SENATE JOURNAL for Jan. 20, 1993 - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
110th Session, 1993-1994
Journal of the Senate

Wednesday, January 20, 1993

(Statewide Session)

~~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 WILLIAMS.

A quorum being present the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:

Beloved, on this high day in history, hear the first words of the Holy Bible: Genesis 1:1:

"IN THE BEGINNING... GOD... CREATED...!"

Let us pray: (bidding prayers)

Lord, God, King of Kings, hear our prayers:

Let us pray for the servant of God... George Bush.

Let us pray for the servant of God... Bill Clinton.

Let us pray for the people of America.

We know, O Lord, that the human destiny of this world in these years rests heavily upon the President of the United States.

But we know that the real responsibility for the future of this Nation and the World rests in the hearts... the minds... and the will... of the people.

We know that our real... and ultimate... destiny is in the Mind... the Will... and the Merciful Providence of Almighty God.

Have mercy upon us all, O Lord! Glory Be To Thee, O God!

Amen!

The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.

Doctor of the Day

Senator McCONNELL introduced Dr. J. Chris Hawk, III of Charleston, South Carolina, Doctor of the Day.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 241 -- Senators Moore and Ryberg: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE AIKEN HIGH SCHOOL GREEN "HORNETS" FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE STATE AAAA DIVISION II FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND TO INVITE THE TEAM AND ITS COACH TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE SENATE AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.

Whereas, this come-from-behind victory was a trademark of this never-say-die team during the regular season; and

Whereas, the Aiken High School Football Team finished the regular season with a record of 13-2. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate congratulate the Aiken High School Green "Hornets" Football Team for winning the State AAAA Division II Football Championship and invite the team and its coach to be recognized by the Senate at a date and time to be determined by the President of the Senate.

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 242 -- Senators Ford and Glover: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS EMPLOYING LOBBYISTS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED AFRICAN-AMERICANS EMPLOYED AS REGISTERED LOBBYISTS.

Whereas, according to the 1990 United States Census, 29.8 percent of the citizens of South Carolina are classified as African-Americans; and

Whereas, since the elections in 1970 of the first African-Americans to the General Assembly after Reconstruction, the number of African-American members has steadily increased to its current total of twenty-five, representing nearly fifteen percent of the total membership in the General Assembly; and

Whereas, lobbyists play a functional role in informing the General Assembly and state administrative agencies of the advantages and disadvantages related to the passage of legislation and the adoption of regulations and procedures; and

Whereas, the number of African-Americans employed as lobbyists is disparate with respect to the number of African-Americans in the general population and in the General Assembly, as there are currently only a few African-Americans among the estimated three hundred eighty-six lobbyists registered with the Secretary of State's Office; and

Whereas, the groups actually employing lobbyists are uniquely situated to increase the number of qualified African-Americans employed as lobbyists in South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly strongly encourage the groups employing lobbyists to timely increase the number of qualified African-Americans employed as lobbyists to reflect the true make-up of South Carolina's society and our General Assembly and to implement recruiting programs designed to achieve this effect.

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be made available to all lobbyists' principals registered with the Secretary of State.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 243 -- Senators Wilson, Gregory, Russell, Cork, Ryberg, Drummond, J. Verne Smith and Giese: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION ESTABLISHING A PRESIDENTIAL LINE ITEM VETO.

Whereas, despite various efforts to control the explosive growth of federal spending, the President has had insufficient authority with respect to the budgetary process; and

Whereas, the federal budget has not been balanced since 1969 and the national debt has increased fourteen-fold in the past ten years; and

Whereas, Presidents of both political parties since the War Between the States have cited the need for greater presidential involvement in administering the budgetary affairs of the nation; and

Whereas, in forty-three states, including this State, the chief executive has the constitutional power to veto items of appropriation while approving other portions of the bill; and

Whereas, this power has been described by political scholars as a highly desirable one, and one which has had a positive effect on the operation of government; and

Whereas, under Article V of the United States Constitution, amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by the Congress whenever two-thirds of both houses consider it necessary, or, on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, the Congress shall call a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of proposing amendments. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina respectfully memorializes the Congress of the United States to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution, which would authorize the President of the United States to reduce or eliminate one or more items of appropriation while approving other portions of a bill.

