million in nonrecurring funds is provided for the Deal Closing Fund that the Department of Commerce uses to recruit new business to the state.
$30 million in nonrecurring funds is devoted to expanding broadband access statewide.
Provisions are made for an Office of Broadband Coordinator within the Office of Regulatory Staff to serve as the central planning body to coordinate with all levels of government and the private sector to expand access to the high-speed Internet connections that can further distance learning, telework, telehealth and enhance economic development opportunities. The Coordinator is charged with producing a broadband map of South Carolina that can be used to determine where connections exist and which underserved areas are in need of infrastructure improvements.
The Department of Health and Human Services is afforded $16.5 million in recurring funds for Medicaid maintenance of effort to address program cost growth.
The budget includes a provision for the Department of Health and Human Services to transfer $1 million to the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital Authority to develop a comprehensive approach to advancing the awareness, detection, treatment, and scientific knowledge of sickle cell disease and traits within South Carolina. The MUSC Hospital Authority is authorized to partner with independent research entities to advance curative therapies for sickle cell disease and traits and is authorized to endow one or more nationally leading academic research centers with a research chair named the "Rena N. Grant Endowed Chair for Hematology" in furtherance of this goal. Additionally, to improve the quality of care provided to sickle cell patients, the authority is charged with performing statewide cultural competency training in all hospitals, including urgent care centers, in this state in order to educate and increase the awareness of health care professionals that are most likely to treat sickle cell patients on the symptoms and stigma associated with sickle cell disease and traits, especially pain relief.
The Department of Mental Health is afforded $27 million in nonrecurring funds for VA nursing homes certification state match
The Forestry Commission is provided $1 million in nonrecurring funds for firefighting equipment.
Recurring funding of $3.8 million is allocated to implement the new firefighter cancer benefit plan.
Recurring funding of $250,000 is appropriated for PTSD treatment for law enforcement and firefighters.
The budget emphasizes funding for step salary increases and retention programs for law enforcement and correctional officers across the seven agencies that employ these officers.
Recurring funding of $1.6 million is utilized to establish an Insurance Fraud Division within the Department of Insurance, with responsibilities transferred from the Attorney General's Office.
The Judicial Department is afforded $10 million in nonrecurring funds for case management modernization and $7.6 million in nonrecurring funds for virtual courtroom expansion.
The budget funds the constitutional reserve accounts that the state uses to cope with revenue shortfalls.
Recurring funds of $5.9 million is included to cover the increased costs of operating the state's health and dental insurance plans.
A total of $32 million from the General Fund and $4 million in Education Improvement Act funds is devoted to the 1 percent increase in the employer contribution rates for the South Carolina Retirement System and the Police Officers Retirement System that is in keeping with the schedule for addressing the unfunded liability facing the state's pensions established in Act 13 of 2017.
The budget includes a $17.6 million increase in recurring funds for the Local Government Fund that is consistent with the revised approach for sending revenue to political subdivisions established in Act 84 of 2019.
One million dollars in Education Lottery funds is devoted to increasing aid to county libraries.
The Conservation Bank is afforded $2 million in nonrecurring funds.
$12.7 million in nonrecurring funds is provided for the state FEMA match for Hurricane Dorian.
The committee gave a favorable with amendment report on H.3770, a joint resolution authorizing the expenditure of federal funds disbursed to the state to assist those who are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation creates the South Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered by the South Carolina State Housing Financing and Development Authority (SC Housing), under the direction of its board of commissioners, and establishes an advisory panel to review and monitor the implementation and evaluation of the program and funding. Program assistance addresses renter households in which at least one individual: (a) qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; (b) demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and (c) has a household income at or below eighty percent of the area median. Priority is given to eligible households where someone has been unemployed for at least ninety days and households with income at or below fifty percent of the area median. The South Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance Program does not administer the share of federal funds that seven South Carolina counties claimed directly by completing the application process to run their own rental assistance programs. Program funds may not be awarded for residents of these counties of Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland, or Spartanburg unless there are additional funds remaining after obligating funds to all other eligible residents in the state.
The committee gave a favorable report on H.3726, a bill addressing buy down arrangements under the sales and use tax by codifying established practices. The legislation revises the definition of "gross proceeds of sales" under sales and use tax provisions so as to exclude amounts received from a buy down, an agreement between a retailer and a manufacturer or wholesaler in which the retailer receives a payment from the manufacturer or wholesaler that requires the retailer to reduce the sales price of the manufacturer's or wholesaler's product to the retail purchaser.
