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The General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, begun and holden at Columbia on the second Tuesday in January, being the 10th day of the month.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, the members of the Senate assembled this day in the Senate Chamber at 12 o'clock noon.

The Senate was called to order by the PRESIDENT, the Honorable Nick A. Theodore.

Proceedings were opened with prayer by the Chaplain, the Reverend George E. Meetze, of Columbia, S.C., as follows:

Beloved, hear the words recorded by St. Mark, Chapter 12 (vv.28-30):

"And one of the scribes came, and

Having heard them reasoning together...

Asked Him `Which is the first commandment

of all?' and Jesus answered him,

`The first of all the commandments is

HEAR O ISRAEL, THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE

LORD: AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY

GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY

SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND: AND WITH ALL

THY STRENGTH: THIS IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.'"

Lord, God of our fathers, as we come to the 111th General Assembly of our beloved State of South Carolina: We thank You for Your continuing LOVE and Your abiding GRACE.

We confess that the sin that inheres in human nature is the cause of all our misery.

You long to redeem us! Help us to hear and obey the call to higher ground!

We pray for the coming of Your Kingdom in the name and spirit of Him who taught us to pray... together:

"Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as
we forgive those who trespass against us; and
lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from
evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and
the glory, for ever and ever." Amen.

On motion of Senator WILLIAMS, with unanimous consent, the PRESIDENT of the Senate was granted leave to address the members of the Senate.

THANK YOU FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF SAYING A FEW WORDS OF FAREWELL TO YOU THIS MORNING. IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO STAND BEFORE YOU FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS AS THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE SENATE.

THIS CHAMBER HAS BEEN THE SCENE OF GREAT CONTROVERSY AND CONFLICT, CONCESSION AND COMPROMISE FOR MANY GENERATIONS, AND THE PAST EIGHT YEARS HAVE BEEN NO DIFFERENT. BUT FOR ALL THE DIFFERENCES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN AIRED ON THIS SENATE FLOOR, WE ARE ALL HERE TO DO WHAT WE BELIEVE IS BEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS GREAT STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

WE HAVE LISTENED TO WHAT PEOPLE WANT AND EXPECT FROM THOSE WHO GOVERN THEM AND IT ALL COMES DOWN TO ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR - THE CHANCE TO RAISE THEIR FAMILIES IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, THAT OFFERS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL, AND THE POSSIBILITY FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

THROUGH MY 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, I HAVE TRIED TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE PEOPLE OF OUR GREAT STATE DO HAVE THAT CHANCE TO MAKE A BETTER LIFE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.

AND OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, THIS BODY HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR GREAT CHANGE IN THIS STATE THAT WILL GIVE OUR FAMILIES THE OPPORTUNITIES THEY DESERVE. IN THE COURSE OF THE DEBATE THAT LED TO THESE CHANGES, WE HAVE STRONGLY AGREED AND VIGOROUSLY DISAGREED, AND I HAVE BEEN CALLED UPON TO MAKE RULINGS MANY OF YOU DID NOT AGREE WITH, BUT IN EVERY CASE, I DID MY BEST TO ABIDE BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS OF THIS STATE.

NOW THE DAY HAS COME TO TURN OVER THE GAVEL TO A NEW ADMINISTRATION. AS I PREPARE TO LEAVE PUBLIC SERVICE AND RETURN TO PRIVATE LIFE, I DO SO WITH NO REGRETS AND A REAL SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AND FULFILLMENT KNOWING THAT, WITH THE HELP AND COMMITMENT OF SO MANY, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF OUR GREAT STATE. BETTER TO SPEND 1 HOUR ON THE PLAYING FIELD - THAN SPEND A LIFETIME IN THE STANDS.

THIS IS A BITTERSWEET ENDING. I WILL MISS THE GRATIFICATION OF PRESIDING OVER THIS BODY AND SEEING CONFLICT TURN TO COMPROMISE AS WE WORKED TO ENACT LEGISLATION. ON THE OTHER HAND, I LOOK FORWARD TO THE BIRTH OF MY NINTH GRANDCHILD THIS SUMMER,

I THANK EACH OF YOU WHO MAKE UP THIS INSTITUTION FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND I CAN'T DEPART WITHOUT SAYING A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO THE VERY COMPETENT SENATE STAFF AND ESPECIALLY MY STAFF IN THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, LET ME THANK EMILIE AND MY FAMILY FOR ALLOWING ME TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. WITHOUT THEIR UNQUALIFIED SUPPORT, I WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PURSUE MY DREAM OF HELPING TO MAKE THIS STATE A BETTER PLACE.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Dear Mr. President:

So that a writ of election might be issued pursuant to the Constitution of South Carolina, Art. III Section 25, and S.C. Code Ann. Section 7-13-190 (Supp. 1993), please accept this as my resignation from Election District One of the South Carolina Senate, to take effect at 3:00 o'clock P.M., Friday, June 10, 1994. At that time, I will be sworn in as the Resident Judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina. I trust that you will find this in order, however, should there be any questions, please do not hesitate to advise me.

By a copy of this letter, I am notifying the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Honorable Marshall B. Williams, of my resignation from Election District One, and expressing my grateful appreciation for the many kindnesses and courtesies extended me while a member of that honorable body. My service in the South Carolina Senate will always be cherished by me, and I will forever be thankful for the friendships you all were so gracious to share with me.

Sincerely,
Alexander S. Macaulay

Dear Mr. Caggiano:

Under date of October 17, 1994, the State Election Commission certified to this office the results of the election of Senate District One held in Pickens and Oconee counties on October 11, 1994. The Certification shows that Honorable Thomas C. Alexander has been elected Senator for Senate District One.

