Journal of the House of Representatives
of the Second Session of the 111th General Assembly
of the State of South Carolina
being the Regular Session Beginning Tuesday, January 9, 1996

Page Finder Index

| Printed Page 2380, Apr. 18 | Printed Page 2400, Apr. 18 |

Printed Page 2390 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

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?

Yes []

No []

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'."


Printed Page 2391 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

Rep. SHEHEEN moved to reconsider the vote whereby the Joint Resolution was given a second reading, which was agreed to.

AMENDMENT NO. 1--RECONSIDERED

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.

H. 4803--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. SCOTT, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 4803 be read the third time tomorrow.

RETURNED TO THE SENATE WITH AMENDMENTS

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;


Printed Page 2392 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

AND TO REPEAL CHAPTERS 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, AND 13 OF TITLE 61, RELATING TO GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, BEER AND WINE, AND LICENSES, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ACT, REGULATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION, POSSESSION, CONSUMPTION, AND SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; IMPORTATION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, BEER, WINE, ALE, PORTER, ALCOHOL; AND NUISANCES AND ENFORCEMENT.

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.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. COTTY a leave of absence due to being subpoenaed to be a witness in a civil trial in Camden.

H. 4789--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

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


Printed Page 2393 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

THAT UNUSED CREDIT MAY BE CARRIED FORWARD; TO AMEND SUBARTICLE 5, ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE "TRIBUNAL" AS NOT ONLY THE FAMILY COURTS OF THIS STATE BUT ALSO THE SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROM "FAMILY COURT" TO "TRIBUNAL"; TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-7-9505, 20-7-9510, 20-7-9515, 20-7-9520, 20-7-9525, 20-7-9530, 20-7-9540, 20-7-9545, AND 20-7-9560, ALL RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHING AND ENFORCING PATERNITY AND CHILD SUPPORT, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE "DIRECTOR" OF THE CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT DIVISION INCLUDES THE DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEES, TO CLARIFY THE NAME OF THE ADMINISTERING AGENCY, TO REVISE AND DELETE OBSOLETE TERMS, TO CLARIFY IN WHICH COUNTY VARIOUS DOCUMENTS MUST BE FILED, AND TO REVISE PROCEDURAL TIME FRAMES; TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-1125, RELATING TO SANCTIONS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH WELFARE AGREEMENTS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT AN AFDC RECIPIENT WHO MEETS CERTAIN CRITERIA IS NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROVISIONS IN THE AGREEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-585, RELATING TO THE REPORTING OF CHILD SUPPORT ARREARAGES TO CONSUMER CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED ON PERSONS WHO ARE IN ARREARS IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO TWO MONTHS' SUPPORT OBLIGATION RATHER THAN ON PERSONS WHO HAVE NOT MADE A PAYMENT FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE MONTHS; TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-1155, RELATING TO ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT, SO AS TO EXPAND THE DEPARTMENT'S AUTHORITY AND A CLIENT'S OPPORTUNITIES UNDER THIS PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-1170, RELATING TO TIME LIMITATIONS PLACED ON RECEIVING WELFARE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN EXEMPTION APPLIES TO A PERSON WHO IS PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED RATHER THAN TO ONE WHO IS TOTALLY OR PERMANENTLY DISABLED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-1240, RELATING TO TRANSITIONAL MEDICAID AND CHILD CARE, SO AS TO PROVIDE TWO YEARS RATHER THAN ONE YEAR OF TRANSITIONAL CHILD CARE AND MEDICAID TO A PERSON WHO BECAME EMPLOYED AFTER
Printed Page 2394 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

LOSING ELIGIBILITY DUE TO EXCEEDING THE TWENTY-FOUR MONTH TIME LIMIT.

AMENDMENT NO. 1--ADOPTED

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.

H. 4789--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 4789 be read the third time tomorrow.

H. 4785--POINT OF ORDER

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.

POINT OF ORDER

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.


Printed Page 2395 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

H. 4343--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.

POINT OF ORDER

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.

H. 4812--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.


Printed Page 2396 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

POINT OF ORDER

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.

S. 1315--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.

POINT OF ORDER

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.

H. 4865--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


Printed Page 2397 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE.

POINT OF ORDER

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.

S. 1075--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.

POINT OF ORDER

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.

H. 4392--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


Printed Page 2398 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND.

POINT OF ORDER

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.

H. 4404--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.

POINT OF ORDER

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.

H. 4677--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).


Printed Page 2399 . . . . . Thursday, April 18, 1996

The Medical, Military, Public & Municipal Affairs Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\amend\JIC\5840CM.96).

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking / BEFORE A SPORTS EVENT / in the Title. When amended, the title shall read:

/ 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 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.

POINT OF ORDER

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.

H. 4702--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.

POINT OF ORDER

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.


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