Current Status Bill Number:4700 Ratification Number:536 Act Number:419 Type of Legislation:General Bill GB Introducing Body:House Introduced Date:19980224 Primary Sponsor:Ways and Means Committee HWM 30 All Sponsors:Ways and Means Committee Date Bill Passed both Bodies:19980616 Date of Last Amendment:19980616 Governor's Action:S Date of Governor's Action:19980630 Subject:General Appropriation Bill 1998-99, Acts Cited by Popular Name, State, General
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved
______ ________ _______________________________________ _______ ____________
------ 19980630 Act No. A419
------ 19980630 Signed by Governor
------ 19980617 Ratified R536
Senate 19980616 Ordered enrolled for ratification
House 19980616 Conference Committee Report adopted 98 HCC
Senate 19980604 Conference Committee Report adopted 88 SCC
Senate 19980514 Conference powers granted, 88 SCC McConnell
appointed Senators to Committee Land
of Conference Drummond
House 19980514 Conference powers granted, 98 HCC H. Brown
appointed Reps. to Committee of Boan
Conference Young-
Brickell
House 19980514 Insists upon amendment
Senate 19980514 Non-concurrence in House amendment
House 19980513 Senate amendments amended,
returned to Senate with amendment
Senate 19980507 Read third time, returned to House
with amendment
Senate 19980507 Amended
Senate 19980505 Debate interrupted by adjournment
Senate 19980505 Amended
Senate 19980430 Read second time, with notice of
general amendments, carrying over
all amendments to third reading
Senate 19980430 Committee amendment adopted
Senate 19980430 Committee report: Favorable with 06 SF
amendment
Senate 19980310 Introduced, read first time, 06 SF
referred to Committee
House 19980305 Amended, read third time,
sent to Senate
House 19980304 Amended, read second time
House 19980303 Amended, debate interrupted
by adjournment
House 19980302 Amended, debate interrupted
by adjournment
House 19980225 Set for Special Order on Monday,
19980302, and continue each day
until final disposition
House 19980224 Introduced, read first time
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS AN INDEX OF THE DOCUMENTS CONTAINING SECTIONS OF
THE
APPROPRIATION BILL, H.4700, AS INTRODUCED BY THE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE.
H. 4700
Read the first time on February 24, 1998
Doc. # Sections Pages:
4700 Title, Part IA-Funding, Recap. & Revenues 1-319
4700.1B Part IB-Temporary Provisions 320-496
4700.P2 Part II-Permanent Provisions 497-563
4700.IDX Index to the Appro. Bill 564-568
View additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
(R536, H4700)
AN ACT TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING, JULY 1, 1998, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THE FISCAL YEAR; TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS ALLOTTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1976 (FEDERAL); TO AMEND SECTION 59-35-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO KINDERGARTEN CLASSES WITHIN EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FULL-DAY FIVE-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN MUST BE PROVIDED TO ANY ELIGIBLE CHILD WHOSE PARENTS DESIRE FOR THEM TO ATTEND THAT KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A WAIVER OF THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-123-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THE RURAL PHYSICIAN PROGRAM SHALL BE ADMINISTERED, MANAGED, AND ALLOCATED; BY ADDING SECTION 59-123-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THE SOUTH CAROLINA AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CONSORTIUM SHALL BE AWARDED FUNDING FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-117-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EMPLOYEES OF AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS AFFILIATED WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, WHO HOLD FACULTY APPOINTMENTS IN THE SCHOOL, MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHOOL'S PRACTICE PLAN, AND TO PROVIDE THAT FUNDS GENERATED BY SUCH PARTICIPANTS SHALL BE HANDLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNIVERSITY POLICIES GOVERNING PRACTICE PLAN FUNDS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-113-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SOUTH CAROLINA TUITION GRANT FUNDS SHALL BE DISBURSED TO ELIGIBLE STUDENTS ON A SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER BASIS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH INTEREST ACCRUING ON THE BALANCE OF UNDISBURSED TUITION GRANT