Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned and was called to order by the ACTING PRESIDENT, Senator LOURIE.

To the Honorable Carroll A. Campbell, Jr., Governor of South Carolina, and the Honorable Presiding Officers and members of the General Assembly.

The Committee to make a full and complete study of the illicit drug problems in South Carolina with a view to formulating and recommending appropriate legislative proposals for coping with the problem, was created by Concurrent Resolution S-771 of the General Assembly, approved April 24, 1970. The creating resolution authorized the establishment of a nine-member committee to consist of three members from the Senate, three members from the House and three members appointed by the Governor.

The Committee was formally organized on August 31, 1970, and was made a permanent committee on June 22, 1971.

Since the enactment of modernized drug legislation in 1971 and the creation of a permanent drug and narcotics study committee, the members have continuously worked to become knowledgeable and keep abreast of the activities in the areas of drug education, treatment, aftercare, rehabilitation and law enforcement, and in addition to discover for themselves how the interrelationship of these divisions contributes to an effective and meaningful drug program.

On June 14, 1977, legislation was ratified which changed the name of the Committee to The Joint Legislative Committee to Study the Problems of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. The membership was increased from nine members to twelve members, and the Committee has since given the same attention to alcohol and drug problems as it has previously given to drug problems alone.

Approved and Respectfully Submitted,

SENATE MEMBERS:
/s/ Senator J. Verne Smith, Chm.
/s/ Senator Nikki G. Setzler
/s/ Senator Kay Patterson
/s/ Senator McKinley Washington, Jr.

HOUSE MEMBERS:
Representative Robert W. Hayes, Jr. (Resigned)
/s/ Representative Michael L. Fair
/s/ Representative Jarvis R. Klapman
/s/ Representative C. D. Chamblee

GOVERNOR'S APPOINTEES:
Mr. Sterling Laney, (Resigned)
Mr. Donny Wilder, (Resigned)
/s/ Mrs. Leslie Harrison
/s/ Dr. Gael Caution

The 1990-91 legislative years have seen the Committee make notable advancement in legislation. The challenge of keeping abreast of the activities of various state divisions and their interrelationships was met enabling South Carolina to further its goals in relationship to meaningful alcohol and drug legislation and programs.

For 1990-91 the Committee emphasis has focused on a number of major alcohol and drug related issues and proposals including Boating Under the Influence, Administrative License Revocation, and ABC violators participating in Pre-Trial Intervention. At the Annual Meeting the Committee heard presentations by representatives of various state divisions and state and community leaders on alcohol and drug abuse issues and proposals including alcohol and ethics, .02 BAC for under 21, mandatory additional penalty for use of a gun during the commission of a drug crime, over the counter sale to commercial drivers, and the sale of chilled alcoholic beverages by off premise license holders. Members were instrumental in the passage of a number of legislative proposals brought before them which will be addressed later in this report. The following information contains subcommittee reports and recommendations:

CHAIRMAN, REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT W. HAYES, JR.; Members: Representative C. D. Chamblee and Senator McKinley Washington, Jr. This subcommittee held several meetings during the year and submitted the following reports:

1. We, the undersigned, as members of a Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Committee to Study Alcohol and Drug Abuse, have studied and carefully considered the issue of allowing persons convicted of certain drivers license and alcohol-related offenses, to participate in Pretrial Intervention Programs. We do hereby recommend that participation by these persons be continued but that driver's licenses must be suspended as if the person was convicted.

For the Majority:
/s/ Representative Robert W. Hayes, Chairman
/s/ Representative C. D. Chamblee

We do not believe that this condition should be applied to Pretrial Intervention Program participants.

For the Minority:
/s/ Senator McKinley Washington, Jr.

2. We, the undersigned, as members of a Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Committee to Study Alcohol and Drug Abuse, have studied and carefully considered the issue of Alcohol and Ethics, and do hereby recommend that legislators not be allowed to accept gifts of alcohol in sealed containers.

For the Majority:
/s/ Representative Robert W. Hayes, Chairman
/s/ Representative C. D. Chamblee

We are of the opinion that legislators should not be allowed to accept gifts of alcohol in any form.

For the Minority:
/s/ Senator McKinley Washington, Jr.

3. We, the undersigned, as members of a Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Committee to Study Alcohol and Drug Abuse, have studied and carefully considered the concept of a .02 illegal blood alcohol content for drivers under 21 and do hereby recommend it favorably.

For the Majority:
/s/ Representative Robert W. Hayes, Chairman
/s/ Representative C. D. Chamblee

We do not support the concept of a .02 illegal blood alcohol content for drivers under 21 because we believe that the same standard should apply to all drivers.

For the Minority:
/s/ Senator McKinley Washington, Jr.

Members of the Committee were instrumental in the passage of major legislative proposals as follows:

S. 410 (Senator Saleeby) A bill to amend Section 9-1-10, relating to definitions for the purposes of the SC Retirement System, so as to include in the definition of "employee" an employee of an agency authorized to receive funds as an alcohol and drug abuse planning agency... Signed by Governor 6-12-91, Act 162

H. 3026 (Representative Gentry) - Companion bills were introduced by Chairman J. Verne Smith and Representative Robert W. Hayes, Jr. - A bill to amend by adding Sections 50-21-112, 50-21-114, and 50-21-116 so as to establish the offense of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and provide a schedule of blood alcohol content that gives rise to presumptions and inferences of operating a watercraft under the influence...Signed by Governor 6-12-91, Act 138

H. 3073 SEE S.370 (Representatives P. Harris, Carnell, J. Harris & Mattos) A bill to amend by adding Chapter 22 to Title 44 so as to provide for the rights of mental health patients; and to repeal numerous Sections relating to the same...Signed by Governor 6-5-91, Act 127

H. 3513 (Representative Keegan and others) A bill to amend Sections 61-5-60 and 61-9-410, relating to the grounds for suspension or revocation or nonrenewal of a license to sell alcoholic liquors and the acts which are prohibited on premises licensed to sell beer and wine, so as to prohibit bottomless entertainment at premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages and beer and wine...Signed by Governor 6-12-91, Act 166

H. 3633 SEE 777 (Representative Gregory) A bill to amend Section 61-3-1020, relating to business prohibited in retail alcoholic liquor stores, so as to except the storage and sale of glassware and mixers packaged with alcoholic liquors provided by the manufacturer...Signed by Governor 4-23-91, Act 39

H. 3748 (Representative Sharpe & others) A bill to amend by adding Section 61-9-617 so as to authorize permitted domestic wineries to sell their wine at retail and deliver...Signed by Governor 6-12-91, Act 157

The Committee has continued to research and study the problems of alcohol and drug related issues with deliberate concern and effort. Interaction with citizens' action groups and various state agencies was substantial and furthered the Committee's awareness of needed legislation.

During the year, Committee Chairman, Senator J. Verne Smith, attended numerous community functions seizing the opportunity to inform the public about alcohol and drug-related legislation and issues. In November of 1990, Charmy Reese, Committee staff, attended an alcohol training seminar sponsored by the S.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and in January of 1991, participated in an administrative per se legislative conference.

The Study Committee continues to assign highest priority to exercising every opportunity to gain personal understanding of information revealing new and innovative efforts to reduce alcohol and drug abuse. The Committee accepts its responsibility to organize and develop this information to promote appropriate legislation aimed at controlling and reducing alcohol and drug abuse in South Carolina. The Committee shares the results of their research and information development by responding promptly to all request for information by concerned citizenry. The Committee has provided, upon request, their Annual Report to the S.C. State Library, S.C. Archives and History, USC Library and the Caroliniana Library and to libraries in other states including Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Virginia.

The Committee anticipates committee meetings during the interim to hear issues and proposals prior to the 1992 Legislative Session.

The following is a Legislative Status Report of bills introduced during the 1991 Legislative Session. Those bills that have passed are indicated by an ACT number. Any legislation not enacted is considered pending in the upcoming session.

S. 17 (Senators Passailaigue & Rose) A bill to amend by adding Article 25 in Chapter 21 of Title 12, relating to stamp and business license taxes, so as to enact "The Marijuana and Controlled Substance Tax Act of 1991" and to provide a penalty. Referred to Finance

S. 30 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend Title 40, relating to professions and occupations, by adding Chapter 2 so as to enact the S.C. Mandatory Suspension of Professional Licenses Act which requires the suspension for a period of two years of any license issued to a person convicted of a drug or controlled substances offense, and makes persons not holding these licenses ineligible for them for a period of two years if convicted of a drug or controlled substance offense. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 56 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend by adding Section 16-23-495 so as to provide that a person convicted of a drug offense who had a firearm within his control during the commission of the offense shall have an additional penalty. Referred to Judiciary

S. 60 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend by adding Sections 44-53-397 and 44-53-399 so as to provide for an additional penalty for a violation relating to controlled substances. Referred to Medical Affairs

S. 61 SEE 3880 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend Chapter 53, Title 44, relating to poisons, drugs, and other controlled substances, by adding Article 15 so as to enact the "Drug-Free Schools Act". Referred to Education

S. 66 SEE H.3402 & H. 3528 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend by adding Section 61-9-150 so as to make it unlawful to sell beer or wine displayed in a container of ice located within twenty feet of a cash register or an entrance or exit of a building and to provide penalties for violations. Referred to Judiciary

S. 75 (Senators Rose, Giese & Wilson) A bill to amend Title 44, relating to health, by adding Chapter 60, so as to enact the S.C. Drug Impaired Infants Act which provides procedures for the drug testing of a newborn child under certain conditions, and provides that a newborn child testing positive for these substances under these conditions is considered neglected for purposes of family court jurisdiction. Referred to Medical Affairs

S.79 SEE 3858 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend by adding Section 44-53-60 so as to provide for the reporting of prenatal exposure to controlled substances. Referred to Medical Affairs

