Legislative Update
February 10, 2023
Vol. 40, No. 6
South Carolina House of Representatives
G. Murrell Smith, Jr., Speaker of the House
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND CONSTITUENT SERVICES
Room 212, Blatt Building, P.O. Box 11867, Columbia, S.C. 29211, (803) 734-3230
Vol. 40 February 10, 2023No. 6
(February 7 - 9)
February 7 – 9, 2023
H.3728 would enact the comprehensive "South Carolina Transparency and Integrity in Education Act." The House amended H.3728, gave it third reading, and sent the bill to the Senate. The bill states that ideological and viewpoint biases should not be presented as fact to students who receive instruction in public school, that all students should learn in a positive learning environment where they are made to feel welcomed, supported, respected, and free from discrimination; that schools are to establish and foster a positive learning environment, teach critical thinking skills, and prepare students to be college and career ready. The bill asserts that all stakeholders have a shared responsibility for student learning; that parents and students can raise awareness and have their concerns about objectionable material heard and addressed whenever such a topic is discussed; that all entities involved are to work to remove ideological biases from the pre-Kindergarten to grade twelve schools; and, that schools are to be a model for comprehensive, fair, and factual instruction.
The bill enumerates a list of prohibited concepts that may not be included or promoted in a course of instruction. Instructional material and professional development should not promote that one race, sex, ethnicity, religion, color, or national origin is superior, inherently privileged, or determines moral character. Moreover, these traits should not cause the assignment of fault or bias to an individual or group. A student, administrator, teacher, staff member, other school or district employee, or volunteer shall not be required to attend any instruction, training, or presentation that has the goal or purpose of studying, exploring, or informing attendees about gender roles or stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or romantic or sexual relationships. No student shall attend any instruction, training, or presentation including these topics unless the school has received written permission from the student's parent.
Library and media center material, both printed and electronically accessible, must be age appropriate and grade appropriate. Determination of the appropriateness of materials should be guided by criteria established by the State Board of Education.
Districts are clearly allowed to teach state academic standards - including concepts such as the history of an ethnic group, the fact-based discussion of controversial aspects of history, and the instruction of the historical oppression of a group of people based on race, sex, ethnicity, class, nationality, religion, or geographic region, including the fact-based and historically accurate discussion of the history of slavery. "Current events" is added to the list of topics that must be taught in a fact-based manner. The state Department of Education must develop model lesson plans accessible to the districts.
The bill provides procedures for public review of public-school curriculum and instructional materials. The State Board shall hold a public hearing before adopting any textbook or instructional material for use in the schools. A school may not accept teaching materials or technology which contains an application, link, or other access to pornographic (defined) or other prohibited materials. A school district that receives such materials must receive disciplinary action as stated in the complaint process.
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, each LEA shall prominently post information regarding curriculum and instructional materials on the school district website at least seven days prior to the start of classes. Information must indicate the materials used by school, grade or course, and subject matter, and must include: a listing of the approved textbook for every course offered in the district; a link to statewide academic standards; relevant district policies concerning curriculum development and academic transparency; a process for which parents may review and contest instructional materials and library and media center materials being used; and a process by which parents may withdraw their student from any specific instruction or presentation that that the parent, in the parent's sole discretion, objects to their student receiving. If curriculum or instructional material are added after the start of classes, they must be posted within three days. For any child who does not attend any instruction or presentation pursuant to this law, the school shall provide to the student alternative educational instruction that furthers the completion of any grade level or graduation requirements and does not include any of the objectionable content; and shall not impose an academic or other penalty upon the student.
A latter section of the bill is intended foster parental involvement and shall not be construed as a mandate on parents that could subject them to retaliation or sanctions from teachers, schools, LEAs, or the State Board of Education. The bill asserts parental expectations and parental involvement in their children's education - that parents are expected to be the primary source for the education of their children - the "primary source of their student's education regarding learning morals, ethics, and civic responsibility."
