Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The House assembled at 12:00 Noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark as follows:
Almighty and eternal God, Whose renewed presence is with us each morning and Whose leadership is abundantly available all the day long, may our conversation and conduct be in accord with Your gracious and Fatherly will. Cause us to work in the knowledge that on tomorrow our today will be yesterday, and thus to seize every opportunity of service when it comes. Inspire us with the unshakable confidence that underneath the chatter of the world there runs deep and strong the mighty current of God's purposes.
Make us faithful in striving to do Your will. Amen.
Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.
After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of Friday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
Rep. WRIGHT moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Chilton W. Ellett of Chapin, which was agreed to.
The following was received and referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
April 25, 1995
The Honorable Rick Quinn
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Rep. Quinn:
I would like to request that the Governor's Legislative Reception be placed on the Legislative Calendar. This reception is scheduled for May 17, 1995, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. on the Mall at the Governor's Mansion for both the House and the Senate members.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me at (803)737-3081.
Sincerely,
P. LeAnne Jeanes
Mansion Director
The following was received and referred to the appropriate committee for consideration.
Document No. 1869
Promulgated By Department of Natural Resources
Seasons, Limits, Hunting Methods on WMAs
Received By Speaker April 24, 1995
Referred to House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
120 Day Review Expiration Date March 30, 1996
The Senate sent to the House the following:
S. 805 -- Senators Hayes, Peeler, Short and Gregory: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING DR. ALLEN D. EDWARDS OF ROCK HILL ON HIS SELECTION AS THE "1995 OUTSTANDING OLDER SOUTH CAROLINIAN".
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The following was introduced:
H. 4174 -- Reps. Cromer, Keegan, Sheheen, Quinn and Kelley: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLESTON ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 175TH ANNIVERSARY AND DESIGNATING JULY 11, 1995, AS "DIOCESE OF CHARLESTON DAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA".
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following was introduced:
H. 4175 -- Reps. Harvin and J. Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE DEEPEST SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT THE DEATH OF ANNE WEISIGER LAND, OF MANNING, THE MOTHER OF OUR DISTINGUISHED COLLEAGUE AND DEAR FRIEND, SENATOR JOHN LAND, AND EXTENDING SYMPATHY TO ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF MRS. LAND'S FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
S. 35 -- Senators Passailaigue and Rose: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 24 TO TITLE 1 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PRIVATIZATION POLICY BOARD BY SETTING FORTH DEFINITIONS, MEMBERS, AND DUTIES.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 177 -- Senator Rose: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-450 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVENUES OF ANY TAX, FEE, OR CHARGE LEVIED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MUST BE USED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF THE TAX, FEE, OR CHARGE WERE TO BE APPLIED AT THE TIME OF ENACTMENT EXCEPT UPON AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF EACH HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
S. 251 -- Senators Hayes and Rose: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 2A TO TITLE 36 SO AS TO MAKE GENERAL PROVISIONS TO THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE REGARDING LEASES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE FORMATION, CONSTRUCTION, EFFECT, PERFORMANCE, AND DEFAULT OF A LEASE CONTRACT; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 36-1-105, 36-1-201(37), AND 36-9-113, RELATING TO OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE, SO AS TO REVISE THESE PROVISIONS TO CONFORM THEM TO THE ABOVE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 2A; AND BY ADDING CHAPTER 4A TO TITLE 36 SO AS TO MAKE GENERAL PROVISIONS TO THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE ON FUND TRANSFERS INCLUDING THE ISSUANCE, ACCEPTANCE, AND PAYMENT OF PAYMENT ORDERS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
S. 505 -- Senator Stilwell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-11-106 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A GENERAL CONTRACTOR OR MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR FROM USING LEGAL PROCESS TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF ANY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IF THE CONTRACTOR IS NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 628 -- Banking and Insurance Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-1420, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA REINSURANCE FACILITY, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE, AND PROVIDE AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE COST REDUCTIONS REALIZED IN OPERATING RESULTS OF THE FACILITY SHALL BE APPLIED EXCLUSIVELY TO REDUCE THE RECOUPMENT CHARGES ON ALL POLICIES OF PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE WRITTEN IN SOUTH CAROLINA; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-1425, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE FINAL RATE ON PREMIUM CHARGE FOR PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RISK CEDED TO THE REINSURANCE