S. 82 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend Act 1377, as amended, relating to the issuance of Capital Improvement Bonds, so as to authorize the issuance of additional bonds for the purpose of constructing a correctional institution for persons convicted of violating laws pertaining to narcotics, drugs, and other controlled substances. Referred to Finance

S. 125 (Senator McConnell) A bill to amend Section 17-15-10, relating to the release of a noncapital offender on his own recognizance, so as to provide for the offenses for which and the circumstances under which bail may be denied and to define violent crimes. Referred to Judiciary

S. 152 (Senator Martschink) A bill to amend Section 16-3-20, as amended, relating to punishment for murder, so as to provide an additional aggravating circumstance. Referred to Judiciary

S. 155 (Senators Martschink & Wilson) A bill to amend by adding Section 56-5-70 so as to provide for the issuance of a distinguishing decal to indicate that the person in control of a motor vehicle consents to its search for illegal drugs and provide for the search. Referred to Transportation

S. 163 SEE S.235 (Senator McConnell) A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to Section 15, Article 1 of the Constitution of S.C., relating to bail, cruel, unusual and corporal punishment, and detention of witnesses, so as to provide for the offenses for which and the circumstances under which bail may be denied. Referred to Judiciary

S. 235 SEE S.163 (Senators Lourie & Wilson) A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to Section 15, Article 1 of the Constitution of S.C., relating to bail, cruel, unusual and corporal punishment, and detention of witnesses, so as to provide for the offenses for which and the circumstances under which bail may be denied. Referred to Judiciary

S. 267 (Senator Mullinax) A bill to amend by adding Section 56-1-462 so as to provide for the issuance of a provisional driver's license for a person convicted of driving when his license is suspended and to exclude a person whose license is suspended pursuant to a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Referred to Transportation

S. 292 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend Title 8 relating to public offices and employees by adding Chapter 16 so as to provide for the South Carolina Workplace Drug Testing Act. Referred to Judiciary

S. 352 (Senators Giese & Rose) A bill to amend Section 56-1-746, relating to the suspension of the driver's license of persons convicted of certain driver's license and alcohol-related offenses, so as to provide that the license of a person accepted into a Pretrial Intervention Program must be suspended as if the person was convicted and to require the circuit solicitor to report the person's acceptance into the program to the Department of Highways and Public Transportation. Referred to Transportation

S. 354 SEE H.3036 (Senators Giese & Rose) A bill to amend Section 17-22-50 relating to persons not to be considered for the Pretrial Intervention Program, so as to exclude persons from the program who are charged with certain driver's license and alcohol-related offenses. Referred to Judiciary

S. 370 SEE H.3073 (Senators Bryan, Peeler, Hayes, Fielding & Rose) A bill to amend by adding Chapter 22 to Title 44 so as to provide for the rights of mental health patients; and to repeal numerous sections relating to the same. Referred to Medical Affairs

S. 461 (Senators Martschink, Courson, Matthews, Pope, Rose, J. Verne Smith & Washington) A bill to amend by adding Section 56-7-60 so as to prohibit an elected or appointed official of a state agency from using his position to cancel, revoke, or influence the result of any proceeding regarding the result in any proceeding regarding the issuance of a traffic ticket under Section 56-7-10. Referred to Transportation

S. 539 (Senator Rose) A bill to amend Chapter 13, Title 61 relating to alcohol and alcoholic beverages, by adding Article 5 so as to prohibit the advertising and marketing of alcoholic beverages to minors; and to amend Section 16-17-500, relating to supplying tobacco to minors, so as to also prohibit the advertising and marketing of tobacco to minors. Referred to Judiciary

S. 585 Companion bill passed SEE H.3026 (Senator J. Verne Smith, Hayes, Lourie, Wilson and Rose) A bill to amend by adding Sections 50-21-112, 50-21-114, and 50-21-116 so as to establish the offense of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and provide a schedule of blood alcohol content that gives rise to presumptions and inferences of operating a watercraft under the influence. Referred to Judiciary

S. 610 (Senators Rose, McGill, Reese and Thomas) A bill to amend Section 44-53-520, relating to forfeiture of property obtained through or used for transactions involving illegal controlled substances, so as to provide for public disclosure of property seized and to prohibit law enforcement officers from using forfeited property for personal purposes. Referred to Judiciary, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to House, Referred to Judiciary

S. 614 (Senator Shealy) A bill to amend Sections 56-1-745 and 56-1-746 relating to the suspension of the driver's licenses of persons at least thirteen years of age and under eighteen years of age for conviction of certain offenses so as to provide that in addition to employed persons, a special restricted driver's license may be also issued to students enrolled in a secondary or technical school, or an institution of higher learning of this State under certain conditions. Referred to Transportation

S. 652 SEE 3578 (Senator Lourie) A bill to amend Section 23-31-140, relating to the purchasing or a pistol so as to provide for the purchasing of a pistol after making application to SLED and to provide for the approval of such applications and to amend Section 16-23-490 relating to the additional penalty for the possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes, so as to provide that a person convicted of committing or attempting to commit a violent crime while in the possession of a firearm or who displays a firearm or knife must receive an additional five-year mandatory term of imprisonment to be served consecutively. Referred to Judiciary

S. 777 Companion bill passed SEE 3633 (Senator Fielding) A bill to amend Section 61-3-1020, relating to business prohibited in retail alcoholic liquor stores, so as to except the storage and sale of packages containing alcoholic liquors and glassware or mixers, or both, provided by the manufacturer. Referred to Judiciary

S. 852 (Senator Drummond) A bill to amend by adding Section 61-9-170 so as to authorize the holder of a retail permit to sell beer and wine to transfer beer and wine to other businesses; to require the transferee businesses to hold a retail beer and wine permit issued to the same individual, partnership, or corporation as the license of the transferor business; to require transfer of beers to conform to territorial restrictions; to make it unlawful to transfer beer or wine except as provided in this section; to make it unlawful for a retailer to purchase beer of wine from another retailer for resale; and to provide a penalty. Referred to Judiciary

S. 876 (Senator Peeler) A bill to amend Section 44-53-110, as amended relating to narcotics and controlled substances and definitions so as to add new definitions; to amend Section 44-53-160, relating to the manner in which changes in the schedule of controlled substances must be made to as to delete provisions, add provisions. Referred to Judiciary

S. 946 See 3843 (Senators J. Verne Smith, McConnell & Saleeby) A bill to amend Title 61, relating to alcohol and alcoholic beverages; so as to change the references to alcoholic beverages to regulated beverages; revise definitions and requirements pertaining to the ABC Commission, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, license and permits, the transportation, possession, consumption, sale manufacture and importation of regulated beverages, offenses, and penalties and delete obsolete language; and to repeal Article 11, Chapter 21, Title 12, relating to producers and wholesalers of beer and wine. Referred to Judiciary

S. 986 (Senator Shealy) A bill to amend by adding Section 20-7-570 so as to require a toxicology test on a newborn believed to be exposed to a controlled substance; to require reporting of a positive test result to DSS; to establish a positive test as prima facie evidence of abuse; to require DSS to petition for relief in accordance with this section, to require the court upon certain findings to order reversible sterilization or surgical implantation of a birth control device; to provide conditions under which this procedure may be reversed or device removed; and to provide civil and criminal immunity under certain conditions. Referred to Judiciary

S. 1025 SEE 3841 (Senators J. Verne Smith, Thomas, Leatherman, Wilson and McGill) A bill to amend Section 56-5-2950, relating to implied consent to tests of breath, blood or urine to determine presence of alcohol or drugs, so as to change references to breathalyzer to breath analysis; to increase the driver's license suspension or denial form 90 to 120 days for a person who refuses to submit to tests; to provide that if a person submits to a test and the results indicate he has more than the lawful amount of alcohol or drugs in his system the suspension is 90 days; to provide for the immediate confiscation of the driver's license or permit of a person who refuses or who tests as having more than a lawful amount of alcohol or drugs in his system. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3006 (Representative Kirsh) A bill to amend Section 12-21-620, relating to tax rates on tobacco products, so as to impose a tax on cigarette-rolling paper. Referred to Ways and Means

H. 3014 (Representative Kirsh) A bill to amend Section 56-5-2950, relating to the Implied Consent to a chemical test to determine the alcoholic content of the blood of a person who operates a motor vehicle upon the public roads of this State, so as to decrease the percentages of alcohol in a person's blood used to create presumptions which must be used in determining the guilt of persons violating the provisions of Section 56-5-2930; and to provide a transition period for the reduction of the percentage. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3036 SEE S.352 (Representative Kirsh) A bill to amend Section 17-22-50, relating to persons not to be considered for the Pretrial Intervention Program, so as to exclude persons from the program who are charged with certain driver's license and alcohol-related offenses. Referred to Judiciary, Favorable w/ amendments, Recommitted to Judiciary

H. 3048 (Representative Keyserling) A bill to amend Section 56-7-10, relating to the uniform traffic ticket, so as to provide that the uniform traffic ticket must be used for violations of county or municipal ordinances. Referred to Judiciary, Favorable w/ amendments, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Transportation, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Referred to Judiciary