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina requests the Congress to submit to the several states the amendment to the Constitution of the United States for purposes of ratification; and

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina also proposes that the legislatures of each of the several states comprising the United States apply to the Congress requesting the enactment of an amendment to the United States Constitution, as described in this resolution; and

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President and Vice-President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation, to the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and to the Secretary of the United States Senate.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 244 -- Senators Martin, Leatherman, Peeler, Cork and Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INSURANCE, BY ADDING CHAPTER 78 SO AS TO ENACT THE "CONSUMER FREEDOM OF CHOICE IN MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE ACT"; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-1075 SO AS TO PROHIBIT AN INSURER FROM INCREASING THE PREMIUM ON AN AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY SOLELY AS A RESULT OF A CLAIM FOR AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT FILED BY AN INSURED IF THE INSURED WAS NOT AT FAULT NOR CONTRIBUTORILY NEGLIGENT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE", SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INCLUSION OF THE PERSONAL PROTECTION POLICY AS DEFINED IN SECTION 38-78-30(C); TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE LAW, THE REQUIREMENT ON INSURERS TO INSURE, AND EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE EXCEPTIONS WITH RESPECT TO ADDED PERSONAL PROTECTION COVERAGE AS DEFINED IN SECTION 38-78-30(B); TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-355 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, IN A CLAIM OR ACTION FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH ARISING OUT OF THE OWNERSHIP, OPERATION, USE, OR MAINTENANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, THE COURT SHALL ADMIT INTO EVIDENCE THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID TO THE CLAIMANT FROM COLLATERAL SOURCES AND SHALL INSTRUCT THE JURY TO DEDUCT FROM ITS VERDICT THE VALUE OF ALL BENEFITS RECEIVED BY THE CLAIMANT FROM COLLATERAL SOURCES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-280, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISIONS OF THAT SECTION AND PROVIDE THAT AFTER A CERTAIN DATE AUTOMOBILE INSURERS MAY REFUSE TO WRITE OR RENEW PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE PHYSICAL DAMAGE INSURANCE COVERAGE, INCLUDING COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL DAMAGE, COLLISION, FIRE, THEFT, AND COMBINED ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR AN APPLICANT OR EXISTING POLICYHOLDER AND THAT NO PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE PHYSICAL DAMAGE INSURANCE COVERAGE MAY BE CEDED TO THE REINSURANCE FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE AND THE DEFINITION OF "DAMAGES", SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM INCLUDES ACTUAL DAMAGES ONLY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-140, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE AND BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE LIMITS, SO AS TO QUALIFY "DAMAGES" AS "ACTUAL DAMAGES" AND REQUIRE AN INSURER TO OFFER AN INSURED A RIDER OR ENDORSEMENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL PREMIUM TO COVER LIABILITY FOR PUNITIVE DAMAGES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-150, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE, THE UNINSURED MOTORIST PROVISION, AND DEFENSE OF AN ACTION BY THE INSURER, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE, REQUIRE INSURERS TO OFFER HIGHER LIMITS OF UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE, AND PROVIDE THAT BENEFITS PAID PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION ARE SUBJECT TO SUBROGATION AND ASSIGNMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE AND UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE, PROVIDE THAT IF AN INSURED IS ENTITLED TO UNINSURED MOTORIST OR UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE UNDER MORE THAN ONE POLICY, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THE INSURED MAY RECOVER MAY NOT EXCEED THE HIGHEST LIMIT OF SUCH COVERAGE PROVIDED FOR ANY ONE VEHICLE UNDER ANY ONE POLICY, AND PROVIDE THAT UNDERINSURED MOTORIST BENEFITS PAID PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION ARE SUBJECT TO SUBROGATION AND ASSIGNMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 56-9-350, RELATING TO SECURITY FOLLOWING MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, VERIFICATION OF INSURANCE COVERAGE FORM TO BE ISSUED FOLLOWING CERTAIN ACCIDENTS, EFFECT OF FAILURE TO RETURN