FACILITY, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS, AND PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT IN CALCULATING THE FINAL RATE OR PREMIUM CHARGE, IT MUST BE BASED UPON THE COMBINED RATIO OF ALL INSURERS CEDING PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RISKS TO THE FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-455, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT RATING PLANS MAY PROVIDE FOR DIFFERENT RATES, RATING TIERS, AND RATING PLANS AMONG AFFILIATED COMPANIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-950, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO UNREASONABLE OR EXCESSIVE USE OF THE REINSURANCE FACILITY BY AN INSURER, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO "AN AUTOMOBILE INSURER"; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-596 SO AS TO PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT UPON NOTIFICATION TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE REINSURANCE FACILITY, DESIGNATED PRODUCERS MAY CONTRACT WITH A VOLUNTARY MARKET OUTLET FOR ANY TYPE OF AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CEDEABLE TO THE FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-280, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE AND COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGES, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS AND LANGUAGE, AND PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, AUTOMOBILE INSURERS, INCLUDING THOSE COMPANIES WRITING PRIVATE PASSENGER PHYSICAL DAMAGE COVERAGES ONLY, MAY, RATHER THAN "SHALL", MAKE COLLISION COVERAGE AND EITHER COMPREHENSIVE OR FIRE, THEFT, AND COMBINED ADDITIONAL COVERAGE AVAILABLE TO AN INSURED OR QUALIFIED APPLICANT WHO REQUESTS THE COVERAGE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-735, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INSURANCE, THE STATE RATING AND STATISTICAL DIVISION, AND THE PLAN FOR CREDITS AND DISCOUNTS, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE, AND PROVIDE THAT IF AN INSURANCE CREDIT OR DISCOUNT PLAN, OTHER THAN THAT PROMULGATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE OR HIS DESIGNEE, IS GIVEN TO AN INSURED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, THE POLICY MAY NOT BE CEDED TO THE REINSURANCE FACILITY; AND TO PROVIDE THAT RECOUPMENT FEES FOR PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 1996, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE LEVEL CHARGED DURING THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 1995, AND THAT REINSURANCE FACILITY LOSSES UNRECOUPED DUE TO THIS PROVISION SHALL BE RECOUPED EVENLY DURING THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING JULY 1, 1996.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 654 -- Senator Greg Smith: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 5, TITLE 61, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 61-5-185 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERMIT AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 61-5-180 MAY BE ISSUED TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES LOCATED EAST OF THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY IN A COUNTY THAT IS CONTIGUOUS TO A COUNTY THAT HAS ANNUAL ACCOMMODATIONS TAX COLLECTIONS IN EXCESS OF SIX MILLION DOLLARS AND HAS PASSED A REFERENDUM AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS PURSUANT TO SECTION 61-5-180.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
S. 668 -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-15-170, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FORFEITURE OF RECOGNIZANCES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF JUDGMENTS ON RECOGNIZANCE A MAGISTRATE MAY CONFIRM TO FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PLUS FEES AND ASSESSMENTS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
S. 687 -- Finance Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, RELATING TO VIDEO GAME MACHINES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 1827, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
S. 703 -- Senators Giese, Passailaigue and Glover: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CHAPTER 36, ARTICLE 1, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DISORDERS REGISTRY, SO AS TO REVISE THE COMPOSITION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE REGISTRY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE, TO REVISE THE CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
S. 710 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PUNISHMENT FOR MURDER AND THE SEPARATE SENTENCING PROCEEDING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SENTENCE SHOULD BE DEATH OR LIFE IMPRISONMENT, SO AS TO ADD DISMEMBERMENT, MULTIPLE STABBING, AND MULTIPLE SHOOTING OF A PERSON TO THE LIST OF AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES A JUDGE SHALL CONSIDER OR INCLUDE IN HIS INSTRUCTIONS TO A JURY DURING THE SENTENCING PHASE OF A DEATH PENALTY PROCEEDING.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
S. 730 -- Senator Moore: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 40-47-510, 40-47-530, AND 40-47-655, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO THE ACCREDITING AUTHORITY FOR RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS AUTHORITY MAY BE THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OR A SUCCESSOR AUTHORITY RECOGNIZED BY THE BOARD.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