H. 3103 (Representative Waldrop) A bill to amend Section 16-3-20, relating to the punishment for murder, so as to provide for additional aggravating circumstances. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3115 (Representative Wilkins) A bill to amend, by adding Chapter 14 to Title 17 relating to the procedures and circumstances to obtain a court order for nontestimonial identification items from suspects, contents of the orders, and procedural safeguard for the suspect. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3129 (Representatives Wilkins, Hayes, Haskins and Huff) A bill to amend Section 44-53-476, so as to provide for felonies pertaining to leading a narcotics trafficking network and to provide penalties for violations; to amend Section 16-3-20, relating to the punishment for murder, to add leading a narcotics trafficking network to the list of crimes which are aggravating circumstances when a murder is committed during the commission of that crime; and to amend Section 16-1-10, relating to crimes classified as felonies, to include the offenses provided for in this act. Referred to Judiciary
H. 3137 (Representative Clyborne) A bill to amend Section 44-53-375 relating to penalties for ice, crank, or crack cocaine violations, so as to provide penalties for the possession or attempted possession of one gram or more of ice, crank, or crack cocaine. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3262 (Representatives Hayes, Fair and Kirsh) A bill to amend by adding Section 56-5-2952, so as to make it unlawful for persons under the age of twenty-one to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of two one-hundredths of one percent or greater. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3296 (Representatives Tucker, Huff, Smith, Clyborne and Wilkins) A bill to amend Section 44-53-480, relating to the enforcement of laws pertaining to illicit traffic in controlled and counterfeit substances, so as to provide for uniform procedures for forfeited substances and property to be used by law enforcement officers of the state and its political subdivisions. Referred to Judiciary, Favorable w/Amendments, Recommitted to Committee

H. 3310 (Representative Rama) A bill to amend by adding Section 56-1-55, so as to require applicants for a driver's license to complete a course on safe driving and alcohol and drug abuse education; and to amend by adding Section 59-29-51, so as to require as a part of high school curriculum a course in motor vehicle operation and highway safety. Referred to Education and Public Works

H. 3425 (Representative Baxley) A bill to allow a person sentenced to a term of imprisonment and incarcerated in a county prison or jail to be released to a prisoner rehabilitation program approved by the governing body of the county, to authorize a county governing body to contract with a nongovernmental organization, association, corporation, partnership, or group which has as its chief purpose the rehabilitation of prisoners, to provide for the return of released prisoners to the county prison or jail under certain circumstances and for the exchange of prisoners, to provide for a reduction of sentence or for release of a prisoner into society at large upon successful completion of the rehabilitation program, and to provide for the liability of the prisoner rehabilitation program while a prisoner is in its custody and care. Referred to 3M, Favorable w/ amendments, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Corrections and Penology

H. 3456 (Representative Rudnick) A bill to amend Section 56-1-365 relating to the procedure for the surrender of a drivers license upon conviction of offenses which require as part of the punishment to be imposed the revocation or suspension of the drivers license, so as to extend the time within which a magistrate or clerk of court has to forward the drivers license and related material to the Department of Highways and Public Transportation. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3472 (Representative Hayes) A bill to amend Section 44-53-520 relating to forfeitures of property arising from controlled substance violations, so as to delete the separate minimum amounts of controlled substances which must be involved in the offense to give rise to the forfeiture of trailers, aircraft, motor vehicles and watergoing vehicles. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3489 SEE 3515 (Representative Neilson & others) A bill to amend Title 8 relating to public offices and employees by adding Chapter 14 so as to establish uniform standards for pre-employment and employment drug testing of state employees, to require this drug testing under certain conditions, and to provide for the confidentiality, reliability, and fairness of this drug testing. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 3505 (Representatives Wilkins and Cato) A bill to amend Section 61-13-287, relating to transfer or gift of beer, wine or alcoholic liquor to a minor prohibited, so as to prohibit a parent or guardian from allowing or permitting the consumption of these beverages by a minor in his home and to provide exceptions. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3515 (Representative Neilson and others) A bill to amend Title 8, relating to public offices and employees by adding Chapter 10 so as to authorize certain drug and alcohol testing of prospective state employees. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Favorable w/ Amendments, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Judiciary

H. 3528 SEE S. 66 & H. 3402 (Representatives Fair and Hayes) A bill to amend by adding Section 61-9-311 so as to provide that a person selling beer and wine at retail for off-premise consumption may sell only unrefrigerated beer and wine. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 3536 (Representative Corning) A bill to amend Title 61, relating to alcohol and alcoholic beverages, by adding Chapter 10 so as to provide for the establishment, operation, and licensing of brewpubs, the promulgation of regulations, including fees and penalties. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Favorable Report, Objects by Cato, Fair, Klapman, Littlejohn, Marchbanks, McLeod, Sharpe, Smith & Wells

H. 3546 (Representative Hayes) A bill to amend Section 56-5-2950, relating to chemical tests of breath, blood, and urine to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs in the operator of a motor vehicle, so as to provide that a person operating a motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in a death must have a test provided by this section administered to him. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3578 SEE 652 (Representatives Rudnick, Quinn, Jaskwhich, Manly Wells, J. Brown & Baxley) A bill to amend Section 16-23-490, relating to additional punishment for possessing a firearm or knife during the commission of a violent crime, so as to increase the penalty for violation Referred to Judiciary

H. 3617 (Representatives Hayes, Fair and others) A bill to amend by adding Section 12-21-1025 so as to impose an additional license tax on beer equal to forty-two hundredths cents an ounce and on wine equal to sixty-three hundredths cents an ounce and to dedicate a portion of the revenue from the tax for alcohol and drug abuse programs and enforcement. Referred to Ways and Means

H. 3635 (Representative Rama and Others) A bill to amend Section 44-53-370, as amended, relating to offenses for trafficking in controlled substances, so as to make it unlawful to traffic in lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and to provide penalties. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3644 (Representative Waites and Others) A bill to amend by adding Section 61-1-100 so as to require notification to local law enforcement authorities and the local legislative delegation upon a license application or renewal to the ABC Commission. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Favorable w/ Amendments, Recommitted

H. 3753 (Representative Altman) A bill to amend Section 56-1-40 relating to persons who shall not be licensed, so as to add persons whose driving privilege is subject to be suspended. Referred to Education and Public Works, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Transportation

H. 3787 (Representative J. Bailey & others) A bill to amend Act 452 of 1973, as amended, relating to the Charleston County Substance Abuse Commission, so as to provide that members are appointed upon recommendation of the county council rather that recommendation of the county delegation. Referred to the Charleston Delegation, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, On Calendar Without Reference

H. 3841 SEE 1025 (Representative Beasley, Hayes, Fair & others) A bill to amend Section 56-5-2950, relating to implied consent to tests of breath, blood or urine to determine presence of alcohol or drugs, so as to change references to breathalyzer to breath analysis; to increase the drivers license suspension or denial from 90 to 120 days for a person who refuses to submit to tests; to provide that if, a person submits to a test and the results indicate he has more than the lawful amount of alcohol or drugs in his system, the suspension is 90 days; and to provide for the immediate confiscation of the driver's license or permit of a person who refuses or who tests as having more than a lawful amount of alcohol or drugs in his system. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3843 See 946 (Representatives L. Martin, Hayes, Fair & others) A bill to amend Title 61, relating to alcohol and alcoholic beverages, so as to change the references to alcoholic beverages to regulated beverages, revise definitions and requirements pertaining to the ABC Commission, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, license and permits, the transportation, possession, consumption, sale manufacture and importation of regulated beverages, offenses, and penalties and delete obsolete language; and to repeal Article 11, Chapter 21, Title 12, relating to producers and wholesalers of beer and wine. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 3858 SEE 79 (Representative R. Young & others) A bill to amend Article 7, Chapter 7, Title 20, by adding Subarticle 4 "Prenatal Exposure to Controlled Substances", so as to require reporting, testing, DSS intervention, immunity for good faith reporting, confidentiality, prohibition of use of information in certain criminal proceedings and to provide penalties. Referred to 3M

H. 3879 (Representative Meacham) A bill to amend Title 59, by adding Chapter 140 so as to provide for the Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act. Referred to Education and Public Works

H. 3880 SEE 61 (Representative Meacham) A bill to amend Section 44-53-445, relating to distribution of a controlled substance, so as to provide for the Drug-Free School Zones Act. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3891 (Representative Meacham) A bill to enact the "Minimum Mandatory Sentencing Act" for violations of the narcotics and controlled substances laws of this State, including provisions for specific penalties, a cost estimate by the Department of Corrections, the issuance of certain "Correctional Facilities Construction Bonds", and the establishment of a "Correctional Facilities Construction Fund". Referred to Judiciary

H. 3897 (Representative Quinn & others) A bill to amend by adding Chapter 69 to Title 39 so as to make it unlawful to sell tobacco products by vending machines in any public place that is predominantly frequented or used by persons under the age of 18, provide that a municipality and county enforce the provisions of this Chapter, provide penalties for violation, and to invalidate ordinances and regulations adopted by municipalities, counties and political subdivisions before the effective date of this Chapter. Referred to Judiciary

H. 3908 (Representative Burriss) A bill to amend section 61-9-90, relating to the sale of beer and wine, so as to provide that beer and wine may be sold on Sundays at publicly owned and operated golf courses upon the consent of the governing bodies of these golf courses but only in counties and municipalities where Sunday sales are permitted. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Favorable Report, Objects by Fair, Huff, Littlejohn, Marchbanks, Smith & Wells

H. 3982 (Representative Burriss) A bill to amend section 61-3-480, relating to limitation of number of retail alcoholic beverage outlets in a community, so as to permit the sale or devise of a license under certain conditions, and to permit licensees to move the location of licensed premises under certain circumstances. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 3992 (Representatives D Elliott, Corbett, Keegan and M. Martin) A bill to amend by adding Section 4-1-190 so as to provide an additional fee for an offense involving alcohol or drugs and for its use. Referred to Judiciary

INACTIVE LEGISLATION
PASSED

S. 410 (Senator Saleeby) A bill to amend Section 9-1-10, relating to definitions for the purposes of the SC Retirement System, so as to include in the definition of "employee" an employee of an agency authorized to receive funds as an alcohol and drug abuse planning agency. Referred to Finance, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to House, Referred to Ways and Means, Recalled, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Enrolled, (R239), Signed by Governor 6-12-91, Act 162

