SECTION 1. It is proposed that Section 17, Article V of the Constitution of South Carolina, 1895, is amended to read:
"Section 17. Within the unified court judicial system, the Supreme Court shall have the power, after a hearing, to remove any judge from office for misconduct, breach of any ethical obligation, habitual intemperance, or persistent failure to perform the duties of the office, or to remove or retire any judge from office upon a finding of disability a mental or physical incapacity seriously interfering with the performance of his judicial duties which is, or is likely to become, of a permanent character. A justice shall not sit in any hearing involving his own that justice's removal or retirement. Implementation and enforcement of this section may be by rule or order of the Supreme Court. The provisions of this section shall not be construed as precluding the removal of a judge by impeachment or any other method provided by this Constitution."
SECTION 2. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballots:
"Shall Section 17, Article V, of the Constitution of South Carolina, 1895, relating to the removal or retirement of judges be amended so as to permit the Supreme Court to remove any judge within the unified judicial system from office for misconduct, breach of any ethical obligation, habitual intemperance, or persistent failure to perform the duties of the office, and also to permit the Supreme Court to remove or retire any judge from office upon a finding of mental or physical incapacity rather than disability which seriously interferes with the performance of his duties which is or is likely to become permanent?
Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the
square after the word `Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a
check or cross mark in the square after the word `No'."
Rep. SHEHEEN moved to reconsider the vote whereby Amendment No. 1 was adopted, which was agreed to.
Reps. HARRISON and SHEHEEN proposed the following Amendment No. 1, which was reconsidered and tabled.
Amend Section 17, line 2, by inserting the word "public" before the word hearing.
Rep. SHEHEEN moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.
The Joint Resolution was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
On motion of Rep. SCOTT, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 4803 be read the third time tomorrow.
The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments.
S. 1084 -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 61, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, BEER AND WINE, BY ADDING CHAPTERS 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, AND 12 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION, TRANSPORTATION, POSSESSION, CONSUMPTION, LICENSING, SALE, AND PENALTIES REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, BEER AND WINE, AND TO MAKE CERTAIN TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 12-33-245 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE RATE AT WHICH MINIBOTTLES MUST BE TAXED; BY ADDING SECTION 12-33-475 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE TAX EXEMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS SOLD TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT INSTRUMENTALITY FOR MILITARY PURPOSES; TO AMEND SECTION 6-27-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF MONIES APPROPRIATED TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND, SO AS TO CHANGE A CODE REFERENCE;
S. 1102 -- Senator Holland: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-380, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OATH OF AN ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICANT, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE ADDRESS OF THE WITNESS APPEAR ON THE OATH; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-385, RELATING TO THE MARKING OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN APPLICANT WHO CANNOT SIGN HIS NAME BECAUSE OF ILLITERACY OR A HANDICAP MAY INSTEAD MAKE HIS MARK; AND TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-420, RELATING TO RECEIPT, TABULATION, AND REPORTING OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE ADDRESS OF THE WITNESS APPEAR ON THE RETURN-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. COTTY a leave of absence due to being subpoenaed to be a witness in a civil trial in Camden.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4789 -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-949 SO AS TO REQUIRE AN APPLICANT FOR A BUSINESS, OCCUPATIONAL, PROFESSIONAL, HUNTING, FISHING, OR DRIVER'S LICENSE OR WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION OR FOR RENEWAL OF A LICENSE OR REGISTRATION TO SUBMIT THE APPLICANT'S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER TO THE LICENSING ENTITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3470, RELATING TO EMPLOYER TAX CREDITS FOR EMPLOYING AID TO FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN RECIPIENTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE CRITERIA FOR OBTAINING THIS CREDIT AND TO PROVIDE
Debate was resumed on Amendment No. 1, which was proposed on Wednesday, April 17, by the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. THOMAS explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. COBB-HUNTER proposed the following Amendment No. 2, which was adopted.
Amend Section 2 of bill, as amended, by striking fifteen on line 37, page 3, and inserting seven.
Rep. COBB-HUNTER explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 4789 be read the third time tomorrow.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4785 -- Rep. Wells: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 69, TITLE 40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF VETERINARIANS, SO AS TO REVISE THE CHAPTER TO CONFORM TO A UNIFORM FRAMEWORK FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL BOARDS.
Rep. WITHERSPOON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Joint Resolution was taken up.
H. 4343 -- Reps. D. Smith, Littlejohn, Walker, Allison, Haskins, Jennings, Hutson, Cain, Harrison, Vaughn, Wilder, Law, Simrill, Herdklotz, Kirsh, Limbaugh, Gamble, Richardson and Meacham: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE VI, CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO OFFICES BY ADDING SECTION 7A SO AS TO ABOLISH THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE DATE OF THE RATIFICATION OF THIS SECTION AND PROVIDE FOR ITS FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES TO BE DEVOLVED ONTO OTHER STATE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES IN THE MANNER THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PROVIDE BY LAW.
Rep. D. SMITH made the Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Joint Resolution have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Joint Resolution was taken up.
H. 4812 -- Reps. McElveen, Harrison, Wilkins and Hodges: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 21, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT NEITHER HOUSE DURING THE SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL ADJOURN WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OTHER FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS, SO AS TO CHANGE THIS PERIOD TO SEVEN DAYS AND PROVIDE THAT THIS REQUIREMENT IS NOT APPLICABLE TO A PARTICULAR HOUSE IF THERE ARE NO PENDING MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR ON THE CALENDAR OF THAT HOUSE OR IF THERE ARE NO BILLS OR JOINT RESOLUTIONS FROM THE OTHER HOUSE ON THE CONTESTED OR UNCONTESTED CALENDAR OF THAT HOUSE FOR SECOND OR THIRD READING.
Rep. D. SMITH explained the Joint Resolution.
Rep. SHEHEEN made the Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Joint Resolution have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up.
S. 1315 -- Senators Drummond, Matthews, Waldrep, Washington, Setzler, Cork, Moore, Ryberg, O'Dell and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-1-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION AND BOUNDARIES OF THE STATE, SO AS TO REVISE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE STATE IN REGARD TO THE BOUNDARY IN THE LOWER SAVANNAH RIVER REGION.
Rep. HARRISON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4865 -- Reps. Law, Cato, Bailey, Wofford, H. Brown, Dantzler, Young-Brickell and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-1095 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PRIVATE INSURER LICENSED TO UNDERWRITE "ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE" MAY FILE AND USE CERTAIN RATES FOR THE COVERAGES DETAILED IN SECTION 38-75-310(1) AND THE PROCESS FOR FILING AND HAVING THE RATES APPROVED; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-75-386 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LIABILITY OR A CAUSE OF ACTION MAY NOT ARISE AGAINST CERTAIN PERSONS FOR CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE TO OR INFORMATION PROVIDED TO AN INSURER TO FACILITATE THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE OR TO FACILITATE COMPETITION FOR THE
Rep. ANDERSON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up.
S. 1075 -- Senators Rose, Land, Leventis, Matthews, Washington and Mescher: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 58-31-30, SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS, 1976, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE OF STRUCTURES FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF WATER IN CALHOUN AND COLLETON COUNTIES; AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROHIBITS THE TRANSFER OF WATER FROM ONE RIVER BASIN TO ANOTHER.
Rep. McTEER made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4392 -- Reps. Byrd, Moody-Lawrence, J. Brown, Lloyd, Kinon, J. Hines, T. Brown, Harvin, Cobb-Hunter, White and Cave: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 125 TO ENACT THE OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION AND TREATMENT EDUCATION ACT SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE OSTEOPOROSIS EDUCATION FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND TO ESTABLISH THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND AND THE
Rep. ANDERSON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4404 -- Rep. Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 25-11-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COUNTY VETERAN'S AFFAIRS OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BY RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, THE AUTHORITY TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OR REMOVAL OF THESE OFFICERS MAY BE DEVOLVED ON THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COUNTY AND TO PROVIDE THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THIS DEVOLUTION MAY BE REVERSED.
Rep. COOPER made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4677 -- Reps. Limehouse, Cain and Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 52-7-90,
CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REQUIRING THAT
CERTAIN ATHLETES POSSESS A PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE BEFORE A SPORTS
EVENT AND THE ATTENDANCE OF A PHYSICIAN AT THE RINGSIDE OF A BOXING
EVENT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE TO STATE THAT THE
PARTICIPANT IS FREE OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) AND
THE ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS).
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking / BEFORE A SPORTS EVENT / in the Title. When amended, the title shall read:
TO AMEND SECTION 52-7-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REQUIRING THAT CERTAIN ATHLETES POSSESS A PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE AND THE ATTENDANCE OF A PHYSICIAN AT THE RINGSIDE OF A BOXING EVENT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE TO STATE THAT THE PARTICIPANT IS FREE OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) AND THE ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)./
Rep. WILDER explained the amendment.
Rep. McELVEEN made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4702 -- Reps. P. Harris, Waldrop and Neilson: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CHAPTER 36, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO ENACT THE "ALZHEIMER'S SPECIAL CARE DISCLOSURE ACT" SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN FACILITIES OFFERING SPECIAL CARE UNITS OR PROGRAMS FOR ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS TO DISCLOSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL THE FORM OF CARE OR TREATMENT PROVIDED THAT DISTINGUISHES IT AS BEING ESPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR THESE PATIENTS.
Rep. J. BROWN made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.