S. 753 -- Senator Passailaigue: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 12, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TAXATION, BY ADDING CHAPTERS 6, 8, AND 20, SO AS TO REVISE, REORGANIZE, AND RECODIFY STATE TAX LAWS IMPOSING THE INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE INCOME TAX, PROVIDING FOR THE WITHHOLDING OF INCOME TAXES, AND IMPOSING THE CORPORATION LICENSE TAX; TO AMEND TITLE 12 BY ADDING CHAPTERS 56 AND 58, WHICH SHALL CONTAIN RESPECTIVELY THE FORMER PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 3 OF CHAPTER 54, THE SETOFF DEBT COLLECTION ACT AND ARTICLE 5 OF CHAPTER 54, THE SOUTH CAROLINA TAXPAYERS' BILL OF RIGHTS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 54 OF TITLE 12 BY ADDING SECTIONS 12-54-15, 12-54-17, 12-54-42, 12-54-47, 12-54-85, 12-54-127, AND 12-54-135 SO AS TO MOVE ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS TO THE CHAPTER CONSTITUTING THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF TAXES LEVIED AND ASSESSED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXATION; BY ADDING SECTION 50-1-280, SO AS TO MOVE THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE NONGAME WILDLIFE AND NATURAL AREAS FUND TO THE APPROPRIATE LOCATION IN TITLE 50, RELATING TO FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-4-330, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO WITNESSES BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXATION, SO AS TO ALLOW THE DIRECTOR AND DESIGNATED OFFICERS TO ADMINISTER OATHS AND TAKE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 11-35-5230, AS AMENDED, 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, 12-54-30, AS AMENDED, 12-54-40, AS AMENDED, 12-54-55, AS AMENDED, 12-54-120, AS AMENDED, 12-54-210, 12-54-240, AS AMENDED, 41-44-10, 41-44-20, AND 41-44-70, ALL RELATING TO TAXATION, SO AS TO CONFORM THE SECTIONS TO THE RECODIFIED CHAPTERS ADDED BY THIS ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT A REPEAL OF A SECTION OF THE 1976 CODE BY THIS ACT DOES NOT PREVENT THE ASSESSMENT OR COLLECTION OF ANY TAX, INTEREST, OR PENALTIES DUE BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUAL APPLICATION OF CERTAIN DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO THE PREDECESSOR PROVISIONS OF THE CHAPTERS ADDED BY THIS ACT, TO PROVIDE FOR CROSS REFERENCES AND THE DUTIES OF THE CODE COMMISSIONER IN THE RECODIFICATION ACCOMPLISHED BY THIS ACT; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTERS 7, 9, AND 19 OF TITLE 12 AND SECTIONS 41-44-30, 41-44-40, 41-44-50, 41-44-90, AND 41-44-100, ALL OF THE 1976 CODE, AND ALL RELATING TO TAXATION, EFFECTIVE FOR TAXABLE YEARS BEGINNING AFTER 1995.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
S. 759 -- Senator Moore: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-36-150, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST LICENSURE AND USE OF THAT TITLE, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISIONS REGARDING ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF LICENSURE TO FOREIGN TRAINED PERSONS.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
S. 773 -- Senator Lander: A BILL TO CREATE THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR SALUDA COUNTY AND TO ABOLISH THE SALUDA COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF SALUDA COUNTY AND DEVOLVE THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES UPON THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION.
On motion of Rep. SPEARMAN, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 780 -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-170, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PERMITTED DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO ADD A PROVISION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION TO SUPPLY CERTAIN INFORMATION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
On motion of Rep. KLAUBER, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:
H. 4176 -- Reps. Klauber, McAbee, Carnell and Stille: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE EMERALD HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' TENNIS TEAM OF GREENWOOD FOR WINNING THE 1994 STATE CLASS AA CHAMPIONSHIP AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE TEAM AND THEIR COACH SHALL BE RECOGNIZED FOR THIS OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE ON MAY 4, 1995, AT A TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER.
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly were very pleased to learn that the Emerald High School girls' tennis team won the 1994 State Class AA Championship by defeating a fine Bishop England team 4-2; and
Whereas, this tremendous accomplishment by this talented group of young ladies from Greenwood has brought deserved credit not only upon themselves but upon their school and county as well; and
Whereas, under the able leadership Coach Anarie Duckett, the Vikings girls' tennis team has developed into one of the most outstanding programs in the State; and
Whereas, because the team consists of so many experienced underclassmen, it has the opportunity to win many additional state championships in the future; and
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives, by this resolution, would like to publicly recognize and congratulate the Emerald High School team and their coach upon winning this truly deserved championship. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives hereby congratulate the Emerald High School Vikings girls' tennis team for winning the 1994 State Class AA Championship.
Be it further resolved that the members of the team and their coach shall be recognized for this outstanding accomplishment in the Hall of the House on May 4, 1995, at a time to be determined by the Speaker.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Charles L. Graves, Principal of Emerald High School.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4177 -- Rep. Anderson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SALUTING DOROTHY BROCKMAN OF GREENVILLE COUNTY FOR HER LENGTHY SERVICE AND COUNTLESS CONTRIBUTIONS WHICH HAVE UPLIFTED THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AND FOR HER DEDICATION AND WILLING SACRIFICES WHICH HAVE SERVED TO GENERATE PRIDE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN OTHERS.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows.