The committee gave a favorable report on H.3605, a bill repealing provisions for joint meetings of the legislative appropriations committees in the South Carolina General Assembly. The legislation eliminates provisions for the standing committees of the House of Representatives and of the Senate that are in charge of appropriation measures to sit jointly in open sessions while considering the state government budget.
S.36 Blue Catfish Sen. Grooms
The bill states that it is unlawful to possess more than two blue catfish longer than thirty-two inches per day in Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, or the upper reach of the Santee River.
H.4027 Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) Rep. Burns
The bill revises the service area for Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) [formerly known as the Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority] and revises the membership of the governing authority.
H.4035 "Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Act of 2019" Rep. Hiott
The bill extends the provisions of Chapter 60, Title 48, the South Carolina Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Information Technology Equipment Collection and Recovery Act of 2019 until December 31, 2023 and outlines that the provisions of regulation 61-124 shall expire on December 31, 2023.
H.3990 A County and School District are the Same Rep. Crawford
This bill would provide that on July 1, 2022, 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. This bill would provide that a county and school district occupy the same area and boundaries, that they are corresponding or congruent.
H.3992 Illumination of Registration Plate Rep. Matthews
This bill relates to the illumination of a registration plate, so as to provide a vehicle may not be stopped for having an inoperable tail lamp or separate lamp in the absence of a violation of another law.
S.38 "Reinforcing College Education on America's Constitutional Heritage Act" or, the "REACH Act" Sen. Grooms
This bill would enact the "Reinforcing College Education on America's Constitutional Heritage Act (REACH Act). This bill provides various requirements the study of American founding documents, such as the United States Constitution. The bill is similar to, but differs slightly from, H. 3338, which currently resides in Education and Public Works.
H.4031 Student Athlete Compensation Rep. Howard
This bill would provide that a student athlete may receive compensation for the use of his name, image, or likeness. The bill sets out the rules regarding agents, contracts, compensation, scholarships and stipends.
H.4032 Student Body Presidents Rep. Howard
This bill would relate to the ex officio service of student body presidents at public institutions of higher learning. This bill would make the service mandatory and provide that student body presidents only may cast advisory votes unless qualifying as an elector in this state.
H.3985 South Carolina Manufacturer Equipment Recovery Regulation Extension Rep. Hiott
This bill extends the effective date of South Carolina Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Information Technology Equipment Collection and Recovery Act of 2019, Regulation 61-124 to December 31, 2023.
H.3989 No Local Landscape Ordinance Removal Restrictions Rep. J. E. Johnson
Under this legislation, no local government could enforce any regulation, resolution, or ordinance that would prohibit or restrict the trimming or removal of trees or other vegetation on private property. It also could not require replacement of caliper inches of trees so removed.
H.3993 Quality Public Education Rep. Govan
A proposed constitutional amendment referendum to require the General Assembly to provide a high-quality education to all children of the state so they may reach their potential.
H.3994 Faster Parole or Other Early Release Qualification Rep. Henegan
Under this proposal, well-behaving inmates sentenced for "no parole offenses" could become eligible for early release, discharge, or community supervision after serving 65 percent of their sentences. Current law requires these inmates to serve 85 percent of their sentences.
H.3996 Tenant Rental Payment Information Rep. Dillard
If enacted, assisted housing development landlords would be required to offer their tenants the opportunity of having their rental payments history reported to one nationwide consumer reporting agency.
H.3997 Recovery Housing Credentialing Rep. Fry
This bill would set up SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services credentialing for recovery housing.
H.4000 Emergency Management Department Vehicles as Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Rep. Smith
Under this proposed legislation, SC Emergency Management Department vehicles would be added to the state law list of "authorized emergency vehicles."
H.4015 Expense Payments by Certified Athlete Agents Rep. W. Newton
Certified athlete agents could pay specified athlete expenses incurred before the signing of any agency contracts. These expenses may include those incurred by student athletes, these athletes' family members, and individuals authorized to receive these payments.
H.4016 Closed Sentencing Hearings Rep. Rutherford
Criminal defendants would be extended the right to request limited access to their court sentencing hearings and information as determined by a judge under the parameters set out in this proposed legislation.
H.4019 Safe Haven Infant Placement Rep. Crawford
A proposal to modify current law to allow leaving infants up to one year old at safe havens. Current law only covers infants up to the age of 60 days.