I, therefore, certify that Honorable Thomas C. Alexander has been elected as Senator for Senate District One for a term as prescribed by law.

Yours very truly,
Jim Miles
Secretary of State

Dear Mr. Lieutenant Governor:

This is to advise that Mr. Thomas C. Alexander was certified as the official winner at a special election for Senate District 1 held in Pickens and Oconee counties on October 11, 1994.

Very truly yours,
James F. Hendrix
Executive Director

Representatives Felder, Haskins and Moody-Lawrence appeared in the Chamber to inform the Senate that the House had organized and was ready to proceed with business.

The PRESIDENT appointed Senators SALEEBY, McCONNELL and GLOVER to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate was organized and was ready to proceed with business.

The PRESIDENT appointed Senators HOLLAND, PEELER and WASHINGTON to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and was ready to proceed with business.

The PRESIDENT recognized Senator WILLIAMS who welcomed Senator THOMAS C. ALEXANDER, District 1 (Pickens and Oconee counties).

On motion of Senator WILLIAMS, with unanimous consent, Senator ALEXANDER presented himself at the Bar and the oath of office was administered to him by Senator WILLIAMS.

Desk 44 Sen. Alexander

The PRESIDENT called for nominations for the PRESIDENT Pro Tempore.

Senator DRUMMOND nominated Senator MARSHALL B. WILLIAMS.

Senator WASHINGTON seconded the nomination and moved that the nominations be closed and that Senator WILLIAMS be elected PRESIDENT Pro Tempore by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT announced that Senator WILLIAMS was elected PRESIDENT Pro Tempore of the Senate by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT called for nominations for Clerk of the Senate.

Senator WILLIAMS nominated Mr. Frank Caggiano.

Senator WILLIAMS moved that the nominations be closed and that Mr. Frank Caggiano be elected Clerk of the Senate by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT announced that Mr. Frank Caggiano was elected Clerk of the Senate by acclamation.

The Clerk announced the following appointments:
Mr. Hogan Brown Assistant Clerk and Assistant

Director of Research
Mrs. Darlene M. Griggs Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Joyce D. Reid Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Agnes Walker General Desk Clerk
Mrs. Cynthia C. Aiken Calendar Clerk
Mrs. Beth Dworjanyn Director of Senate Finance
Mrs. Jean Tisdale Bookkeeper
Mrs. Jean Padgett Payroll/Personnel Specialist
Ms. Alicia Eatmon Bill Clerk
Mrs. Susan Edwards Assistant Bill Clerk
Mr. Frank Goodwin Porter

The PRESIDENT called for nominations for Reading Clerk.

Senator WILLIAMS nominated Mr. John O. Wienges.

Senator WILLIAMS moved that the nominations be closed and that Mr. Wienges be elected Reading Clerk by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT announced that Mr. John O. Wienges was elected Reading Clerk of the Senate by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT called for nominations for Sergeant-at-Arms.

Senator WILLIAMS nominated Mr. James R. Melton of Columbia.

Senator WILLIAMS moved that the nominations be closed and that Mr. Melton be elected Sergeant-at-Arms by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT announced that Mr. James R. Melton was elected the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT called for nominations for an Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms.

Senator WILLIAMS nominated Mr. Roger W. Beaver of West Columbia.

Senator WILLIAMS moved that the nominations be closed and that Mr. Beaver be elected Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms.

The PRESIDENT announced that Mr. Beaver was elected Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT called for nominations for the Chaplain.

Senator WILLIAMS nominated Reverend George E. Meetze.

Senator WILLIAMS moved that the nominations be closed and that Reverend Meetze be elected Chaplain by acclamation.

The PRESIDENT announced that Reverend George E. Meetze was elected Chaplain of the Senate by acclamation.

On motion of Senator WILLIAMS, with unanimous consent, the Clerk, Reading Clerk, Chaplain, Sergeant-at-Arms and Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms presented themselves at the Bar and the oath of office was administered by the PRESIDENT.

Senator WILLIAMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion that all prefiled bills, as listed in the document placed on our desks by the Clerk, be introduced and given a first reading at this time, en masse, and referred to the respective committees as indicated unless a different reference is otherwise ordered by a majority of the Senate.

The motion was adopted.

The following were introduced:

S. 1 -- Senators McConnell, J. Verne Smith, Courson and Elliott: A BILL TO COMPEL A BINDING STATEWIDE REFERENDUM AT THE TIME OF THE 1996 GENERAL ELECTION TO ASCERTAIN THE WISHES OF THE VOTERS AS TO: (1) WHETHER THE SOUTH CAROLINA INFANTRY BATTLE FLAG OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA [THE BATTLE FLAG OF THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA (GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE'S ARMY)] SHALL BE DISPLAYED ATOP AND WITHIN THE STATE HOUSE; (2) WHETHER THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HERITAGE ACT OF 1996" SHALL BE ENACTED TO PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG FROM ATOP THE STATE HOUSE AND THE PERMANENT PLACEMENT OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG ON THE STATE HOUSE GROUNDS AND TO CREATE A COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH AND ERECT A CIVIL RIGHTS MONUMENT ON THE GROUNDS OF THE CAPITOL COMPLEX; OR (3) WHETHER THE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG SHALL BE REMOVED FROM ATOP AND WITHIN THE STATE HOUSE. THE OPTION WHICH RECEIVES THE GREATEST NUMBER OF VOTES CAST IN THE REFERENDUM SHALL TAKE EFFECT.

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

S. 2 -- Senators Passailaigue, McConnell, Ford, Land, Mitchell, Waldrep and Elliott: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7, ARTICLE XVII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO LOTTERIES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE LOTTERIES CONDUCTED ONLY BY THE STATE AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE REVENUE DERIVED FROM THE LOTTERIES BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL

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

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