Anderson Askins Bailey Baxley Beatty Breeland Brown, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Brown, T. Cain Canty Cato Cave Chamblee Clyburn Cooper Cotty Cromer Dantzler Davenport Delleney Easterday Felder Fleming Fulmer Gamble Govan Hallman Harrell Harris, P. Harrison Herdklotz Hines Hodges Howard Huff Hutson Inabinett Jennings Keegan Kelley Kennedy Kinon Kirsh Klauber Knotts Koon Limbaugh Limehouse Littlejohn Lloyd Marchbanks Mason McCraw McKay McMahand McTeer Meacham Neal Neilson Phillips Rice Richardson Riser Robinson Sandifer Scott Seithel Sharpe Shissias Simrill Smith, D. Smith, R. Spearman Stille Stoddard Stuart Thomas Townsend Trotter Tucker Vaughn Waldrop Walker Wells Whipper, L. Whipper, S. White Wilder Wilkes Wilkins Williams Witherspoon Wofford Worley Wright Young, A.
I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Tuesday, May 2.
Dan L. Tripp Gilda Cobb-Hunter Merita A. Allison Jennings G. McAbee Thomas N. Rhoad Michael F. Jaskwhich Marion P. Carnell Larry L. Elliott Jean L. Harris Michael L. Fair Steve P. Lanford Timothy F. Rogers William D. Boan Alma W. Byrd Robert J. Sheheen L. Morgan Martin James N. Law W. Jeffrey Young C. Alex Harvin, III
STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE
Rep. HARVIN signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Thursday, April 27.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HASKINS a leave of absence to attend the Southeast Compact Commission of Lower Level Waste Management.
The SPEAKER granted Reps. MOODY-LAWRENCE, KEYSERLING, WHATLEY and McELVEEN a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HARVIN a temporary leave of absence to attend the funeral of Senator John Land's mother.
Announcement was made that Dr. Ralph Shealy of Charleston is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
The following Bills and Joint Resolution were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:
H. 4170 -- Reps. Rhoad and Cave: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 1090 OF 1972, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO BAMBERG-EHRHARDT SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE AND DENMARK-OLAR SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF THESE DISTRICTS SHALL RECEIVE COMPENSATION OF ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS EACH CALENDAR YEAR.
H. 3898 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-23-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF TITLE FOR WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES BE SWORN TO BEFORE NOTARY PUBLICS OR OTHER APPROPRIATE PERSONS.
Rep. WITHERSPOON explained the Bill.
H. 4144 -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND UNIT STANDARDS FOR TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM APPROVAL IN SOUTH CAROLINA, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 1835, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Rep. STILLE explained the Joint Resolution.
H. 4005 -- Reps. Richardson and Cato: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-510, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA REINSURANCE FACILITY AND THE FACILITY'S DUTIES GENERALLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR MULTI-VEHICLE INSURANCE POLICIES, ONE OR MORE VEHICLES MAY BE CEDED TO THE FACILITY AS LONG AS THE INSURER IDENTIFIES TO THE FACILITY AND THE INSURED PRECISELY WHICH VEHICLES ARE RETAINED AND WHICH ARE CEDED AND THE RATE LEVEL FOR EACH VEHICLE.
Rep. RICHARDSON explained the Bill.
The following Joint Resolution was taken up.
H. 3859 -- Reps. Riser, Hines, Inabinett, Rhoad, Witherspoon, Koon, Limehouse and Fulmer: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY LIVESTOCK-POULTRY HEALTH DIVISION TO ESTABLISH A QUARANTINE FOR LARYNGOTRACHEITIS, AN INFECTIOUS AND COMMUNICABLE POULTRY DISEASE, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE QUARANTINE.
Rep. RISER moved to table the Joint Resolution, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 3841 -- Reps. Sheheen, Quinn, Harrison, Delleney, Baxley, Wilkins and Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 14-8-10, 14-8-20, 14-8-80, AND 14-8-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THREE ADDITIONAL JUDGES FOR THE COURT OF APPEALS, FOR AN ADDITIONAL PANEL OF THE COURT, AND FOR OTHER PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO REFLECT A NINE MEMBER COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 14-5-610, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL CIRCUITS OF THIS STATE AND JUDGES FOR THE CIRCUIT COURTS, SO AS TO ADD THREE ADDITIONAL CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES FROM SPECIFIED CIRCUITS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1410, RELATING TO FAMILY COURT JUDGES, SO AS TO ADD THREE ADDITIONAL FAMILY COURT JUDGES FROM SPECIFIED CIRCUITS.
