Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The House assembled at 10:00 A.M.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark as follows:
Almighty and gracious God, we are grateful for these moments of prayer when we turn to You from the clamor and clatter of the world around. Help us to greet this day with thankfulness, to overcome its difficulties with increased strength, to carry our responsibilities with determination, to meet all ills with a gallant spirit - giving You thanks in all things.
Make us ready for every adjustment we have to make, adequate for every task that comes our way, and equal to every emergency that we must face.
Cause us to hear clearly the words of the Lord: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you" (Joshua 1:5).
Amen.
After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
The following was received.
TO THE HONORABLE CARROLL A. CAMPBELL, JR., GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Joint Resolution No. 1289 of 1970 created the committee to act as a continuing liaison group to study the programs and problems of tourism in the State, recognizing the importance of tourism to the total economy of the State and recognizing the necessity of making tourism more productive and more profitable. This Resolution provided for the appointment of a nine-member committee to consist of three members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, and three members appointed by the Governor. The Resolution further provided that the members then serving on the Committee to Promote the Tourist Industry would be the initial members of the Committee on Tourism.
A permanent committee was created by Act 160 of 1977. The committee was empowered to act as a continuing liaison group to study the programs and problems of tourism in the State. Act 517 of 1980 amended the law by adding to the powers and duties of the committee the responsibility for coordinating the efforts of the State Development Board and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in the development of international agriculture and agro business markets.
Basically, the primary function of the Joint Legislative Committee on Tourism and Trade is to promote the tourism and trade industry in South Carolina. Presently South Carolina's second largest industry, the tourism industry provides a tremendous economic impact to the State. A significant function of this committee is to oversee and approve grant applications submitted through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism's Funds-Sharing Program. The law provides that this committee and the PRT Commission establish guidelines for the administration of this tourism matching-grants program for local public agencies and non-profit organizations involved with tourism promotion activities.
The Joint Legislative Committee on Tourism and Trade had a meeting on January 9, l991. There was a discussion regarding the draft of the proposed Accommodations Tax Bill. After making several changes to the bill, it was agreed to review the final draft at the 1991 Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel.
Mr. Fred Brinkman, Director, PRT, gave an overview of the Governor's Conference. It was agreed to have Chairman McAbee assign each member attending the Conference a subject on the Committee's priority list to be addressed.
Then there was a presentation by Tommy Garvin, Tourism Investment Manager for PRT's Community Development Division, regarding a preliminary needs assessment for a full service, hotel convention center in South Carolina.
Susan Young, South Carolina Hotel and Motel Association, then addressed the Committee regarding alcoholic beverage law modifications. The Committee met at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, January 25, l991 at The Omni Hotel in Charleston in conjunction with the Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel.
Chairman McAbee announced Representative Holly Cork of Beaufort County was appointed to fill the vacant House seat on the Committee.
The Committee addressed the solid waste issue and unanimously agreed to support the bill introduced this year regarding solid waste.
Jobs Tax Credit Modification to Include Tourism Projects and Admissions Tax Modification to Stimulate Tourism were included as agenda items and addressed. After an explanation and discussion of the items, the Committee unanimously agreed to introduce appropriate legislation.(H.3626-Act 171/H.3627-pending)
The Committee then approved the concept presented by PRT regarding the Convention Center Needs Assessment proposal.
Chairman McAbee gave an update on alcoholic beverage law modifications. He said legislation needs to be proposed to clear up the ambiguities regarding the fees for Sunday liquor sales. A letter has been written to the Attorney General requesting an opinion on the matter, McAbee added.
There was also some discussion regarding the mini bottle/big bottle option. It was unanimously decided to appoint a committee to study the issue and solve possible revenue problems and environmental issues associated with this matter.
The Committee heard a report from Mr. Bob Liming of PRT regarding a federal program for international tourism marketing. Mr. Liming said funds are available to assist areas impacted by a national disaster. He said South Carolina has put in a request. The Joint Committee on Tourism and Trade agreed to go on record in support of this request.
On May 7, l991 the Joint Committee on Tourism and Trade held a meeting at 11:00 a.m. in room 501 of the Blatt Building. Mr. Marion Edmonds of PRT addressed the Committee regarding PRT funds-sharing applications. He said the admissions tax is the source of funding for a total of 1.45 million received. PRT received 243 applications and recommend 217. After a brief discussion, the grants were approved.
The Committee held a meeting on Friday, August 16, l991 at 9:00 a.m. at the Ocean Edge Resort and Conference Center in Brewster, MA. The Committee procured information and heard reports on a unique system of providing public access and transportation from the Massachusetts mainland to a series of ocean island state parks overlooking Boston Harbor.
The Committee heard a presentation from representatives from Johnson and Wales University and recommended that the University's Customer Service Training Program be brought to the branch campus in Charleston to provide an effective means of "training the trainers" who manage those who work directly with visitors.
The Joint Tourism and Trade heard a presentation on the State's walking and bicycle trails. In addition, members of the Committee visited Nickerson State Park to see how an abandoned railway is being used as a major park attraction.
There was a report from the executive director of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce regarding funding for regional programs and the State's Tourism Office. The Committee also heard a brief report concerning New England's response to major park reductions and tourism budget cuts.
The Committee investigated policies and procedures used in New England to control litter and reduce solid waste in efforts to obtain information that might help implement South Carolina's newly-adopted Solid Waste Reduction Act. New England has been a pacesetter in litter control on roads and highways. Members of the Committee also observed a recycling program at Nickerson State Park.
Act #138 Boating under the influence.
Act # 63 Solid waste disposal and management.
Act # 92 Conservation easements.
Act # 95 Saltwater Fishing Stamp.
Act #171* Motion picture company tax exemptions.
Revisions to and authority of Coordinating Council for Economic Development.
Jobs Tax Credit Law to include tourism facilities.
Increased bingo license tax funds for State's bond indebtedness.
Increased bingo tax for senior citizens centers.
Admissions tax rate adjustment.
Income tax deductions for federal and military retirees.
Income tax deductions for retirees.
Act # 42 Establishment of Lowcountry/Resort Islands Tourism Commission.
Act #147 Accommodations Tax Act refinements.
Act #168 Exempting physical fitness centers from admissions tax.
Act #114 Revise way special tax district is created.
*Enacted in permanent proviso section of the 1991-92 Appropriations Act rather than as free standing legislation.
ACCOMMODATIONS TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
In 1989, the General Assembly designated the nine members of the Joint Legislative Committee on Tourism and Trade and the Chairman of the Cultural Affairs Committee, or the Chairman's designee, to serve as the Oversight Committee for questions arising with regard to expenditure of Accommodations Tax money by county and municipal governments for a period of one year. During this time the Committee was directed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Accommodations Tax education programs and workshops implemented by PRT for the State's counties/municipalities and the local Accommodations Tax advisory committees. A report to the General Assembly was required an submitted to the General Assembly by January 1, l991 with specific recommendations. A carryover of this authority for another year (through June 30, l991) is included in the 1990-91 Appropriation Bill.
The recommendations submitted by the Accommodations Tax Oversight Committee were included in House Bill 3280(Act #147) which was introduced and enacted in the 1991 legislative session.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Jennings G. McAbee /s/Douglas L. Hinds
/s/Dick Elliott /s/McKinley Washington
/s/Holly Cork
On motion of Rep. McABEE, with unanimous consent, the Report was ordered printed in the Journal.
The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments.
S. 1137 -- Senators Passailaigue, Martschink, McConnell, Fielding and Washington: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE VOTING PRECINCTS IN CHARLESTON COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE THESE PRECINCTS.
The following Bills were read the third time, passed and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title of each be changed to that of an Act, and that they be enrolled for ratification.
S. 1096 -- Senator Mullinax: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-2-190, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO JURY AREAS FOR COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE JURY AREAS FOR ANDERSON COUNTY BY PROVIDING FOR ONE JURY AREA COUNTYWIDE.
S. 988 -- Senators Mullinax, O'Dell and Macaulay: A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE ANDERSON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION COMMISSION TO APPOINT AND COMMISSION FIRE INVESTIGATORS WITH THE POWERS OF COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR QUALIFICATIONS.
At 10:35 A.M. the House in accordance with the ruling of the SPEAKER adjourned to meet at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, February 11.
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