H. 3026 SEE H.3138 & S. 585 (Representative Gentry) A bill to amend by adding Sections 50-21-112, 50-21-114, and 50-21-116 so as to establish the offense of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and provide a schedule of blood alcohol content that gives rise to presumptions and inferences of operating a watercraft under the influence. Referred to Judiciary, Favorable w/ amendments, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Judiciary, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Objection by Senator Land, Rec'd 3rd, Returned to House, House Refused to Concur, Senate Conference Committee Members Appointed - Land, Passailaigue and Patterson, House Conference Committee Members Appointed - Gentry, Nettles, Harrison, Senate Adopted Conference Report, House Adopted Conference Report, Enrolled, (R208), Signed by Governor, 6-12-91, Act 138

H. 3073 SEE S.370 (Representatives P. Harris, Carnell, J. Harris & Mattos) A bill to amend by adding Chapter 22 to Title 44, so as to provide for the rights of mental health patients; and to repeal numerous sections relating to the same. Referred to 3M, Favorable w/ Amendments, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Medical Affairs, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Enrolled, Recalled from Leg Council, Amended, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to House, House Concurred in Amendments, Re-enrolled, (R193), Signed by Governor 6-5-91, Act 127

H. 3513 (Representative Keegan and others) A bill to amend Sections 61-5-60 and 61-9-410, relating to the grounds for suspension or revocation or nonrenewal of a license to sell alcoholic liquors and the acts which are prohibited on premises licensed to sell beer and wine, so as to prohibit bottomless entertainment at premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages and beer and wine Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Favorable w/ amendments, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Judiciary, Recalled, Rec'd 2nd, Amended, Rec'd 3rd, Returned to House, House Concurred in Amendments, Enrolled, (R243), Signed by Governor 6-12-91, Act 166

H. 3633 SEE 777 (Representative Gregory) A bill to amend Section 61-3-1020, relating to business prohibited in retail alcoholic liquor stores, so as to except the storage and sale of glassware and mixers packaged with alcoholic liquors provided by the manufacturer. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Judiciary, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Enrolled, (R82), Signed by Governor (4-23-91), Act 39

H. 3748 (Representative Sharpe & others) A bill to amend by adding Section 61-9-617 so as to authorize permitted domestic wineries to sell their wine at retail and deliver. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Favorable w/ amendments, Rec'd 2nd, Rec'd 3rd, Sent to Senate, Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Favorable Report, Rec'd 2nd, Amended, Rec'd 3rd, Returned to House, House Concurred in Amendments, Enrolled, (R228) Signed by Governor 6-12-91, Act 157

Tabled

S. 154 (Senators Martschink, Wilson & Rose) A bill to amend by adding Section 56-7-60, so as to prohibit an elected or appointed official of a state agency from using his position to cancel, revoke, or influence the result of any proceeding regarding the result in any proceeding regarding the issuance of a traffic ticket under Section 56-7-10. Referred to Transportation, Tabled in Committee

H. 3017 (Representative Kirsh) A bill to amend Section 61-1-30, relating to restricted employment and activities of members of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to provide that no member of the Commission may hold any other position of trust of profit and require that a member of the Commission shall devote his entire time to the duties of the office. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Tabled in Committee

H. 3138 SEE H.3026 (Representatives Hayes and Corning) A bill to amend Chapter 21, Title 50, to establish the offense of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and provide a schedule of blood alcohol content that gives rise to presumptions and inferences of operating a watercraft under the influence, to provide for definitions used in the enforcement of this article, to provide for a testing procedure and provide penalties for violations. Referred to Judiciary, Tabled in Committee

H. 3250 (Representative Rudnick) A bill to amend by adding Section 16-3-65, so as to establish the crime of reckless endangerment and provide a penalty for violation. Referred to Judiciary, Tabled in Committee

H. 3402 SEE S. 66 & H.3528 (Representatives Haskins, Quinn, Vaughn, Waites, H. Brown & Koon) A bill to amend by adding Section 61-9-160 to make it unlawful for a business establishment selling gasoline or other motor fuels to sell refrigerated or chilled beer and wine; to make it unlawful for such establishments to sell fewer than six separate containers of beer to one customer; and to provide a penalty for violations. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Tabled in Committee

H. 3825 (Representative Rudnick, Fair & others) A bill to amend by adding Section 56-1-685, so as to provide that when the driver's license of a South Carolina resident is suspended due to a conviction of an offense occurring in another state pursuant to the Driver License Compact, the period of suspension in this State begins on the date of the conviction. Referred to Education and Public Works, Tabled in Committee

H. 3883 (Representative Gonzales & others) A bill to amend Section 61-5-190, relating to the authority of the SC ABC Commission to regulate alcoholic beverage retail sales location operations, so as to provide that no provision of Title 61 may prevent a county or municipality from prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages during certain hours and to provide that existing ordinances prohibiting certain sale hours are confirmed and ratified. Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry, Tabled in Committee

Withdrawn

S. 251 (Senator Rose) A bill to establish the South Carolina Tobacco Indemnity Fund to be administered by the South Carolina Department of Insurance and financed by taxation on tobacco products to be collected by the South Carolina Tax Commission. Referred to Finance, Withdrawn by Senator Rose

The Committee has continuously stayed abreast of the activities of those agencies deeply involved in the alcohol and drug problem. In the following pages is a short synopsis of the activities of these agencies as they reported to the Committee.

Each year alcohol and other drug abuse continues to affect every community in South Carolina and creates a tremendous burden on our society. Not only does it adversely affect the health of South Carolinians, it also negatively impacts the social and economic conditions of the State. The magnitude of the problem is reflected by the most current estimate that approximately 538,000 South Carolinians ages 13 and older are suffering from alcohol and other drug-related problems or are at high risk of developing such problems. Alcohol related arrests (DUI, alcohol law violations and public drunkenness) account for about 33 percent of all arrests made in South Carolina. Arrests for other drugs (cocaine, marijuana, etc.) account for another 8 percent of all arrests. Thus, alcohol and other drug arrests account for at least 41 percent of all arrests made in this State each year. A large percentage of the remaining arrests are for crimes committed while under the influence of these substances. Almost two-thirds of all burglaries and more than one-half of all murders and rapes are committed while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. According to self-reported surveys, almost 50 percent of the inmates in the state's correctional system were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs when they committed their particular offense and almost 40 percent admit to having serious problems with alcohol or other drugs.

During FY91, the South Carolina Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SCCADA) through its statewide system of county alcohol and drug abuse authorities maintained on-going prevention, intervention and treatment programs to address these and other problems, and at the same time, looked for new ways to reach previously underserved populations. Specifically, as in prior years, the prevention activities coordinated by this system continued to increase. During the year, the county alcohol and drug abuse authorities coordinated and/or conducted 22,399 different prevention activities impacting 704,336 individuals, a 39 percent increase since FY90. Once again, the South Carolina Teen Institute for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention continued to be the largest and most comprehensive prevention initiative coordinated by the state system. Through this program, adolescents in grades 10 through 12 attend intensive weeklong training sessions through which they learn how to develop and implement alcohol and other drug abuse prevention activities to be carried out in their respective schools and communities during the following school year. During FY91, three week-long training sessions were held as part of the Teen Institute. These sessions involved a total of 669 students representing 149 teams (each consisting of four student leaders and an adult advisor) from 144 South Carolina high schools. Specific prevention activities to be implemented by these students during the 1991-92 school year include mini-Teen Institutes conducted at local high schools throughout the State and the Teen Leadership Connection, a program similar to the mini-Teen Institute but which targets local middle school students.

The state's alcohol and drug abuse system also provided direct intervention and/or treatment services to 52,611 individuals, or approximately 1.5 percent of the state's total population. Of this total, 35,599 individuals sought treatment through intervention programs offered as an alternative to more serious consequences, such as the loss of a job, loss of a driver's license, school expulsion, adjudication or incarceration. In addition, the system continued its involvement in the implementation of the state's Involuntary Commitment Law for individuals who are seriously or chronically addicted to alcohol or other drugs but who fail to seek assistance on their own. During FY91, 1,289 individuals received services through the county alcohol and drug abuse authorities under the provisions of this statute. Because of differences in reporting procedures for the involuntarily-committed population as opposed to individuals entering this system through other programs, these involuntary commitments are not reflected in the previously-cited total number of individuals who received direct intervention and/or treatment services through the county authorities this year. In addition to those individuals who received services under the provisions of the state's Involuntary Commitment Law, a significant number of other individuals entered treatment voluntarily in lieu of commitment.

Alcohol continued to be the number one drug of abuse in the State, accounting for more than 75 percent of the substance-related admissions to this system. Of drugs other than alcohol, cocaine was the number one drug for which South Carolinians sought treatment. Since 1980, admissions for treatment of alcohol-related problems have increased more than 40 percent. Admissions for treatment of cocaine problems have increased more than 4,000 percent during the same period, while treatment admissions for other drugs (marijuana, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, hallucinogens, etc.) have declined by as much as 73 percent.

The agency expanded services again this year to low-income individuals in the State as it continued the implementation of the Medicaid Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitative Services Project coordinated by the agency through a contract with the South Carolina Health and Human Services Finance Commission. Statewide implementation of this project was realized this year as the nine remaining county alcohol and drug abuse authorities were brought on as Medicaid providers. The agency also improved the availability and accessibility of services for the state's hearing-impaired population this year as well. In an attempt to address the unique treatment needs of the hearing impaired, the agency in conjunction with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind provided translator services to all hearing-impaired individuals who needed alcohol and other drug treatment services.

The agency was involved this year in several other interagency programming efforts also. These efforts included an initiative with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) and the Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (L/RADAC) which provided pre-release inpatient addictions treatment to 288 individuals through the Addictions Treatment Unit (ATU) at the Watkins Pre-Release Center and post-release follow-up and community-based treatment services for graduates of the ATU. This effort was funded by the Governor's Division of Public Safety. Another interagency program, "Stayin' Straight," was implemented in conjunction with L/RADAC, SCDPPPS and the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department. This program, funded by the federal Office for Treatment and Improvement of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration, provided intensive outpatient treatment and vocational services to parolees and probationers in Lexington and Richland counties. Another collaborative effort involved SCCADA, SCDC and the Kershaw County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in an alcohol and other drug education program for inmates participating in a 90-day shock incarceration program at the Wateree River Correctional Institute. The agency also initiated this year an interagency effort with the South Carolina Department of Youth Services (SCDYS) to develop a plan for conducting a comprehensive assessment of the alcohol and other drug programming needs at SCDYS facilities. During FY92, SCCADA will provide funds to SCDYS for a staff position to complete this assessment. This position will be supervised jointly by the two agencies.

In addition, the process for the FY91 South Carolina State Plan on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse was modified to include a needs assessment and recommendations generated by the South Carolina Interagency Committee on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. This committee, comprised of staff representatives from 12 state agencies and the Governor's Office, identified and analyzed alcohol and other drug abuse needs in South Carolina, identified existing strategies to reduce the demand for alcohol and other drugs, and recommended policies for collaborative prevention, intervention and treatment strategies involving the participating agencies.

During the year, the agency was involved in two major activities which were an outgrowth of the comprehensive drug use survey released by SCCADA and the South Carolina Department of Education in FY90. These activities included the analysis of data from the South Carolina Youth Survey and the development of plans to conduct a similar survey during the 1991-92 school year. Analysis of the 1989-90 data will be a continuing activity and is expected to provide a considerable amount of specific information about alcohol and other drug abuse among South Carolina's young people.

During FY91, the agency created within the Division of Programs and Services a special office to address the unique programming needs of women. This office is responsible for directing the agency's efforts to improve the availability and accessibility of alcohol and other drug related services for women. In addition, the office serves as a resource for other state agencies which also coordinate special initiatives targeting women. Through this office, a project was initiated this year to develop the state's first residential treatment program for women. This 24-bed halfway house will be operated by L/RADAC and is scheduled to open in February 1992. The Women's Community Residence, which will serve a state-wide need for women who require residential services following the completion of a more intensive phase of inpatient treatment, will provide a structured, supportive living environment for women who are at risk of post-treatment relapse.

Also during the year, agency staff served as the primary investigator for a state-wide study to determine the prevalence of drug use among women who give birth in South Carolina. Approximately half of the hospitals in the State participated in this study which was conducted on a representative sample of births occurring in 1991. A complete drug analysis, including alcohol, was performed on the mother's urine and on the infant's meconium. The results of these tests have been analyzed by drug type and by demographics of the mother. A formal report of the findings of this study, as well as related policy recommendations, were released in October 1991. This study, which was performed at the request of the Governor through the State Council on Maternal, Infant and Child Health (MICH), was an interagency effort involving SCCADA, South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council, South Carolina Health and Human Services Finance Commission, South Carolina Department of Mental Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Department of Mental Health, South Carolina Department of Mental Retardation and the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes.

The agency also continued to provide staff support for the South Carolina Coalition for Alcohol-Safe Communities, an organization formed in September 1989, in an effort to reduce the high social, emotional and economic costs of alcohol abuse in South Carolina. Through meetings, reports, endorsements, policy statements and committee activities, the coalition served as an advocate for alcohol health and safety through increased public awareness, the development of policy initiatives and the support of organizations which work actively to promote related health and safety measures. During FY91, the membership of the coalition increased to 56 member organizations.

As we continue to face a period of diminishing resources at a time when the demand for services is escalating, we are acutely aware of the need to gain the maximum operational efficiency of the system we manage. In this regard, our efforts to determine the most beneficial and cost-effective treatment methodologies continued this year as six county alcohol and drug abuse authorities were selected to participate in a treatment outcome study conducted by the Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Outcome Research (CATOR) service of the Ramsey Clinic in St. Paul, Minnesota. The results of this study will be available in FY92 and will play an important role in the agency's future efforts to expand the treatment capacity of the state-wide service-delivery system.

Several pieces of legislation enacted this year will assist in addressing the problems of alcohol and other drug abuse in South Carolina, including the boating under the influence bill and the bottomless entertainment bill. Several additional bills pending before the General Assembly are supported by SCCADA because of their potential to reduce problems associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs. These include bills which would provide for the administrative revocation of a driver's license; establish a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent as the level at which a person is presumed to be driving under the influence; establish a BAC of .02 percent as the level of impairment for drivers under the age of 21; and increase the user fee on beer and wine. During this upcoming legislative session, SCCADA will continue its role in shaping and supporting alcohol and other drug related initiatives to promote health, safety and wellness within our society.

As we move forward in the 1990's, the SCCADA will continue to refine the current system of care and search for innovative and cost-effective ways to ensure the provision of appropriate prevention, intervention and treatment services to meet the needs of all segments of the population. The agency looks forward to continued cooperation with the Joint Legislative Committee to Study the Problems of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and all other branches of government in meeting our goals to provide quality services for all South Carolinians.

The South Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission continues to vigorously enforce the laws regulating the sale and consumption of beer, wine, and distilled spirits. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1991, ABC agents wrote 1,055 administrative violations and issued 1,696 warnings to licensed locations. For these violations, the Commission assessed $294,807 in penalties, suspended 174 licenses and permits, and revoked 44 licenses and permits.

ABC agents also arrested 4,644 people for violations of state law. Of these arrests, 2,584 were for underage persons in possession of beer, wine, or liquor.

The Commission also continues to stress education of those selling beer, wine, and distilled spirits as a method of reducing violations of the law. Training seminars for license holders were conducted all around the State, and were extremely well-received.

ABC agents continue to conduct investigations upon the request of local law enforcement officers when local officers suspect alcohol was involved in an accident involving persons under twenty-one years of age. During calendar year 1990, forty-nine such investigations were conducted by ABC agents.

The Narcotics Department was formed in 1971 with the advent of legislation charging SLED with enforcement of laws pertaining to the illicit traffic in narcotics and dangerous drugs (Section 44-53-480, South Carolina Code of Laws). The Department is given the responsibility for providing investigative assistance to local enforcement agencies and for initiating overt and covert investigations into major narcotic and dangerous drug traffickers operating interstate and intrastate.

The Narcotics Department maintains a close liaison with other state and federal agencies in coordinating investigations against illicit drug traffic and provides intelligence information to these agencies regarding such traffic activity.

There are 26 agents and a supervisor assigned to the Department at this time.

On June 3, 1988, Governor Carroll Campbell announced the formulation of a Strike Force known as the Governor's RAID Team (Retaliation Against Illegal Drugs) made up of members from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources and SLED. This gave a total of 60 personnel to combat the drug problem in the State.

During this Fiscal Year the Narcotics Department added two more agents to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Unit with one slot remaining to be filled. This adds a demand reduction component to the Raid Team that will hopefully help reduce drug use through the public school education process.

Additionally, the South Carolina Army National Guard has dedicated twelve personnel to support the ground effort of our annual Marijuana Eradication Program along with two helicopters, their crew and support personnel (nine personnel total) to work in this area. Seven personnel from the twelve member ground support effort will remain year round to support the overall counter drug program.

The statistics relative to this unit will be included in these figures as that unit has been fully integrated into the operation of the Narcotics Department since its formulation.

During the Fiscal Year 1990-91, the Narcotics Department received and processed 557 requests for investigations from federal, state and local agencies. These requests for investigations generated 921 investigations by the section.

TOTAL VALUE OF DRUGS
PURCHASED OR SEIZED $ 43,779,112.00
CASH SEIZED 1,758,000.00
TOTAL ARRESTS 587

NOTE: Other real properties and monies seized through the State Grand Jury will be reported through them.
20,749 Marijuana Plants were seized in the 1990-91 Fiscal Year which resulted in 85 arrests.

Sale/Possession July-Dec 90 Jan-May 91

Cocaine/Heroin/Opium 3610 1557
Marijuana 3152 1553
Synthetic Narcotics 1 0
Other Drugs 401 111

June totals are not available at this time. The above figures are taken from reports submitted to the UCR program by participating police agencies.

The stresses described in the 1989-90 report remain virtually unchanged in this report for 1990-91. Initial funding to accommodate the commitment legislation supported less than one full-time Addiction Specialist Position per county in 1988 and has not increased substantially in three years. Fifty (50) to seventy (70) percent of emergency screenings in the community are alcohol or drug related, but resources to increase the number of trained staff to provide this service have not been forthcoming. The waiting list for voluntary admissions to Morris Village remains at between fifty (50) and sixty (60) people. The twenty-two (22) bed unit at Harris Hospital remains full. The result is that people with drug and alcohol problems are still being committed on psychiatric papers necessitating their rapid release because conditions that appeared to be psychiatric at the time of commitment clear as the person achieves sobriety. There were 1,300 such admissions in FY 91 as compared to 1,118 in FY 87, the year the commitment legislation went into effect. The community mental centers handle about 65 percent of emergency commitments; the local commissions handle about 65 percent of voluntary commitments and the Probate Courts manage most of the judicial commitments. Of the almost 2700 admissions to alcohol and drug beds by May 1, 1991, the community mental health centers had screened almost seventy-three (73) percent of them. Nearly forty-eight (48) percent of those were readmissions.

The new inter-agency agreement which has been signed by the Department and SCCADA has provided the impetus to address issues specifically on an area-by-area basis. It requires the development or updating of local agreements as well. A statewide meeting, hosted jointly by the Department's State Commissioner and SCCADA's Director, followed by area and regional meetings between state and local counterparts shows promise in improving collaborative working relationships. In addition, work groups staffed by the two agencies have been formed to define needs and service delivery options for 24 hour emergency services, detoxification services, service models for comprehensive community based programs for addicted individuals, dual diagnosed individuals and children and adolescents.