H.4034 South Carolina Study Committee on Diversity of State Boards and Commissions Rep. Govan
A bill to create the South Carolina Study Committee on Diversity of State Boards and Commissions. The members of this proposed committee would review the racial and gender composition of state boards and commissions.
S.147 "South Carolina COVID-19 Liability Safe Harbor Act" Sen. Massey
The "South Carolina COVID-19 Liability Safe Harbor Act" would retroactively provide limited liability protections against coronavirus-based legal claims against health care providers and businesses that have reasonably followed public health guidelines.
S.200 Electrocution or Firing Squad as Alternative Executions Sen. Hembree
This bill would set defaults of execution by electrocution or firing squad when execution by lethal injection is not available.
S.430 Mandatory Annual Commission for the Blind Meetings Sen. Alexander
The SC Commission for the Blind would be required to meet at least once each year under this proposed legislation.
S.497 Boating Safety Certificates Sen. Campsen
As proposed, the SC Department of Natural Resources would issue boating safety certificates to jet skiers who were born after July 1, 2006, and who have successfully completed specified prerequisites set out in this bill. It would also make it unlawful for any of these unaccompanied jet skiers, or those who lack equivalent certifications, to operate these watercraft without having a certificate.
S.510 Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Distributors, and Dealers Sen. Grooms
This bill revises provisions governing the regulation of motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers.
H.3991 Used Catalytic Converters Rep. Rutherford
This bill revises procedures for the purchase, transportation, and sale of nonferrous metals by making provisions for the lawful purchase, sale, and possession of used, detached catalytic converters, or any nonferrous part of one, unless purchased, sold, or possessed under certain circumstances.
H.4029 Sale of All-Electric Motor Vehicles Rep. Burns
This bill revises provisions relating to ownership, operation, or control of motor vehicle dealerships by a manufacturer or franchisor, so as to define the term "electric vehicle manufacturer" and provide an electric vehicle manufacturer may sell all-electric motor vehicles it manufacturers to consumers in this state.
S.427 Renal Dialysis Facilities (RDF) Sen. Alexander
The bill outlines that under certain conditions, a renal drug manufacturer may deliver a legend dialysate drug comprised of dextrose or icodextrin or a device to a patient of a RDF. The bill states that a "Renal drug manufacturer" means a manufacturer of legend drugs or devices for self-dialysis by RDF patients.
S.431 Regional Tertiary Level Developmental Evaluation Centers Sen. Alexander
The bill updates the names of those authorized organizations to fulfill the role of Regional Tertiary Level Developmental Evaluation Centers providing comprehensive developmental assessment and treatment services for children with developmental disabilities, significant developmental delays, or behavioral or learning disorders.
H.3995 Presidential Internment Sen. May
A bill that directs the Department of Administration to offer any twice acquitted President of the United States burial on the State House grounds.
H.3998 Prescription Monitoring Program, Schedule V controlled substances Rep. Fry
The bill adds Schedule V controlled substances to the prescribed and dispensed controlled substances monitored under the Prescription Monitoring Program.
H.4028 Municipality Parking Rep. Bustos
The bill outlines that all rights of way within the municipal boundaries of a municipality shall belong to the municipality for management of parking.
H.4030 Medical Debt Rep. McKnight
This bill prohibits medical service or care entities from reporting health care expense debt to a credit bureau with exceptions.
H.3999 Requirements for Organizations to Submit Accountability Reports and Financial Disclosures to Receive State Funds Rep. W. Newton
This bill provides that, before a state agency makes a contribution of funds to an organization, the organization must provide the state agency and the Executive Budget Office with a report which includes an accounting of the manner in which the funds will be spent, goals to be accomplished, including references to the statutory requirements of the state agency making the contribution to which those goals align, and proposed quantifiable outcome measures as defined in the state accountability report guidelines, including target values and calculation methods to evaluate success in implementing and meeting the goals. The organization must contemporaneously provide 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 legislation's transparency measures implement recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's review of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and its review of the Department of Archives and History.
H.4017 Coordinating State Tax Provisions with Federal Provisions Rep. Simrill
This bill updates references to the federal Internal Revenue Code in state income tax laws and makes other revisions to coordinate state and federal tax provisions. The legislation provides for the tax treatment of the Paycheck Protection Program and certain expenses as provided for in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
H.4033 "Taxpayer Transparency Act Rep. Elliot
This bill establishes requirements for the Executive Budget Office to develop and make publicly available a single, searchable budget database website for the most recent fiscal year.