THE FORM, AND UNINVESTIGATED ACCIDENTS, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE AND PROVIDE THAT THE OPERATOR OR OWNER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE OF FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE OR IN BODILY INJURY OR DEATH WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT SHALL FORWARD A WRITTEN REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT ON A PRESCRIBED FORM; TO AMEND SECTION 56-10-10, RELATING TO VEHICLE FINANCIAL SECURITY AND OTHER MATTERS AND SECURITY REQUIRED ON REGISTERED VEHICLES, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE AND REQUIRE THAT SECURITY BE MAINTAINED ON EVERY MOTOR VEHICLE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE THE OWNERS OR OTHER OPERATORS NOT EXCLUDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 38-77-340 RESIDE IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD AND ARE INSUREDS UNDER THE SAME POLICY, IF ONE OF THE OWNERS OR OTHER OPERATORS DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT IN SECTION 38-73-760; TO AMEND SECTION 56-10-220, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A VEHICLE SOUGHT TO BE REGISTERED BE INSURED, SO AS TO DEFINE PERSONS APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION AS PERSONS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SECURITY ON A MOTOR VEHICLE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 56-10-10; TO AMEND SECTION 56-10-240, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT, UPON THE LOSS OF INSURANCE, THE INSURED OBTAIN NEW INSURANCE OR SURRENDER VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND PLATES, WRITTEN NOTICE BY THE INSURER, SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION AND PLATES, APPEAL OF SUSPENSION, ENFORCEMENT, AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE, FURTHER DESCRIBE AND QUALIFY A MOTOR VEHICLE WHICH IS OR BECOMES AN UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE, AND DEFINE THE RESIDENT FOR WHOM THE LAPS OR TERMINATION OCCURS AFTER THREE MONTHS AS ONE WHO DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT UNDER SECTION 38-73-760; TO AMEND CHAPTER 10 OF TITLE 56, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION, AND FINANCIAL SECURITY, BY ADDING AN ARTICLE 5 SO AS TO ENACT PROVISIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE, THE REQUIREMENT UPON INSURERS TO INSURE, AND EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INSURERS OTHER THAN THOSE DESIGNATED AND APPROVED AS SPECIALIZED INSURERS BY THE CHIEF INSURANCE COMMISSIONER MAY NOT REFUSE TO WRITE OR RENEW AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICIES FOR INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILES, IF THE RISK QUALIFIES FOR THE SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT IN SECTION 38-73-760, OR SMALL COMMERCIAL RISKS, PROVIDE THAT NO INSURER IS REQUIRED TO WRITE OR RENEW PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE IF THE RISK DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT, DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE, PROVIDE THAT NO INSURER MAY REFUSE TO WRITE OR RENEW A POLICY, COVERAGE, OR ENDORSEMENT OF AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE BECAUSE OF THE RACE, COLOR, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, OR INCOME OF ANYONE WHO SEEKS TO BECOME INSURED, AND PROVIDE THAT AN APPLICANT DENIED COVERAGE MUST BE PROVIDED IN WRITING BY THE DENYING INSURER THE REASON OR REASONS FOR WHICH THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN REFUSED INSURANCE BY THAT INSURER, AT THE TIME OF THE DENIAL; TO AMEND CHAPTER 77 OF TITLE 38, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE, BY ADDING AN ARTICLE 13 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION AND PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE REINSURANCE FACILITY UPON A CERTAIN DATE, THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PHASE OUT OF THE FACILITY IS TRANSFERRED TO THE ASSOCIATION, AND THAT, AS OF A CERTAIN DATE, THE FACILITY RECOUPMENT CHARGE MUST NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE RATE OR PREMIUM CHARGED BY THE INSURERS OF PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE TO DRIVERS WHO QUALIFY FOR THE SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-455, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RATES, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE, REQUIRE AN AUTOMOBILE INSURER TO OFFER FOUR, RATHER THAN TWO, DIFFERENT RATES FOR AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE, AND PROVIDE THAT, NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THIS ACT, INSURERS OF AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE MUST FILE WITH THE CHIEF INSURANCE COMMISSIONER RATES FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION POLICIES AS DEFINED BY SECTION 38-78-30 AND REVISED RATES FOR ALL OTHER PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICIES WRITTEN BY THEM; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-760, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STATE RATING AND STATISTICAL DIVISION AND UNIFORM STATISTICAL PLANS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO SURCHARGE MAY BE ASSESSED FOR THE FIRST CONVICTION OF SPEEDING LESS THAN TWENTY MILES PER HOUR IF THE PERSON CONVICTED HAS MAINTAINED THE SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT FOR THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS, AND PROVIDE THAT NO SURCHARGE MAY BE ASSESSED FOR CERTAIN CONVICTIONS OCCURRING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1995; TO AMEND SECTION 56-10-270, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF AN UNINSURED VEHICLE AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INCREASE THE PENALTIES, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC SERVICE HOURS; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-116 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, UPON ISSUANCE OF A NEW PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICY, THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT MUST REVIEW WITH THE NEW APPLICANT A LIST OF DRIVING OFFENSES AND THE RELATED FINE AND PUNISHMENT, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO PROVIDE THAT, AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION SHALL CONTRACT WITH ONE OR MORE INSURERS OR BUSINESS ENTITIES TO SERVE AS THE DESIGNATED CARRIER AND SHALL ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR THE SELECTION OF THE DESIGNATED CARRIER, AND PROVIDE THAT COMMISSIONS PAID TO AGENTS FOR POLICIES CEDED TO OR PLACED IN THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE SET BY THE ASSOCIATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTIONS 38-77-175 AND 56-7-12 SO AS TO PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT WHEN THE OPERATOR OR OWNER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IS ISSUED A TRAFFIC TICKET FOR A MOVING VIOLATION BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, HE MUST BE FURNISHED A WRITTEN REQUEST FORM TO COMPLETE TO VERIFY LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE AND THAT THE FORM MUST BE AS PRESCRIBED BY REGULATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION; TO REPEAL ARTICLE 5 OF CHAPTER 77 OF TITLE 38, RELATING TO THE REINSURANCE FACILITY AND DESIGNATED PRODUCERS, SECTION 38-73-1420, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT UPON THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE REINSURANCE FACILITY TO FILE AND EXPENSE COMPONENT AND USE OF THE COMPONENT AFTER APPROVAL, SECTION 38-73-1425, RELATING TO THE FINAL RATE OR PREMIUM CHARGE FOR PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RISK CEDED TO THE REINSURANCE FACILITY, SECTION 38-77-285, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT ALL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COVERAGES WRITTEN BY AN INSURER FOR AN INSURED'S AUTOMOBILE MUST BE WRITTEN IN THE SAME POLICY, WITH EXCEPTIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS, SECTION 38-77-920, RELATING TO THE PROVISION THAT INSURERS AND AGENTS MAY NOT REFUSE THE ACCEPTANCE OF AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE, PROPERTY RIGHTS OF CERTAIN AGENTS, AND RESTRICTION OF MAILINGS TO CERTAIN AREAS, SECTION 38-77-940, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE, AVOIDING CERTAIN CLASSES OR TYPES OF RISKS, EXCEPTIONS, AND CANCELING AN AGENT'S REPRESENTATION, SECTION 38-77-950, RELATING TO UNREASONABLE OR EXCESSIVE USE OF THE REINSURANCE FACILITY BY AN INSURER AND NOTICE TO A POLICYHOLDER THAT HIS POLICY IS IN THE FACILITY, AND SECTION 38-77-960, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE AGENT'S BUSINESS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-111, RELATING TO THE COVERAGES OF AN AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICY WHICH MAY BE CEDED TO THE REINSURANCE FACILITY, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE THE JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION FOR THE REINSURANCE FACILITY AND PROVIDE THAT AN INSURER MAY NOT CEDE COVERAGES UNDER A POLICY THAT IT IS NOT MANDATED BY LAW TO WRITE EXCEPT FOR TORT LIABILITY AND PERSONAL PROTECTION COVERAGES AND UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE FOR THOSE RISKS THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A PROVISION THAT IF SECTION 38-78-110 IS FOUND TO BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL OR INVALID, PERSONAL PROTECTION INSURERS HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO PAY PERSONAL PROTECTION BENEFITS WITH RESPECT TO ACCIDENTS OCCURRING ON OR AFTER THE DATE OF THE FINDING OF SUCH UNCONSTITUTIONALITY OR INVALIDITY AND, IN ADDITION, ARE SUBROGATED TO ALL OF THE RIGHTS OF PERSONAL PROTECTION INSUREDS FOR ALL PREVIOUS SUCH BENEFITS PAID.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