FUNDS SHALL BE CALCULATED AND AWARDED; BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-410 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF STATE-SUPPORTED COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS MAY LEND THEIR ENDOWMENT FUNDS AND AUXILIARY ENTERPRISE FUNDS TO SEPARATELY CHARTERED NOT-FOR-PROFIT LEGAL ENTITIES WHOSE EXISTENCE IS PRIMARILY TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER SUPPORT TO THE INSTITUTION AND ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, AND TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE FUNDS MAY BE LOANED; TO AMEND SECTION 59-53-53, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO BORROWING BY AREA COMMISSIONS OF TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THESE AREA COMMISSIONS ARE AUTHORIZED TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH AND PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY MAY BE DISPOSED OF BY TECHNICAL COLLEGES; TO AMEND SECTION 59-101-180, RELATING TO THE SALE AND DISPOSAL OF REAL PROPERTY BY STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH AND PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY MAY BE DISPOSED OF BY THESE INSTITUTIONS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 65, TITLE 2, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FEDERAL AND OTHER FUNDS OVERSIGHT ACT, SO AS TO DEVOLVE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR UNDER THE ACT TO THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD EXCEPT THAT THE AGENCY OPERATING THE BLOCK GRANTS SHALL CONDUCT THE PUBLIC HEARINGS, ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD SHALL FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GOVERNOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE ACT, TO EXEMPT CERTAIN FEDERAL GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FROM COST RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS, AND TO MAKE GRAMMATICAL AND OTHER TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 59-119-165 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SHALL TRANSFER ALL FEDERAL FUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CLEMSON-PSA (PUBLIC SERVICE ACTIVITIES) NO LATER THAN JULY FIFTEENTH OF EACH FISCAL YEAR AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THESE FUNDS ARE REQUIRED TO BE USED; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-910, RELATING TO REVENUE IN CONNECTION WITH FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ONE-HALF THE REVENUE FROM ANNUAL NONRESIDENT FISHING LICENSES BE CREDITED TO THE GAME FUND OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE REVENUE WAS COLLECTED; TO AMEND SECTION 35-1-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FUNDS FROM FEES AND LITIGATION SETTLEMENT ALLOWED TO BE RETAINED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR OPERATION OF THE SECURITIES DIVISION, SO AS TO ALLOW FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS OF ANNUAL FEE REVENUES TO BE RETAINED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE SECURITIES DIVISION; TO AMEND SECTION 1-7-150, RELATING TO THE ACCOUNTING OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO THE STATE TREASURER, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL MONIES, EXCEPT CERTAIN COSTS AND MONIES DEPOSITED IN THE MITIGATION TRUST FUND FOR LOSSES OR DAMAGES TO NATURAL RESOURCES, AWARDED TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA BY JUDGMENT OR SETTLEMENT IN ACTIONS OR CLAIMS BROUGHT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON BEHALF OF THE STATE OR ONE OF ITS AGENCIES OR DEPARTMENTS MUST BE DEPOSITED IN THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-253, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BIENNIAL REGISTRATION PERIODS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL NOT ISSUE A REFUND OF THE BIENNIAL REGISTRATION FEE TO A PERSON WHO HAS PAID THE FEE AND MOVES OUT OF THE STATE DURING THE BIENNIAL REGISTRATION PERIOD; TO AMEND SECTION 42-7-65, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND THE DESIGNATED AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS AND PROVIDE THAT VOLUNTARY FIREMEN OF ORGANIZED VOLUNTEER FIRE UNITS AND MEMBERS OF ORGANIZED VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUADS ARE COVERED UNDER TITLE 42 FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION BY THE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY UNLESS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COUNTY OPTS OUT OF THIS COVERAGE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-17-10, 