Provisions are made for complaints and feedback (with means provided for addressing violations). Complaints must be confidential from the time they are filed and remain so until a decision is rendered and may not be shared with a third party. Schools are to adopt a policy for procedures used to report and investigate an alleged violation and the resolution of violations. The legislation provides a comprehensive and extensive system of notices, investigations, due process, appeals, and reports, including a statement by the complainant verifying that he has made a good faith effort to communicate with the individual alleged to have included or promoted the prohibited concept and resolve the matter. The bill requires that a complaint must have a statement verifying that the complainant "has made a good faith effort to communicate with the individual alleged to have included or promoted the prohibited concept."
If a complaint cannot be resolved locally, an appeal can be made to the State Board for a final determination. The department may withhold funds from the district if it fails to adhere to a corrective action plan. In addition to district losing funds, the committee amendment also calls for the educator to have their certification suspended or revoked if they fail to abide by the plan. A further amendment allows for parents to bring a suit for violations. Declaratory and injunctive relief, along with attorney's fees and costs, are recoverable.
The House adopted H.3518 and sent it to the Senate. The bill amends the DMV's driver's license reinstatement fee payment program. Currently, a person who has had his driver's license suspended may apply for a temporary license valid for no more than six months to allow time for payment of reinstatement fees. The bill increases the temporary license period to twelve months and allows DMV to provide the person with a fee schedule. The bill lowers the threshold to participate. It also allows the driver to make payments online, except for the first and final payments. Other adjustments are made regarding how often a person participates and restricts the types of driver's license suspensions that qualify for a reinstatement fee payment program. Regarding violations of operating an uninsured motor vehicle, the bill was amended setting the reinstatement fee at be $600 until adjusted in accordance with the Code. This reinstatement fee may be adjusted annually, at the beginning of the calendar year, based upon and in relation to the average rate level for private passenger automobile insurance coverages by insurers. The Department of Insurance, by annual order, will set this exact fee.
The House gave third reading and sent to the Senate H.3312, legislation that creates the Child Food and Nutrition Services Study Committee. This ten-member study committee is to examine the advisability of transferring the administration of certain national food and nutrition programs and initiatives currently administered by the State Department of Education to the State Department of Agriculture. These programs include, but are not limited to, the school lunch program, school breakfast program, afterschool snack program, special milk program, and summer food service programs. In addition, the legislation provides for the membership and outlines that the committee shall make a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2024, at which time the study committee terminates.
The House gave third reading and sent to the Senate H.3538, legislation dealing with electronic harvest reporting. Current law addresses electronic reporting for wild turkey. This bill deletes "wild turkey" and substitutes references to "big game species." "Big game species" includes white tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey.
The House gave third reading and sent to the Senate H.3231, a bill repealing Sections 44-6-300, 44-6-310, and 44-6-320, relating to the responsibility of the Department of Health and Human Services to establish and expand Child Development Services. Upon the recommendation of the Legislative Oversight Committee, the legislation eliminates the outdated requirement of the establishment of this program. The program is no longer operated within the Department of Health and Human Services and is implemented within the Department of Social Services.
The House gave third reading and sent to the Senate H.3508, legislation that addresses crimes committed by children of military families. Currently, the only exception to the United States' exclusive jurisdiction over lands it acquires in South Carolina, including Department of Defense military installations, is for service by the state's civil and criminal process courts. This bill expands the concurrent jurisdiction with South Carolina and the United States over a military installation relating to any violation of federal law committed by a juvenile that is also an offense under state law with two conditions: (a) the United States Attorney, or the United States District Court, for the applicable district in South Carolina waives exclusive jurisdiction; and (b) the violation of federal law is also a crime or infraction under state law. The bill also states that when concurrent jurisdiction has been established, the Family court has exclusive original jurisdiction over these cases.
The Human Life Protection Act, H. 3774, received a favorable report by the House Judiciary Committee, which has been sent to the House. This bill is on the House Calendar for February 14th.
Among other things, it would declare that life begins at conception. It would prohibit anyone from knowingly providing drugs to a pregnant female to cause an abortion, except in emergency situations.
However, it would not prevent a licensed physician, who fills out appropriate paperwork, from performing an abortion in cases where a pregnancy results from incidents of rape or incest. Physicians would be required to obtain and preserve a DNA sample in these cases. Doctors performing these procedures must inform the pregnant woman they will, and then, report these crimes to the county sheriff where the procedure was performed within 24 hours of completing them, and note making these reports on the medical chart of the pregnant woman.
A procedure also would be permitted if a fatal fetal anomaly is present, it is needed to prevent the death of a pregnant woman, it will abate the substantial risk to any pregnant woman who has one or more of the physical conditions listed in this bill that put her in harm's way to give birth, or a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function would result if the mother gives birth. This physical impairment could not be a psychological or emotional one. Nevertheless, before these procedures are undertaken, efforts must be taken to save the fetus's life, when possible. In addition, two doctors must certify that a qualifying condition is present.
Contraceptives, in vitro fertilization [IVF], and other assistive reproduction technologies are not subject to the prohibitions in this bill. The state health plan could continue to insure these expenses. This plan could not be used to pay for any prohibited abortion procedures or medicines, however.
Violators of any prohibitions, including anyone intimidating pregnant women into having an abortion, could be prosecuted for committing a felony, and would face up to two years in prison, and fines of up to $10,000. Violators also would face civil liability for statutory, actual, and punitive damages as well as restraining orders initiated by law enforcement, the pregnant woman, or the pregnant woman's parents if she has not yet reached 18 years of age. If an order issues, then these parties can recover their attorney fees and costs. Medical professionals also face disciplinary action, including potential revocation of their licenses, as well as having to pay the costs of any investigations, fines, or other professional disciplinary actions when they violate any listed restrictions.
Pregnant women are shielded from being held criminally or civilly liable, however.
In addition, the biological father responsible for paying 50 percent of the birth mother's pregnancy expenses from the time of conception, in addition to having to pay child support, which would be calculated from the date of conception. Public funds could not be used to purchase fetal tissue, and no public funds could be use by the Planned Parenthood organization.
Agriculture and Natural Resources passed H. 3505 provides catch limits for blue catfish in various waterways. Previous week.
Agriculture and Natural Resources passed H.3269, repealing Code sections relating to the publication of descriptions of uniforms and emblems by the Department of Natural Resources. House Oversight Committee recommendation. Previous week.
H.3884 "The Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act of 2023" Rep. Haddon
This bill outlines that no person may enter an animal protection zone on a farm or animal processing facility without the prior consent of the owner or occupier of the farm. In addition, the bill states that no person may stop, hinder, obstruct, or otherwise interfere with a motor vehicle transporting farm animals. Among other things, the bill provides for penalties.
H.3905 Edgefield County Water and Sewer Authority Rep. Hixon
This bill adds that a reason for this vacancy can be for physical or mental incapacitation and nonattendance. As a result, this reason must be determined by majority vote of board members and with the consent of the legislative delegation. The bill also increases penalties for injuring or destroying facilities of the Edgefield County Water and Sewer Authority.
H.3934 Fort Gordon Army Installation Rep. Hixon
The legislation adds Fort Gordon to the definition of "Federal Military Installations."
Education
H.3909 XE "H. 3909" Driveways and Roads in State Parks Rep. Haddon
This bill provides that the Department of Transportation shall not install curb cuts or other access points to Paris Mountain state park along Altamont road in Greenville county.
H.3878 Prompt Drug Analysis Reporting Rep. Tedder
The State Law Enforcement Division [SLED] would be required to provide drug analysis reports within 120 days if this proposal becomes law.
H.3879 Daylight Saving Time All the Time Rep. Chumley
If enacted, daylight saving time would be observed year-round, beginning March 24, 2024. In addition, the state Attorney General would petition the US Secretary of Transportation for any necessary waivers to allow this observance.
H.3881 More Court of Appeals Judges and Procedural Reforms Rep. Rutherford
A proposal to increase the number of South Carolina Appeals Court judges to fifteen, up from the current number of nine. The Chief Judge would divide these judges amongst two panels to hear civil appeals, two panels to hear criminal appeals, and a fifth panel to carry an approximately equal caseload of both types of appeals. These panels would have three judges on them, in line with the current practice by this appeals court. An en banc panel of the court of appeals would increase to ten judges, up from the current number of six.
H.3882 Lawyer and Citizen Guardians ad Litem Rep. Gatch
This bill would clarify which cases trained lawyers and citizens could be appointed to serve as guardians ad litem. Citizens would serve in cases where all parties do not have a lawyer representing them. Minimum training standards for these guardians ad litem are contained in this proposal as well.
H.3883 Keeping Alternate Jurors on the Job Rep. T. Moore
If passed, this bill would allow circuit court trial judges to retain alternate jurors up through and including deliberations. The judge would determine the appropriate time to release these alternates from juror duty.
H.3887 Criminal Bond Reforms Rep. Ott
An effort to allow magistrates more authority, especially when circuit court judges are unavailable, to hear motions for reconsidering bond amounts set, issue search warrants for electronic records in another county or state, and to set hearings when the circuit court judge has not already done so. Once a grand jury true bills or no bills a defendant, or a circuit judge sets a hearing date, magistrates would be off the case.
H.3889 Stricter Disturbing Schools Penalties Rep. J. L. Johnson
Following up on past legislation covering penalties for nonstudents disturbing schools, students making threats, and unlawful communications, this effort would increase applicable penalties as follows: for disturbing schools, it would become a felony offense punishable with fines of up to $5,000 [up from $2,500] and/or 5 years in jail [up from 1 year]; for unlawful communications, fines of up to $1,000 [up from $500] and/or up to 90 days in jail [up from 30 days] could be imposed; for threats, fines of up to $2,000 and/or up to one year in jail [both new penalties] would be faced by defendants.
H.3890 Driving Under Suspension Youthful Offender Expungements Rep. Rose
Youthful offenders convicted of driving under suspension would also be allowed to expunge these convictions after this bill is signed by the Governor, and they meet the prerequisites to apply.
H.3895 Federal Term Limits Constitutional Convention Rep. Elliott
This legislation proposes a federal constitutional convention on the issue of term limits for US Senators and Representatives.
H.3903 Heirs' Property Commission Rep. Kirby
Using the work of the Heirs' Property Study Committee, this proposed commission would prepare an annual report that would contain, among other things, the amount of acreage designated heirs' property, the amount of it sold at county tax sales, the total dollar amount of lost economic development due to lack of a clear title, a list of nonprofits providing service to heirs' property owners, and resources available to families for clearing title to their heirs' property lands in South Carolina.
H.3904 Trafficking Fentanyl Rep. Rutherford
In a different approach to defining fentanyl trafficking, this proposal would cover any substance that is at least 20 percent pure fentanyl. Penalties would be meted out as follows: for less than 15 milligrams [mgs], up to 5 years in jail; for 15 to less than 50 mgs, up to 15 years in jail; for 50 to less than 100 mgs, up to 25 years in jail; and, for more than 100 mgs., up to 30 years in jail.
H.3906 Redefining Small Estates in Probate Courts Rep. McCabe
Under current law, small estates in South Carolina probate courts are valued at $25,000 or less. This bill would raise this amount to $50,000, if enacted.
H.3907 Mechanical Notary Fees Rep. Ligon
To match the fee schedule for electronic notarizations, this filed bill would raise fees for all other notarial services up to $10 as well.
H.3911 "Reproductive Freedom Bill of Rights" Rep. Wetmore
A proposal to establish reproductive rights for all women in South Carolina. Among other items, it would define viability to be the time in fetal development when the life of a fetus will continue indefinitely outside the womb through artificial or natural life support systems. It sets out a legal presumption that viability cannot occur prior to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Women would be allowed to pursue abortion procedures prior their fetus becoming viable, so long as they first consult with their doctor. Once a fetus becomes viable, a pregnant woman could pursue an abortion procedure to preserve the mother's life, in cases of rape or incest, or when a fetus is incompatible with life. Specific pre-procedures and conditions are spelled out for minors who wish to seek abortions under this proposed legislation.
H.3924 Automobile Insurance Coverage Electronic Requests Rep. Hart
This effort would allow attorneys to request insureds' coverage information from automobile insurers via facsimile/telecopier transmissions or emails, so long as these electronic requests are accompanied by an SCDMV FR-10 form.
H.3925 SC Attorney General as a Prosecution Coordination Commission Member Rep. Bannister
If enacted, this proposal would add the Attorney General as a member of the South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination. It also would remove staggered terms for initial appointees.
H.3933 Joint and Several Tortfeasors Liability Apportionment Revisions Rep. M. M. Smith
This bill would modify existing civil liability laws in South Carolina by amending our code to apportion liability to all persons involved in an incident that causes compensable civil damages, regardless of whether they are a named defendant or not. Current law requires this apportionment to be amongst all lawsuit-named defendants. At trial, any defendant could request that a jury assign proportional responsibility amongst these involved persons who caused compensable civil damages to result.
Labor, Commerce, and Industry
H.3910 Cap on Health Insurance Cost-Sharing Obligation for Prescription Insulin Drugs Rep. J. E. Johnson
This bill requires all health insurance plans offered by individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and the State Health Plan to cap an insured's monthly cost-sharing obligation for covered prescription insulin drugs.
H.3935 Alternate Benefit Clauses Prohibited in Dental Policies Rep. Tedder
This bill prohibits the inclusion of alternate benefit clauses in dental policies. An alternate benefit clause provides that when a less expensive dental procedure that serves the same function is available, the insurer only will provide coverage for the less expensive procedure, despite the recommendation of a different procedure by the dentist.
H.3936 XE "H. 3936" Pre-Existing Conditions in Dental Policies Prohibited Rep. Tedder
A dental plan issued in this State may not deny a benefit for covered dental services to treat conditions existing prior to the date the coverage begins..
H.3937 "South Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience Act" Rep. Blackwell
This bill authorizes the establishment of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C‑PACE) programs that local governments may voluntarily implement to ensure that owners of agricultural, commercial, industrial, and multifamily residential properties can obtain low‑cost, long‑term financing for qualifying improvements by freely and willingly agreeing to have an assessment levied on their properties. This authorization is offered as a means of increasing economic development; adding jobs; increasing the sustainability and safety of the building stock; improving disaster and emergency response; decreasing energy and water costs and consumption; and, encouraging energy and water sustainability.
H.3877 Anesthesiologists' Assistants Rep. West
The legislation increases the number from two to four of anesthesiologists' assistants an anesthesiologist may supervise. In addition, the bill removes the requirement that an anesthesiologist's assistant applicant must appear before the Board of Medical Examiners and present evidence of certain relevant academic credentials and knowledge.
H.3891 Tattoo Facility Rep. Guffey
The legislation removes certain prohibitions regarding tattoos and tattoo facilities. In addition, the legislation outlines that a license may be issued to an applicant if there is no affirmative objection from a church, school, or playground located within the parameters (1,000 feet).
H.3931 Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) Rep. Beach
The legislation outlines that a certified nurse aide in a hospital may start and cap peripheral intravenous lines and conduct patient blood draws as authorized in an approved written protocol.
S.164 State Health Facility Licensure Act Sen. Climer
The bill eliminates the references to Certificate of Need requirements under the Regulation of Health Care Facilities. In addition, it amends that the Certificate of Need program only applies to nursing homes. As a result, the bill creates the Certificate of Need Study Committee to examine the effect of the repeal of the Certificate of Need program on the quality and quantity of access to health care in rural portions of South Carolina.
H.3880 No Admissions Tax on Golf Club Dues Rep. M. M. Smith
This bill revises admissions tax provisions to provide that no tax may be charged or collected on annual or monthly dues paid to a golf club.
H.3885 Requirement for American Flags to be Made in the United States Rep. Ligon
This bill provides that any United States flag flown at a public building or on public grounds in this state, or otherwise purchased by a public body using in whole or in part public funds, must be made and manufactured in the United States.
H.3888 Magistrate Pay Increase Rep. Ott
This bill revises provisions that establish salaries of magistrates according to their county's population to provide a 10 percent increase in the base salaries for magistrates.
H.3892 Mayor of Mount Pleasant's Designee on the Patriots Point Development Authority Rep. Bustos
This bill provides that, if the mayor of Mt. Pleasant elects to appoint a designee to serve on the Patriots Point Development Authority, the designee shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor and for a term that is coterminous with that of the mayor who appointed the designee.
H.3908 Paid Parental Leave for School District Employees Rep. Collins
This bill establishes provisions under which school district employees are eligible to receive paid parental leave upon the birth of a child or initial legal placement of a foster child or a child by adoption.
H.3926 Attorney General Included in Retirement System for Judges and Solicitors Rep. Bannister
This bill provides that the Attorney General South Carolina on July 1, 2023, may elect to become a member of the State's Retirement System for Judges and Solicitors.
H.3927 Homestead Property Tax Exemption Increase Rep. Ligon
This bill revises the homestead property tax exemption allowed for persons who are over the age of sixty‑five years, disabled, or legally blind to increase the exemption amount from the first fifty thousand dollars to the first seventy‑five thousand dollars of the fair market value of the homestead.
H.3928 "Sara Weaver Act" Rep. Lowe
This bill includes emergency medical technicians in provisions for paying tribute to fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters under which the Governor orders all flags on state buildings to be flown at half‑mast on the day of burial or other service for those who have died in the line of duty. The legislation revises the Preretirement Death Benefit Program under the South Carolina Retirement System and the Police Officers Retirement System to make provisions for a death benefit for emergency medical technicians killed in the line duty. The legislation makes provisions for a first responder retirement income deduction. The legislation revises provisions relating to general exemption from taxes to provide that a qualified surviving spouse also means certain surviving spouses of emergency medical technicians. The legislation expands eligibility for waived tuition at state‑supported colleges or universities and vocational or technical schools to include the children of emergency medical technicians who become totally disabled or are killed in the line of duty.
H.3929 State Trails Trust Fund Rep. Hayes
This bill creates the State Trails Trust Fund to be administered by the Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for the purposes of acquiring property or developing trails and for addressing related costs. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2023‑2024, and each fiscal year thereafter, the General Assembly shall appropriate an amount equal to eight percent of the general fund portion of admissions tax revenues to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for credit to the trust fund. The Director may make grants to local governments or nonprofit organizations from the trails fund. Funds may not be expended to acquire property by eminent domain. The legislation revises provisions for the allocation of Parks and Recreation Fund proceeds to change the amount that must be credited to the account of each county area from twenty thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars. The legislation repeals a Tricentennial Fund transfer provision and provisions relating to approval of expenditures.
H.3930 Beach Preservation Trust Act Rep. Leber
This bill revises beach preservation provisions. The legislation places the Beach Restoration and Improvement Trust Fund under the authority of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism and renames it the South Carolina Beach Preservation Trust Fund. The legislation requires the General Assembly to appropriate a certain amount for the fund annually and provides that funding for annual monitoring and evaluation of erosion rates and beach profiles must be provided by the trust fund.
H.3932 "Government Transparency Act" Rep. Harris
This bill requires meetings of legislative committees to be made available online along with certain documents. The legislation sets forth the way earmarks may be awarded in the budget process. The legislation requires agency budget requests to include an explanation for base budget appropriations. The legislation requires certain political subdivisions to post certain information regarding public records. The legislation requires school board meetings to be made available online. The legislation requires certain public bodies to make available certain salary information with either the Department of Administration or on their own websites.
H.3938 "South Carolina Agribusiness, Rural, and Opportunity Zone Jobs Act" Rep. Pendarvis
This bill authorizes the Department of Revenue to accept applications for approval as a growth fund utilizing established criteria. The legislation establishes certain income tax credits. The legislation establishes criteria for the department to revoke a tax credit certificate. The legislation provides that a growth fund may request from the Department certain written opinions. The legislation provides for the submittal of reports. The legislation provides that the Department may promulgate rules and issue forms and notices. The Department shall notify the Department of Insurance of the name of any insurance company allocated certain tax credits.
Monday, February 13, 2023left23309400
The House Research Office uses the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style (with practical modifications, esp. regarding numbers).
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).