Legislative Update
January 9, 2023
Vol. 40, No. 1
South Carolina House of Representatives
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND CONSTITUENT SERVICES
Room 212, Blatt Building, P.O. Box 11867, Columbia, S.C. 29211, (803) 734-3230
AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
MEDICAL, MILITARY, PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Vol. 40January 9, 2023No. 1
2023 Prefiles
H.3075 South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority Rep. Hixon
The bill amends current law by clarifying the role and responsibilities of the Rural Infrastructure Authority's Local Government Division. It outlines that this division is to provide staff support and assistance for the South Carolina Infrastructure Facilities Authority and the South Carolina Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority . The bill removes the Local Government Division's duties that are no longer necessary.
Most of the bills in this section regarding the Rural Infrastructure Authority are House Oversight Committee recommendations.
H.3076 South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority Rep. Hixon
The bill adds and defines the definition of "environmental facilities " (any publicly owned projects, structures, and other real or personal property acquired, rehabilitated, constructed, or planned for the purposes of water supply, treatment, storage and distribution, sewerage collection treatment and disposal, or solid waste collection, treatment, and disposal).
H.3077 South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority Rep. Hixon
The bill amends the purpose of the Authority to include coordinating state programs and resources that impact or affect infrastructure development and provide other types of assistance in support of regional and local infrastructure development.
H.3078 South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority Rep. Hixon
The bill repeals a section relating to the use of funds from the Rural Infrastructure Authority.
H.3079 South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority Rep. Hixon
The bill updates the definition for eligible rural infrastructure projects.
H.3130 Shooting Range Safety Plan Rep. Ott
This bill outlines that a shooting range established or expanded after July 1, 2023, must develop and continuously maintain a written safety plan for the protection of shooting range participants and the general public.
H.3155 Petroleum Pipelines Rep. Hixon
This bill provides for applications and permitting for the construction of a new petroleum pipeline which will require permitting by the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS).
H.3203 Mold Remediation Rep. Dillard
The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall establish voluntary minimum standards for mold remediation companies.
H.3214 Residential Food Production Operations Rep. JA Moore
This legislation establishes requirements for "residential food production operations."
H.3266 "South Carolina Equine Promotion Act" Rep. Moss
The legislation creates the "South Carolina Equine Promotion Act" to promote and improve economic development of this industry through a board funded by fees collected from the sale of commercial horse feed.
H.3269 Repeal of a Law Related to Uniforms Rep. W. Newton
The legislation repeals code sections relating to the publication of descriptions of uniforms and emblems by the Department of Natural Resources. House Oversight Committee recommendation.
H.3281 Hunting and Fishing License Requirements Rep. Yow
The bill allows for an adopted child to be eligible for lifetime recreational license and lifetime combination license at no charge.
H.3312 Child Food and Nutrition Services Study Committee Rep. Haddon
The bill creates the Child Food and Nutrition Services Study Committee to develop recommendations for transferring the administration of certain Federal child food and nutrition programs to the Department of Agriculture.
H.3431 The Right to Grow - Constitutional Amendment Rep. Haddon
This joint resolution amends the South Carolina Constitution by adding that all individual citizens have the unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, product, and consume food of their own choosing.
H.3432 "South Carolina Right to Grow Act" Rep. Haddon
A farm, farm operation, or agricultural composting operation may not be considered a public or private nuisance if the farm, farm operation, or agricultural composting operation alleged to be a nuisance is in compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
H.3433 Suspension of Hunting and Fishing Privileges Rep. Hixon
The legislation changes the method of suspension for hunting and fishing privileges. House Oversight Committee recommendation.
H.3434 Barrier Mosquitocide Treatment Rep. Howard
The bill outlines that it is unlawful for a person to administer lethal barrier mosquito treatment ("mosquitocide") within one thousand feet of a reservoir or body of water that is used for drinking water.
H.3438 Agricultural Restrictions Prohibited Rep. Magnuson
A local government is prohibited from restricting the use of private property to grow plants for human consumption.
H.3478 Safe Water Act Rep. Clyburn
The bill requires a private or public utility or municipality operating a public water system provide the water purification levels for the water provided by the utility or municipality during a previous billing cycle in comparison with the minimum state water quality standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information is to appear on the customer's water bill.
H.3498 Water Quality Rep. JA Moore
This joint resolution requires the Department of Health and Environmental Control to promulgate regulations to establish maximum contaminant levels for certain pollutants in public water systems.
H.3499 Water Quality Rep. JA Moore
This bill requires the Department of Health and Environmental Control to promulgate regulations to establish maximum contaminant levels for certain pollutants in public water systems.
H.3505 Blue Catfish Catch Limits Rep. J. E. Johnson
The legislation provides catch limits for blue catfish in various waterways.
H.3514 "Equine Advancement Act" Rep. Ott
Among many things, this bill enacts the "Equine Advancement Act" to establish a grant program to assist the growth and development of the equine industry in South Carolina.
H.3538 Electronic Harvest Reporting Rep. Hixon
While current law deals with electronic harvest reporting for wild turkey, this bill deletes "wild turkey" and substitutes references to "big game species."
H.3540 Black Farmer Restoration Program Rep. JA Moore
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to establish the Black Farmer Restoration Fund to support current Black farmers and to encourage the growth of Black farmers into the field of agriculture by purchasing farmland on the open market and grant it to eligible individuals.
The department shall establish the "Farm Conservation Corps" to provide residents between the ages of eighteen and twenty-nine from socially disadvantaged groups the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to pursue long term and productive careers in agriculture.
H.3067 Transportation of Handicapped Persons on Public School Buses
Rep. Yow
This bill relates to the transportation of handicapped school age persons on public school buses. Among other requirements, the bill would require that a public school bus that transports one or more handicapped persons must have an adult attendant to accompany the person or persons on the bus while being transported.
H.3084 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day School Closures Rep. King
This bill requires school districts to be closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
H.3101 Reimbursements for a Student Attending Another School District Rep. Burns
This bill provides that the per pupil cost for a student attending a school in a district in which he is not a resident must be transferred to the new school district or private school.
H.3105 Student Loan Forgiveness for Public School Teachers Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill would amend the current loan forgiveness program providing for certain loan forgiveness for South Carolina public school teachers. The bill removes requirements related to teaching requirements in areas of critical need (areas in the state [geographic] or subject). The loan forgiveness increases from $3,00 to $5,000. The bill strikes references to the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation.
H.3112 School District Operational Spending Limits Rep. Collins
A school district may not expend more than twelve and one-half percent of the district's total budget on operational expenses (not including bonded indebtedness).
H.3113 Teaching Fellows Eligible for Supplemental Teaching Scholarship Rep. Collins
This bill would enable a student who is enrolled in the South Carolina teaching fellows program to be eligible for a supplemental teaching scholarship if they commit to teach in a South Carolina public school for seven years after graduation.
H.3117 Student Loan Forgiveness Rep. Garvin
This bill provides that certain teachers in South Carolina qualify for student loan forgiveness.
H.3123 State Choral Anthem Rep. King
This bill designates "Dum Spiro Spero" translated as "While I Breathe, I Hope" as the official choral anthem of South Carolina.
H.3137 Vehicle Height Differential Rep. Burns
This bill would prohibit motor vehicle modifications that result in certain motor vehicles' front fenders being raised four or more inches above the height of their rear fenders.
H.3142 Robert Smalls Day Rep. Rivers
This bill designates the thirteenth day of May each year as "Robert Smalls Day" in South Carolina.
H.3154 Two-Step Phased Consolidation of School Districts Rep. Collins
This bill provides a two-step, phased consolidation of school districts: it creates countywide school districts no later than July 1, 2025, and a delineated consolidation of countywide school districts by July 1, 2030.
H.3160 Personal Vehicles and Prearranged Rides Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill amends the Transportation Network Company Act, so as to revise the definition and usage of "personal vehicle." The bill also revises the definition of "prearranged ride" and deletes certain provisions regarding certificate requirements.
H.3163 Bill of Sale and Proof of Insurance Requirements Rep. Burns
This bill relates to the time period in which a newly acquired vehicle or vehicle moved into South Carolina must be registered and licensed. The bill permits the operation of such vehicles within this time period so long as the bill of sale and proof of insurance are maintained in the vehicle at all times.
H.3165 Reckless Driving Offenses Rep. Carter
This bill relates to the offense of reckless driving and establishes a misdemeanor and felony offense as it relates to "serious bodily injury" (with definitions).
H.3166 Proof of Insurance Rep. Chumley
This bill clarifies that a motor vehicle may not be confiscated based on a violation the "maintenance of proof of insurance" in a vehicle.
H.3168 Antique Vehicles Rep. Chumley
This bill clarifies that antique motor vehicles and motorcycles may be used at night for particular purposes if equipped with working headlights and rear lights.
H.3171 Afghanistan War Veteran Specialty Plate Rep. Forrest
This bill relates to the issuance of special license plates reflective of campaign medals for service members who participated in certain military campaigns, so as to add an Afghanistan war veteran specialty plate.
H.3172 Automatic Voter Registration Rep. King
This bill makes registering to vote automatic upon the application for a motor vehicle driver's license or state identification card. This bill eliminates the requirement that an applicant sign a separate voter registration portion of the application to register to vote. The DMV license/ID signature is also used as the applicant's signature for voter registration (the applicant "shall consent to the use of his signature from his state identification card or driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles)." A person would have to affirmatively opt out of being registered to vote after the DMV transaction.
H.3200 Imputed Liability for Foster Parents Rep. Collins
This bill relates to the imputed liability of a person signing a driver's license application for an unemancipated minor. The bill adds statutory language providing an exception to liability for foster parents.
H.3241 Commercial Driver License Holder Employment Protection Act Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill enacts the "Commercial Driver License Holder Employment Protection Act."
H.3248 School Board of Trustees Expenses Rep. Collins
This bill relates to reimbursement for expenses incurred in performance of official duties of school board trustees.
H.3271 School Course Requirements Rep. Gilliard
This would require one unit of instruction in advanced manufacturing and one unit of instruction in harbor pilotage.
H.3283 COVID-19 Vaccination Status Rep. Burns
This bill provides that COVID-19 vaccination status may not disqualify a student from attending a public school or any other institution that receives public funds in any amount.
H.3284 Access to Library Materials Rep. Calhoon
This bill provides that library and media center materials must be age and grade appropriate. The State Board of Education shall create a model policy for these materials that must be locally adopted for all public schools. With parental permission, schools may give students access to material found inappropriate.
H.3285 Social-Emotional Learning in Dyslexia Screenings Rep. Calhoon
This bill would remove references to "social-emotional learning (SEL)" regarding certain academic and "universal screening process (USP)" practices.
H.3287 Athletic Health Screening Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill would require 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.
H.3289 Alternative Education Programs Rep. Collins
The State Department of Education shall create, publish, and provide to all public schools in South Carolina a list of alternative education programs that can award a high school degree or high school equivalency credential. The list must include, but not be limited to, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School and the South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy.
H.3291 Medical Information Rep. Yow
This bill would provide that school bus drivers who provide transportation to handicapped students have a legitimate educational interest in information concerning the behavior or health of the handicapped students and must be given summaries of such information by school districts.
H.3292 Mandatory Physical Activity Rep. Collins
This bill would determine that instructional days may not begin before 8:30 in the morning. The bill would also revise the standards to require an overall increase in mandatory physical activity minutes; require daily physical activity; and, require physical activity to include instructional play and unstructured play in addition to physical education.
H.3293 Wireless Communication Devices in Schools Rep. Collins
This bill would set policies concerning the use of electronic devices in public schools: requiring policies concerning the use of wireless electronic communication devices, providing that such policies must prohibit the use of wireless electronic communication devices in classrooms and gymnasiums during periods of academic instruction.
H.3294 Teacher Duties Rep. Collins
This bill would limit teacher duties under school district salary schedules to classroom and certain related duties; prohibit the assignment of extracurricular duties without consent and extra compensation as stated in the teaching contract; require school districts to develop related plans for implementing these provisions; and, to make these provisions applicable beginning with teaching contracts issued for the 2024-2025 school year.
H.3295 Competency-Based Schools Rep. Collins
This bill would provide a process for the exemption of competency-based schools from certain applicable laws and regulations. The bill would also provide requirements for implementing competency-based education in schools.
H.3296 Teaching Principals Rep. Collins
This bill would provide that public school principals teach at least one class each semester.
H.3297 Disciplinary Classrooms Rep. Collins
This bill would provide that public schools establish disciplinary classrooms exclusively for the assignment of students subject to discipline not meriting suspension or expulsion, with assignment decisions discretionary for teachers in consultation with principals and school counselors or other mental health professionals.
H.3298 Domicile of a Person for Tuition Rate Purposes Rep. Burns
This bill would amend laws relating to definitions concerning the determination of rates of tuition and fees in public institutions of higher learning, so as to provide additional factors to consider when determining the domicile of a person.
H.3299 Uniform Grading Scale Rep. Collins
This bill would amend laws relating to the uniform grading scale used in public schools, to ensure high school grade point averages (GPA) are a meaningful indicator of academic achievement by directing the State Board of Education to revise its uniform grading scale before July 1, 2025.
H.3300 Professional Certificates Rep. Collins
This bill would provide that professional certificates issued by the State Board of Education are permanent unless revoked or suspended and are not subject to renewal. No teacher may be required to renew a professional certificate issued by the board. These provisions are effective July 1, 2023.
H.3301 Racial Disparity in Student Performance Rep. Collins
This bill would provide that school districts develop a summary detailing racial disparity in student performance on certain national academic assessments and provide each school with its report.
H.3302 Feminine Hygiene Products Rep. Collins
This bill would provide that every public school shall maintain a supply of feminine hygiene products that female students may use free of charge.
H.3303 Absences Due to Credible Threats Rep. Felder
This joint resolution relates to enumerated bases for lawful absences under mandatory school district student attendance policies (that lawful absences shall include absences due to credible threats to a school as determined by the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the school).
H.3304 "Transparency and Integrity in Education Act" Rep. Felder
This bill would enact the comprehensive "South Carolina Transparency and Integrity in Education Act." The bill states ideological and viewpoint biases should not be presented as fact to students who receive instruction in public school and that this legislation is intended as a model for the state for comprehensive, fair, and factual instruction. Schools are to establish and foster a positive learning environment, teaching critical thinking skills and preparing students to be college ready and career ready. The bill enumerates various prohibitions. The bill references parental expectations in the parental involvement in their children's education act and that parents are expected to be the primary source of the education of their children
H.3305 Interscholastic Competitions Rep. Gagnon
If adopted, public schools may not contract with private entities for the supervision, sanctioning, or regulation of interscholastic competitions unless the entity requires member charter schools and private schools to participate at higher classification levels of competition if they accept students living outside of the public high school attendance zone in which they are located.
H.3307 The Center for School Behavioral Health Rep. Gilliam
This bill would create The Center for School Behavioral Health at the University of South Carolina.
H.3308 Certification of School Psychologists Rep. Gilliam
This bill relates to the certification of school psychologists to provide that in determining eligibility for certification. The Department may accept the credentials of school psychologists, social workers, and school guidance counselors certified in other states to serve as school psychologists in South Carolina.
H.3309 "Seizure Safe Schools Act" Rep. Gilliam
This bill would enact the "Seizure Safe Schools Act."
H.3311 Senior Status for Professional Certificates Rep. Gilliam
This bill would hold that a person who holds a professional certificate issued by the South Carolina Department of Education for 20 or more years and who teaches in South Carolina for 20 or more years may renew annually the certificate by participating in required district professional development without having to satisfy any additional renewal requirements and provides these provisions apply notwithstanding the provisions of the certificate renewal plan developed by the Office of Teacher Certification or another provision of law.
H.3314 School Resource Officers Rep. King
This bill would provide that public school districts shall ensure the continuous presence of school resource officers in public schools during regular operating hours (it also mandates one such officer must be provided for every five hundred students enrolled at the school).
H.3315 "College Financial Aid Education Act" Rep. King
This bill adds the category of "financing and paying post-secondary education expenses" to the financial literacy program. The Post-secondary Education Option section becomes the "College Financial Aid Education Act." The bill would expand the scope of students and parents to whom are provided post-secondary education option information packages and counseling for eighth grade students and parents.
H.3317 Opening Date for Public Schools Rep. King
This bill would amend the opening date for the public school year, eliminating 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.
H.3318 School Audits Rep. King
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
H.3319 Scholarship Reduction Notice Rep. King
This bill would require that institutions of higher learning shall provide at least 90 calendar days written notice to students before terminating or reducing scholarships.
H.3320 Prohibition of Certain Education Fees Rep. King
This bill would require that public school boards may not charge matriculation or incidental fees to students as conditions to enrolling in or attending public schools.
H.3321 Management Performance Audits Rep. King
This bill would require that beginning January 1, 2025, the Legislative Audit Council (LAC) shall conduct a management performance audit of each public institution of higher education in the state every ten years pursuant to a certain schedule.
H.3322 Application Fees Rep. King
This bill would amend laws relating to domicile status for obtaining in-state tuition rates and fees, providing that public institutions of higher learning may not charge application fees to in-state residents.
H.3323 School Food Policies Rep. King
This bill would provide that students determined eligible for free and reduced meal benefits must be offered the same federally reimbursable meal as students not eligible for free and reduced meals as prescribed in federal rules. Other rules are delineated such as not allowing students to accrue a balance when purchasing items, and only may accept cash payment or allow funds to be electronically drawn from a prepaid balance. Moreover, a school or school district may not penalize students for failing to pay for a school lunch including, but not limited to, prohibiting students from attending field trips, participating in graduation or other recognition ceremonies, or attending other academically related activities.
H.3324 First Steps to School Readiness Board of Trustees Rep. McGinnis
This bill relates to the composition of the First Steps to School Readiness Board of Trustees, so as to include the Director of the Department of Mental Health as an ex officio voting member.
H.3325 Exemption from Paying Out-Of-State Tuition (H. 3325) Rep. McGinnis
This bill provides that several enumerated schools may offer in-state tuition to students who legally reside in a state that borders South Carolina.
H.3326 Dual Enrollment College Coursework Rep. B. Newton
This bill would make dual enrollment college coursework opportunities available to all 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade students beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.
H.3330 Exemption from Paying Out-Of-State Tuition (H. 3330) Rep. Rutherford
This bill would provide that a student (other than a nonimmigrant alien within the meaning of Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. Section 1101(a)(15) [e.g., bona fide students, visitors, travelers, diplomatic personnel]), is exempt from paying out-of-state tuition at a public institution of higher education in South Carolina.