9-17-30, AND 9-17-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM FOR FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLICLY-SUPPORTED FOUR-YEAR AND POSTGRADUATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY FOR THIS PROGRAM TO FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION OF TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH CONTRIBUTIONS ARE PAID FOR MEMBERS ELECTING THE OPTIONAL PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 9-1-1710, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LUMP SUM CONTRIBUTIONS AND CREDITABLE SERVICE FOR MEMBERS WITH OUT-OF-STATE SERVICE, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE MEMBERS IN CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT FOR TEN YEARS TO RECEIVE CREDITABLE SERVICE FOR ANY AMOUNT OF OUT-OF-STATE SERVICE RATHER THAN ONLY AWARDING CREDIT ON A ONE-FOR-ONE BASIS; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 11, RELATING TO THE GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE STATE BUDGET SYSTEM, BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-150 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF WITHIN THE STATE TREASURY; TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-330, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 12-37-251, AS AMENDED, BOTH RELATING TO THE STATE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND, SO AS TO REPLACE IT WITH THE TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-37-450, AS AMENDED, 12-37-935, AND 12-37-270, ALL RELATING TO THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR VARIOUS TAX RELIEF PURPOSES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THOSE FUNDS BE CREDITED TO THE TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-280, RELATING TO REIMBURSEMENT TO LOCAL POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO FUND THOSE REIMBURSEMENTS FROM THE TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF; TO REPEAL SECTION 6-27-45 RELATING TO HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS REIMBURSEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-300, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS THAT STATE AGENCIES DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT UNIFORM COST ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING SYSTEMS IN REGARD TO MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE GASOLINE MAY BE PURCHASED FROM RETAIL FUEL OUTLETS AND STATE-OWNED FACILITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE THREE HUNDRED DOLLAR MAXIMUM SALES TAX ON AIRCRAFT, MOTOR VEHICLES, MOTORCYCLES, BOATS, TRAILERS, RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, SELF-PROPELLED LIGHT CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, AND CERTAIN OTHER ITEMS OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EQUIPMENT PROVIDED, SUPPLIED, OR INSTALLED ON A FIREFIGHTING VEHICLE IS INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING THE MAXIMUM TAX DUE; BY ADDING SECTION 52-7-37 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO TAX OR FEE MAY BE IMPOSED BY THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION OR A COUNTY ATHLETIC COMMISSION ON THE GROSS RECEIPTS RECEIVED BY REASON OF THE LEASE OR SALE OF TELEVISION, MOTION PICTURE, OR RADIO RIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY BOXING, WRESTLING, KICK BOXING, FULL CONTACT KARATE, OR SPARRING EXHIBITION OR PERFORMANCE IN THIS STATE; TO REPEAL SECTION 52-7-37 JULY 30, 1999; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-25-60, AS AMENDED, 2-13-240, AS AMENDED, 2-15-120, AND 8-13-770, RELATING TO THE HUMAN SERVICES RESOURCE PROJECT, DISTRIBUTION OF THE CODE OF LAWS, CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS, AND LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE STATE REORGANIZATION COMMISSION; TO REPEAL CHAPTERS 19, 20, AND 22 OF TITLE 1 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE REORGANIZATION COMMISSION, REVIEW OF STATE AGENCIES AND BOARDS, AND THE COMPLIANCE REVIEW ACT OF 1988; BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-340 SO AS TO ESTABLISH IN THE STATE TREASURY THE STATE INSTITUTION BONDS AND STATE HIGHWAY BONDS DEBT SERVICE FUND, TO REQUIRE AMOUNTS TO BE CREDITED TO THIS FUND AMOUNTS SUFFICIENT TO PAY DEBT SERVICE ON STATE INSTITUTION BONDS AND STATE HIGHWAY BONDS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AMOUNTS CREDITED TO THIS FUND ARE NOT CONSIDERED STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUES; BY ADDING SECTION 