S. 245 -- Senators Macaulay, Peeler, McConnell, Martin, Ford, Thomas, Williams and Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-280, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COLLISION, COMPREHENSIVE, FIRE, THEFT, AND COMBINED ADDITIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO MAKE IT OPTIONAL FOR INSURERS TO OFFER COLLISION COVERAGE AND EITHER COMPREHENSIVE OR FIRE, THEFT, AND COMBINED ADDITIONAL COVERAGE; TO PROVIDE THAT ALL INSURERS WRITING SINGLE INTEREST COLLISION COVERAGE SHALL PROVIDE AN APPLICANT FOR THIS INSURANCE WITH A CERTAIN NOTICE THAT MUST BE SIGNED BY THE APPLICANT; AND TO PROVIDE THAT ALL INSURERS SHALL SUBMIT RATE FILINGS WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT WHICH MUST REFLECT THE RATE DECREASES, IF ANY, ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PASSAGE OF THIS ACT.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

S. 246 -- Senator Patterson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-11-20 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION COUNCIL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ONE MEMBER FROM EACH HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BE APPOINTED TO SERVE ON THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION COUNCIL AND THAT THE APPOINTMENTS BE MADE BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF EACH HOUSE; AND TO ADD CHAPTER 12 TO TITLE 59, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THAT SOUTH CAROLINA IS A PARTY TO A COMPACT ESTABLISHED BY ACT NUMBER 860 OF 1948, A JOINT RESOLUTION, AND ENTERED INTO BY THE SOUTHERN STATES THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNORS, RELATIVE TO THE PLANNING, ACQUISITION, ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF JOINTLY OWNED AND OPERATED REGIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL AGREEMENTS, OBLIGATIONS AND COVENANTS THEREIN ARE BINDING ON THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO PROVIDE FOR REPRESENTATION ON THE COMPACT'S BOARD OF CONTROL OF SOUTHERN REGIONAL EDUCATION AND TO ESTABLISH HOW THOSE REPRESENTATIVES ARE CHOSEN.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

S. 247 -- Senators Peeler, Gregory, Mescher, Thomas, Martin, McGill, Lander, Courtney, Russell, Ford, Leatherman, Wilson and Courson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-442 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHALL SET ASIDE A ONE-MINUTE PERIOD FOR VOLUNTARY SILENT PRAYER AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SCHOOL DAY.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

S. 248 -- Senators Giese, Glover, Passailaigue, Elliott, Lander, McGill, Mitchell, Russell, Short, Waldrep and Washington: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION ON AGING, THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA AREA AGENCIES ON AGING TO EXPLORE INTEGRATING TOPICS RELATING TO AGING INTO CURRENT PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND TO PROMOTE VOLUNTEERISM WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

S. 249 -- Senators McConnell and Cork: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-4-335, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF PERSONS WHO REPRESENT TAXPAYERS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE TAX PROCESS BEFORE A STATE OR LOCAL TAX AUTHORITY, SO AS TO ALLOW A REAL ESTATE APPRAISER, REAL ESTATE BROKER, OR REAL ESTATE SALESMAN TO REPRESENT A TAXPAYER IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER LIMITED TO THE VALUATION OF REAL PROPERTY AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 250 -- Senators Giese, Bryan and Rose: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE OF A LEGAL GUARDIAN OF A MINOR WHO IS BLIND OR REQUIRED TO USE A WHEELCHAIR.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 251 -- Senators Leventis, Lander, Wilson and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 25-1-3235 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE NATIONAL GUARD PENSION FUND, WHICH MUST BE MANAGED AND INVESTED BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AS OTHER STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDS ARE MANAGED AND INVESTED FOR THE PAYMENT OF NATIONAL GUARD PENSIONS, TO REQUIRE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS TO THIS FUND IN AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN THE FUND ON AN ACTUARIAL BASIS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 25-1-3240, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF NATIONAL GUARD PENSIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD PENSION FUND.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 252 -- Senators Giese, Bryan and Rose: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XV OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO IMPEACHMENT OF CERTAIN EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS OF THE STATE, BY ADDING SECTION 4 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR RECALLING AND REMOVING FROM OFFICE PERSONS HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICES OF THE STATE OR ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS IN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE MANNER PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 253 -- Senators Giese, Bryan, Rose, Ryberg and Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 29 TO TITLE 8 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR RECALLING AND REMOVING FROM OFFICE PERSONS HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICES OF THE STATE OR ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS IN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 254 -- Senator Drummond: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT NOMINEES FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD BY THE GOVERNOR MUST BE ELECTED BY PHARMACISTS RESIDING IN THAT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-420, RELATING TO PHARMACY FEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE FEES MUST BE SET IN REGULATION; TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN FEES ARE IN EFFECT UNTIL THEY ARE SET IN REGULATION; TO REPEAL SECTION 40-43-480, RELATING TO FUNDING IN THE 1986 APPROPRIATIONS ACT; AND TO REAUTHORIZE THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY FOR SIX YEARS.