Moreover, that student is eligible for state-sponsored scholarships and tuition assistance, including, but not limited to, the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, Hope Scholarship, Life Scholarship, the Tuition Grants Program, the Governor's Committee on the Employment of the Physically Handicapped essay contest, and free tuition for the children of certain veterans (if the student attended a high school in South Carolina for three or more years, graduated from a high school in the state or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in South Carolina, registers as an entering student or is currently enrolled in a public institution of higher education no earlier than the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year (there are other enumerated provisions and requirements).
Provisions are made to allow an exemption from paying out-of-state tuition for persons "without lawful immigration status."
Note: Per US Immigration and Naturalization Service Policy Manual, Chapter 3, B. (Unlawful Immigration Status): A noncitizen is in unlawful immigration status if he or she is in the United States without lawful immigration status either because the noncitizen never had lawful status or because the noncitizen's lawful status has ended. Noncitizens in unlawful immigration status generally include those: who entered the United States without inspection and admission or parole; and whose lawful immigration status expired or was rescinded, revoked, or otherwise terminated.
H.3336 School Safety Phone Line Rep. Wooten
This bill would repeal the requirement that local law enforcement officials contact the Attorney General's "school safety phone line" when certain crimes are committed on school property and at a school sanctioned activities.
H.3342 Military Veteran Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Special License Plates Rep. Henegan
This bill provides that the Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "military veteran post-traumatic stress disorder" (PTSD)" special license plates.
H.3344 Driver's Licenses or Permits Regarding Minors Rep. Hixon
This bill would repeal the law relating to the cancellation of driver's licenses or permits of minors upon the death of persons signing the minor's application for licenses or permits. House Oversight Committee recommendation.
H.3355 Towing Rep. Moss
This bill would provide that a towing truck with a fifth wheel assembly may tow one additional vehicle (the bill also sets a maximum length for this combination of vehicles, provides the maximum weight for the final trailing vehicle, and provides a truck operating a towing combination must include a video system which allows the driver to monitor the final trailing vehicle as it is being towed and be equipped with certain safety devices).
H.3358 Golf Carts Rep. O'Neal
This bill relates to golf cart permits and the operation of golf carts, providing that golf carts may be operated within four miles of permit holders' temporary addresses (and to provide that municipalities may adopt ordinances that allow for the operation of golf carts equipped with working headlights and rear lights during non-daylight hours).
H.3359 Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) Rep. Ott
This comprehensive bill would, among other things, define the term "Utility Terrain Vehicle" and provide for the registration and operation of them on the highways of South Carolina.
H.3360 Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence Rep. Pope
This bill would establish the Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence within the State Law Enforcement Division.
H.3364 Minimum Speed Limits Rep. Rutherford
This bill provides that the minimum speed limits along highways with maximum posted speed limits of 70 miles an hour is 50 miles an hour.
H.3366 Driver's License Penalties Rep. Rutherford
This bill relates to penalties imposed for driving motor vehicles when a person's driver's license is canceled, suspended, or revoked, and to revise the penalties for third or subsequent offenses.
H.3372 Maximum Speed Limits Rep. Rutherford
This bill makes various changes regarding maximum speed limits.
H.3373 License Plate Obscurity Rep. Rutherford
This bill relates to the display of license plates (motorcycles equipped with vertically mounted brackets) including missing plates, so as to provide that a vehicle may not be stopped for having a frame on its license plate that obscures the license plate letters or numbers in the absence of a violation of another law.
H.3375 Rear Registration Plates Rep. Rutherford
This bill relates to illumination of rear registration plates and that vehicles may not be stopped for having inoperable tail lamps or separate lamps in the absence of a violation of another law.
H.3377 Sons of Confederate Veterans License Plates Rep. Rutherford
This bill relates to Sons of Confederate Veterans license plates. These license plates shall not contain a Confederate flag and upon revalidation of these special license plates, special license plates that do not contain a Confederate flag must be issued to replace special license plates that contain Confederate flags.
H.3382 Motor Vehicle Stop Data Rep. Rutherford:
This bill would relate to collection of motor vehicle stop data regarding age, gender, and race of the driver.
H.3384 Sunscreen Devices Rep. Rutherford
This bill would amend laws relating to sunscreen devices, so as to revise the permitted level of light transmission for sunscreen devices installed on the windshield, side windows, and rear window of a motor vehicle.
H.3385 Speedometers Rep. Rutherford
This bill would provide it is unlawful to operate motor vehicles along a highway without speedometers maintained in good working order.
H.3395 Salvaged Vehicle Safety Rep. Taylor
This bill would relates to certificates of title (and like material) of vehicles sold as salvaged (and such disposal) so as to provide that the owners of rebuilt and changed vehicles may not be issued certificates of title unless the vehicles are equipped with certain safety features (that the rebuilt vehicle is equipped with safety features that include, but are not limited to, air bags, three-point restraint systems, and gas tank fuel spill prevention devices that have been installed and are operational).
H.3401 Video Recordings - Monitoring and Costs Rep. Wooten
This bill would relate to incident site and breath test site video recordings, so as to delete the provision that makes the Department of Public Safety responsible for monitoring law enforcement vehicles used for traffic enforcement. The bill establishes an "in-car-video cameras fund" within the Department for the purpose of assisting law enforcement agencies in purchasing, maintaining, and replacing in-car video cameras and other costs related to the cameras (and to provide for the distribution of the monies contained in the fund).
H.3409 Utility Terrain Vehicles Rep. Yow
This comprehensive bill would, among other things, define the term "utility terrain vehicle" and provide for the registration and operation of them on the highways of South Carolina.
H.3411 Fender Height Rep. Hardee
This bill prohibits motor vehicle modifications that result in the motor vehicle's front fenders being raised four or more inches above or below the height of the rear fenders.
H.3414 Fender Height Rep. Wooten
This bill prohibits motor vehicle modifications that result in the motor vehicle's front fenders being raised four or more inches above or below the height of the rear fenders.
H.3435 Indigenous Peoples' Day Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill would designate the second Monday of October of each year as "Indigenous Peoples' Day" in South Carolina.
H.3436 Constitution Day Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill would designate the 10th of May as "Constitution Day."
H.3437 Sarah Mae Flemming Day Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill would designate June 22nd of each year as "Sarah Mae Flemming Day" in South Carolina.
H.3439 Local School District Superintendents Appointed Rep. Collins
The Office of School Districts Administration is established within the Governor's Office (with the Executive Director must be appointed by the Governor). The Office of School District Administration is responsible for the selection and oversight of local school district superintendents (current district superintendent are phased out). The State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee are abolished and their functions, powers, duties, responsibilities, and authority, except as otherwise provided by law, are devolved upon the State Superintendent of Education. This bill adds a new item that school districts shall be responsible for the discipline of students within that school district.
H.3441 Parental Involvement Rep. Collins
This bill would require the Board of Education to establish a method to track parental involvement with a student's education who is enrolled in public school, and to provide for certain additional requirements and reports related to parental involvement in a student's education.
H.3451 Department of Transportation Toll-Free Hotline System Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill would require the Department of Transportation to maintain a toll-free hotline system whereby a motorist that suffers property damage resulting from a road hazard may call to file a complaint and receive information (and to require the Department to forward information to local officials in certain situations).
H.3452 Celebrate Freedom Week Rep. Burns
This bill would establish "Celebrate Freedom Week" in South Carolina public schools.
H.3453 Community Canneries Rep. Chumley
A joint resolution to provide a three-year pilot program establishing public school-based community canneries where members of the public may bring locally-grown produce to be canned for their personal use.
H.3454 Student Bullying Advisory Council Rep. Clyburn
This bill would provide the governing body of each school district of South Carolina shall create a Student Bullying Advisory Council to be comprised of students, parents, and teachers selected by the governing body to advise it on matters relating to student-on-student bullying problems.
H.3455 Mandatory Grade Retention Rep. Collins
This bill would provide a student whose performance on a statewide academic assessment in either English/language arts or mathematics required by the Education Improvement Act indicates that the student is performing two or more grade levels below his grade level of enrollment during the testing must be retained at that grade level until additional testing demonstrates performance at his grade level of enrollment.
H.3456 Master's Degree Requirement to Teach Rep. Collins
This bill would require that after July 1, 2023, a person who receives, renews, or maintains any educator certificate authorized by the State Board of Education and issued by the State Department of Education shall hold a master's (with parallel requirements authorization and hiring requirements on the State Department of Education and school districts). Moreover, a candidate for the office of State Superintendent of Education shall meet required statutory academic and experience requirements of that office, including having been awarded the relevant master's degree, prior to filing for candidacy or the filing is rendered void and the name of the candidate may not appear on any primary or general election ballot for the office of state superintendent of education in the election for which the filing was made.
H.3458 Behavioral Health Services Rep. Felder
This bill concerns behavioral health services for public school students.
H.3459 Annual Teacher Employment Contracts Rep. Felder
This bill relates to annual teacher employment contracts.
H.3464 Prohibition of Critical Race Theory Rep. Long
This bill would provide that public school districts, public schools, and public institutions of higher learning may not direct or otherwise compel students to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to the tenets of "Critical Race Theory."
H.3466 "South Carolina Academic Integrity Act" Rep. Taylor
This bill would provide that public school websites must include certain information and means of providing related feedback concerning instructional materials and curricula.
Also, the bill addresses that a public school district may not direct or otherwise compel students to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to certain listed tenets.
Also, a public school that applies for and receives a grant from the United States Department of Education after July 1, 2024, relating to history or civics education shall provide the information to the State Department of Education no later than 30 days of being notified that the grant will be, or was, rewarded (with requirements).
H.3467 Protected Free Expression Rep. Taylor
This chapter must be known and may be cited as the "Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act."
This bill would provide measures to protect free expressions by students and student organizations in certain places on the campuses of public institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. Among the protections, public institutions of higher learning shall not create "free speech zones" or other designated outdoor areas of campus outside of which expressive activities are prohibited.
H.3491 Radio Communication Vehicles Rep. Pope
This bill would add that certain public safety Radio Communication Vehicles are "authorized emergency vehicles."
H.3501 Certified Athlete Agents Rep. W. Newton
The bill establishes "certified athlete agents." This bill relates to acts of athlete agents, so as to provide that certified athlete agents may pay certain expenses incurred before the signing of agency contracts by student athletes and others.
H.3506 International Human Rights and Relations Rep. JA Moore
This bill would require a new course required for graduation for students who begin ninth grade after July 1, 2025. The bill would require all public high schools must give instruction on the subject of international human rights and relations.
H.3506 International Human Rights and Relations Rep. JA Moore
This bill would require a new course required for graduation for students who begin ninth grade after July 1, 2025. The bill would require all public high schools must give instruction on the subject of international human rights and relations.
H.3507 Bridge Preservation in Beaufort County Rep. Bradley
This bill would prohibit the Department of Transportation from destroying the US 278 bridge over Skull Creek and the westbound US 278 bridge over MacKay Creek in Beaufort County.
H.3518 Driver's License Reinstatement Fee Payment Program Rep. Felder
This bill relates to the driver's license reinstatement fee payment program.
H.3519 Utility Terrain Vehicles Rep. Hardee
This comprehensive bill would, among other things, define the term "utility terrain vehicle")" and provide for the registration and operation of them on the highways of South Carolina.
H.3521 Tow Truck Operators as Emergency Services Personnel Rep. Long
This bill relates to emergency scene management and definitions, so as to revise the definition of the term "emergency services personnel" to include tow truck operators.
H.3586 "Student and Administration Equality Act" Rep. McDaniel
This bill would enact the "Student and Administration Equality Act" to provide requirements and procedures concerning student and student organization disciplinary matters at public institutions of higher learning. The bill provides for an extensive framework of due process procedures and responsibilities by the institutions of higher education and the students involved in any disciplinary proceedings.
H.3587 Discipline Reports Rep. McDaniel
This bill would provide that school administrators quarterly compile and report incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying to the State Department of Education.
H.3589 GED Rep. Ott
This bill would provide that the general educational development (GED) test battery must be given in any language offered by the GED testing service in the United States.
H.3002 Domestic Violence Offender Monitoring Rep. Bailey
This bill would allow electronic monitoring of domestic violence offenders as an additional condition of the bonds they post to get out of jail. It also details the responsibilities placed on the person wearing these monitoring devices.
H.3003 "South Carolina Street Gang and Criminal Prevention and Anti-Racketeering Act" Rep. Bustos
An effort to update the definitions of what constitutes a gang and gang activity. It also would set out anti-racketeering code sections with definitions, penalties, and methods for recourse against these types of criminal enterprises. Anyone injured by gang or racketeering enterprises could file a civil suit and collect triple damages, attorney fees, and costs. [Similar to S. 154]
H.3004 Death by Blackmail Rep. Bailey
Would create the criminal offense of involuntary manslaughter by blackmail. This charge could be made when blackmailers efforts result in the death, or suicide, of the person they targeted.
H.3005 Penalty Enhancements for Hate Crimes Rep. Carter
Seeks to allow criminal trial court judges to have authority to add additional penalties when sentencing a defendant who is found guilty of listed crimes and has targeted his victim based on factors such as that person's race, gender, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, or disability. [Similar to S. 3 and S. 296, as well as H. 3014 or H. 3020]
H.3006 Recusal of Lawyer Judicial Merit Selection Commission Members Rep. Chumley
Lawyer-Legislators who have appeared before judicial candidates within the past five years would have to recuse themselves in the screening process and subsequent elections, should this proposal be enacted.
H.3007 Updating Disorderly Conduct Criminal Codes Rep. Chumley
After a federal court found South Carolina's existing disorderly conduct criminal laws to be unconstitutionally vague, this bill represents an effort to update what exactly will be considered to be disorderly conduct in South Carolina. It also more completely describes the offenses of disturbing a religious service or funeral.
H.3008 Standing Your Ground at Religious Services Rep. Chumley
Attendees at religious services or activities would be extended the same protections contained in South Carolina's Stand Your Ground law that currently applies to homeowners in their homes.
H.3009 Right to Counsel in Magistrates Courts Rep. Cobb-Hunter
Defendants charged with magistrate court-level crimes would have to be advised of their right to counsel, if this bill is enacted.
H.3010 Background Checks at Gun Shows Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This proposal would extend background checks as a prerequisite to buying firearms at gun shows.
H.3011 Firearms Criminal Background Checks Rep. Cobb-Hunter
No firearms buyers could receive the gun they bought until these background checks are fully completed, under this proposal.
H.3012 Updating Unlawful Firearms Possession Penalties Rep. Gilliam
Convictions of crimes punishable by five years, or more, of jail time would prevent these offenders from possessing, shipping, or transporting firearms under this bill's proposed provisions.
H.3013 Assault Weapon Crimes Rep. Gilliard
Sets out a possible two-tiered penalty system for defendants who commit a felony crime while using an assault weapon, which is also defined in this bill.
H.3014 "Clementa C. Pickney Hate Crimes Act" Rep. Gilliard
In memory of the late Senator Pinckney, and his fellow congregation members, who were killed at a religious gathering, this bill would create an opportunity for criminal courts to impose additional penalties on defendants who target their victims based on their race, or other listed factors. [Similar to S. 3 and S. 296, as well as H. 3005 and H. 3020]
H.3015 Criminally Luring a Child Rep. Hewitt
A new criminal offense, luring a child, is proposed in this bill. It sets out penalties for violations as well as defenses for those who could be charged with this crime if this bill is enacted.
H.3016 Burglary During States of Emergency Rep. Hewitt
The existing crime of felony looting during states of emergency would be upgraded to the offense of burglary in the first degree during a state of emergency under this proposal.
H.3018 Spousal Sexual Battery Amendments Rep. King
Our existing spousal sexual battery laws are proposed to be revised to eliminate the 30-day reporting requirement under current state law. It would apply it to males under 16 or females under 14 years of age.
H.3019 Expunging Mistaken Identity Arrests Rep. King
Anyone arrested for a crime they did not commit (and were arrested because their identity was mistaken) would be entitled to free expungement of their arrest records within 180 days, if this bill is enacted.
H.3020 Targeting People or their Property for Hate Crimes Rep. King
Assaulting, intimidating, threatening a person-- or damaging their property-- because of that person's color, race, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation would garner them additional criminal penalties under this proposed bill. [Similar to S. 3 and S. 296, as well as H. 3005 and H. 3020]
H.3021 Protecting Sensitive Crime Scene Images from Distribution Rep. King
Sensitive crime scene photographs or videos showing decapitation, dismemberment, or genitalia would be withheld from social media posting should this bill become law.
H.3022 Restructuring the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Rep. Magnuson
Under this effort, this commission would be reconstituted to have two members from each US Congressional District, and a member of the public appointed by the Governor, after the General Assembly approves this appointment. This appointee would be the commission chair. Service on the commission would be limited to two terms. No General Assembly member could serve on the Commission, and former General Assembly members could not serve on it until five years after they were a General Assembly member. [Similar to S. 130, 178, and 248]
H.3023 Homicide by Child Abuse Rep. T. Moore
Anyone under the age of 18 years old dying at the hands of another, rather than the current age limit of 11 years old, would be considered a child for bringing this criminal charge under this proposed bill.
H.3024 Allowing Clerks of Court to Carry Pistols Anywhere in South Carolina Rep. B. Newton
Clerks of Court would be added to the list of state officials in SC Code Section 23-31-240 who could carry a pistol anywhere in South Carolina, if this bill becomes law.
H.3025 "Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act"
Rep. W. Newton
Anyone threatening or posting intimate images, as defined in its provisions, of a depicted person who has not consented to their release would face civil liability for doing so under this proposed bill. Medical procedures and information, law enforcement activities, and legal proceedings would be exempt from this bill.
H.3026 Revising the Crime of Kidnapping Rep. Pope
Kidnappings involved in murders would no longer have capped sentences if this bill becomes law. Defendants in these cases would face additional punishment of up to 30 years in jail.
H.3027 Updating Criminal Offense Definitions Regarding Victim Services Rep. Pope
Criminal offenses eligible for victim advocate services would be expanded in this bill. Existing minimums of $1,000 in property damage would no longer apply. Notifications of rights would go to all incident survivors.
H.3028 Redefining Intervenors in Crime Victim Compensation Cases Rep. W. Newton
This cleanup bill would better set out intervenor liability in crime victim compensation cases by proposing to incorporate the provisions of SC Code 16-3-1110(9). This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3029 Attorney General Victim Services Department Rep. W. Newton
This proposal would clarify that this division of the Attorney General's office would be part of the departments he is responsible for administering. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3030 Life Sentence Reforms Rep. W. Newton
Among other things, this bill updates life sentencing language for those committing most serious offenses to remove any obsolete references. For example, it would remove exceptions to considering the offense of criminal sexual conduct with a minor. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3032 Sentencing Enhancements for Crimes Committed by Those Out on Bond Rep. Pope
Judges could enhance the sentences of anyone committing listed violent crimes while out on bond if this bill is enacted. These crimes would include criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, strong arm robbery, use of a weapon while committing a crime, child pornography, and failure to register either as a sex offender or a child abuser.
H.3033 Assaulting Law Enforcement, EMS, and Other Such Personnel Rep. Pope
Assaulting any federal, state, or local law enforcement, corrections, firefighting, or emergency medical services employee while they are performing their duties will result in charging perpetrators with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature under this proposed bill.
H.3034 E-911 False Reporting Rep. Pope
This bill adds an additional definition of misusing E-911 emergency services: texting 911 in such a volume to disrupt the emergency service.
H.3035 Material and Financial Support of Terrorism Rep. Pope
An effort to create a new offense of aiding and abetting acts of terrorism or terrorism groups, with penalties, and confiscation of items used in terrorism-based criminal activity are proposed in this bill. This proposal cites acts of terrorism on a person based on that person's race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation.
H.3036 Unlawful Tracking Devices Rep. Rutherford
A new criminal offense of unlawful tracking, together with an updated definition of what may be considered unlawfully installing a tracking device on a motor vehicle, are contained in this bill. Exceptions to making this charge are the installations of navigational, weather reporting, traffic advisories, and similar information-providing devices.
H.3037 Courtesy Summonses for Subsequent Offenses Rep. Rutherford
After original charges against a person are dismissed or nolle prosequied (and later are true billed by a local or state grand jury) no arrests could be made on these subsequent charges (and a courtesy summons would have to be issued by courts instead), if this bill becomes law.
H.3038 Using Another's Identity Online Rep. Rutherford
This bill seeks to create the criminal offense of impersonating another online, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.
H.3039 Cost-Analysis Reports by Circuit Solicitors Rep. Rutherford
Tracking similar practices in federal criminal courts, prior to sentencing defendants in General Sessions Court, a judge would have to receive a cost-analysis report from the circuit solicitor for any proposed sentence. These reports would have to be prepared by the SC Departments of Correction and Probation, Parole, and Pardons.
H.3040 Presuming Stand Your Ground Immunity Rep. Rutherford
State prosecutors would have the burden of proving at pretrial hearings that no immunity is available to someone asserting they protected themselves under South Carolina's Stand Your Ground law.
H.3041 Autopsy Photo and Video Usage Rep. Rutherford
A bill to limit the use of autopsy photos and videos to official or court purposes.
H.3042 Immunity from Prosecution Appeals Rep. Rutherford
This bill would make orders related to immunity from prosecution immediately appealable. It also would preserve this issue on appeal even after someone is convicted and sentenced.
H.3043 Reduction of Sentence Motions Rep. Rutherford
South Carolina's Attorney General would be added to the list of persons who could move within one year of any conviction for reduction of sentences for inmates who have provided substantial assistance to the state, if this bill is enacted.
H.3044 Failure to Appear Bench Warrants Rep. Rutherford
A proposal that a circuit court judge may not issue a general sessions court bench warrant for failure to appear in court (unless the solicitor has conspicuously posted a list of potential bench warrants at the appropriate courthouse and on the solicitor's Internet website at least forty-eight hours before the bench warrant is requested). These defendants' attorneys of record would have to be notified prior to any of these warrants being issued.
H.3045 Asset Forfeiture Revisions Rep. Rutherford
This bill, among other things, would expedite the return of assets seized in subsequently dismissed, or when no one is ever charged in, criminal actions, and free property owners from any efforts by seizing entities to require releases to be signed before their property could be returned, and make other changes to existing state asset forfeiture laws.
H.3046 Judicial or Administrative Procedure Civil Liability Rep. Rutherford
South Carolina's Tort Claims Act would no longer give immunity from civil liability to anyone instituting or prosecuting judicial or administrative cases, if this proposal passes.
H.3047 No Tobacco Product Sales to Anyone Under 21 Years Old Rep. Rutherford
If enacted, this bill would prevent tobacco products use, sale, or purchase by anyone under the age of 21.
H.3048 Transferring Pending General Sessions Court Cases Rep. Rutherford
Current law prevents General Session Court cases carrying more than one year of jail time to be transferred to another court for disposition. This bill would allow transferring cases with up to three years of jail time to be transferred. [Similar to H. 3048]
H.3049 Probate Judge Minimum Qualifications Rep. Rutherford
Seeks to add to the list of minimum qualifications for anyone to serve as a probate judge in South Carolina, having wither a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.
H.3050 Coroner Minimum Qualifications Rep. Rutherford
This bill sets out proposed minimum coroner qualifications, including a requirement that coroners must live, as of the time of filing for the office, in the county that will elect them.
H.3051 Carrying a Pistol Rep. Rutherford
Anyone lawfully carrying a pistol under a car seat could not be arrested for doing so under this proposed bill, so long as it is not a stolen or otherwise one that is unlawfully in that person's possession.
H.3052 Scrap Metal Sales and Purchases Rep. Rutherford
A legislative effort to clarify existing law through a more specific definition of intent and other aspects of violations of this criminal statute. For example, any employee of a metal scrapping company violating this law would be presumed to be acting outside of the scope and course of their employment if this bill passes into law. Also, failure to keep the required records would subject these businessowners to permit revocation actions.
H.3053 "Apportionment of Fault Act" Rep. M. M. Smith
If passed this bill would modify existing tort law to apportion economic and noneconomic damages amongst tortfeasors and end the doctrine of joint and several liability.
H.3054 General Sessions Court Case Transfers Rep. Stavrinakis
An effort to allow cases with prison sentences of up to three years to be transferred from General Sessions courts to other courts. Current law limits these transfers to cases with a maximum of one year of jail time. [Similar to H. 3048]
H.3055 Clerk of Court and Magistrate Reporting Requirements Rep. Stavrinakis
Case dispositions, bond conditions, and incident reports in magistrate courts and other courts under the purview of South Carolina's County Clerks of Court would have to be forwarded within ten days if this proposal is enacted. It also sets out deadlines for reporting the issuance of restraining orders and orders of protection, revoking a person's right to possess a firearm, conviction for domestic violence, stalking orders, and conditional bonds within 48 hours. A final feature of this proposal would be to prohibit gun transfers until criminal background checks are completed, or five days have elapsed, whichever occurs first.
H.3056 Presidential Executive Order Reviews Rep. Taylor
A proposal to allow either the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House, standing committees, or five members of either chamber to be able to initiate attorney general review of any Presidential executive orders related to health emergencies, natural resource regulation, agriculture activities, land use, financial sector regulation, and firearms possession.
H.3057 Remote General Assembly Sessions Rep. Taylor
A joint resolution to hold a ballot referendum on the question of amending South Carolina's Constitution to allow remote sessions of the General Assembly to take place in specified circumstances.
H.3058 Cyber Harassment Rep. Wooten
Would create a criminal offense of harassment in cyber space when someone posts a private image of another without permission of the person photographed.
H.3059 Unlawful Distribution of Sexually Explicit Materials Rep. Wooten
An effort to update state pornography laws to declare illegal the dissemination of sexually explicit materials, which are proposed to be defined as depictions of someone in a state of sexually explicit nudity.
H.3060 Crime Victim Service Providers Certifications Rep. Wooten
This bill would delete certain exemptions that crime victim service providers serving in public or private nonprofit programs have under existing law from having to be certified within one year of being hired and completing annual accreditation training. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3061 Local Governments Crime Victim Funds Rep. Wooten
An update to existing law to change references to the Department of Crime Victim Assistance to the more current and accurate description of the Department of Crime Victim Compensation. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3062 Licensed Mental Health Clinicians Are Not Victim Service Providers Rep. Wooten
This bill would distinguish the status of licensed mental health clinicians as not to be considered victim service providers under state law. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3063 Spousal Abuse Criminal Law Updates Rep. Wooten
Existing criminal laws covering spouse abuse would be modernized, and more clearly define victim services in domestic violence shelters. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3064 Victim Services Coordinating Council Membership and Appointments Rep. Wooten
Under this bill, members of the Victim Services Coordinating Council would be appointed by its chair, if it is enacted. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3066 Ratifying the US Equal Rights Amendment Rep. Cobb-Hunter
A bill to ratify the equal rights amendment to the US Constitution. [Similar to H. 3097]
H.3069 "South Carolina Fairness, Accountability, and Integrity in Redistricting Act" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
A proposal to restructure the decennial redistricting process in South Carolina.
H.3080 Domestic and Foreign Gold and Silver Coins as Legal Tender Rep. S. Jones
This bill would allow foreign and domestic gold and silver coins to be used as legal tender when both parties to a transaction agree to do so.
H.3082 No South Carolina Infantry Battle Flags in Public Buildings Rep. King
A proposal to ban the South Carolina Infantry Battle Flag from being displayed in any South Carolina public building, unless it is a museum.
H.3088 Increasing Per Diem Payments to General Assembly Members Rep. King
A joint resolution for an advisory referendum on the question of raising payments to General Assembly members from $10, 400 to $42, 830 per year.
H.3090 "Revised Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act" Rep. W. Newton
If enacted, this bill would establish definitions applicable to unincorporated nonprofit associations.
H.3091 Stable County Funding of Circuit Solicitors Rep. Pope
This bill would prohibit counties from defunding circuit solicitors below the preceding year budgeted amounts. [Similar to S. 132]
H.3092 Restricting Unsafe Item Sales to Anyone Under 21 Rep. Rutherford
A joint resolution proposed to amend South Carolina's Constitution to specifically authorize the General Assembly to ban sales of hazardous, perilous, and unsafe items to anyone under the age of twenty-one.
H.3095 Legalizing Gambling and Games of Chance Rep. Rutherford
Parimutuel betting, sports betting, casino activities, card and dice games, electronic gambling devices, gaming tables and related items for games of chance are proposed for a referendum to amend South Carolina's Constitution to make them all legal activities, with proceeds designated for highway, right of way, bridge, and road construction, maintenance, and repair.
H.3096 Unapproved Monument Moving or Alteration as Misconduct in Office Rep. Taylor
Moving or altering any monument without General Assembly pre-approval would subject local government officials to prosecution for misconduct in office if this bill becomes law. Aggrieved citizens and organizations could file civil actions to recover triple damages, costs of restoration, attorney fees, and costs.
H.3097 Ratifying the US Constitution Equal Rights Amendment Rep. Stavrinakis
An effort to ratify the US Constitution Equal Rights Amendment. [Similar to H. 3066]
H.3102 Stop Social Media Censorship Rep. Burns
Following protections and rights set out in federal law, this proposal would hold social media hosting sites responsible for censoring posts, persons, or subjects on their platforms.
H.3119 No Critical Infrastructure Contracts with Foreign-Owned Companies Rep. Gilliam
A legislative effort to stop contracts with foreign-owned companies to build or maintain critical infrastructure in South Carolina. Critical infrastructure would include communications, cybersecurity, electric grid, and hazardous waste or water treatment facilities.
H.3122 No More County Office Inspections by State Officials Rep. J. E. Johnson
This bill would repeal archaic, existing statutory requirements for county sheriff, clerk of court and register of deeds offices to be annually inspected by South Carolina's Attorney General and circuit solicitors. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Commission on Prosecution Coordination.
H.3129 Securities Act Enforcement Notifications Rep. W. Newton
A proposal to eliminate the requirement for the state Securities Commissioner to have to forward commission orders to the Department of Revenue. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3131 Repealing Public Charities Oversight by the Attorney General Rep. Wooten
The existing requirement for public charities oversight by South Carolina's Attorney General's Office would be rescinded by this pending bill. This former duty of the Attorney General's Office has devolved to another state agency. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Secretary of State's Office.
H.3133 Offender Management System Act Rep. Wooten
This bill is legislative effort to repeal the Offender Management System Act (also known as the Classification System and Adult Criminal Offender Management System).
H.3134 Clarifying Court Authority for Conditioning Orders of Protection Rep. Pope
The authority of presiding judges to condition orders of protection would be clarified under the proposed provisions of this bill.
H.3135 Legal Simple Possession of Marijuana by Honorably Discharged Veterans Rep. Rutherford
Veterans with honorable discharges and service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms could legally possess small amounts of marijuana for their personal consumption under this proposal.
H.3140 Right to Counsel in Cases Rep. Pendarvis
Defendants in eviction, or revocation of housing subsidy payment, cases would be extended the constitutional right to legal counsel if this bill becomes law.
H.3141 Expanding the Catawba Indian Nation Reservation Rep. Pope
A joint resolution to approve an ordinance adopted by the York County Council to expand the size of the Catawba Indian Nation Reservation, as the Nation has requested.
H.3144 Sunday Liquor Sales Referendums Rep. Rutherford
This bill seeks to expand hours of liquor sales to allow Sunday sales hours in cities and counties that have passed enabling referendums.
H.3145 Alcohol for 18-Year-Olds Rep. Rutherford
Alcohol could be possessed, bought, and consumed by 18-year-olds under this bill. Their LIFE or Palmetto scholarships would remain in place as well.
H.3146 Alcohol Sales During States of Emergency Rep. Rutherford
If enacted, this bill would prevent the Governor from suspending legal alcohol sales during states of emergency he has declared. This exemption would be extended to on-premises, retail, brewpub, nonprofit private club, special event, and special nonprofit event venues.
H.3147 "Micro-Distillery Parity Act" Rep. Stavrinakis
Seeks to allow micro-distillery food establishments that have obtained all permits, licenses, and other authorizations to sell micro-distillery products even if patrons have not taken a tour. Also, it would allow these venues to sell alcohol produced by other micro-distilleries, have tastings, and enjoy other expansions to their operations described in this proposed legislation.
H.3148 "South Carolina State Employee Equal Pay for Equal Work Act" Rep. Stavrinakis
A proposal for pay parity amongst all genders performing the same state work.
H.3150 Festival Beer and Wine Sales Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill would authorize the SC Department of Revenue to permit beer, wine, and liquor sales at festivals on multiple days using only one application.
H.3151 General Assembly Review of Governor-Declared States of Emergency Rep. Taylor
If passed, this bill would set up General Assembly review of Governor-ordered states of emergency after 30 days.
H.3159 Lobbying the State Public Service Commission [PSC] or Office of Regulatory
Staff [ORS] Rep. Stavrinakis
Any entity or person lobbying the SCPSC or SCORS would have to file separate reports detailing the extent of this lobbying. They would include utilities, companies, entities, joint ventures and other parties appearing before either agency. They also could not contribute to, or otherwise support, any candidate for the General Assembly, whether an incumbent or a challenger. Employees of SCPSC or SCORS would be specifically prohibited from receiving anything of value from entities or individuals who appear before either agency.
H.3161 Party Primary Voting by Party Members Only Rep. Burns
In order to vote in any party primary, voters would have to be registered as members of that party under this proposal.
H.3162 Voting by Paper Ballots Only Rep. Burns
All voting would be by paper ballots that would be hand-counted should this bill become law.
H.3164 Documenting Qualifications for Elective Office Rep. Calhoon
Under this bill, statements of intention to be a candidate for elective office forms would have to include information showing which candidates will be considered qualified for the office they are seeking.
H.3167 Presidential and Vice-Presidential Candidates Qualified to Serve Rep. Chumley
If enacted, this bill would require all presidential and vice-presidential candidates to certify they are qualified to hold the Office of President before their names could appear on the ballot.
H.3169 Warrant Service by Correctional Officers Rep. Collins
Warrants issuing from a city court in a county where a corrections facility is located could have corrections officers in that facility serve their warrants if this bill is passed. It would remove the existing requirement for magistrates to sign off on these warrants first.
H.3173 Independent Reapportionment Commission - Constitutional Amendment Rep. King
This joint resolution proposes amending South Carolina's Constitution to establish an independent reapportionment commission to act after release of the decennial US Census data.
H.3174 Uncivilly Littering Rep. Moss
An effort to establish civil penalties of $50 for littering in South Carolina. Violators would face civil penalties, not jail time for throwing their trash on others' properties. Citations could be sent by first class mail. Motor vehicle owners would be presumed to have violated this law for any trash thrown from their vehicles. Magistrates and city court judges would have exclusive jurisdiction over these cases.
H.3175 Assaulting Healthcare or EMS Personnel Rep. Moss
Anyone assaulting a healthcare or EMS worker who is on the clock will be committing assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature—a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in jail—if this bill is enacted.
H.3178 Public Entity Duty to Mitigate Mass Violence Incidents Rep. Pendarvis
This proposal would place a duty on public entities, law enforcement, state, and local governments to take affirmative actions to mitigate or prevent acts of mass violence, or face civil liability for failing to take these preventative steps. Any civil lawsuits would have to be filed within two years of any event. The litigants could recover damages. attorney fees, and costs if they prevail in their cases.
H.3181 Controlled Substance Offenses Exempt from No Parole Offenses List Rep. Rutherford
Drug offenses of trafficking, trafficking cocaine, and manufacturing or trafficking methamphetamine would no longer be handled as no parole offenses by criminal court judges if this bill is enacted.
H.3182 Denial of Immunity from Prosecution as Immediately Appealable Rep. Rutherford
Should a court deny anyone's protection from prosecution, even when that person subsequently pleads guilty to an underlying offense, an appeal of that court determination can still be taken up.
H.3184 Criminal Unlawful Permitting Rep. Stavrinakis
A bill proposing to create a misdemeanor criminal offense for a person of unlawfully approving permits for seismic ocean testing by a governmental entity. Offenders, in addition to being subject to being charged with misconduct in office, could also be charged with unlawful permitting for issuing approvals should this legislation become law in South Carolina.
H.3185 Youthful Offenders Act Repeals Rep. Wooten
Out-of-date code sections covering institutions treating youthful offenders in South Carolina and the role of the SC DOC Director in recommending placement of Youthful Offenders would be repealed under the provisions of this bill. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Corrections.
H.3186 Repealing Supervised Furlough Rep. Wooten
The SC DOC and SC DPPP supervised furlough program would be repealed once this bill becomes law. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Corrections.
H.3187 No More Inmate Labor to Build Work Camps Rep. Wooten
Inmates could no longer be used to build work camps if this bill is enacted. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Corrections.
H.3188 Inmate Medical Furloughs Rep. Wooten
If passed, this bill would limit inmate furloughs for medical reasons only.
H.3189 "Contraband Cell Phone Act" Rep. Wooten
This Act proposes comprehensive new laws to address inmates possessing contraband cell phones while incarcerated. It would authorize cell phone companies to jam or delete these cell phones so possessed from active service and allow state officials to obtain ex parte court orders to have these contraband cell phone numbers deactivated. Any state official acting under this proposed law would enjoy immunity from civil liability for getting these phones deactivated. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Corrections.
H.3190 Faster Work-Release Eligibility for Inmates Rep. Wooten
A proposal to have inmates qualify for work-release programs after completing a seventy percent as opposed to the current requirement of eighty percent of their sentences. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Corrections.
H.3191 Inmate Classification System Reviews Rep. Wooten
This bill would require South Carolina's Department of Corrections to regularly study and update its inmate classification system at least every five years. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Corrections.
H.3194 Ending Youthful Offender Supervisory Agents Rep. Wooten
A proposal to end the use of supervisory agents for youthful offender program participants. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Corrections.
H.3196 Attorney Fee Awards in SCDSS Cases Rep. Bailey
If this bill passes, family courts could award attorney fees in SC Department of Social Services cases when the findings of SCDSS are overturned in child abuse and neglect cases.
H.3197 Parental Rights in Education and Healthcare Rep. Burns
A bill that proposes to establish the primary and fundamental right of parents to parent their children in education and healthcare choices. It would require schools to have parental involvement policies in place and for healthcare providers to obtain parental permission for the care children receive.
H.3199 No Fault Divorce Affidavits Rep. Collins
Family court judges could receive affidavits to corroborate one-year separations in no-fault divorce cases if this bill becomes law in South Carolina.
H.3201 Pre-Adoption and Post-Adoption Services Study Committee Rep. Collins
This bill sets up the organization of a Pre-Adoption and Post-Adoption Services Study Committee to look at South Carolina's foster care system, the return to foster care of children who had been adopted, and rates of abuse by adoptive parents who adopted children who were in foster care.
H.3204 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission Dispute Resolutions Rep. Erickson
This bill would designate the United States District Court for Georgia as the entity for handling any Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission dispute resolutions. This commission is charged with oversight of telepsychology professional services rendered by therapists in other states to South Carolina residents. It was created to provide oversight so that participating telepsychology therapists would not have to become licensed in multiple states.
H.3207 Terminating Inmates' Parental Rights Rep. Henderson-Myers
If passed, this bill would clarify how inmates' parental rights could be terminated for wilful failure to visit or wilful failure to visit given the fact they are suffering the disability of being incarcerated. Family courts would have to consider the parent-child relationship that existed when the parent was not in jail.
H.3208 DHEC Temporary Schedule I Drug Designation for Public Protection Rep. Hewitt
A proposal to allow the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control Director to place drugs on the Schedule I Controlled Substance list in order to protect public health.
H.3210 Narrowing the List of Licenses Suspendable for Failing to Pay Child Support Rep. King
Drivers', commercial hunting, commercial fishing, commercial trapping, business, occupational, and professional licenses could no longer be suspended if child support remains unpaid under the provisions of this proposal.
H.3192 Ending Case Classifications and Community-Based Correctional Programs Rep. Wooten
This bill would end outmoded statewide case classifications and community-based correctional programs. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Corrections.
H.3211 Rescheduling Date Rape Drugs Rep. King
Flunitrazepam and gamma hydroxybutyric acid, which are commonly known as 'date rape drugs' would be reclassified as Schedule II drugs if this bill is enacted.
H.3213 Minimum Work Standards for Foster Care Caseworkers Rep. King
Foster care caseworkers would have to work to specified standards or face termination from their positions.
H.3217 "Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act" Rep. W. Newton
SCDSS would be made responsible for investigating unregulated child custody transfers of children placed for adoption. This bill also sets out criminal penalties for violators, requires child placement agencies to share specific information with adoptive parents, and to make interested parties aware of the financial and other support services potentially available to them.
H.3218 Easements on SCDMH Properties Rep. Newton, W.
An effort to repeal outdated state laws covering a Mental Health Commission granting easements across Department of Mental Health properties, which require obtaining approval by South Carolina's Attorney General. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3219 Ending the State Youth Mentor Act Standards for Family Court Referrals
Rep. W. Newton
Would amend South Carolina's existing state laws to remove requiring Youth Mentoring Act standards when family court judges order referrals of juveniles. This implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3220 "Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act" Rep. W. Newton
Seeks to establish legal mechanisms to protect all children from risks of abduction. It includes applicable definitions, allowing family court abduction prevention orders in child custody actions, sets out required contents for petitions for protective orders, and lists the kinds of relief judges can include in any order they sign.
H.3221 Civil and Criminal Liability for Not Seeking Opioid Use Disorder Treatments
Rep. Pope
Opioid users and abusers could face civil and criminal liability for failing to seek treatment for these addictions after having been administered an antidote for a fentanyl or opioid overdose. In addition, courts could order these people to enter appropriate treatment programs under the terms of this proposed bill.
H.3222 Using Child Support Enforcement Infrastructure for Alimony Enforcement Rep. Pope
This bill would expand existing child support enforcement and collections infrastructure to collect and enforce alimony payments as well.
H.3223 Physical Cruelty Towards a Child as Divorce Grounds Rep. Pope
In addition to the existing grounds of physical cruelty for divorce in South Carolina, spouses committing physical cruelty upon a child in the marriage could be divorced for doing so.
H.3224 "Cure Act" Rep. Pope
This bill would allow South Carolina to join an interstate compact that facilitates a commission that makes cash awards to persons and entities who find cures for certain diseases. Treatments and therapeutic protocols for these purported cures would be subjected to review by this commission to determine their authenticity and effectiveness.
H.3227 Pinball Playing No Longer a Status Offense Rep. Rutherford
Minors would no longer face status offense prosecutions for playing pinball if this bill becomes the law in South Carolina.
H.3228 Spousal Benefit Payments as Credits Against Alimony Obligations Rep. Rutherford
Former spouses enabling federal benefit payments to their former spouses would receive a credit against any alimony obligations they have under the terms of this proposal.
H.3230 Child Interrogation "Miranda Rights" Prerequisites Rep. Rutherford
When a child is taken into custody after committing a crime or violating an ordinance, law enforcement would have to read a minor-type version of the Miranda rights before they could be questioned. These notices include a child's right to remain silent; that any statement they make could be used against them in court; that they have the right for their parent, guardian, or custodian to be present while they answer questions; and that they have the right to have a lawyer present when questioned.
H.3233 Challenging Commitment to the Sexually Violent Predator Treatment Programs Rep. Wooten
If this bill is enacted, these cases would be given priority scheduling status, be subject to legal challenges if a subject receives ineffective legal representation, qualify for appointment of independent evaluators, and records from any proceedings would be accessible by the Attorney General and other attorneys of record even if the proceedings are sealed. These petitions would be filed in the original jurisdiction of the South Carolina Supreme Court. This implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3238 People Cruel to Animals Pay All Court Costs Rep. Carter
Once anyone is convicted of being cruel to animals, they could then be held liable for reimbursing all costs of their prosecution should this bill be enacted. They also could be prohibited from owning any animals for up to five years after their conviction.
H.3240 "The Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
A bill proposing to amend South Carolina's laws to adopt this agreement to revise the procedure for sending electors to the electoral college, and use popular vote totals to select the electors who will determine the next president and vice president.
H.3242 No Utility Company Campaign Contributions Rep. Cobb-Hunter
No candidates for General Assembly seats could solicit or accept donations from a utility company, corporate, entity, joint venture, or other persons assigned a specific operating territory, as these entities would be barred from making these contributions under the provisions of this bill.
H.3243 "South Carolina Citizens Redistricting Commission" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
A joint resolution for a ballot referendum on the question of taking redistricting responsibilities from the General Assembly and placing it with a citizen commission.
H.3244 Paying for Electing a Successor to a General Assembly Seat Rep. Cobb-Hunter
General Assembly members who are removed for misconduct could be responsible for all expenses incurred in any primaries and elections to determine their successor, if this bill is enacted.
H.3245 "Citizens Redistricting Commission" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
A citizens' redistricting committee would prepare proposed reapportionment maps for the General Assembly under this legislative effort.
H.3247 "Fargo's and Hyco's Law" Rep. Collins
This bill would stiffen penalties for teasing, harming, maltreating, injuring, or harassing police dogs.
H.3249 General Assembly Membership Term Limits Rep. B. J. Cox
This bill would limit House members to six terms and Senate members to four terms.
H.3250 Term Limits Amendment Rep. B. J. Cox
A joint resolution for proposing an amendment to South Carolina's Constitution to allow the statutory enactment of term limits for General Assembly members.
H.3258 Political Signs in HOA Controlled Neighborhoods Rep. King
This bill would prevent Homeowner Associations [HOAs] from using any bylaws or restrictive covenants to prevent property owners from displaying political signs during campaign seasons.
H.3263 Police Brutality Citizens Review Committee Rep. King
Each South Carolina County would be required to establish Police Brutality Citizen Review Committees to review reports of police brutality. These committees would have full access to incident information, have authority to conduct independent investigations, and issue reports on findings they have made after receiving notice of these incidents.
H.3267 SC Secretary of State Public Charities Division Rep. W. Newton
An outdated statute that references a Division of Public Charities as part of the Attorney General's office operations would be repealed once this proposed bill becomes law. These organizations are currently being monitored by our Secretary of State. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Attorney General's Office.
H.3268 South Carolina Film Commission Goals and Objectives Rep. W. Newton
If enacted, this bill would task our Parks, Recreation, and Tourism agency with ensuring South Carolina's Film Commission recruits motion picture productions that further the commission's published objectives, foster economic and cultural development, and correctly disburse any federal program funds. This is a House Oversight Committee recommendation.
H.3270 SEI Annual Reports of Gifts Received Rep. W. Newton
A proposal to require everyone who files an annual Statement of Economic Interests report each year to include a listing describing all gifts received in a single day that are worth more than $25, or when total gifts received exceed $200 in a given year. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the State Ethics Commission.
H.3276 County Recreation Commission Oversight Rep. Rutherford
This bill proposes to vest authority over county recreations commissions established as special purpose districts prior to the enactment of 'Home Rule' in the mid-1970s, with county legislative delegations, after an appropriate resolution has been adopted by that delegation. These recreation commissioners would serve at the pleasure of the county legislative delegation.
H.3277 State Department of Insurance Oversight Rep. Stavrinakis
A legislative effort to elect the Director of South Carolina's Department of Insurance. The Governor would appoint a new director when a vacancy occurs. The director would also become the sole governing authority of this department's operations.
H.3279 Watercraft Safety Courses Rep. Wooten
Anyone born after June 30, 2007 would have to complete a watercraft operation safety course before legally operating any watercraft, specialty prop craft, or any other vessel with a motor above 15 HP on South Carolina waters.
H.3282 Displaying South Carolina and National Flags and Mottos in Classrooms Rep. Burns
A bill to require our classrooms to have state and national flags and mottos displayed in them. It also would require the donation of these items, or money to purchase them, to schools for display.
H.3288 Licensing Work Visa Holders Rep. Collins
This bill would allow occupational and professional licenses to be issued to anyone with valid federal immigration employment authorizations or 'work visas' to perform their work in South Carolina.
H.3306 Banning the Box on Employment Applications Rep. Garvin
Prior conviction information would be banned from job applications (with a focus on public sector jobs), unless a conviction directly relates to the job that would be performed by successful applicants, should this bill pass. It also contains an exception for Department of Corrections applicants and positions that are required by existing state statutes to have background checks performed.
H.3313 Florence County Register of Deeds Rep. Jordan
The Florence County Clerk of Court would no longer handle real estate-related documents and the Florence County Council would select its register of deeds when this bill is enacted. This register of deeds would then assume all responsibilities for recording real estate and real estate-related documents as set out under existing law.
H.3327 FOIA Updates Rep. Rose
Circuit courts would have to rule on South Carolina FOIA-based legal actions within one year of their filing should this bill pass. Significantly, if enacted, this bill would prohibit courts from extending this deadline for any reason.
H.3328 "Gagging" Private Investigators Rep. Rutherford
Private investigators could not release information they uncover and could not work for multiple parties in the same legal proceedings if this bill is enacted. Proposed exceptions to this prohibition would include clients permitting the release of their information, the likelihood of serious injury or death if the information is not released, or that their client is about to commit a crime.
H.3331 "'Ban the Box' Act" Rep. Rutherford
Prior conviction information would be banned from job applications unless a conviction directly relates to the job that would be performed by successful applicants, someone is applying for a job with the Department of Corrections, a financial institution, or for a job that is statutorily required to have a background check as part of the application process, should this bill pass.
H.3332 Nonprofit Noncompete Contracts Rep. Rutherford
Nonprofits with annual gross receipts of over one billion dollars could not enforce any existing noncompete clauses it has tried to effect, and could not attempt to require new employees to sign a noncompete contract after this bill is enacted.
H.3335 Palmetto and LIFE Scholarship Eligibility Unaffected by Minor Convictions Rep. Stavrinakis
Simple possession of drugs or second offense minor alcohol convictions would no longer jeopardize Palmetto or Life Scholarship eligibility if this bill passes; however, felony convictions of any type would continue to disqualify applicants from receiving these funds.
H.3338 "Ethical Policing Transparency and Accountability Act" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
A comprehensive effort to standardize policing, handle citizen complaints about policing, and create citizen review boards of policing in South Carolina.
H.3339 "Ethical Policing Transparency and Accountability Act" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
A comprehensive effort to standardize policing, handle citizen complaints about policing, and create citizen review boards of policing in South Carolina.
H.3340 Autism Spectrum Disorder as Part of the Endangered Person Notification System Rep. Dillard
This legislative effort would add anyone with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disability diagnosis to the list of people eligible for inclusion in the Endangered Person Notification System.
H.3341 Assault Weapon and High-Capacity Ammunition Magazine Bans Rep. Gilliard
If enacted, this bill would end sales, rentals, or raffling of assault weapons which would be defined as rifles with 21 or more rounds of ammunition in capacity, shotguns holding six rounds or more, or other firearms modified to operate as assault weapons. It also would ban high-capacity ammo magazines in South Carolina, defined to be magazines holding 15 rounds or more of ammunition.
H.3343 Earlier Release for No Parole Drug Offenses Rep. Hengan
An effort to reduce the amount of time served by inmates convicted of drug offenses before they would become eligible for parole. To be eligible for consideration, they would have to have served sixty-five percent of their total sentence, successfully completed their ordered rehabilitation, and had no substantial disciplinary actions.
H.3346 Law Enforcement Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill would require law enforcement agencies and departments to hire, or contract with, mental health professionals for their professional services.
H.3347 Body Cameras Rep. J. L. Johnson
Anyone who is subjected to data collection by a body camera would be entitled to the videos and other data taken by it without needing to obtain a court order first (these videos would not be subject to the SC Freedom of Information Act).
H.3348 Felony Reckless Driving Rep. Jordan
This bill would create a new moving violation of felony reckless driving causing great bodily injury. Violators would face mandatory fines of up to $7,500 and/or imprisonment of up to seven years in jail.
H.3349 Notice of Restored Voting Rights Opportunities for Former Inmates Rep. King
This legislation is an effort to require SCPPP to notify inmates who have fully completed their sentences that they have a right to register to vote again.
H.3350 Sex Offender De-Listing Rep. King
Registered sex offenders could petition to be de-listed after being on it for 10 or 15 years, depending upon the underlying reasons for being listed in the first place. The circuit solicitor would receive three weeks' advance notice of these hearings and have a right to present evidence in opposition to an order delisting a registrant.
H.3351 Former Inmate Assimilation Back into the Workforce Study Committee Rep. King
This bill proposes establishing a study committee to review best practices for assimilating former inmates back into the workforce once they have completed their sentences.
H.3352 Annual Diversity Training for Law Enforcement Officers Rep. King
If enacted, this bill would mandate annual diversity training to certify or recertify law enforcement officers, as part of their mandatory annual Continuing Law Enforcement Education Credits [CLEEC].
H.3353 Mental Health Evaluations for All Law Enforcement Officers Rep. King
This proposal seeks mental health evaluations for all law enforcement officers seeking certification or recertification.
H.3354 Active Clerks of Court Carrying Pistols Rep. Moss
A bill to add Clerks of Court to the list of state officials authorized to carry pistols anywhere within South Carolina.
H.3356 Hate Crimes Database Rep. King
Once becoming law, this bill would require SLED to establish a hate crimes database. SLED would also be authorized to promulgate regulations to implement setting up and operating it. All information collected by them would have to be made available to the public.
H.3361 A State Department of Law Enforcement and Public Safety to Replace SCDPS Rep. Pope
This comprehensive consolidation bill would, among other things, take the current Department of Public Safety [SCDPS] and replace it with a statewide Department of Law Enforcement and Public Safety headed by a director under its proposed provisions. A new Public Safety Division would be headed up by a Colonel. SLED operations, highway patrolling, transport police operations, nuclear material transportation, motor vehicle insurance fraud, motor vehicle theft, implementing a statewide metric system, mass transit, maritime security responsibilities, drivers' licenses, special license plates, traffic accident investigations, seat belt use education, transporting students, diesel engine idling, road use fees paid by over-the-road carriers, transporting alcohol and a host of other responsibilities are some examples of what would become the responsibilities of this newly-established state agency, should this bill be signed by the Governor.
H.3362 Drivers License Suspension Appeals Rep. Rutherford
Anyone appealing or seeking a rehearing of any conviction causing the suspension of their driver's license would have their suspension stayed while their appeal or rehearing request is pending under this proposed bill. No department could enforce an order of suspension that is not given within thirty days of any conviction as required by existing state law.
H.3363 Supervised Child Contact or Custody by Sex Offenders Rep. Pope
In strictly limited situations, this bill would allow registered sex offenders professionally certified to be in remission to have supervised contact with, or custody of, children Courts would be provided names and information about sex offenders' children, and circuit solicitors would have to provide nonoffending parents with information about protecting children from sex offending parents.
H.3365 Serving Warrants Procedures Rep. Rutherford
A legislative initiative to set out standard, statewide procedures for serving warrants in South Carolina. They would include requiring law enforcement officers to wait at least 15 seconds after knocking before entering the premises, to wear body cameras, and to wear uniforms or other clothing that clearly identifies them as law enforcement officials. Violators would face disciplinary actions up to and including revocation of their law enforcement officer credentials.
H.3367 Inmate Access to In-Person Meetings Rep. Rutherford
If passed, this bill would require all inmates to have at least one in-person meeting with another person, as defined in this bill, per month. It would also prevent the audio or videos supervision of this in-person meeting area.
H.3368 Inmate Access to Legal Counsel Rep. Rutherford
Any state detention facility would be mandated to allow inmate access to legal counsel, so long as those meetings would not jeopardize normal detention facility operations or security measures, if the Governor signs this bill.
H.3369 Limited Sentencing Hearings Access Rep. Rutherford
Defendants could petition to limit sentencing hearing information access if this bill is enacted. This potentially protected information would include arrests, charges filed, criminal history, fingerprints, or photographs related to the defendant's arrest.
H.3370 No Jail Telephone Call Monitoring or Interceptions Rep. Rutherford
A bill to prevent any state or local jail from monitoring, intercepting, recording, or divulging any inmate telephone calls.
H.3371 No Arrest for Driving Under Suspension Rep. Rutherford
This bill would end custodial arrests when a stopped driver only possesses a suspended license due to an unpaid traffic ticket or through a clerical error that caused this suspension to be shown on that motorist's driving record.
H.3374 Limiting Use of Automatic License Plate Readers Rep. Rutherford
A proposal to prohibit private or public sector entities from using automatic license tag readers in South Carolina. Exceptions to this blanket prohibition include law enforcement verification of collected information with various databases hosted by SCDMV, SLED, SCDPS, or the NCIC; parking enforcement; secured area access; or commercial vehicle oversight and enforcement by SCDPS or SCDOT.
H.3376 Drug Offenders Conditional Releases Rep. Rutherford
Certain drug offenders could be conditionally released from confinement after enrolling in chemical dependency programs if this proposal becomes law.
H.3378 Inmate Visitations and Access to Electronic Communication Platforms Rep. Rutherford
Confirms inmate visitation rights and facilitating these visits with electronic communicating equipment in appropriate circumstances, but, in no case, to supplant in-person visits.
H.3379 Causing Great Bodily Injury After Using Electronic Devices While Driving
Rep. Rutherford
Creates a criminal offense of causing great bodily injury after using an electronic device while driving. Fines would be up to $1,000.
H.3380 De-Listing Juvenile Sex Offenders Rep. Rutherford
Juvenile sex offenders would be provided a path for having their names removed from the sex offender list under this proposed bill.
H.3381 Guns for Hunting for Nonviolent Crime Committers Rep. Rutherford
Once it becomes law, this bill would allow those who have committed nonviolent crimes who have completed their sentences to petition for a limited pardon to allow them the privilege of possess a gun for hunting purposes only.
H.3383 No Arrest for Uniform Traffic Ticket-Eligible Offenses Rep. Rutherford
No custodial arrest would be allowed for any traffic offenses that do not involve alcohol under this proposal. A uniform traffic ticket would be issued instead.
H.3386 No Drug Testing for Probationers Rep. Rutherford
No probation condition for random urinalysis or blood tests could include screening for marijuana if this bill is enacted.
H.3387 Restitution Payment Criteria Rep. Rutherford
SCPPP would have to factor in an offender's ability to pay restitution when setting restitution payment monthly rates under this proposed bill.
H.3388 SCDL Suspension and DUAC Testing Expungements Rep. Rutherford
Once a driver is acquitted of driving under the influence [DUI] or driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration [DUAC], under the provisions of this bill, any refusal to submit to testing, issuance of a temporary driver's license, or orders to install an interlock ignition device would have to be removed from that driver's record.
H.3389 Cell-Site Simulator Ban Rep. Rutherford
Any law enforcement entity owning a cell site simulator, typically used to track movements of communication devices or intercept communications on them, could no longer own these devices and would have to discontinue using them once this bill becomes law.
H.3390 Cell-Site Simulator NDAs Ban Rep. Rutherford
If passed, this bill would prohibit law enforcement from purchasing cell-site simulator technology from any company that requires a purchaser to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
H.3391 Potential Parolee Rights to Confront Witnesses Rep. Rutherford
Applicants for parole, or their attorney, would have a right to confront witnesses testifying at their application hearings if this bill passes.
H.3393 No Firearm Merchant or Manufacturer Discrimination Rep. Taylor
No governmental or financial institution could refuse to conduct business with, end a business relationship with, or otherwise discriminate against any firearm manufacturer, merchant, or retailer under the provisions of this proposed bill.
H.3394 "South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driver Act" Rep. Taylor
A proposal to deal with distracted drivers and their mobile electronic device use on South Carolina highways and rights of way.
H.3403 No More Supervised Furlough Program Rep. Wooten
Once current supervised furlough program participants matriculate, this program would be sunset should this bill be enacted. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.
H.3404 Ending Probation and Parole Community Control Centers and Systems Rep. Wooten
This bill repeals the department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services' comprehensive community control system and community control centers.
H.3405 Sex Offender Petitions for Release from Electronic Monitoring Rep. Wooten
Sex offenders who committed first, or third-degree offenses would be able to petition for release from electronic monitoring if this bill is enacted. Notably, this legislation removes references to a provision held unconstitutional. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.
H.3406 SCDPPP Restitution Center Sunset Rep. Wooten
This proposed bill would allow SCDPPP Restitution Centers to operate and remove the limitation that budget appropriations would first have to be made before they could open. This recommendation implements recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight Committee's study of the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.
H.3407 CWPs for Retired, Credentialed Law Enforcement Officer Retirees Rep. Yow
This bill addresses the requirements and details regarding concealed weapons permits and retired law enforcement officers.
H.3408 Automatic CWP Issuance to Qualified Retired Law Enforcement Officers Rep. Yow
When qualified law enforcement officers receive their retired status credentials, they would also receive a concealed weapons permit at no charge if this bill is enacted.
H.3412 Theft, and Felony Possession, of a Firearm and Possessing a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime Rep. T. Moore
This bill seeks to create two new criminal offenses for convicted felons or people who have been convicted of violent crime felonies. They would be known as, theft of a firearm and add to the existing crime of felony possession of a firearm. As part of this effort, penalties for violations would be set up on a graduated basis, with maximum imprisonment of up to thirty years, depending upon the nature of the offense committed. The other new crime would be in addition to the existing offense of illegally possessing a firearm, and be expanded to include shipping, transporting, or receiving a firearm.
H.3415 African American Confederate Veterans Monument Commission Rep. Chumley
This bill would establish an African American Confederate Veterans Monument Commission to work out the particulars of creating and installing an appropriate monument on the Statehouse grounds before January 1, 2027.
H.3418 Joint Committee on Women's Reproductive Rights Rep. J. L. Johnson
This committee shall review legislation that affects women's reproductive rights and make recommendations to the General Assembly. This proposed joint committee with only female membership, would be expected to conduct hearings and receive testimony related to their duties, then issue a report to the General Assembly at the conclusion of their efforts.
H.3424 No Pornographic Website Access for Minors Rep. T. Moore
This bill proposes to make website/on-line application operators liable for violations and must ensure that no minors access their site's content. The Attorney General would have authority to establish proper website age verification protocols and then enforce this bill's penalty and equitable relief provisions. In addition, aggrieved parties could file private actions for protection and compensation. An Internet service provider, or its affiliates or subsidiaries, search engine, or cloud service provider may not be held to have violated the provisions of this subsection solely for providing access or connection to or from a website. The AG would have to notify the United States Justice Department.
H.3426 "Child Online Safety Act" Rep. Pope
This bill would make website/on-line application operators liable for violations and must ensure that no minors access their site's pornographic content. The Attorney General would have authority to establish proper website age verification protocols and then enforce this bill's penalty and equitable relief provisions. In addition, aggrieved parties could file private actions for protection and compensation. The Attorney General shall notify the United States Justice Department.
H.3440 Abolishing the State Board of Education Rep. Collins
This joint resolution proposes a ballot referendum on the question of abolishing the State Department of Education.
H.3442 Standing Your Ground in Churches or Other Places of Worship Rep. Collins
If enacted, this bill would expand state statutory Stand Your Ground rights to anyone in a church or other place of worship.
H.3443 "Address Confidentiality Program" Rep. Garvin
South Carolina's Attorney General would become responsible for protecting the confidentiality of personal information about domestic violence, sex crimes, stalking, and human trafficking survivors under this proposal.
H.3444 Term Limits Rep. Blackwell
A joint resolution proposing a ballot referendum on amending South Carolina's Constitution to limit House members to five consecutive terms and Senate members to three consecutive terms. A term of office in which a House member is elected Speaker of the House of Representatives or in which a member of the Senate is elected President of the Senate or appointed to serve as chairman of either a House or Senate standing committee does not constitute a term for the purposes of calculating the member's term limitation. This would apply to those House and Senate members elected at the 2024 general election or who take office after that date.
H.3445 No General Assembly Members' Family as Judges or Justices Rep. Blackwell
If passed, this bill would prohibit any family member of a General Assembly member's family from running for judicial office. This prohibition would last for one year after any General Assembly member leaves office.
H.3446 Limiting House Members' Speaking Time Rep. King
H.3446 proposes House Rules changes to House Rule 5.19 and 8.6 so that House members speaking in the well about pending bills or motions would not have time spent on points of order counted against their time to speak.
H.3447 JMSC Reporting Out All Qualified Judicial Candidates Rep. Long
Instead of reporting out up to three qualified candidates for judicial offices, the JMSC would report out all qualified candidates under this pending bill.
H.3448 No More TikTok on State-Owned Computers Rep. Bauer
TikTok and other similar websites and apps that are foreign-owned and have been identified as cybersecurity threats could not be installed on any state-owned computers if this bill is enacted.
H.3465 No FOIA for Inmate Conversations Rep. Rutherford
Inmate telephone conversations that have been recorded would not be subject to SC FOIA disclosure under this proposal.
H.3468 Unlawful Sexually Explicit Material Distribution Rep. Garvin
H.3468 would criminalize the unauthorized distribution of sexually explicit materials as defined in this bill, if enacted.
H.3469 Criminal Littering Rep. J. L. Johnson
This is a proposal to significantly increase criminal penalties for littering in South Carolina. They include requiring offenders to pick up litter in the community where they committed their offense.
H.3470 Criminally Negligent Firearm Storage Rep. J. L. Johnson
H.3470 creates criminal penalties for failing to safely store firearms, as set out within this proposal.
H.3471 Campaign Sign Time Limits Rep. J. L. Johnson
Campaign signs could not stay up longer than 21 days under this proposal. After this time elapses, local governments would be permitted to remove them.
H.3472 Party Registration Before Voting in Party Primaries Rep. Long
Voters would have to register with a particular party before they could vote in that party's primaries under this proposed bill.
H.3473 Comprehensive Campaign Reforms Rep. W. Newton
This bill sets out, among other things, several reforms and updates to existing statutes related to campaigning for public offices in our state. They include fees charged, selecting delegates to state conventions, shortening filing periods, dates when party pledges must be signed, primary protest deadlines, hearings by the state executive committee, requiring bonds to be posted with protests, and spelling out other responsibilities of the state executive committee.
H.3474 Increasing Campaign Contribution Limits Rep. B. Newton
Individual and political party contributions to candidates would be increased under this proposal. Statewide races would allow up to $7,000 individual and up to $50,000 in political party contributions. In other races, the limit would be up to $2,000 individual and up to $10,000 for party donations.
H.3476 Fentanyl-Induced Homicide Rep. Gilliam
A proposal to establish the felony crime of fentanyl-induced murder in our state. Fentanyl-related substances would also fall under this proposed new law.
H.3477 Foreign-Issued Subpoenas and Warrants Rep. Pope
This bill would require any South Carolina businesses served with a valid out-of-state subpoena or warrant to honor it the same way they would honor one issued in South Carolina, if it is enacted.
H.3479 Electronic Monitoring Devices in Long-Term Care facilities Rep. Jefferson
Long-term care facility residents would be entitled to install electronic monitoring devices in their spaces, with the permission of any coinhabitants, if this bill is enacted. SC DHEC would be able to fine any facility preventing a resident from exercising this right.
H.3480 "Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Act" Rep. J. L. Johnson
A proposal to set up an advisory board to a new division in DHEC focused on abating community violence. This board would also have authority over awarding community grants.
H.3481 Parity Parental Time Presumptions in Joint Custody Cases Rep. S. Jones
If passed, this initiative would create a rebuttable presumption in family court child custody cases that equally divided time with both parents who are willing, able, and fit to care for their children will be in the best interest of their children.
H.3483 No Local Tobacco Product Ordinances Rep. Long
This legislative approach would preempt local ordinances related to tobacco, vaping, e-liquid, ingredients, flavoring, or licensing of cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, vapor products, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or any other product containing nicotine that can be ingested by the human body.
H.3484 "Domestic Abuse Act" Protections Rep. Magnuson
This bill would extend the protections of the Domestic Abuse Act to those in dating relationships as defined in the bill.
H.3485 "Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act" Rep. Magnuson
A legislative effort to establish parental authority over upbringing, education, health care, and mental health services for their children. Schools would have to facilitate parental involvement and healthcare providers would have to have parental permission in order to treat these minors. Parent would direct the moral and religious training of their children if this bill is enacted.
H.3488 "Religious Freedom of Marriage Act" Rep. Beach
Marriage license applications would have to list the grounds for divorce in South Carolina with a 'check box' by each ground. License applicants would check the grounds applicable to their marital union. Divorces on grounds of living separate and apart for one year (typically called 'no-fault' divorces) would require a mutual application by both spouses. Should a spouse involved in this type of divorce be under a severe stress situation as listed in this bill, a divorce could not be granted unless that spouse has independent legal representation. The sixteen-year-old minimum age for marriage eligibility would apply to anyone married out of state as well under this proposal.
H.3490 "South Carolina Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" Rep. Long
If enacted, the fetal anomaly exception to having abortions performed legally would no longer be available to pregnant women (if that is the sole reason they are seeking this procedure).
H.3495 No Military Surplus Purchases by Law Enforcement Rep. JA Moore
This bill would end purchases of surplus drones, combat configured aircraft, grenades, armored multi-wheeled vehicles, bayonets, all .50 caliber or larger weapons or ammunition, tracked armored vehicles, and similar military equipment by law enforcement agencies.
H.3496 City Law Enforcement Officer Driver's Licenses Rep. Sessions
This effort would allow city law enforcement officers to hold driver's licenses issued by South Carolina or any contiguous state.
H.3497 "South Carolina Uniform Partnership Act of 2023" Rep. W. Newton
This bill proposes updates to our existing state partnership-related laws, but not affect limited partnerships.
H.3500 Identifying Drafters of Real Estate-Related Documents Rep. W. Newton
Once enacted, preparers of real estate-related documents, including, but not limited to, deeds, and mortgages prepared after June 30, 2023, would have to include the name of the document preparer, or the name of the South Carolina licensed lawyer who handled the closing.
H.3503 Trafficking in Fentanyl Rep. Gilliam
This legislative effort adds fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances to Schedule I of controlled substances, and to the list of substances that can be trafficked or otherwise distributed in large quantities. By doing so, potential jail time and fines for punishing offenders would be significantly increased. Maximums proposed are up to forty years in jail and fines of up to $200,000, depending upon the circumstances leading up to criminal charges being made. Jail terms would be mandatory sentences.
H.3512 No Foreclosures or Tax Sales During States of Emergency Rep. McDaniel
In the event the Governor declares a state of emergency, this bill would stay judicial foreclosure proceedings or tax sales until the state of emergency ends.
H.3517 Free Hygiene Products for Female Inmates Rep. Cobb-Hunter
A bill to require all state and local correctional, prison, and detention facilities to provide free feminine hygiene products to all female inmates.
H.3520 Early Release for No Parole Offenses Rep. Henegan
If enacted, inmates sentenced to jail after committing felony driving under the influence, or driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration, offenses would become eligible for early release after completing sixty-five percent versus the current eighty-five percent, of their sentences, after meeting certain conditions.
H.3522 Concealed Weapons on Public College Campuses and at Athletic Events Rep. Long
This proposal seeks to end any restrictions on carrying concealed weapons on college campuses or at their athletic events.
H.3523 Fallen First Responder Survivor Advocate Rep. McCravy
A new position of a fallen first responder survivor advocate would be created within the SC Department of Administration if this bill becomes law. The responsibilities of this new position are spelled out in this proposal.
H.3529 Judges and Justices Appointed by the Governor Rep. Magnuson
This joint resolution is a referendum on the question of amending South Carolina's Constitution to have the Governor appoint justices and judges, with the consent of the Senate, in place of the current process of election by the General Assembly.
H.3530 Taser Use Policies and Reporting Rep. JA Moore
A bill to have the South Carolina Law Enforcement Council develop a taser use policy that would be used statewide by all law enforcement entities that issue tasers to their officers. Reports would have to be made each time one of these devices is used by these officers.
H.3531 "Jamal Sutherland Justice Act" Rep. JA Moore
Anyone arrested at a mental health facility, or who is receiving mental health services, would have to be evaluated before their bond hearing could be conducted should this bill be enacted. If passed, this bill would require law enforcement to notify guardians or attorneys-in-fact of the arrestee about any pending charges and proceedings.
H.3532 Committing Crimes While Out on Bond Rep. G.M. Smith
This measure would increase penalties for anyone out on a pretrial bond who commits additional, serious offenses including violent crimes, rape, domestic violence, strong arm robbery, weapons offenses or using a weapon to commit these crimes, child pornography offenses, or falling to register as a sex offender or child abuser.
H.3533 Limiting Citizen Arrests Rep. Thigpen
A bill to limit citizens from making a citizen's arrest to times when someone enters their residence without permission.
H.3534 "Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights Act" Rep. Thigpen
A legislative effort to set out the rights of survivors of sexual assault in South Carolina. They would include limiting the use of any physical evidence gathered to prosecute the assault and not the survivor of the assault. In addition, it would also allow anonymous reporting, the right for these assault survivors to consult with a victim's advocate, protect the survivor's communications as privileged, and other rights set forth in this proposal.
H.3535 Judicial Screening for Magistrates Rep. White
Magistrates would have to be screened in the same manor that justices, circuit court judges, family court judges, and masters-in-equity are currently being vetted by the Judicial Screening Commission if this bill is enacted.
H.3536 Employer Civil Liability for Mandatory COVID-19 Policies Rep. Burns
This bill would entitle private or local, state, and federal employees to sue their employers for adverse health conditions or death due to a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy being in effect at their place of employment.
H.3539 “South Carolina Sovereignty Act" Rep. Magnuson
Unconstitutional federal orders could be identified by Legislative Council and sent to the Attorney General and Governor for their perusal under a scope of review set forth within this bill.
H.3541 Use of Excessive Force by Law Enforcement Officers Rep. JA Moore
Proposes penalties for officers using "greater restraint than is necessary" when arresting suspects or performing other duties. It also sets out definitions to use when investigating excessive force claims.
H.3543 Law Enforcement Officers Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act
Rep. Thigpen
This effort would require bystanders recording law enforcement activities to remain at least twelve feet away from law enforcement officers who are apprehending, arresting, searching, or consulting with anyone.
H.3544 Use of Force and Traffic Stop Databases Rep. Thigpen
The SC State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) would be required set up use of force and traffic stop databases if this bill is signed. All of this collected date would be designated public information if this bill is enacted.
H.3545 Protecting Body Camera Data Rep. Thigpen
Body cameras used by law enforcement would have to be activated after arriving at all call for service scenes for law enforcement actions in listed situations. All information collected by these cameras would be disclosable under our Freedom of Information Act and would have to be preserved in all circumstances. Anyone destroying or altering any of this data would be subject to penalties and arrest for doing so.
H.3546 Wrongful Conviction Restitution Rep. Thigpen
Anyone who serves any time for a crime they did not commit could petition to receive restitution for losses they realized from being wrongfully imprisoned. These convictions would have to be overturned by a court with competent jurisdiction before any petition could be filed, however.
H.3547 No Personal Information Collection from Children Rep. Bradley
This bill would hold websites, online service providers, and online or mobile app hosts responsible for collecting any personal information from children, which would be declared unfair and deceptive trade practices.
H.3548 Preventing Youth Access to Tobacco Products Updates Rep. Bernstein
Definitions of tobacco product, tobacco retail establishment, and tobacco retailer would be updated as part of this effort. They, and not the individuals working for them, would be liable for illegal sales. Minors using fake IDs would face civil fines and no criminal prosecution for doing so.
H.3549 "South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023" Rep. Harris
The definition of "persons" would include preborn children in the event of a felony incident of infliction, or allowing infliction, of great bodily injury on a child. They would be considered an additional victim under this proposed law. It would provide qualified immunity to health professionals rendering treatment to pregnant women.
H.3550 Foster Home Alumni Rep. Jefferson
SCDSS would be required to collect information about children who "age out" of foster care homes and the outcomes from their time in foster care. The report they would send to the General Assembly would provide their analysis of the information they gather.
H.3551 "South Carolina Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act" Rep. S. Jones
This bill would prevent dispensing medication or performing any medical procedures on minors that have the purpose of altering their gender. Exempted from this prohibition are bona fide medications or procedures to correct medically verifiable disorders in sexual development. Violators face suspension of their professional licenses, treble damages, attorney fees, and cost reimbursements to their victims.
H.3552 "Human Life Protection Act" Rep. McCravy
A ban on abortions, with exceptions for the death of the mother, serious risk of death of the mother, or impairment of major bodily function[s], would result if this bill is enacted. Women seeking this procedure could not be criminally prosecuted, use of contraceptives would be protected, and health plans would have to provide coverage for contraceptives. No state health plan could cover abortions, except in the cases set forth above. Putative fathers would be required to pay child support from the time of conception. Violators face criminal penalties and the possibility of professional license revocations.
H.3553 No Adoption Waiting Period Rep. G. M. Smith
This bill eliminates the 90-day waiting time. Adoptions would still have to be completed within six months of the adoption petition being filed.
H.3554 Court Discretion to Waive Pre- and Post-Placement Adoption Reports Rep. G. M. Smith
A proposal to allow family court judges the ability to waive pre- and post-adoption report requirements in adoption proceedings.
H.3555 Adoption Reforms for Children in SCDSS Custody Rep. G. M. Smith
This bill represents an effort to speed up adoptions and permanent placement of children that had been placed in SCDSS custody.
H.3556 Infant Safe Havens Rep. G. M. Smith
This bill would modify existing law to allow permanency planning hearings to also include termination of parental rights determinations at the same time.
H.3557 Child Abandonment Reforms Rep. G. M. Smith
SCDSS would have to consent to the adoption of an abandoned child, and the consent of the parent who abandoned the child would not be required if this bill is enacted. A more detailed definition of what would constitute the abandonment of a child is proposed and would include the treatment of the expectant mother by the child's father during her pregnancy.
H.3558 Prerequisite Safety Plans Prior to Child Placement in SCDSS Case Rep. G. M. Smith
Before any child could be placed outside of their home, SCDSS and the parties to such a placement would all have to sign off on a safety plan for the child under this proposal. SCDSS would have to monitor compliance with this plan. Courts would retain authority to place children in these situations on an expedited basis.
H.3559 Increasing Date Rape Drug Offense Penalties Rep. Thigpen
Date rape drugs, flunitrazepam and gamma hydroxybutyric acid, would be bumped up to become Schedule II drugs, with an attendant increase in the penalties to be applied to offenders, if this bill is enacted.
H.3560 "Red Flags Act" Rep. Thigpen
Circuit solicitors, assistant circuit solicitors, and two law enforcement officers would be eligible to petition probate courts to seize guns and ammunition from anyone who poses a risk of imminent personal injury to himself or anyone else if this bill becomes law. Complainants could also swear out a warrant to accomplish the same goal. Once seized, a probate court would have to hold a hearing within seven days to determine if these items should be returned to the owner or remain in safekeeping.
H.3561 Only Civil Fines for Simple Possession of Marijuana Rep. Thigpen
Simple possession of marijuana or hashish, set out as an ounce or less, would no longer be a crime but become an action with a resulting civil penalty if this bill is enacted.
H.3571 Increasing Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program Payment Caps Rep. Ott
Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program [ADSAP] payments are currently capped under existing state law. This bill would allow these caps to be raised, and, at the same time, allow reimbursements to the payor to be waived, even if the driver is found not guilty of the offense that gave rise to that driver's refusal to provide a breathalyzer sample.
H.3574 General Assembly Term Limits Rep. Cromer
This joint resolution seeks a referendum on the question of amending South Carolina's Constitution to limit House members to four consecutive terms, and Senators to two consecutive terms.
H.3575 Prison Industries Program Updates Rep. Hixon
This bill is an effort to relieve the Department of Commerce from attracting private industry to, and tracking, SCDC Prison Industries Program activities, and place it back with the SCDC, if enacted.
H.3578 No State Inspector General Reports at Election Time Rep. Thigpen
South Carolina's Inspector General could not issue any reports involving any candidate fifty days prior to any election that candidate is participating in, if this proposal becomes law in South Carolina.
H.3579 No State or Local Funds for Abortions Rep. Beach
No state or local funds could be used for abortions, and the criminal offense of manslaughter would include the unlawfully killing an unborn person by decapitation, slaughter, or other means under the provisions of this bill.
H.3580 One Race at a Time Rep. Bradley
Candidates could only run for one office in any single election if this bill is enacted.
H.3582 Dating Violence Reforms Rep. Garvin
This measure seeks to better define dating violence, dating, and dating relationships as part of our existing comprehensive health education curriculum. It would be updated to include these topics, and then be distributed to school districts for student instruction. In addition, state-supported colleges and universities would have to implement policies on dating violence and maintain detailed incident reports.
H.3583 Criminal Sexual Extortion Rep. Guffey
New crimes to be known as sexual extortion or aggravated sexual extortion by threatening to release intimate images as defined in this bill, would be established under this proposal. Potential penalties include from five to thirty years in jail, depending on the circumstances when this extortion occurs, and who the victims of it are.
H.3584 Extending Election Protest Deadlines Rep. B. Newton
If an election protest deadline falls on a legal holiday, then the filing would be extended to the next day that is not a legal holiday under this proposal.
H.3585 Nonpartisan Sheriff Elections Rep. Thigpen
This bill proposes authority to county councils to pass ordinances, or citizens to petition for referendums, in order for county sheriffs to be elected in nonpartisan contests.
H.3590 Jim Crow Laws and Slavery Study Committee Rep. Rivers
A bill proposing the establishment of a study committee to review Jim Crow laws and slavery impacts on public education in South Carolina and issue a report no later than January 1, 2025, to the General Assembly after doing so.
H.3591 Public Funding for Religious or Other Private Educational Institutions Rep. G.M. Smith
This proposed joint resolution proposes a referendum on the topic of amending South Carolina's Constitution to remove the prohibition against providing public funding to religious or other private educational institutions.
H.3594 "South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act Of 2023" Rep. B. J. Cox
A legislative effort to declare that everyone has a constitutional right to carry their guns except in law enforcement, detention, or correction facilities; courthouses; polling places on election day; in business meetings by, or in the offices of, city, county, public school district, or special purpose district facilities; school or college events unrelated to firearms; daycare or preschool facilities; anywhere prohibited by federal law; religious sanctuaries including churches; healthcare facilities of any type unless permission is granted; anyone else's residence; and any facility clearly marked with a sign complying with state specifications that disallows firearms on those premises. However, these prohibitions do not apply to anyone with permission of a property owner to carry on those premises, concealed weapon permit [CWP] holders, law enforcement officials, military, militia, and reserve officers while on duty; qualified retired law enforcement officers; and anyone listed under state law as having authority to carry pistols anywhere in South Carolina, including justices, judges, solicitors, workers compensation commissioners; and our attorney general and his assistants. Depending upon circumstances, violators could face from ten to thirty years in jail. CWP holders would have to report losing their permits within forty-eight hours, and pardons could ban gun possession, transport, or sales if this bill is enacted.
H.3017 Fees Disallowed for Cremation Permits and Burial-Removal-Transit Permits Rep. King
This bill provides that no fee for a permit for cremation may be charged by coroners and that no coroner or medical examiner may charge a fee for a Burial-Removal-Transit Permit.
H.3099 Prohibition on Allowing a Governmental Tax Collection Agency Access to Bank Customer Data Rep. Burns
This bill provides that a bank may not allow a governmental tax collection agency to collect customer data relating to a customer's account balances, deposits, or withdrawals.
H.3100 Ejecting Individuals from Campgrounds and Other Lodging Establishments Rep. Burns
This bill specifies that the provisions of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act do not apply to a tenancy where a rental space is offered for occupancy by a vehicle which primarily is designed as temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use that has its own motor or is mounted on or drawn by another vehicle. The legislation authorizes an innkeeper to request assistance from law enforcement to eject a person from a lodging establishment. The legislation provides that a person ejected from a campground has ten days to make a claim for property left at the time of ejectment.
H.3128 "Uniform Voidable Transactions Act" Rep. W. Newton
This bill enacts the "Uniform Voidable Transactions Act" to strengthen creditor protections by providing remedies for certain transactions by a debtor that are considered unfair to the debtor's creditors.
H.3156 Restricting Interruption of Electric Service to a Customer for Nonpayment Rep. King
This bill revises provisions relating to restricting interruption of electric service to a customer for nonpayment in order to: prohibit interruption to a commercial customer for nonpayment until twenty-five days have elapsed from the date of billing; and, prohibit electric service interruption for a customer enrolled in a prepay program until the fifth business day after giving the customer mailed written notice of the impending interruption.
H.3157 Additional Service Fees Prohibited on Utility Bill Payments Rep. King
This bill makes it unlawful for a public utility, or a third party authorized by a public utility to accept payments for utility bills on its behalf, to collect an additional service fee for a consumer's payment. A penalty is provided for violations.
H.3158 Cable Service Providers Required to Issue Refunds to Customers Due to Service Interruptions Rep. Rutherford
This bill provides that cable service providers must issue a pro rata refund to customers due to an interruption in cable service within fourteen days of the interruption in service. Noncompliance with this requirement results in a fine to the cable service provider in the amount of $10,000 per day.
H.3180 Restricting a Homeowners Association's Authority to Foreclose on Property Rep. Rutherford
This bill revises provisions relating to property exempt from attachment, levy, and sale to provide that a debtor's interest in real property used as a primary residence may not be sold if the action was instituted by a homeowners association attempting to collect unpaid dues, fees, or fines. The legislation revises provisions relating to the enforceability of a homeowner's association's governing documents to prohibit the enforceability of a provision granting a homeowners association the authority to foreclose on property. The legislation prohibits a foreclosure action not authorized by statute.
H.3229 Restrictions on Locations of Tattoo Facilities Rep. Rutherford
This bill revises restrictions on locations of tattoo facilities to allow the issuance of a license for such a facility if all churches, schools, and playgrounds within the parameters affirmatively state that they do not object to the issuance. Certain exceptions are provided.
H.3234 "South Carolina Call Center Jobs Act" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill establishes protections for employees of call centers whose employer relocates or intends to relocate to a foreign country. The legislation provides notice and other requirements in regard to these employers, as well as certain civil penalties and other sanctions against them for specific violations.
H.3237 Notice Requirements Prior to Cremation Rep. Burns
This bill revises the Safe Cremation Act's cremation authorizations and procedures to make provisions for a notice requirement prior to cremation.
H.3251 "Healthy Rental Housing Act" Rep. Gilliard
This bill provides remedies for tenants of residential rental properties with mold that materially affects the health or safety of the tenant or authorized occupant of the rental property.
H.3255 "Living Donor Protection Act" Rep. Jefferson
This bill prohibits issuers of individual life insurance policies, group life insurance policies, disability income insurance policies, and long-term care insurance policies from discriminating against living organ donors.
H.3256 "Rural Area Support Act" Rep. Jefferson
This bill establishes the "Rural Area Support Act" to: require all automobile insurance policies to contain an appraisal clause; prohibit collusion between automobile insurers and vendors; provide that an insurance policy that covers a person operating a rented or leased vehicle, regardless of the limitations or exclusions in the operator's policy, shall be primary to a motor vehicle insurance policy in which the named insured is a rental company or affiliate of the rental company, a qualified self-insurer, and a bond posted by a rental company or an affiliate of the rental company for the purpose of complying with financial responsibility; require automobile repairs to follow manufacturer's instructions; allow an insured to select a vendor for services arising under an automobile insurance policy; require insurers to utilize South Carolina-owned vendors for at least fifty percent of its covered services; and, require insurers to pay sales tax for automobile paint when required to provide car painting services.
H.3259 Financial Disclosure Requirements for Homeowners Associations Rep. King
This bill requires a homeowner's association to send copies of the annual operating budget and operating expenses to homeowners and to submit the annual operating budget to the Department of Consumer Affairs.
H.3260 Safety Glass Claims May Not Be Used in Determining Automobile Insurance Premium Rates Rep. King
This bill revises provisions for automobile collision coverage, 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 on the insured's policy.
H.3261 Service Contracts Rep. King
This bill establishes the conditions under which a contract holder is allowed to cancel a service contract without penalty. The legislation establishes conditions under which it is unlawful for service contract providers to classify defects as preexisting conditions.
H.3262 Preexisting Conditions on Property Covered under Service Contracts Rep. King
This bill provides that a preexisting condition on property covered under a service contract may not be classified as a preexisting condition thirty days after the provider provides notice of the preexisting condition.
H.3264 "South Carolina Rent Control Act" Rep. King
This bill provides restrictions on raising residential rent.
H.3272 Workers' Compensation for Mental Injuries Sustained by First Responders Rep. Pope
This bill establishes requirements for a first responder to file a Workers' Compensation claim for a stress or mental injury unaccompanied by a physical injury.
H.3273 First Responders' Personal Automobile Insurance Policies Rep. Pope
This bill prohibits insurers or agents from considering the work-related driving record of a first responder in determining the premium rate for the first responder's personal automobile insurance policy.
H.3274 Restrictions on Insurers Denying Claims Arising from Leaks Rep. Rutherford
This bill provides that an insurer may not deny a claim arising from a leak on the basis of the leak occurring over an extended period of time unless the insured had actual knowledge of the leak and failed to undertake actions to repair or replace the source of the leak.
H.3275 Automobile Insurance Limits for Bodily Injury Resulting in Death Rep. Rutherford
This bill revises automobile insurance provisions relating to bodily injury and property damage limits to require $150,000 limits for bodily injury resulting in death.
H.3278 Real Estate Appraisers Rep. West
This bill revises qualifications and other provisions governing the licensure and regulation of real estate appraisers to bring these state provisions into alignment with federal standards.
H.3286 "Freedom of Employment Contract Act" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill repeals the state's "Right-to-Work" provisions under which members of a workforce may not be required to join labor unions and engage in collective bargaining and representation.
H.3290 Transfers from One Funeral Service Provider to Another Rep. King
This bill provides that when dead human bodies are transferred from one funeral home, funeral director, or embalmer to another, the transferor may recover certain unpaid service fees and legal fees from the transferee in certain circumstances. These actions must be heard in magistrate's court regardless of the jurisdictional amounts involved.
H.3316 Unlawful Employment Practice to Base Hiring Decisions on Job Candidates' Credit Histories Rep. King
This bill provide that it is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail or refuse to hire an individual because of the credit history or credit report of the individual, and to provide exceptions.
H.3334 Swimming Pool Installers Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill expands the definition of a residential specialty contractor to include swimming pool installers among the areas of residential specialty contracting recognized by the Residential Builders Commission.
H.3410 Unfair Methods of Competition and Deceptive Practices in the Recreational Vehicle Trade Rep. Gatch
This bill provides that it is unlawful for any manufacturer, factory branch, factory representative, distributor, wholesaler, distributor branch, distributor representative, or recreational vehicle dealer to engage in any action which is arbitrary, in bad faith, or unconscionable and which causes damage to any of the parties or to the public. Penalties are established for violations.
H.3427 Ticket Resales Rep. Rutherford
This bill revises provisions relating to ticket resales and the resale of tickets for more than the original price, so as to remove certain exceptions.
H.3428 "South Carolina Equal Pay for Equal Work Act" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill establishes provisions prohibiting on the basis of sex the paying of wages to employees of one sex at a lesser rate than the rate paid to employees of the opposite sex for comparable work in jobs which require the same or essentially the same knowledge, skill, effort, and responsibility. The legislation provides administrative and judicial remedies for violations.
H.3461 Landlords' Duty to Provide Security Systems to Protect Tenants Rep. Gilliard
This bill imposes upon landlords a duty to provide certain security to protect tenants from criminal activities of third parties. The legislation provides that landlords who are negligent in the performance of this duty may be liable for damages proximately caused to the tenant by such criminal activities.
H.3462 Prohibition on Basing Personnel Actions on an Individual's Credit Score Rep. Gilliard
This bill establishes provisions to prohibit an individual's credit score from being the basis of any personnel action. Penalties are provided for violations.
H.3493 Coastal Structural Stability Study Committee Rep. Gilliard
This joint resolution creates a temporary "Coastal Structural Stability Study Committee" to examine current measures for inspecting commercial buildings that are six floors or more in height constructed along the South Carolina coast and on the Charleston peninsula to evaluate their structural soundness. The committee is charged with make a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2024, at which time the study committee terminates.
H.3515 "Entrepreneur Freedom Act" Rep. Pace
This bill repeals provisions for professional and occupational licensure, certification, registration, and regulation of: hair braiding practitioners; embalmers and funeral directors; dietitians; landscape architects; psychologists; social workers; speech pathologists and audiologists; professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and licensed psycho-educational specialists; geologists; the State Athletic Commission; and, teachers.
H.3525 State Government Divestment in Companies Boycotting Energy Companies Rep. Oremus
This bill prohibits the state from investing in and contracting with companies that boycott energy companies.
H.3537 Requirements for Insurers and Pharmacy Benefits Managers to Include Cost-Sharing Amounts in Calculations Rep. Henegan
This bill requires insurers and pharmacy benefits managers to include cost-sharing amounts paid when calculating an enrollee's contribution.
H.3564 "Eliminate Economic Boycotts Act" Rep. Gilliam
This bill establishes requirements for companies that contract with the state to certify that they do not boycott or discriminate against certain companies.
H.3566 Restrictions on Chinese Company Land Ownership Rep. Haddon
This bill establishes provisions that any company or development owned or controlled by a company that is owned, in whole or in part, by, or is a subsidiary of, a company that is owned by the People's Republic of China (PRC) or the Chinese Communist Party or whose principal place of business is located within the People's Republic of China may not own, lease, possess, or exercise any control over more than one hundred acres of real estate in South Carolina.
H.3568 Homeowners Association Expenditures Rep. McDaniel
This bill establishes financial disclosure requirements and imposes limitations on certain expenditures by homeowners' associations. The legislation prohibits a homeowner's association from paying utility bills on behalf of the homeowner.
H.3572 Maximum Rate Charged on a Deferred Presentment Transaction Rep. Thigpen
This bill revises restrictions and requirements for deferred presentment or deposit of check to provide that the effective annual percentage rate charged cannot exceed thirty-six percent.
H.3573 Protections for Crime Victim Tenants Rep. Thigpen
This bill allows a tenant who is the victim of a crime to request a new lock. The legislation provides a procedure if the perpetrator of the crime is a tenant. The legislation allows a victim of domestic violence to terminate a rental agreement under certain circumstances. The legislation prohibits a landlord from undertaking certain actions.
H.3577 Electrical Substation Security Rep. Rivers
This bill provides that an electrical utility that owns or is responsible for operating an electrical substation have security cameras to monitor and record activities at the electrical substation. The legislation provides that a person who wilfully destroys, damages, or in any way injures an electrical substation is subject to a fine of $30,000.
H.3085 Property Tax Payment Rep. King
The legislation adds 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.
H.3093 "Community Charge" on Nonprofit Hospitals and Institutions of Higher Learning Rep. Rutherford
The bill authorizes local governments to impose a "community charge" on nonprofit hospitals and institutions of higher learning. The bill includes guidelines for method of determining charges and to provide for collection measures.
H.3104 Shooting Range Location Rep. Bustos
The legislation outlines that no portion of an outdoor shooting range may be located within 150 yards of any portion of a residential neighborhood or school.
H.3118 Chinese State Land Ownership/Control Prohibition Rep. Gilliam
The legislation outlines that any company or development owned or is a subsidiary of a company that is owned by the People's Republic of China may not own, lease, possess, or exercise any control over any land or real estate located within fifty miles of a state or federal military base or installation for the purpose of installing or erecting any type of telecommunications or broadcasting tower.
H.3138 Disposal of Abandoned and Derelict Aircraft Rep. Bustos
This bill provides procedures for the disposal of abandoned or derelict aircraft by an airport manager.
H.3170 Pregnant and Postpartum Inmates Rep. Cromer
This bill provides for the treatment of pregnant and postpartum inmates within seven days of arriving at a state correctional facility.
H.3202 Inmate Cancer Screenings Rep. Cromer
Correctional facilities, local detention facilities, and prison or work camps must provide cervical and ovarian cancer screenings annually at each facility for all women inmates.
H.3205 Maternal Mortality Study Committee Rep. Garvin
Joint resolution creates a study committee to examine maternal mortality rates among non-Hispanic Black women in South Carolina.
H.3212 State of Mental Health Study Committee Rep. King
This Joint Resolution creates a study committee to examine the state of mental health of South Carolina residents.
H.3215 "No Patient Left Alone Act" Rep. Moss
This bill enacts the "No Patient Left Alone Act." This bill safeguards patient and resident visitation rights in certain health care facilities during declared disasters and emergencies.
H.3216 Administering of Opioid Antidotes by First Responders Rep. Oremus
Every first responder station and dispatch office in the state shall maintain in their inventory an adequate supply of unexpired opioid antidote medication for use.
H.3225 Certificate of Foreign Birth Rep. Pope
This bill requires the Department of Health and Environmental Control to issue upon receipt of certain documentation a certificate of foreign birth for a child with United States citizenship who is born in a foreign country to a parent who is a resident of South Carolina.
H.3226 "Put Patients First Act" Rep. Rutherford
This legislation enacts the "Put Patients Frist Act." Among many things, the legislation authorizes registered patients to use marijuana for medical purposes.
H.3231 Child Development Services Program Rep. West
After the Legislative Oversight Committee's review, this program is no longer being operated by the Department of Health and Human Services. As a result, this bill repeals sections relating to the responsibility of the Department to establish and expand Child Development Services. House Oversight Committee recommendation.
H.3232 Copies of Medical Records Rep. West
This bill outlines that a suspended, terminated, or excluded Medicaid provider must provide a patient's medical records at no charge. House Oversight Committee recommendation.
H.3235 Emergency Management Division Continuous Sheltering Operations Rep. Bailey
This bill adds to the Emergency Management Divisions' duties that all emergency shelters opened during declared emergencies or evacuations are staffed and equipped with sufficient personnel and supplies to maintain continuous sheltering operations based on each shelter's maximum occupancy for the predicted duration of the emergency or evacuation period.
H.3236 Local Government Annexations Rep. Bustos
This bill authorizes a municipality to annex an area by ordinance if the area is completely surrounded by the municipality.
H.3252 SC Minority Health Disparities Study Committee Rep. Henderson-Myers
This joint resolution creates the South Carolina Minority Health Disparities Study Committee to examine racial and ethnic health disparities.
H.3253 Short Term Rentals Rep. Hewitt
This bill prohibits local governments enforcing ordinances that prohibit the rental of a residential dwelling to a short-term guest. "Short term rental" means a residential dwelling that is offered for rent for a fee and for fewer than twenty-nine consecutive days.
H.3280 County Veterans' Affairs Officers Rep. Yow
This bill outlines that county veterans' affairs officers are county employees and that these employees may be removed by the legislative delegation.
H.3310 "Social Work Interstate Compact Act" Rep Gilliam
This bill establishes the "Social Work Interstate Compact Act" which facilitates the interstate practice of regulated social workers with the goal of improving public access to competent social work services.
H.3329 Dental Specialties Needing Special Licensure Rep. Rutherford
Under current law, the dental specialties licensure is recognized by the American Dental Association. This bill adds that such specialties licensure shall also be recognized by the American Board of Dental Specialties.
H.3486 "South Carolina Compassionate Care Act" Rep. Herbkersman
Among many things, this bill authorizes the use of cannabis products by patients with debilitating medical conditions who are under the care of a physician, with exception. "Cannabis product" means a product that is infused with or otherwise contains cannabis or an extract thereof and that is intended for use, consumption, absorption, or any method of ingestion by humans cultivated and produced by a licensed facility in South Carolina.
H.3487 "Midwife Practice Act" Rep. Jefferson
This bill enacts the "Midwife Practice Act." In addition to transferring the regulatory authority of the practice of midwifery to the state Board of Medical Examiners, the bill provides for definitions and midwife practice requirements.
H.3489 "Midwife Practice Act" Rep. Long
This bill enacts the "Midwife Practice Act." As a result, the bill establishes within the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the South Carolina Board of Midwifery, consisting of seven members, of which four must be licensed midwives appointed by Governor. The bill provides for licensure and set certain midwife practice requirements and prohibitions.
H.3492 Local Government Fund Rep. Long
The legislation outlines that a local government found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have violated any state law in a given fiscal year forfeits its next four quarterly distributions from the Local Government Fund.
H.3508 Jurisdiction Over Certain Lands Relinquished by the United States and the Exclusive Original Jurisdiction of the Family Court Rep. Davis
The legislation provides concurrent jurisdiction with the United States in certain matters involving juveniles within a military installation.
H.3516 County Roadway Maintenance Rep. Rivers
With exceptions, no work may be performed on any roadway not maintained by the county unless the county administrator or governing body determines that access to such roadway is necessary for the performance of one or more public functions.
H.3592 Compounding Pharmacies Rep. Hyde
Among many things, the bill revises requirements for pharmacies that compound medication.
H.3595 Delayed Birth Certificates Rep. Henegan
A person born whose birth is unregistered may use an inscribed family Bible or genealogical records as documentation of date of birth if the person executes a sworn statement affirming the date of birth.
H.3065 Five Percent State Employee Pay Increase Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This joint resolution establishes a plan under which the Department of Administration must allocate amounts appropriated for employee pay increases so that state employees receive a five percent employee pay increase during Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
H.3068 Annual State Employee Pay Increases to Account for Inflation Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill directs the Office of Human Resources of the Department of Administration to implement the recommendations of a study on the state's classification and compensation system and to increase each pay band annually to account for inflation.
H.3070 Statewide Advisory Referendum on Medicaid Expansion Rep. Garvin
This joint resolution provides that a statewide advisory referendum must be conducted by the State Election Commission at the same time as the 2024 General Election on the question of whether South Carolina should participate in Medicaid expansion.
H.3071 Roll-Back Taxes on Real Property Changed from Agricultural Use Rep. Forrest
This bill revises real property tax provisions to reduce the penalty for changing the use of agricultural property to one dollar for each parcel; and repeal a provision addressing roll-back taxes for open spaces.
H.3072 Continuation of Owner-Occupied Property Tax Assessment Ratio Following the Owner's Death Rep. Hewitt
This bill revises property tax provisions to provide that when an owner receiving the four-percent special assessment rate for owner-occupied residential property dies, the property shall continue to receive the special assessment rate until the decedent's estate is closed, upon the recording of a deed or deed of distribution out of the estate, or after December thirty-first of the year following the date of death, whichever occurs first. This extension does not apply if the property is rented for more than seventy-two days in or following the calendar year of the decedent's death or if a change of use occurs.
H.3073 Taxation and Licensure Exemptions for Arts and Craft Sales at Festivals Rep. Hixon
This bill revises retail sales tax provisions to exclude tangible personal property sold by certain artists and craftsmen making limited sales at certain festivals. The legislation also revises retail license requirements to remove the requirement that such artists and craftsmen obtain a retail license.
H.3074 Admissions Tax Exemption for Nonprofit Business Leagues and Chambers of Commerce Rep. Hixon
This bill revises Admissions Tax provisions to exempt admissions charged by certain nonprofit business leagues and chambers of commerce.
H.3081 Full Income Tax Deduction for Capital Gains on the Sale of Precious Metal Bullion Rep. S. Jones
This bill revises income tax provisions for individuals, estates, and trusts to provide for a one hundred percent exemption on any capital gain recognized from the sale of gold, silver, platinum bullion, or any combination of this bullion.
H.3083 Counties Prohibited from Collecting Surcharges on Tax Bills Paid with Credit Cards and Certain Other Payment Methods Rep. King
This bill revies provisions relating to methods of making a tax payment to prohibit a county governing body from imposing a surcharge for the acceptance of a particular medium of payment, disallowing the practice of recouping the cost of accepting charge cards, debit cards, or electronic forms of payment including discount or merchant fees.
H.3086 Complete Residential Property Tax Exemption for Older Homeowners Rep. King
This bill revises real property tax exemptions to allow an exemption from all property tax equal to one hundred percent of the value subject to tax of an owner-occupied residence if the owner has attained the age of eighty years.
H.3087 Legislative Approval of Agency Head Salary Increases Rep. King
This bill revises Agency Head Salary Commission provisions to provide that a salary increase shall not become effective until approved by a majority of each house of the General Assembly in separate votes held only on the question of each individual increase.
H.3089 South Carolina Film Commission Rep. W. Newton
This bill revises admission tax collections funding for the South Carolina Film Commission to increase the percentage dedicated to the commission from twenty-six percent to fifty percent of the general fund portion of the admissions tax. The legislation revises tax rebates to a motion picture company to increase the maximum annual amount of rebates from ten million dollars to twenty million dollars. The legislation provides that any funds committed to film projects must be carried forward from the previous year and used for the same purpose, and that any uncommitted funds must be carried forward and used for wage and supplier rebate funds.
H.3094 Reporting Requirements for Sizeable Reductions in Force Imposed by Nonprofit Corporations Rep. Rutherford
This bill requires a nonprofit corporation that has an annual gross revenue exceeding one billion dollars that imposes a reduction in force of more than one hundred employees to prepare and present a report to the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, and to the local governing body of each county in which the nonprofit corporation is located within thirty days that details all tax credits, deductions, exemptions, and other economic and procedural benefits made available to it and why it was necessary to impose the reduction in force.
H.3098 Use Tax Exemption on All-Terrain Vehicle Purchased or Leased in Another State Rep. Yow
This bill revises use tax exemptions to exempt an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) purchased or leased in another state if the purchaser paid the sales tax in the other state.
H.3103 "South Carolina Job Creation and Competitiveness Act of 2023" Rep. Burns
This bill repeals provisions relating to the South Carolina Income Tax Act and corporate license fees and instead provides that South Carolina taxable income for individuals, estates, and trusts is equal to the three and one-half percent of the difference between the federal taxable income of the taxpayer and the state standard deduction. The legislation makes provisions for the state standard deduction. The legislation makes provisions addressing an earned income tax credit and income taxes paid to another state. The legislation repeals certain exemptions from the sales and use tax.
H.3106 Solar Energy Property Income Tax Credit Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill provides for an income tax credit to an individual or business that constructs, purchases, or leases certain solar energy property and places it in service in South Carolina.
H.3107 Educational Lottery Scholarship Programs Rep. Collins
This bill revises the purposes and funding of the Educational Lottery Teaching Scholarship Grants Program so that it includes scholarships and grants for teachers to obtain a master's degree in their content area, full scholarships to undergraduates who choose to major in education, and grants to teachers and certified prospective teachers to repay student loans. The legislation provides that students are not qualified for LIFE Scholarships or HOPE Scholarships until after the completion of their freshman year.
H.3108 Foster Care Children Included in the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children Rep. Collins
This bill revises provisions for the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children's Fund so that they are expanded to include a child who is in foster care.
H.3109 Sales Tax Exemption for Feminine Hygiene Products, Diapers, and Toilet Paper Rep. Collins
This bill establishes a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products, diapers, and toilet paper.
H.3110 Feminine Hygiene Products Included in the Sales Tax Exemption Holiday Rep. Collins
This bill adds feminine hygiene products to the Sales Tax Exemption Holiday.
H.3111 Retailers Required to Submit information About Whether They Sell Certain Products Used for Smoking Rep. Collins
This bill revises retail license requirements to provide that a retailer shall submit information about whether or not it sells tobacco, tobacco products, vape products, or any other product used for smoking with its retail license application. Additionally, a retailer shall update this information annually.
H.3114 Statewide Property Tax Millage for Public School Operations and Capital Improvements Rep. Collins
This bill provides that the General Assembly annually by joint resolution shall impose a statewide millage on all real and personal property subject to property tax in South Carolina for the purpose of raising revenue for public school operations and capital improvements in lieu of any property tax millage imposed by an individual school district. The annual joint resolution shall provide the plan of distributing the revenue for the applicable fiscal year to the school districts of the state. The legislation revises property tax exemptions to exempt one hundred percent of the fair market value of all real and personal property subject to property tax in South Carolina from property tax millage imposed by a school district for school operations.
H.3115 Income Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans Rep. B. L. Cox
This bill provides that a veteran who has a disability rating issued by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs is allowed a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to the product of his disability rating percent and his income tax liability. However, the amount of the credit may not exceed $5,000 each year.
H.3116 Immediate Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans Rep. Felder
This bill revises the property tax exemption provisions for disabled veterans to provide that a qualified veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability and who files a certificate signed by the county service officer, may immediately claim the exemption for the entire year in which the disability occurs. Additionally, a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled for any part of the year is entitled to the exemption for the entire year. In a year in which a disabled veteran owns a property for less than a year, any other owner, who is not a disabled veteran, or otherwise entitled to an exemption, is responsible for the property tax accrued on the property for the time in which he owned the property.
H.3120 "I-95 Corridor Authority Act" Rep. Hosey
This bill establishes the I-95 Corridor Authority to carry out economic development, health, and educational improvement activities in its member counties of Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Hampton, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg and serve surrounding areas.
H.3121 Income Tax Credit for Perpetual Recreational Trail Easements Rep. Hyde
This bill makes provisions for an income tax credit to a property owner who encumbers his property with a perpetual recreational trail easement.
H.3124 Community Land Trust Property Afforded Residential Property Tax Assessment Ratio Rep. JA Moore
This bill revises property tax classifications and assessment ratios to provide that certain community land trust property receives the special assessment ratio afforded owner-occupied residential property.
H.3125 Fruit and Vegetable SNAP Grant Program Rep. JA Moore
This bill establishes the "Fruit and Vegetable Snap Grant Program" to encourage Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables by providing them with a certain additional allotment. The legislation establishes the Fruit and Vegetable SNAP Grant Fund and provides that the Department of Social Services shall coordinate with local grocery stores and farmers' markets to develop certain plans.
H.3126 Sales Tax Exemptions for Paper Goods and Grocery Store Prepared Foods Rep. JA Moore
This bill adds sales tax exemptions for paper goods, such as paper towels, toilet paper, plates, and feminine hygiene products, and for prepared food that is purchased at a grocery store.
H.3127 Homestead Property Tax Exemption Increase Rep. Moss
This bill revises provisions for the homestead property tax exemption allowed for persons who are over the age of sixty-five years, disabled, or legally blind by increasing the exemption amount from the first $50,000 to the first $100,000 of the fair market value of the homestead.
H.3132 Sales Tax Exemption for Sales from a Small Business During One Month of the Year Rep. White
This bill establishes a sales tax exemption for sales made at a small business located in South Carolina during one month each year of the small business's choosing.
H.3143 Disability Retirees under the Police Officers Retirement System Rep. Rose
This bill revises provisions for retirement allowances under the Police Officers Retirement System to provide that certain disability retirees are subject to certain earnings limitations.
H.3149 Limitations on Penalties Imposed for Overdue Local Hospitality Tax Payments Rep. Stavrinakis
This bill provides that a penalty, fine, or other additional cost may not be imposed with respect to local hospitality tax payments received within seven days of the due date that in the aggregate exceeds five percent of the delinquent tax.
H.3152 Lottery Prizes Rep. West
This bill revises provisions relating to lottery prizes, removing certain provisions relating to contracting with certain agencies.
H.3153 Allowing Contributions to the Patriots Point Development Authority through an Income Tax Return Check-Off Rep. West
This bill allows for voluntary contributions to the Patriots Point Development Authority by adding the authority to the check-off list on the individual income tax return. This is a House Oversight Committee recommendation.
H.3177 Electric Vehicles and Motor Fuel Alternatives Rep. Pendarvis
This bill adds an individual income tax deduction for all direct expenses related to the installation of solar panels on the roof of a gas station or canopy of a charging station for electric vehicles if the solar panels are used to provide power to electric vehicle charging stations. The legislation eliminates the biennial road use fees imposed on motor vehicles powered by electricity, hydrogen, and any other fuel other than motor fuel.
H.3193 Palmetto Unified School District 1 Rep. Wooten
This bill makes revisions and updates to eliminate outdated references regarding the Palmetto Unified School District 1 of the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
H.3195 Department of Corrections Retirees Returning to Work in Critical Needs Areas Rep. Wooten
This bill revises the earnings limitation for a retired member of the South Carolina Retirement System upon return to covered employment to provide that this limitation does not apply to retired employees of the Department of Corrections who return to covered employment with the department and work in a critical needs area.
H.3198 "Justice Forty Oversight Committee" Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This joint resolution creates a temporary "Justice Forty Oversight Committee" to study opportunities to address the issue of environmental justice through targeted efforts in certain communities. The legislation provides for the committee's composition and requires the committee submit its recommendations to the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
H.3206 Medicaid Program Eligibility Expansion Rep. Garvin
This bill provides that, beginning January 1, 2024, an adult sixty-five years of age or younger whose income is at or below one hundred thirty-three percent of the federal poverty level, with a five percent income disregard, is eligible for Medicaid as provided for in the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its amendments.
H.3209 "Permit Extension Joint Resolution of 2023" Rep. Jordan
This joint resolution provides for the extension of certain permits, certificates, and other governmental approvals affecting economic development within the state.
H.3239 Department of Public Health and Department of Environmental Control Rep. Yow
This bill abolishes the Department of Health and Environmental Control, along with its governing board, and provides for DHEC's divisions, offices, and programs that perform health-related functions to be transferred to a newly established Department of Public Health and for DHEC's divisions, offices, and programs that perform functions related to the regulation and protection of the environment to be transferred to a newly established Department of Environmental Control. The Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Control are established as cabinet agencies in the executive branch, governed by directors who are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
H.3257 County Legislative Delegation Offices Rep. King
This bill requires county councils to provide office space and appropriate monies for the operation of the county legislative delegation office. The legislation requires the appropriation to be included in the annual county budget and provides that the delegation is responsible for the employment, supervision, and discharge of all personnel employed by the delegation.
H.3265 Resident Vendor Preferences for Service-Disabled Veterans Rep. Moss
This bill revises resident vendor preferences under the Consolidated Procurement Code to provide that, for the purpose of making an award determination, a procurement officer is directed to decrease a bidder's price by two percent if the bid is submitted by a business owned by a service-disabled veteran residing in South Carolina.
H.3333 Cash Deposit-Activated Games of Skill Machines with Prizes Rep. Rutherford
This bill provides that the Lottery Commission may lawfully own, market, and regulate games of skill machines that may be activated by depositing cash into the machines and that allow skilled players to earn prizes, provided the Lottery Commission shall maintain ownership and control of these games of skill machines. A person eighteen years of age or older lawfully may play these machines and an establishment approved by the commission may lawfully possess these machines if the commission maintains ownership and control of these machines at all times.
H.3337 Use of Earned Paid Sick Leave for Chronic Illnesses or Health Conditions Without Obtaining Health Care Provider Certification Rep. Wooten
This bill establishes provisions under which employees may use up to three days each year of earned paid sick leave provided by their employers for a chronic illness or health condition, such as self-limiting gastrointestinal illness and migraine headaches, that makes attending work prohibitive but does not require medical treatment, without having to obtain health care provider certification.
H.3345 911 Professional First Responders Entitled to State Employee Benefits Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill provides that an emergency medical services provider, a law enforcement officer, or a fire department worker directly engaged in examining, treating, or directing persons during an emergency, or a 911 professional, which includes call takers and dispatchers, is entitled to all benefits that accrue to first responders employed by the State and its local governing bodies.
H.3402 Student Loan Forgiveness for Law Enforcement Officers Rep. Wooten
This bill establishes provisions for forgiving previous student loans at an accredited South Carolina institution of higher learning for newly hired law enforcement officers after five consecutive years of employment with the same law enforcement agency. Loan forgiveness may not exceed the lessor of $4,000 or twenty percent of an officer's unpaid balance per year. The maximum loan forgiveness may not exceed $20,000 over a five-year period.
H.3413 Support for Law Enforcement and Other First Responders Rep. Wooten
This bill provides that the millage rate limitation may be suspended. The millage rate may be increased to purchase equipment and make expenditures to improve law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency medical response. The legislation establishes a minimum salary for certain state or local law enforcement officers. The legislation provides that the General Assembly must appropriate funds to the State Law Enforcement Division for post- traumatic stress disorder resulting from law enforcement activities. The legislation requires the General Assembly to fund the body worn camera fund program. The legislation provides that all other funds collected by the Law Enforcement Training Council and the Criminal Justice Academy must be remitted to the state's general fund if the Law Enforcement Training Council is appropriated a certain amount of general funds.
H.3416 Law Enforcement Officer Wages Excluded from Gross Taxable Income Rep. B. L. Cox
This bill revises taxation provisions to provide that South Carolina gross income does not include wages earned by a law enforcement officer while performing the duties of a law enforcement officer. For these purposes, "law enforcement officer" means an officer or employee of the United States, a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia, who is authorized to enforce laws.
H.3417 Expansion of One Percent Tax Breaks for the Elderly Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill revises sales and use tax provisions, accommodations tax provisions, and casual excise tax provisions to lower the age at which one percent of these taxes do not apply from 85 to 78.
H.3419 Limitation on the Amount of Time Interest May Accrue on Student Education Loans Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill provides that the interest rate on a private student education loan issued to a student loan borrower in South Carolina only may be charged for a number of years equal to the amount of time the student loan borrower was enrolled in the postsecondary institution that received the funds provided by the student education loan. The interest rate on a private student education loan may not be charged for more than ten years for a bachelor's degree, ten years for a master's degree, and ten years for a doctorate or longer than the amount of time the student loan borrower was enrolled in a postsecondary institution, whichever is less.
H.3420 "Palmetto Dividend Fund" Rep. J. L. Johnson
This bill creates the "Palmetto Dividend Fund" to provide a $400 check to each South Carolina citizen over the age of seventeen each year. In order to make these annual payments, the new Dividend Fund is to utilize revenue derived from an income tax rate increase of one percent on the top marginal rate for households with a South Carolina taxable income between $100,000 and $165,000 and an increase of two percent on the top marginal rate for households with a South Carolina taxable income over $165,000.
H.3421 First Responder Wages Excluded from Gross Taxable Income Rep. Lawson
This bill revises taxation provisions to provide that South Carolina gross income does not include wages earned by a first responder while performing the duties of a first responder. For these purposes, "first responder" means an emergency medical services provider, a law enforcement officer, including an officer or employee of the United States, a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia, who is authorized to enforce laws, a fire department worker, or a 911 dispatcher directly engaged in examining, treating, or directing persons during an emergency.
H.3422 Income Tax Credits for Funding Grants for Independent School Tuition and Home-Schooling Rep. Long
This bill makes provisions for income tax credits for contributions to a scholarship funding organization that provides grants for students to attend certain independent and home schools. The legislation repeals provisions for the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children's Fund.
H.3423 Homestead Property Tax Exemption Increase Rep. Long
This bill revises the homestead property tax exemption allowed for persons who are over the age of sixty-five years, disabled, or legally blind, so as to increase the exemption amount from the first $50,000 to the first $100,000 of the fair market value of the homestead.
H.3425 Earnings Limitations Upon Return to Covered Employment in the SCPORS and the SCRS Rep. Pope
This bill revises the earnings limitation provisions upon return to covered employment in the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System to provide that these limitations do not apply to retirees returning to covered employment in a critical needs law enforcement position as determined by the Law Enforcement Training Council. The legislation revises the earnings limitation provisions upon return to covered employment in SCPORS and the South Carolina Retirement System to provide that the earnings limitation does not apply if the member has not been engaged to perform services for a participating employer in the system or any of the other state pension systems for compensation in any capacity, whether as an employee, independent contractor, leased employee, joint employee, or other classification of worker, for a period of at least twelve consecutive months subsequent to retirement.
H.3429 Paid Parental Leave for Public School Teachers and Grant-Funded Employees of Public Schools Rep. Collins
This bill revises provisions for paid parental leave so that public school teachers and grant-funded employees of public schools are included among eligible state employees.
H.3430 School Board Members Eligible for State Health and Dental Insurance Rep. Collins
This bill revises provisions governing whose employees and retirees are eligible for State Health and Dental Insurance Plans so as to include school Board members.
H.3449 Homestead Property Tax Exemption Residency Requirement Rep. Hardee
This bill revises the homestead property tax exemption for the elderly and disabled to require that a person be a resident of the state for at least five years, instead of one year, to obtain the exemption.
H.3450 Exclusion of Certain Overtime and Bonus Pay from Gross Taxable Income Rep. Long
This bill revises provisions governing modifications to gross income for individual income tax purposes to provide that South Carolina gross income does not include any overtime pay received by an individual under the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act nor does it include the first $2,500 of bonus pay received by an individual in the tax year.
H.3457 Use of Palmetto Fellows Scholarships and LIFE Scholarships Rep. Collins
This bill adds provisions to establish durations for Palmetto Fellows Scholarships and make these scholarships available for accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate degree programs. The legislation revises provisions for the duration of LIFE Scholarships to make these scholarships available for accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate degree programs.
H.3460 South Carolina Blue Origin Flight Lottery Commission Act Rep. Collins
This bill creates the "South Carolina Blue Origin Flight Lottery Commission Act" established for the purpose of creating a lottery for a South Carolina resident to fly to space on a Blue Origin flight in an annual lottery. The commission also must establish eligibility criteria for participants in this lottery that address such issues as encouraging careers in the field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
H.3463 Reimbursement for Firefighter Training Rep. Long
This bill establishes procedures through which a fire department that assumes the cost of training a firefighter may be reimbursed for these costs by other fire departments that subsequently hire the firefighter within a certain period of time.
H.3475 Payments to Managers and Clerks of Elections Rep. B. Newton
This bill revises provisions for what is considered earnable compensation within the South Carolina Retirement System and revises taxation provisions relating to the computation of South Carolina gross income to exclude certain amounts paid to managers and clerks of elections to the extent the amounts are not subject to Federal Insurance Contribution Act tax.
H.3482 South Carolinians with Disabilities Economic Development Trust Fund Rep. Long
This bill establishes the "South Carolinians with Disabilities Economic Development Trust Fund" to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities to pursue entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities through business development grants for the startup, expansion, or acquisition of a business operated within the state. The legislation makes provisions for a tax credit for taxpayer contributions to the trust fund and adds the trust fund to the list of funds to which a taxpayer may contribute on a state individual tax return.
H.3494 Appropriations to the Department of Social Services to Improve the Adoption Process Rep. Herbkersman
This bill makes provisions for appropriations to the Department of Social Services to improve the adoption process in South Carolina.
H.3502 Surviving Spouses Eligible to Receive Property Tax Exemptions Rep. Lawson
This bill revises property tax exemptions to make provisions that certain surviving spouses are eligible for the exemption.
H.3504 Tax Credit for Healthy Food Purchases Rep. JA Moore
This bill makes provisions for a tax credit equal to the amount of money spent by an individual in the tax year, not to exceed $3,500, to purchase unprepared foods that support a healthy and nutritious diet.
H.3509 Prohibition on Local Government Investments in Chinese Companies Rep. Long
This bill prohibits the state's political subdivisions from investing in certain companies owned or controlled by the People's Republic of China (PRC) or the Chinese Communist Party or whose principal place of business is located within the People's Republic of China.
H.3510 Prohibition on Department of Commerce Incentives for Chinese Companies Rep. Long
This bill prohibits the Department of Commerce from offering or awarding incentives to certain companies owned or controlled by the People's Republic of China (PRC) or the Chinese Communist Party. The legislation prohibits any company receiving an incentive from contracting with such prohibited companies.
H.3511 Fee in Lieu of Property Taxes Agreements Rep. McDaniel
This bill provides that before a county enters into a fee in lieu of property taxes agreement, the county must consult with the other affected taxing entities regarding the effects of the agreement on the other entities. The county must provide projections for the amount of revenue expected to be distributed to each entity each year from the agreement, and the method by which the projections were calculated. A county is required to issue an annual report detailing distributions, and in any year in which the county fails to distribute an affected taxing entity its correct distribution, the Office of the State Treasurer shall withhold the county's State Aid to Subdivisions Act distribution until the correct amount is distributed.
H.3513 Calculation of State Income Taxes of Married Taxpayers Who File a Joint Federal Return Rep. McCravy
This bill provides that married taxpayers that file a joint federal return may elect to calculate their amount of South Carolina income tax owed for the tax year as though each taxpayer filed a return as a single taxpayer. If both taxpayers elect to calculate their amount of tax owed as a single filer and consequently the taxpayers' cumulative tax owed is less than the amount they would owe had they filed a joint return, then the excess amount owed may be reduced from the amount owed on their joint return. Nothing in these provisions allows married taxpayers that file a joint federal return to file a South Carolina tax return using another filing status.
H.3524 Reduced Rollback Tax Penalty When a Church Changes the Use of Agricultural Property Rep. Nutt
This bill revises provisions for rollback taxes to provide that if the real property is applied to a use other than agricultural by a church who is exempt from property taxes, regardless of whether the real property extends beyond the building and premises actually occupied, then the rollback taxes owed shall equal one dollar for each applicable parcel.
H.3526 Elimination of the Income Tax on Individuals, Estates, and Trusts Rep. Pace
This bill provides that, for tax years beginning after 2023, no tax may be imposed on the South Carolina taxable income of individuals, estates, and trusts. Any provision of law that requires the imposition or imposition-related requirements, such as filings and withholdings, are no longer effective.
H.3527 Zero Percent Taxation of First One Million Dollars of Taxable Income Rep. Pace
This bill revises individual income tax provisions, to provide that the first one million dollars of taxable income is taxed at a rate of zero percent and the top marginal rate of six percent applies thereafter to amounts over one million dollars.
H.3528 Twenty Percent Small Business Income Tax Credit During First Five Years Rep. JA Moore
This bill provides that, in addition to any other tax credit, in the first five tax years of its existence, a small business may claim an income tax credit equal to twenty percent of its costs, not to exceed $10,000 in a tax year. However, the $10,000 limit must be increased by $1,000 for each additional person it employs as a full-time employee. The small business may carry forward the credit for five years after the tax year in which the credit was earned.
H.3562 "South Carolina Medicaid Buy-In Act" Rep. Thigpen
This bill establishes a Medicaid buy-in program as a means of providing quality, affordable health insurance for certain residents of the state.
H.3563 Sales Tax Exemption for Feminine Hygiene Products Rep. Cobb-Hunter
This bill establishes a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products including tampons, sanitary napkins, and other similar personal care items for use in connection with the menstrual cycle.
H.3565 State Pension Fiduciary Duty Act Rep. Gilliam
The State Pension Fiduciary Duty Act establishes provisions that state retirement funds must be invested solely to achieve a return for pension plan beneficiaries and not to achieve certain political and social objectives.
H.3567 Prohibition on Investing Public Employee Retirement Funds in Chinese Companies Rep. Long
This bill provides that the Retirement Investment Commission may not invest public employee retirement funds in a company that is owned, in whole or in part, by, or is a subsidiary of, a company that is owned by the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party, or whose principal place of business is located within the People's Republic of China.
H.3569 "Critical Retention of Teachers Act" Rep. JA Moore
This bill revises teacher salary schedule provisions to require two five percent increases in each step on the schedule. The legislation allows a teacher who purchases school supplies and materials to claim an income tax credit up to $500. The legislation repeals the "South Carolina Real Property Valuation Reform Act" with its "point of sale" valuation of real property for purposes of imposition of the property tax and largely reinstates the former systems of valuation and taxation of real property and improvements to real property.
H.3570 Taxation of Livestock Trailer Sales Rep. Ott
This bill includes livestock trailers among the items that are subject to the maximum sales tax limitations.
H.3576 Water Resources Coordinating Council Rep. Hixon
This bill revises provisions relating to bonds to be authorized by resolution of the South Carolina Resources Authority (to eliminate the requirement that the authority must only issue bonds for those projects recommended to the authority by the Water Resources Coordinating Council). The legislation repeals provisions relating to the Water Resources Coordinating Council.
H.3588 Free College Tuition for the Children of Certain Wartime Veterans Rep. JA Moore
This bill revises eligibility requirements relating to free college tuition for the children of certain wartime veterans to expand availability of the free tuition program.
H.3593 State Tax Credit Regarding Qualified Adoption Expenses Rep. G. M. Smith
This bill allows a tax credit to any resident taxpayer that claims the federal tax credit for qualified adoption expenses related to a domestic adoption. This credit may be claimed in the year in which the federal credit is earned (regardless of the year in which the federal credit is first claimed). It may be carried forward for the next five tax years. The credit is equal to one hundred percent of the federal credit earned; however, regardless of the year in which this credit is claimed, for each child adopted, the credit may not exceed $5,000 cumulatively for all tax years. The taxpayer must provide proof of eligibility, including the adoption being domestic, and amount of the federal credit as well as any other documentation the department requires.
1/17/2023
L:\H-RES\Legislative Updates\Legis Updates (all years)\2023 Updates\2023 Prefiles\Prefiles FINAL\Prefile Final (no index) updated vertsion 2\Prefile Final.docx
The House Research Office uses the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style (with liberally construed modifications, esp. regarding numbers and monetary amounts).
These summaries are prepared by the staff of the South Carolina House of Representatives and are not the expression of the legislation's sponsor(s) nor the House of Representatives. They are for the use of members of the House of Representatives and are not to be construed by a court of law as an expression of legislative intent. These Legislative Updates are on the South Carolina General Assembly home page (http://www.scstatehouse.gov). Go to Publications, then Legislative Updates. This lists all the Legislative Updates by date as a Word document and a document with hypertext links to the bills. Also available under Publications is a Bill Summary Index to the Legislative Updates (bills are listed in numeric order and provide the different summary versions at the different stages and dates in the process).