12-10-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE A TEN-YEAR MORATORIUM ON STATE CORPORATE INCOME TAX FOR A CORPORATION THAT IS A "QUALIFYING BUSINESS" UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995 IF THE BUSINESS HAS CREATED AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED NEW FULL-TIME JOBS IN A COUNTY IN WHICH THE AVERAGE ANNUAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE LAST TWO COMPLETED CALENDAR YEARS IS AT LEAST TWICE THE STATE AVERAGE AND AT LEAST NINETY PERCENT OF THE QUALIFYING BUSINESSES' INVESTMENT IN THIS STATE IS LOCATED IN SUCH A COUNTY, TO PROVIDE A MORATORIUM OF FIFTEEN YEARS IF AT LEAST TWO HUNDRED NEW FULL-TIME JOBS ARE ADDED, TO PROVIDE HOW THE MORATORIUM APPLIES, AND TO REPEAL THIS MORATORIUM PROVISION EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2003; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-23-810 AND 12-23-815, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE LICENSE TAX ON HOSPITALS, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE TAX TO A LICENSED HOSPITAL IN ANOTHER STATE WHICH DOES BUSINESS IN THIS STATE AND TO DELETE AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE APPLICABLE TO THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO ISSUE TAX ASSESSMENTS AND ASSIGN THE DUTY TO THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD; TO AMEND SECTION 44-6-155, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MEDICAID EXPANSION FUND, SO AS TO DELETE VARIOUS USES OF THE MONIES IN THE FUND AND TO CORRECT AN OBSOLETE AGENCY REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-2570, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FEES FOR SERVICE UNDER THE INFANTS AND TODDLERS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FAMILIES MUST NOT BE CHARGED FEES FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THE ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-180, RELATING TO THE MITIGATION TRUST FUND OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FUNDS RECOVERED FOR LOSSES OR DAMAGES TO NATURAL RESOURCES MUST BE DEPOSITED IN THE FUND AND USED FIRST FOR RESTORATION IN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND THEN GENERALLY FOR SUCH RESTORATION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHALL DISTRIBUTE NINE SETS OF THE 1976 CODE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CODE COMMISSIONER SHALL INCLUDE THE ADDITIONAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE REPRINTING OF SECTION 2-13-240 OF THE 1976 CODE FOR THE 1998 CUMULATIVE SUPPLEMENT, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO REPRINT THE DISTRIBUTION LIST IN TABULAR FORM; TO AMEND SECTION 44-6-400, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING INTERMEDIATE SANCTIONS FOR THE MEDICAID CERTIFIED NURSING HOME ACT, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-6-420, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SANCTIONS AGAINST NURSING HOMES FOR VIOLATIONS OF MEDICAID PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO COORDINATE ENFORCEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL AUTHORITIES FOR NURSING HOMES CERTIFIED UNDER BOTH MEDICARE AND MEDICAID AND TO TAKE ACTIONS COMMENSURATE WITH FEDERAL ACTIONS WHEN THE NURSING HOME IS ONLY CERTIFIED UNDER MEDICAID; TO AMEND SECTION 44-6-470, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FINES FOR VIOLATIONS AND USE OF FINES COLLECTED, SO AS TO DELETE SPECIFIC FINE AMOUNTS AND FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES COLLECTED; TO AMEND SECTION 44-6-540, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH REGULATIONS SHALL ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE MEDICAID PROGRAM; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 44-6-410, 44-6-430, 44-6-440, 44-6-450, 44-6-460, 44-6-480, 44-6-490, 44-6-500, 44-6-510, AND 44-6-520 ALL RELATING TO SANCTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES FOR VIOLATIONS OF MEDICAID PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-262 SO AS TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM PATIENT-STAFF RATIOS FOR STAFF PROVIDING NURSING CARE IN NURSING HOMES AND MAKING THOSE MINIMUM STAFFING RATIOS A CONDITION OF LICENSURE; TO AMEND TITLE 44, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 122 SO AS TO CREATE THE COUNTY GRANTS FUND PROGRAM FOR ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY PREVENTION INITIATIVES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF MONIES APPROPRIATED TO THE GRANTS FUND; AND TO REQUIRE REGULAR EVALUATIONS OF PROJECTS RECEIVING MONIES FROM THE