Current efforts to integrate and improve the service system notwithstanding, fundamental problems continue to exist which complicate the development of a coherent system of care for addicted individuals and these problems need legislative attention.

1. Philosophical Differences: Both agencies serve populations for whom compliance with prescribed treatment is often an issue in their remaining stable. Because medication is such a key factor in the stability of the psychiatric patient, the technology to serve this person, nationally and within South Carolina has moved dramatically in the direction of assertive outreach, team case management, supported living arrangements with home based services, etc., to insure that the person continues with medication and other treatment.

For the addicted patient, the motivation to seek and remain in treatment is essential to maintain sobriety. Assertive outreach to addicted individuals who have dropped out of treatment is unusual in the addictions field, whereas it is becoming almost routine in the mental health field. Assertive outreach efforts are viewed by mental health as a basic component of the service system; in the addictions field it is often viewed as enabling the person to remain dependent.

The consequence of this philosophical difference is that dual diagnosed or behaviorally challenging clients continue to cycle through the system. Neither system is funded adequately to provide the range or intensity of serviced needed by these high risk individuals.

2. Structural Differences: The local community mental health centers are administrative extensions of the Department of Mental Health. Local governing boards have authority only within the limits of the laws and policies governing the Department as a whole. Eighty (80) percent or more of the center funding comes through the Department which allows the Department to be directive in how funds are targeted and who will be served on a priority basis. The structure of the local commissions permits greater independence from SCCADA in how the missions and priorities of each are determined. The result is a comparative lack of uniformity in how the local commissions define their mission, the populations they serve and the scope of services that are offered. Consequently, system changes involving alcohol and drug addiction services may have to be negotiated on both state and local levels.

3. Resource Limitations: Neither agency has sufficient resources to treat addicted individuals in South Carolina. Within the addicted population are sub-groups whose conditions are complicated by mental illness, mental retardation, brain damage from substance abuse or an injury, women of child bearing age whose children are at rick for abuse or birth defects, minorities, children and adolescents, etc. These groups take special expertise that is not currently available in the amount needed. In addition, local detoxification services are needed, as are more staff trained and equipped to evaluate and treat addicted individuals on an emergency and on-going basis. Residential, structured out patient, family and client education and aftercare and follow up services, while available in some areas of the State, need to be uniformly available everywhere.

A panel from the Joint Legislative Committee on Mental Health and Mental Retardation spent a year reviewing mental health legislation. Their recommendations included the following:

1. The South Carolina Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse be merged into the Department of Mental Health with the Department of Mental Health serving as lead agency, or if that was not feasible;

2. The treatment systems should be consolidated with the Department of Mental Health as the lead agency.

At its August 13, 1991, meeting, the Board of Commissioners of the Department of Mental Health, in responding to the panel recommendations, voted unanimously in support of:
Consolidation of the Department of Mental Health and the South Carolina Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, by placing the alcohol and drug system within the Department of Mental Health on the condition of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health becoming the designated alcohol and drug abuse treatment authority and the transfer of alcohol and drug resources to the Department of Mental Health.

In summary, South Carolina lacks a comprehensive, integrated and coordinated system of care for individuals suffering from alcohol and drug abuse. Philosophical and structural differences between the dual systems and insufficient resources all conspire to create a fragmented system of care. The Department of Mental Health and the South Carolina Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse are working to address these problems through local interagency agreements and jointly staffed work groups to define needs, problems and solutions.

Morris Village has undergone a significant amount of change in the past year. It has implemented a program for dual diagnosed individuals with mental illness and addiction; it has opened a relapse program; it has initiated services to respond to the unique needs of women and it also reinstituted a program for young adults. In addition, it has maintained a balance between the number of voluntary and involuntary patients with voluntary patients being forty (40) to fifty (50) percent of the population at any given time.

The Village has continued to strengthen and improve the clinical program while maintaining an average length of stay at about twenty-seven (27) days. The clinical program includes daily goal setting by patients, daily wellness walks, a Big Book (an accepted recovery text) study group, and a revised family education program. In addition, issues which are now being addressed in treatment include sexual abuse, relapse prevention, and coping with anger and grief.

Staff training addressing addiction and recovery issues has been a priority in order to support these changes in the clinical program. Training topics have included the disease concept of addiction, family dynamics and treatment issues, treatment planning, clinical supervision, the process of recovery, the role of spirituality in the recovery process and over forty (40) other topics. The goal is to provide all staff with twenty (20) hours of training annually.

Another aspect of training has included the development and expansion of academic linkages through student placements at Morris Village. Students in nursing, psychology, chaplaincy, and medicine have had placements this year. A goal is to institute a fellowship in addiction medicine. Also, if the Village serves as a rotation for family practice residents and for more general medical students, as well as, other disciplines then a significant contribution can be made in preparing a future workforce knowledgeable about addiction.

Staffing levels have been impacted somewhat by budget constraints. Staff turnover has been reduced by one-third, but some vacant positions are not being filled due to budget restrictions. Recruitment of physicians is ongoing. By realigning the role of Byrnes Medical Center's Assessment and Detoxification Program, staff are being used more effectively and better and more appropriate treatment is resulting both at Byrnes and Morris Village.

Efforts are being directed toward increasing revenue, particularly in assuring that the Village receives its appropriate share of fines from court actions. Also, a planned program of refurbishing the physical plant has begun not only to address critical maintenance issues, but to make cottages accessible to the physically handicapped.

The South Carolina Department of Highways and Public Transportation (SCDHPT) is the state agency charged with responsibility for the planning, construction and maintenance of the state highway system and related laws, the enforcement of the state's traffic laws throughout the highway system, and coordination of public transportation in the State. Subsumed under these broad areas are responsibility for maintaining accident records for the State and for promoting safety on South Carolina's highway system.

During 1990, the SCDHPT was involved in four major areas related to the problems of alcohol and drug abuse: compilation of traffic accident statistics describing accidents in which the probable cause was alcohol and/or drug related; continuation of DUI enforcement efforts using new mobile breathalyzer vans; creation and implementation of the Traffic Accident Victim Advocacy program for victims of DUI/DWI crashes; and continuation of a statewide public information and education campaign to discourage drinking and driving.

DUI-Related Traffic Accident Statistics - 1990

Alcohol-related traffic accidents are responsible for a large portion of reported traffic accidents each year. The percentage of accidents which are alcohol-related increases as the severity of injuries involved increases.

Alcohol/drug-related traffic accidents are based on eight probable cause fields on the Uniform Traffic Accident Report Form. The form lists 74 causes from which the investigating officer must choose the single probable cause in the accident. The data presented in this section is a summary of these eight alcohol/drug-related probable causes. This data will not include any accidents where the probable cause was something other that alcohol or drugs, even if one of the drivers was intoxicated. As a result, alcohol involvement in South Carolina traffic accidents is probably understated.

Despite the restrictive nature in which this data was complied, these figures indicate alcohol and drugs are important contributors to the frequency and severity of traffic accidents. Some of the key findings in the data are as follows:

Alcohol or drug usage was the probable cause in 207 fatal accidents in 1990, resulting in the deaths of 226 persons. Both figures are up from 1989 and represent 23.4% and 23% respectively of all fatal accidents and persons killed during the year. Table #1 provides a listing by county of the number of traffic accidents with a probable cause of alcohol or drugs.

Drivers under 21 years of age accounted for 13.4% of all drivers whose age was known in accidents with a probable cause of alcohol or drugs. This is up from 12.6% in 1989. Table #2 shows the age and sex of drivers involved in accidents in which the probable cause was alcohol or drugs. Graph #1 depicts the number of accidents per 1,000 licensed drivers by driver age during 1990.

Blood alcohol data is compiled by the state's coroners for drivers and pedestrians who were over 16 years of age and died within four (4) hours of a traffic accident. For 1989, the latest year for which complete data is available, 59.7% of all known test results on these victims indicated a positive blood alcohol content. Table #3 provides blood alcohol levels for drivers and pedestrians in fatal accidents by county who meet the criteria described.

DUI Enforcement

In 1988, the SCDHPT received a $171,400 grant from the Governor's Highway Safety Office to implement a DUI Saturation Enforcement Program. This project involved the establishment of three specially-trained DUI enforcement teams within the Highway Patrol with seventeen (17) troopers each and three supervisors. These team members received specialized training designed to increase their ability to detect, apprehend, and prosecute intoxicated drivers. Specialized equipment, including two mobile breathalyzer vans were purchased for use by the Patrol.

Following the training, establishment of procedures for the project, and procurement of equipment, the project was officially implemented over the Memorial Day weekend in 1989. Since the debut of the project, the DUI Saturation Enforcement Teams, often working in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, have accounted for 8,150 total cases including 1,593 DUI arrest; 1,564 arrests for possession of illegal alcohol and open container violations; and 82 drug arrests. In addition, the team has also made 4,911 arrests for reckless driving, speeding, driving under suspension and other traffic violations. The average number of DUI-related deaths rose from 16 per month in 1989 to 18 per month in 1990.

The state-of-the-art DUI vans are equipped with video equipment to record suspects taking the field sobriety test, a breathalyzer machine and a holding cell. The vans have been used in areas of the State where drinking and driving is reported to be a problem. The Patrol set the vans up at a stationary location near the problem area and then saturate that area with 10 to 15 troopers who are specifically looking for drunk drivers.

Under normal circumstances, a DUI arrest can take the trooper off the road for two to three hours. One of the advantages of the DUI vans is that they allow troopers who make a DUI arrest to be back on patrol within an hour or less, since the trooper doesn't have to search for a breathalyzer machine and then spend time at the jail processing the individual.

DUI arrests for the Highway Patrol for 1990 (including by Saturation Team members) totalled 15,084. DUI convictions for the Patrol as a whole (includes Saturation Teams) increased by 7% in 1990 over 1989, climbing from 11,652 convictions to 12,459 convictions (See Table #4).

On December 10, 1990, The National Commission Against Drunk Driving awarded this project its "Distinguished Service Award" in the enforcement initiative category. The award was presented in Washington, D.C. during a reception preceding the National Commission's Annual Awards Luncheon.

Public Information and Education Efforts

The Safety Office, in cooperation with the Public Affairs Office of the SCDHPT, has coordinated a variety of public information and education efforts addressing the problem of drinking and driving. The major initiative in this area has been the continuation of the "Highways or Dieways" campaign. During 1990, Phase III of the campaign was implemented. The overall message of the campaign has been clear -- tell the state's drivers, as graphically as possible, what consequences they can expect if they choose to drive irresponsibly. Three television ads were developed and released during Phase III; one of the ads targeted drinking and driving and showed a group of teen-agers who chose to drink and drive and the consequences of their actions.

Two special PSA's were created; one was called "These people won't be home for the holidays", and features 11 people who were killed in auto accidents during the year. "These Students Won't Make Their Class Reunion" was the additional PSA developed during 1990. The PSA features a number of photographs of South Carolina high school students who died in traffic accidents, some as the result of DUI. The PSA was presented prior to prom and graduation time in 1991.

Phase III of the campaign was funded jointly by the SCDHPT and with grant funds provided by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety Programs. The campaign, along with other initiatives across the State, has contributed to an 9.6% reduction in traffic fatalities over the past four years; a 17.1% reduction in the number of incapacitating injuries over the past four years; a 7.6% reduction in the amount of economic loss over the last four years; and a 19.4% reduction in the state's mileage death rate over the last four years. These reductions occurred in spite of a 13.7% increase in the number of miles traveled over the last four years and a 8.6% increase in the number of licensed drivers.

The Safety Office also operated a Highway Safety Information Resource Clearinghouse. Brochures, posters, research information, films, videos and other educational materials of various aspects of DUI are available free of charge to the public. Clearinghouse materials are distributed to civic groups, at safety fairs, to teachers, and others who are concerned with highway safety throughout the year.

Victim Advocacy

Alcohol related traffic accidents are responsible for a large portion of the traffic accidents reported in South Carolina each year. The proportion of accidents which are alcohol related increases as the severity of injuries increases. The figures below indicate that alcohol and drugs are important contributors to the frequency and severity of South Carolina traffic accidents. Some of the key findings are as follows:

Alcohol or drug usage was the probable cause in 207 fatal accidents in 1990, resulting in the deaths of 226 persons. These figures represent 23.4% and 23% respectively of all fatal accidents and persons killed during the year. Alcohol or drug usage was the probable cause in 168 fatal accidents in 1989, resulting in the deaths of 189 persons. These figures represent 18.8% and 19% respectively of all fatal accidents and persons killed during the year.

Alcohol or drug usage was the probable cause in 3,064 injury accidents in 1990, resulting in 4,950 persons injured. In 1989, alcohol or drug usage was the probable cause in 2,872 injury accidents resulting in 4,589 persons injured. Injuries ranged from minor bruises to incapacitating injuries, some requiring long-term care in convalescent facilities.

While there is no cost which can be assigned to the pain and suffering to victims and family members of those injured or killed, the estimated economic loss for the 226 persons killed was $65,540,000.00 in 1990. In 1989, the estimated economic loss for the 189 persons killed totaled $54,810,000.00.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol forms the Law Enforcement Division of the South Carolina Department of Highways and Public Transportation. The major function of the Patrol is to enforce South Carolina's traffic laws, thus providing motorists with safe travelways. During 1990, the Patrol investigated 63,691 traffic accidents or 53.5% of the 118,989 reported accidents. The Patrol serves the entire State. As a result, services provided through the Traffic Accident Victims Advocates (TAVA's) project are offered on a state-wide basis to the following groups:

- Family members of individuals killed in traffic accidents by a drunk or drugged driver.

- Individuals who experience incapacitating injuries as a result of an alcohol or drug-related crash.

Family members of individuals killed in alcohol or drug-related traffic accidents, individuals who experience severe, incapacitating injuries in such crashes, and the family members of those injured are indeed victims of a violent crime. These people experience the same anguish, anger, and frustration as those who are victims of murder, physical assault, etc. While prompt medical treatment is essential for the injured, both the severely injured and family members of those involved need immediate access to crisis services. Under Grant # 1W91024, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, with the help and support of the Governor's Office of Criminal Justice Programs, established the first Traffic Accident Victims Advocacy (TAVA) program in the nation. The Public Affairs Office of the South Carolina Department of Highways and Public Transportation in conjunction with the National Patrol has prepared a presentation of this program which was given at the National Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) conference, held at Lancaster, Pennsylvania during April 1991. The goal of this project is to provide crisis intervention and referral services to the groups listed by providing within each county Patrol Office in the State, personnel who are trained to respond to victims' needs. This project coordinates with other victim service programs and agencies by involving these groups in the project's continuation as members of the project steering committee and as part of the referral network.

The TAVA's are using a referral network to help people who are having a problem adjusting to the death or injury of a loved one. The network is composed of 470 pastors, mental health professionals, and social service professionals. The TAVA's are responsible for keeping the referral network list up to date and work with these professionals to insure their continued support. Each TAVA makes contacts with people who are qualified to be on the referral network and encourages their support. The TAVA's are responsible for training all new members of the referral network.

The TAVA's are stationed in each of the 46 counties in South Carolina. The TAVA's were trained during January 1991 and were placed in service as of March 1, 1991. Since that time over 50 families have been helped by this service. We expect this service to grow as people become aware of this project.

The TAVA program was designed to provide the support and service required to manage the aftermath of alcohol and drug-related accidents. Each TAVA has been trained to provide the following services:

* Provide updates and information concerning investigations, bonds, legal proceedings, and the criminal justice system.

* Assist in locating community resources for financial assistance and victim/witness services.

* Refer to local minister, counselors, and support groups for assistance in emotional recovery.

(INSERT TABLE 1)
(INSERT TABLE 2)
(INSERT TABLE 3)
(INSERT TABLE 4)
(INSERT GRAPH 1)

Over 400 motorists are murdered each year on South Carolina roads at the hands of intoxicated drivers. However, in 1991 the South Carolina Governor's Office of Highway Safety continued to provide education, beefed up enforcement, and innovative prosecution efforts.

Education has proven to be an effective means of changing attitudes and behavior. One innovative educational campaign, "Booze, Cruise, Lose" is a cooperative effort between the Governor's Office and the South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. This campaign targets youths ages 13-17 and has increased in its momentum and impact throughout 1991, receiving tremendous media coverage. Public service announcements, promotional items, and presentations made to junior high and high school students have been effective in changing the attitude of youth in the State.

To enhance this effort, the Governor's Office provided promotional and financial support to schools and community organizations to warn students that special events can become deadly if mixed with alcohol and drugs. "Ghost-Out" dramatizes statistics that indicate a young person is killed every 20 minutes in an alcohol-related crash. "Operation Prom/Graduation" activities guard against the increased risk of DUI crashes during this special season of the year. These activities ensure every student gets the message that intoxicated driving is a risky behavior.

These educational programs encourage young South Carolinians to grow up into responsible adults. For the adults who may not have gotten the message, the Governor's Office of Highway Safety orchestrated the Drunk and Drugged Driver Campaign (3-D) in which local civic, business, and law enforcement groups promoted the anti-DUI message throughout the holiday season. The impact of 3-D Week was increased by working in collaboration with Mothers Against Drunk Driving's (MADD) Red Ribbon Campaign. Red ribbons were placed on cars around the State to symbolize that motorists had gotten the message that DUI kills.

Even with the most effective educational efforts, some motorists continued to drive intoxicated. For these individuals, beefed-up enforcement of the state's DUI laws took place in 1991. Traffic units conduct routine sobriety checkpoints to apprehend the intoxicated driver before they cause serious injury or death on the highway.

To increase the effectiveness of these traffic officers, approximately 50 breath testing devices were purchased to allow the officers to test blood alcohol concentration with the best equipment money can buy. These machines reduce the risk of the validity of the test results being questioned in the courtroom by defense attorneys.

To further strengthen the prosecution of DUI cases in the courtroom, special DUI prosecutors have been hired in Lexington and Spartanburg Counties. These prosecutors specialize in convicting intoxicated drivers by assisting the arresting officer in preparing effective evidence to present in the courtroom and implementing strategies to decrease the backlog of DUI cases. Such activities provide a strong deterrent against DUI by making the prosecution swift and sure.

By educating those who will listen and insuring a swift and sure prosecution for those who do not, the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, along with energetic highway safety advocates around the State, has made significant strides in 1991 in winning the war against the intoxicated driver. Preliminary 1991 traffic accident data indicates an 11% decrease in traffic crashes in South Carolina over 1990 figures.

During fiscal year 1991, the South Carolina Department of Corrections continues to experience a dramatic increase in population. The Department received 11,723 inmates during FY 91 and the following information represents a summary of inmate self-reports about their substance abuse histories:

A. How was the current offense related to substance abuse?

1. Offense committed while under influence
of both alcohol and drugs 3.9%

2. Offense committed under influence of
drugs only 5.8%

3. Offense committed under influence of
alcohol only 22.4%

4. DUI Offense 4.2%

5. Instrumental to obtaining drug 1.4%

6. Offense involved drug dealing 8.2%

7. Possession at crime 12%
8. Not applicable 42%

B. Percentage of inmates acknowledging convictions in the following categories:

CONVICTIONS *DUI PUBLIC DRUNK DRUG OFFENSE

0 78.6 82.6 74.6

1 11.5 8.4 18.4

2 5.0 3.0 4.9

3 2.6 1.7 1.3

4 1.3 0.9 0.4

5+ 1.0 3.4 0.4

C. Inmates acknowledge a substance abuse problem?

Yes 30.3%
No 69.7%

*Actual DUI admissions to the Department for FY'91 was 1,152 or 9.8% of total admissions.

The Department's substance abuse strategy involves structured interventions to inmates that include:

1. Drug Education Programs
2. Individual Counseling
3. Group Counseling
4. Self-Help Programs (Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous)
5. 60-Day Residential Addictions Treatment Program
6. Transitional Pre-Release Services
7. Relapse Prevention Services
8. Work Center Drug Testing
9. Community Furlough Drug Testing Program

The Department provided during FY'91 the following intervention services to inmates:

INMATE
SERVICE PARTICIPATION
1. Alcohol/Drug Education Course 4,785
2. Alcohol/Drug Group Therapy 1,209
3. Alcohol/Drug Individual Therapy 57
4. Alcoholics Anonymous Groups 2,795
5. Narcotics Anonymous Groups 392
6. Addictions Treatment Unit 288
7. Other Substance Abuse Programs 755

DRUG TESTING % POSITIVE

1. Conducted 5,902 Urinalysis

Tests at Work Centers 4.4%

2. Conducted 2,250 Urinalysis

Tests for Furlough Screenings .2%

The Department and the S.C. Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse initiated a cooperative agreement to specifically identify or improve methods for preventing alcohol and drug use among inmates. Currently there are several joint efforts for providing education and treatment to inmates.

An integral part of the Department's rehabilitation response to the needs of persons with vocationally handicapping substance abuse problems in Palmetto Center in Florence and Holmesview Center in Greenville. These two residential alcohol treatment centers, operated by Vocational Rehabilitation, provide clients with a comprehensive program of group and individual therapy; vocational assessment; personal and social adjustment training; psychological evaluation; recreational, family, nutritional, and media therapy; plus religious and A.A. activities. The length of treatment is either 28 or 56 days, depending on the needs of the particular client, and admission is on a voluntary basis.

Additionally, both centers conduct extensive outpatient services in the form of weekly group therapy sessions for family members of current and past residents and after-care therapy groups as follow-up for residents who have completed their inpatient treatment. The centers also work cooperatively with local nurse training programs to provide their students with exposure to substance abuse treatment.

Referrals to the centers come from human service agencies and interested individuals all over South Carolina. These referrals are coordinated through the local Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to provide initial assessment and establish a service relationship with the individual prior to admission. Following treatment, the local counselor assists the client with aftercare therapy, vocational counseling and job placement. Such a continuum of care is unique and provides optimum opportunity for the client's recovery.

In FY 1991, Palmetto Center in Florence provided residential treatment services to 597 clients, whose average length of stay was 24 days, with total client service days of 12,529. Also, 994 treatment hours of group therapy were rendered in the Family and Ex-Resident Programs.

During this same year, Holmesview Center in Greenville served 311 clients whose average stay was 29 days, totaling 8,260 total client days of service. Also, 1,252 treatment hours of therapy were provided to families and ex-residents in the Non-Resident Program.

In addition, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department continues to operate a program in cooperation with the South Carolina Mental Health Department at the Earle E. Morris Jr., Alcohol and Drug Addiction Center. This program provides vocational assessment, adjustment training, counseling, and referral to local Vocational Rehabilitation counselors for job placement and followup services. During FY 1991, Vocational Rehabilitation services were provided to 699 Morris Village residents with 236 referred for follow-up services by Vocational Rehabilitation offices throughout the State and 66 were provided follow-up services after discharge by the Morris Village Vocational Rehabilitation staff.

In addition to this network of specialized facilities and programs, the Department counselors in the majority of its local offices who specialize in Vocational Rehabilitation services to substance abuse clients. These specialty counselors provide services as well as provide liaison with other agencies, such as the county commissions on alcohol and drug abuse, to assure coordinated services to these clients. In some areas, these specialty counselors operate ongoing group counseling sessions to help their clients secure or maintain gainful employment.

In order to better serve the private and public sectors, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department has implemented employee intervention programs with a variety of employers. These programs address individual needs of troubled employees before they have to be separated from their present employment due to substance abuse.

The needs of persons with substance abuse problems are complex and place considerable demands on South Carolina's treatment network. Whether these persons are unemployed or in danger of losing their employment, their rehabilitation needs are continuing to be addressed by the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department as is indicated in the following.
New Clients Clients
FY Disability Referrals Receiving Rehabilitated
Services
87 Drug
Addiction/Abuse 914 1,554 324
Alcoholism 2,220 4,361 1,007

88 Drug
Addiction/Abuse 1,323 2,081 467
Alcoholism 2,190 4,072 1,142

89 Drug
Addiction/Abuse 1,487 2,462 574
Alcoholism 2,091 3,839 1,001

90 Drug
Addiction/Abuse 1,808 2,950 692
Alcoholism 2,193 3,843 1,020

91 Other Drug
Abuse/Depend. 1,717 3,056 771
Alcohol
Abuse/Depend. 2,539 4,293 1,090

Alcohol and other drug abuse is unquestionably a critical problem facing juveniles who receive services from the Department of Youth Services. A recent self report survey to measure the use of alcohol and other drugs in adolescents in grades 7-12 indicated that students committed to DYS had used illicit drugs during the prior year more than three times as often as public school students. The study also reported that 80% of DYS students admitted to alcohol usage during their lifetimes, as compared to 55.4% of public school students. Of additional concern is that 63.9% of the DYS students admitted to illicit drug usage during their lifetimes, as compared to 18.7% of the public school students.

The S.C. Department of Youth Services is keenly aware of the tremendous need for substance abuse education and addictions treatment for the juveniles it serves. A renewed emphasis in this area has resulted in the revitalization of existing services and the development of new ones.

Current Programs

The existing services include drug testing, education and treatment efforts. Juveniles committed to DYS for evaluation, as well as those previously committed to indeterminate sentences who are returning from furlough, are required to undergo urinalysis to test for the presence of illegal drugs. Basic alcohol and drug education groups are conducted at the three long-term institutions in Columbia. These groups are designed to educate juveniles about the physical, psychological and legal consequences of substance abuse involvement, as well as to acquaint them with the methods of maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. Through a cooperative agreement with the local substance abuse commission, treatment groups are conducted for those students identified as substance abusers. Both Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups operate within the institutional setting. Parolees are then matched with sponsors in their home communities in an effort to encourage them to continue their attendance of the support groups.

New Initiatives

A new partnership with the S.C. Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse will yield a plan for ensuring the provision of addiction treatment services to all juveniles being served in the DYS system. This effort will develop and enhance linkages between DYS, SCCADA, and the county substance abuse commissions so that consistent treatment is afforded through the juvenile justice system to those juveniles who so desperately need it. While some new components may be necessary, the emphasis of this plan will be on coordinating and utilizing existing resources.

While the problem of substance abuse among juvenile offenders is tremendous, the Department of Youth Services is committed to finding effective, cost-efficient ways of delivering the vitally necessary treatment, education and support to this population.

A team was created in the State Department of Education to devote more resources to solving the alcohol and drug problems that exist in the State. The Drug-Free Schools and Community Team was formed to administer, direct and maintain the Drug-Free Schools Federal Grant. For the fifth consecutive year, the leadership provided by the State Department of Education ensured the continued participation of all ninety-one school districts in the program, an exceptional accomplishment recognized by the US Department of Education. In order to participate in the program, each district must have in place an active community advisory board and a K-12 drug and alcohol prevention curriculum. Monitoring visits were conducted to ensure the applicability for the local district program and written evaluations were received from all local school districts.

Project Drug Abuse Resistance Education (Project D.A.R.E) was expanded in the State with two training classes of certified law enforcement officers from forty local school districts completing the training. Each officer taught a seventeen week lesson to fifth or sixth grade students during the school year. All reports indicate that the program was very effective. There are one hundred forty D.A.R.E. trained officers teaching the curriculum. During the 1991-92 year continued expansion is anticipated.

Sixteen graduate courses were conducted during the spring and summer semesters of 1991. Drug-Free Schools Funds were used to provide tuition, materials, and textbooks for guidance counselors, administrators, and teachers at Clemson University, University of South Carolina (Columbia), University of South Carolina (Spartanburg), University of South Carolina (Sumter), University of South Carolina (Aiken), Winthrop College, Francis Marion College, College of Charleston and Furman University. Approximately three hundred seventy five educators took advantage of these classes.

The team sponsored five regional two day workshops for junior high and high schools interested in implementing The New Model Me. This National Diffusion Network model is an effective program designed to meet the needs of at-risk students. Ninety participants completed the training and received necessary material to teach classroom size units of students. During the 1991-92 school year four additional two-day training workshops are scheduled.

The team sponsored the fifth Annual Coaches, Athletic Directors and Student Athletes Conference in May 1991. The conference was attended by 285 participants. The team will continue to provide leadership in drug prevention activities to this important group of educators by sponsoring the sixth annual conference in May 1992.

Seven school districts in six counties were selected to be demonstration sites for development and implementation of Student Assistance Programs. This program addresses early identification, assessment, referral support and case management of alcohol and other drug related problems of students. Expansion is planned for the ensuing school year.

(On motion on Senator J. VERNE SMITH, ordered printed in the Journal of Friday, January 24, 1992)

At 11:05 A.M., on motion of Senator PATTERSON, the Senate adjourned to meet next Tuesday, January 28, 1992, at 12:00 Noon.

This web page was last updated on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8:55 A.M.