Reps. WILKINS and HARRISON proposed the following Amendment No. 5 (Doc Name L:\council\legis\amend\GJK\21911SD.95), which was adopted.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the second paragraph of Section 14-5-610 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 5, and inserting:
/One judge must be elected from the first, second, sixth, and twelfth, and sixteenth circuits. Two judges must be elected from the third, fourth, seventh, eighth, tenth, eleventh, fourteenth, and fifteenth sixteenth circuits. Three judges must be elected from the fifth, ninth, and thirteenth fifteenth circuits. Four judges must be elected from the fifth and thirteenth circuits. In the ninth circuit, at least one judge must be a resident of the lesser populated county. The provisions of this section, however, shall not preclude the reelection of any incumbent resident Circuit Court Judge if this would result in more resident Circuit Court Judges from a particular county in that circuit than is otherwise permitted by this section./
Amend the bill further, as and if amended by striking the first paragraph of Section 20-7-1410 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 6, and inserting:
/The General Assembly shall elect a number of Family Court Judges from each judicial circuit as follows:
First Circuit Two Judges
Second Circuit Two Judges
Third Circuit Three Judges
Fourth Circuit Three Judges
Fifth Circuit Four Five Judges
Sixth Circuit Two Judges
Seventh Circuit Three Judges
Eighth Circuit Three Judges
Ninth Circuit Four Judges
Tenth Circuit Three Judges
Eleventh Circuit Three Judges
Twelfth Circuit Three Judges
Thirteenth Circuit Four Five Judges
Fourteenth Circuit Three Judges
Fifteenth Circuit Two Three Judges
Sixteenth Circuit Two Judges/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. HARRISON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Debate was resumed on Amendment No. 2, which was proposed on Tuesday, April 25, by Reps. FLEMING, HUTSON and GOVAN.
Rep. FLEMING moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.
Reps. RICHARDSON, KIRSH, McTEER, WHITE, HUTSON, CAVE, LLOYD, INABINETT and RHOAD objected to the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 3427 -- Reps. Harrison and Hodges: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-610, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROCEDURES FOR SUCH A REVIEW AND FOR WHEN SUCH A JUDICIAL REVIEW IS AUTHORIZED.
Reps. FELDER, SIMRILL, MEACHAM, VAUGHN, RICE, HERDKLOTZ, EASTERDAY, DAVENPORT, MARCHBANKS and P. HARRIS objected to the Bill.
Rep. FULMER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Wednesday, May 3, which was adopted.
S. 533 -- Finance Committee: 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 ALLOW A GOVERNING BODY OF A MUNICIPALITY BY ORDINANCE TO EXEMPT FROM MUNICIPAL AD VALOREM TAX FOR NOT MORE THAN FIVE YEARS PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY RECEIVING THE FIVE-YEAR EXEMPTION FROM COUNTY AD VALOREM TAXES AS NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, CORPORATE OFFICE FACILITIES, DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES, AND ADDITIONS TO SUCH FACILITIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS EXEMPTION FIRST IS ALLOWED WHEN THE STATE CONSTITUTION IS AMENDED SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE EXEMPTION.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 3174 -- Reps. P. Harris and Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A BEGINNER'S DRIVING PERMIT, SO AS TO INCREASE ITS FEE AND PLACE A PORTION OF THE FEE IN THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION TRUST FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-140, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE, ITS FEE, AND CONTENTS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE DRIVER'S LICENSE FEE AND PLACE A PORTION OF THE FEE IN THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION TRUST FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-760, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REGISTRATION FEE FOR MOTORCYCLES AND MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE FEE AND PLACE A PORTION OF THE FEE IN THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION TRUST FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 59-53-2010, RELATING TO A STATEWIDE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY INSTRUCTION PROGRAM, SO AS TO REVISE DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-53-2020, RELATING TO THE CREATION, ADMINISTRATION, INSTRUCTORS, AND CURRICULUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY INSTRUCTION PROGRAM, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE "MOTORCYCLE SAFETY INSTRUCTION PROGRAM", TO CREATE THE "MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM", TO ESTABLISH THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM'S ADMINISTRATION'S PURPOSE, COURSE ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS, INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS, AND CURRICULUM; BY ADDING SECTION 59-53-2022 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION DEVELOP CERTAIN WRITTEN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES; BY ADDING SECTION 59-53-2024 SO AS TO CREATE, ESTABLISH REVENUE SOURCES FOR, AND PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION TRUST FUND; BY ADDING SECTION 59-53-2026 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ASSIST IN DEVELOPING, ESTABLISHING, AND MAINTAINING THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM; BY ADDING SECTION 59-53-2028 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION TO ISSUE A BIANNUAL REPORT REGARDING THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-53-2030 RELATING TO PROGRAM ENROLLMENT FEES.
Reps. SIMRILL, KIRSH and S. WHIPPER objected to the Bill.
Rep. KELLEY moved to adjourn debate upon the Bill until Tuesday, May 9, which was adopted.
Rep. HERDKLOTZ moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, May 4, which was adopted.
S. 46 -- Senators Jackson, Elliott, Rose and Washington: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-7-2730, 20-7-2740, 20-7-2800, 20-7-2810, 20-7-2850, AND 20-7-2900, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSES FOR PRIVATE DAY CARE CENTERS AND RENEWAL THEREOF, APPROVAL OF PUBLIC DAY CARE CENTERS AND RENEWAL THEREOF, THE REGISTRATION OF OPERATORS OF FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES, AND THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSES FOR OR THE REGISTERING OF CHURCH DAY CARE CENTERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL PERSONS APPLYING FOR A LICENSE AS AN OPERATOR OF OR AN EMPLOYEE AT DAY CARE FACILITIES MUST UNDERGO A FINGERPRINT REVIEW TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND TO PROHIBIT THE ISSUANCE OF DAY CARE LICENSES IF SUCH OPERATORS OR EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF CERTAIN CRIMES AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 20 BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-2720, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION MAY NOT CHARGE MORE THAN TEN DOLLARS FOR STATE BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES.
Rep. CATO moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Wednesday, May 3, which was adopted.
S. 602 -- Senators Short, Jackson, Gregory and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 34-29-100, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RECORDS AND REPORTS OF RESTRICTED LENDERS, BY ADDING INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT MADE BY RESTRICTED LENDERS; TO AMEND SECTION 34-29-140 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CHARGES PERMITTED TO RESTRICTED LENDERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE FINANCE CHARGES AND TO PROVIDE LIMITATIONS ON LOAN RENEWALS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-1-301 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE CONSUMER PROTECTION CODE, SO AS TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR "DEBT COLLECTOR"; TO AMEND SECTION 37-1-303 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE INDEX OF DEFINITIONS IN TITLE 37, SO AS TO ADD "DEBT COLLECTOR"; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-201 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO LOAN FINANCE CHARGES FOR SUPERVISED LOANS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUPERVISED LOANS NOT EXCEEDING SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS SHALL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 34-29-140 RELATING TO FINANCE CHARGES FOR RESTRICTED LOANS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-305 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE POSTING AND FILING OF MAXIMUM RATE SCHEDULES BY SUPERVISED LENDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR LOANS NOT EXCEEDING SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS, A RATE MAY NOT BE POSTED WHICH EXCEEDS THE CHARGES IMPOSED IN SECTION 34-29-140; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-505 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RECORDS AND ANNUAL REPORTS FOR SUPERVISED LENDERS, SO AS TO ADD INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT OF SUPERVISED LENDERS; TO AMEND PART 5, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 37 OF THE 1976 CODE, BY ADDING SECTION 37-3-515 SO AS TO PROVIDE A LIMITATION ON LOAN RENEWALS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-5-108 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO UNCONSCIONABILITY UNDER THE CONSUMER PROTECTION CODE, BY ADDING PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH CONSTITUTE UNCONSCIONABILITY AND PROVIDING REMEDIES; TO AMEND SECTION 37-6-117 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE ADMINISTRATION TO DEVISE A PAMPHLET FOR DISTRIBUTION TO CERTAIN CONSUMERS INFORMING THEM OF THEIR RIGHTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 37-9-102 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE ELECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN SUPERVISED LENDERS MAY ELECT TO BE RESTRICTED LENDERS.
Rep. WHITE moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Wednesday, May 10, which was adopted.
H. 3057 -- Reps. Tucker, Simrill, Wofford, D. Smith, Haskins, Vaughn, Harrison, Cooper, Limbaugh, Elliott, Richardson, Gamble, Stuart, Phillips, Knotts and Spearman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PREPARATION OF CIRCUIT COURT JURY LISTS FROM A TAPE OF THOSE PERSONS HOLDING A VALID SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD, SO AS TO DELETE THIS PROVISION AND PROVIDE THAT THESE JURY LISTS MUST BE PREPARED BY THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION FROM THE NAMES OF THE REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE COUNTY.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4000 -- Reps. Meacham, Limehouse, Mason, Bailey, Wofford, Kirsh, Cato, Cooper, Simrill, Lanford, Trotter, McCraw, Vaughn, Law, Boan, Dantzler, A. Young, Neilson, Elliott, H. Brown, Haskins and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-455, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RATES, SO AS TO RAISE THE THRESHOLD MONETARY LEVELS WITH RESPECT TO "CHARGEABLE" ACCIDENTS, AND PROVIDE THAT THESE THRESHOLDS MUST BE ADJUSTED PERIODICALLY BY REGULATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE BASED UPON CHANGES IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE THRESHOLD AMOUNTS, AS CHANGED BY THIS ACT, APPLY ONLY TO ACCIDENTS OCCURRING AFTER JUNE 30, 1995, AND ALSO APPLY TO ANY MERIT RATING PLAN PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 38-73-760.
Rep. CATO moved to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 3985 -- Reps. Richardson, Bailey, Simrill, Cato and Mason: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-910, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INSURANCE RATES, RATE-MAKING, AND RATE FILING AND NOTICE OF HEARING AS A PREREQUISITE TO THE GRANTING OF A RATE INCREASE AND EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC NOTICES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS DO NOT APPLY TO APPLICATIONS FOR RATE INCREASES WHEN THE APPLICANT INSURER HAD EARNED PREMIUMS IN THIS STATE IN THE PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEAR OF LESS THAN TWO MILLION, RATHER THAN FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE LINE OR TYPE OF INSURANCE FOR WHICH THE RATE INCREASE IS SOUGHT OR IF THE RATE INCREASE IS SOUGHT BY A RATING ORGANIZATION, THE EARNED PREMIUMS ON THIS STATE FOR ALL MEMBERS AND SUBSCRIBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR WHOM AN INCREASE IS SOUGHT WERE LESS THAN TWO MILLION, RATHER THAN FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEAR FOR THE LINE OR TYPE OF INSURANCE FOR WHICH THE RATE INCREASE IS SOUGHT.
Rep. RICHARDSON explained the Bill.
Rep. ANDERSON moved to adjourn debate upon the Bill until Wednesday, May 10, which was adopted.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 3337 -- Rep. Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-455, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RATES, SO AS TO RAISE THE THRESHOLD MONETARY LEVELS WITH RESPECT TO "CHARGEABLE" ACCIDENTS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE THRESHOLD AMOUNTS, AS CHANGED BY THIS ACT, APPLY ONLY TO ACCIDENTS OCCURRING AFTER JUNE 30, 1995, AND ALSO APPLY TO ANY MERIT RATING PLAN PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 38-73-760.
Rep. CATO moved to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 3779 -- Reps. Elliott, Knotts, Littlejohn, Cato, Simrill, Cain, Mason, Govan, Stuart, Delleney, Neilson, Stille, Tucker, Jennings, Hines, R. Smith, T. Brown, Wright and Riser: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-57-155, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALES AGENTS, SO AS TO APPLY THE REQUIREMENTS TO REAL ESTATE PROPERTY MANAGERS, AND PROVIDE THAT, FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS, THE EIGHT HOURS MUST INCLUDE A MINIMUM OF TWO HOURS OF INSTRUCTION ON FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS AFFECTING PROPERTY MANAGERS AND THAT THE REMAINING HOURS MUST INCLUDE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT RELATED COURSES.
The Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name L:\council\legis\amend\BBM\10193JM.95).
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking Section 40-57-155(A), as contained in SECTION 1 and inserting:
/"(A) As a condition of license renewal, a broker, or sales agent, or property manager must satisfactorily complete eight hours of approved course instruction biennially as prescribed by the commission by a course provider approved by the commission. The eight hours for sales and broker agents must include a minimum of two hours of instruction on changes in federal and state law affecting licensees. For property managers, the eight hours must include a minimum of two hours of instruction on federal and state laws affecting property managers, and the remaining hours must include property management related courses as approved by the commission. A licensee having successfully completed a thirty-hour course for qualification as a broker is not required to participate in the continuing education program for that particular year. A licensee who decides to become inactive is not required to participate in the continuing education program but must complete the eight-hour requirement before returning to active status."/
Amend title to conform.
Rep. ELLIOTT explained the amendment.
Rep. TOWNSEND objected to the Bill.
Rep. ELLIOTT continued speaking.
Reps. KIRSH, COOPER, INABINETT and SCOTT objected to the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 3852 -- Rep. Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-79-50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS SERVICES CONTRACTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THEY ARE UNENFORCEABLE IF THE CONTRACT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH STATE OR FEDERAL LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 44-79-70, RELATING TO RIGHTS AGAINST SUCCESSORS TO CONTRACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO PURCHASER OF A CONTRACT ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING PHYSICAL FITNESS SERVICES MAY COLLECT ON THE CONTRACT OR REPORT A DELINQUENCY UNDER THE CONTRACT IF THE CONTRACT IS IN VIOLATION OF THE CHAPTER; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-79-80, RELATING TO FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS, FACILITIES THAT HAVE BEEN IN CONTINUOUS OPERATION FOR TEN OR MORE YEARS.
The Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name L:\council\legis\amend\BBM\10196AC.95), which was adopted.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 3 in its entirety and inserting the following:
/SECTION 3. Section 44-79-80 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 44-79-80. (1)(A) Every A center which enters into prepaid or credit contracts for physical fitness services of over three months' duration or over two hundred dollars in amount shall maintain with the administrator a surety bond in a sum to be determined by the administrator based on the estimated future costs to service contracts sold, but not to exceed fifty thousand dollars.
(2)(B) In lieu of the bond required in this section, the center may furnish under penalty of perjury information which reasonably demonstrates financial responsibility as will enable the center to satisfy the possible claims against the bond. In the event the center is controlled by, under common control with, or controls other corporations and the other corporation agrees in writing to satisfy the claims against a bond allowed under this section, the financial responsibility of the other corporation must be considered in determining the requirement for a bond. In determining whether the center has the requisite financial responsibility, the administrator may consider the operating and business history, reputation, and management within and without the State, as well as and the operating and business history and reputation of any a business controlled by, under common control with, or controlling the center. The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section This subsection and subsection (A) do not apply to physical fitness service facilities that have been in operation for five years ten or more on the effective date of this Chapter consecutive years in this State under the same sole ownership or corporate ownership by the same principals at the time of renewal for its certificate of authority. Documentation acceptable to the administrator or the administrator's designee must be submitted to receive an exemption under this section from the financial responsibility requirements of subsections (A) and (B).
(C) A physical fitness center which has been provided with an exemption from the financial responsibility requirements under subsection (B) must have a written contract which contains the following statement in all capitals and boldface type, which is larger and bolder than any other type in the contract and in at least 14 point boldface:
STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE INFORM YOU THAT IF YOU (THE BUYER) CHOOSE TO PAY FOR ANY PART OF THIS AGREEMENT IN ADVANCE, BE AWARE THAT YOU ARE PAYING FOR FUTURE SERVICES AND MAY BE RISKING LOSS OF YOUR MONEY IN THE EVENT THIS HEALTH SPA CEASES TO CONDUCT BUSINESS. THIS HEALTH SPA IS NOT REQUIRED TO POST A BOND, AND THERE MAY BE NO OTHER PROTECTIONS PROVIDED TO YOU IF YOU CHOOSE TO PAY IN ADVANCE.'
This notice must be separately signed and dated by the consumer.
(3)(D) Each A center is required to notify the administrator upon substantial change of its financial status and to submit an annual report.
(4)(E) No person may offer physical fitness services in this State without first obtaining a certificate of authority from the administrator. A certificate of authority must be issued by the administrator upon submission of items (a)(1) through (f)(6) of this section. The applicant must submit:
(a)(1) A formal application for the certificate in such form and detail as the administrator requires.
(b)(2) A certified copy of its charter or articles of incorporation and its bylaws, if any.
(c)(3) If a corporation, a certified copy of the certificate of authority or good standing certificate from the Secretary of State of South Carolina.
(d)(4) A copy of its membership agreement.
(e)(5) A copy of any contract to be issued.
(f)(6) A list of outlets at which physical fitness services will be offered.
(g)(7) Any other relevant information required by the administrator.
(5)(F) No certificate of authority may be issued by the administrator until the center pays an initial certificate of authority fee of fifty dollars an outlet. Certificates of authority may be renewed upon payment of an annual renewal fee of fifty dollars an outlet on or before December thirty-first.
(6)(G) A copy of the certificate of authority required by this chapter must be posted conspicuously at every location where monies or contracts are received by the center.
(7)(H) It is unlawful for any a center or person acting on behalf of a center required to obtain and maintain a certificate of authority under this chapter to advertise, sell, or offer to sell the use of physical fitness services when a valid certificate is not on file with the administrator.
(8)(I) The administrator may order the center to cease and desist, or may revoke, suspend, or refuse to continue the certificate of authority of a center, whenever if, after a hearing and for causes shown, he the administrator determines that the center has violated or failed to comply with any provisions of this chapter or regulations promulgated under the authority of this chapter, or if, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, it is shown that:
(a)(1) any a document or declaration required by subsection (4)(E), items (a)(1) through (g)(7) were false or misleading; or
(b)(2) by clear and convincing evidence the center or its agents, officers, or employees have engaged in false, fraudulent, or deceptive conduct in its dealings with customers;
(9)(J) In lieu of revocation, suspension, or refusal to continue a certificate of authority of a center, the administrator in his discretion may assess an administrative penalty for a violation of subsection (4) (E) or (8) of this section (I) not to exceed five hundred dollars for each violation, not to exceed five thousand dollars for matters commenced in any a calendar year. These penalties may be assessed in connection with orders to cease and desist."/
Amend title to conform.
Rep. FAIR explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
Rep. CATO moved that the House do now adjourn, which was adopted.
At 12:55 P.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. WRIGHT adjourned in memory of Chilton W. Ellett of Chapin, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.
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