GRANTS FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1140, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 12-6-1170, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT INCOME DEDUCTION ELECTION AND THE TAXABLE INCOME EXCLUSION ALLOWED PERSONS SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER FOR PURPOSES OF THE STATE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE ELECTION AND ALLOW AN ANNUAL DEDUCTION OF UP TO THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS OF RETIREMENT INCOME AND UP TO TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS OF RETIREMENT INCOME BEGINNING IN THE TAXABLE YEAR THE TAXPAYER ATTAINS AGE SIXTY-FIVE, AND TO ALLOW AN ANNUAL DEDUCTION OF ELEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS OF SOUTH CAROLINA TAXABLE INCOME BEGINNING IN THE TAXABLE YEAR THE TAXPAYER ATTAINS THE AGE OF SIXTY-FIVE YEARS REDUCED BY THE RETIREMENT INCOME DEDUCTION, TO PROVIDE FOR CLAIMING THIS DEDUCTION ON JOINT RETURNS, TO DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE MAXIMUM DEDUCTION UNDER THE PRIOR LAW, AND TO EXTEND THE PERIOD FOR FILING A TIMELY CLAIM FOR REFUND FOR THE 1994 TAXABLE YEAR THROUGH APRIL 15, 1999, FOR TAXPAYERS WHOSE CLAIM IS BASED ON NOT HAVING MADE THE IRREVOCABLE ELECTION RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT INCOME DEDUCTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-14-40, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF AN ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONE, SO AS TO DELETE THE FIFTEEN-YEAR "SUNSET" ON SUCH ZONES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-14-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STATE INCOME TAX INVESTMENT CREDIT ALLOWED FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONES, SO AS TO DELETE THE FIVE PERCENT CREDIT AND REPLACE IT WITH A GRADUATED PERCENTAGE FROM ONE TO FIVE PERCENT BASED ON THE INVESTMENT'S USEFUL LIFE AND TO LIMIT THE TOTAL CREDIT ALLOWED A UTILITY FOR INVESTMENTS MADE AFTER JUNE 30, 1998, TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS, LIMIT ALL CREDITS FOR INVESTMENTS MADE BEFORE JULY 1, 1998, TO NO MORE THAN FIFTY PERCENT OF THE TAX LIABILITY, AND TO MAKE OTHER TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 9-8-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RETIREMENT UNDER THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS, SO AS TO REDUCE FROM TEN YEARS TO EIGHT YEARS THE VESTING REQUIREMENT FOR SOLICITORS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-11-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RESTORATION TO ACTIVE SERVICE OF RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SYSTEM WHEN THE RESTORATION TO ACTIVE SERVICE IS BY VIRTUE OF ELECTION AS SHERIFF; TO AMEND SECTION 12-56-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SETOFF DEBT COLLECTION ACT WHICH ALLOWS THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO SET OFF TAX REFUNDS AGAINST CERTAIN DEBTS OR DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT LOAN CORPORATION WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF A "CLAIMANT AGENCY"; TO AMEND SECTION 59-107-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING STATE INSTITUTION BONDS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SUCH BONDS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-118-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ACADEMIC ENDOWMENT INCENTIVE ACT OF 1997, SO AS TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY FOR THE INCENTIVE TO TECHNICAL COLLEGES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX CLASSIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT RATIOS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF A CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP OF OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OCCURS, AND THE NEW OWNER DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE FOUR PERCENT OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT RATIO, THE SIX PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO SHALL APPLY TO THE PROPERTY ONLY FOR THE PORTION OF THE PROPERTY TAX YEAR IN WHICH THE PROPERTY IS OWNED BY THE NEW OWNER; TO EXTEND THE TIME BY WHICH A WRITTEN NOTICE OF OBJECTION TO AN ASSESSMENT RATIO MUST BE FILED FOR THE 1997 TAX YEAR; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO PUBLICIZE THE EXTENSION AND TO NOTIFY THE ASSESSOR AND AUDITOR OF THIS EXTENSION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, 27-32-170, AND 27-32-250, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX OF THE SALE OF A VACATION TIME SHARING PLAN AND A VACATION MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP INTEREST, SO AS TO EXEMPT FROM SALES TAX THE SALE OR RESALE OR THE EXCHANGE OF AN INTEREST IN A VACATION TIME SHARING PLAN AND A VACATION MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP INTEREST; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-230, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF THE PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION ON INCLUDING A GOLF COURSE AS HOMEOWNER PROPERTY AND ALLOW THE ASSOCIATION TO DESIGNATE THOSE TRACTS OR PARCELS IT OWNS ON ITS APPLICATION FOR THE SPECIAL VALUATION ALLOWED HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-8-520, RELATING TO INCOMES SUBJECT TO WITHHOLDING, SO AS TO EXCLUDE WAGES OF SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR LESS A YEAR PAID TO A DISABLED PERSON EMPLOYED IN A PROGRAM APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS; TO AMEND ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 1, TITLE 6, RELATING TO LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS TAX, BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-570 AND TO AMEND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 1, TITLE 6, RELATING TO LOCAL HOSPITALITY TAX, BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-770 BOTH SO AS TO REQUIRE REMITTANCE OF THE TAX DUE TO THE LOCAL GOVERNING BODY ON A MONTHLY BASIS WHEN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF AVERAGE TAX IS MORE THAN FIFTY DOLLARS A MONTH, ON A QUARTERLY BASIS WHEN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF AVERAGE TAX IS TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS TO FIFTY DOLLARS A MONTH, AND ON AN ANNUAL BASIS WHEN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF AVERAGE TAX IS LESS THAN TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS A MONTH; TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-460, RELATING TO ESTABLISHING REHABILITATION PRIORITIES AT CONTAMINATED DRYCLEANING FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL MAY NOT EXPEND FROM THE DRYCLEANING FACILITY RESTORATION FUND MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ANNUALLY FOR INVESTIGATION AND REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-470, RELATING TO ANNUAL DRYCLEANING FACILITY REGISTRATION FEES, SO AS TO EXTEND FROM DECEMBER 1, 1996 TO JULY 1, 1999 THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A FACILITY OWNER OR OPERATOR MUST DEMONSTRATE COMPETENCY TO OPERATE A FACILITY AND MUST INSTALL DIKES OR OTHER CONTAINMENT STRUCTURES AROUND EQUIPMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE TRANSACTIONS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 50, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA JOCASSEE GORGES TRUST FUND, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND USES OF THE TRUST FUND; TO PROVIDE THAT AN EDUCATION FINANCE ACT ALLOCATION UNDERPAYMENT TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT RESULTING FROM AN ERROR IN INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1997-98 FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING THE INDEX OF TAXPAYING ABILITY SHALL BE MADE UP, TO REQUIRE THE UNDERPAYMENT TO BE MADE UP IN EFA DISTRIBUTIONS TO THE DISTRICT OVER THE SUCCEEDING TWO SCHOOL YEARS, TO PROVIDE FOR EFA ALLOTMENT CALCULATIONS DURING THE PAYBACK PERIOD, TO REQUIRE THE UNDERPAYMENT TO EXCEED ONE PERCENT FOR THE DISTRICT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE MAKEUP PAYMENT, AND TO REQUIRE ANY SCHOOL TAX LEVIED TO MAKE UP THE UNDERPAYMENT TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY A CORRESPONDING REDUCTION IN THE TAX LEVY REFLECTING THE AMOUNT OF MAKEUP FUNDS RECEIVED IN A SUBSEQUENT YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO INCLUDE PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES AND THERAPEUTIC RADIOPHARMECEUTICALS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER AND RELATED DISEASES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 13-1-1770 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADVISORY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SHALL ESTABLISH A DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING GRANTS FOR REVITALIZING AND ENHANCING THE VIABILITY OF AREAS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT, COUNTY GOVERNMENT, AND PRIVATE INVESTORS AND TO PROVIDE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR AWARDING THESE GRANTS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina: