Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 A.M.

Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark as follows:

We thank You, Heavenly Father, for these few moments of prayer. Show us that wisdom may come in silence as in speech, in waiting as in walking. Remain close to us, we pray, throughout all the activities of this day. Forbid that we should waste our time, no task to be devoid of meaning, see no challenge routine. Enable us to listen intently to the words of the Old Testament prophet: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall walk and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."

We pray in praise and thanksgiving. 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 yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

Rep. J. HINES moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Clifton R. Saverance, Sr. of Lamar, which was agreed to.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report, on:

H. 3328 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-7-65, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW AND THE DESIGNATION OF THE AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE TOTAL AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE OF MEMBERS OF ORGANIZED VOLUNTEER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS-SPILL RESPONSE TEAMS AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED AND INCIDENTAL MATTERS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report, on:

H. 3764 -- Reps. Cato, Harrison, Cromer, Altman, Hawkins, J. Hines, Bauer, Lee, Limehouse, Wilder, Campsen, Fleming, Haskins, Kelley, Mason, Walker, Mullen, Barrett, Neilson, Hinson, Seithel, Inabinett, Cobb-Hunter, Scott, Chellis, McKay, Webb, Sandifer, Young, Woodrum, Young-Brickell, Bailey, Simrill, Sharpe, Stuart, Spearman, Koon, McCraw, Kirsh, Trotter, H. Brown, Boan, Limbaugh, Knotts, Gourdine, Kinon, Dantzler, Law, Meacham, Robinson, Riser, D. Smith, Bowers, Baxley, Quinn, Edge, Maddox, Whatley, Vaughn, McMahand, F. Smith, Battle, Miller, Davenport, Harrell, Hodges, Harvin, Pinckney, Littlejohn, Gamble, Wilkins and Clyburn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO USE OF THE TITLE AND DESIGNATIONS AS "CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT" AND THE FORM OF PRACTICES THAT MAY BE USED SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS FOR FORMS OF PRACTICE; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-190, RELATING TO REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT THE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT MUST BE EXPERIENCE SATISFACTORY TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY, TO PROHIBIT A MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR AUDITING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-380, RELATING TO THE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS BY THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY SO AS TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS CONFORMING TO AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS STANDARDS FOR CONTINGENT FEES, COMMISSIONS, AND FORMS OF PRACTICE AND TO PROVIDE THAT UNTIL THESE REGULATIONS ARE PROMULGATED, THE INSTITUTE STANDARDS APPLY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report, on:

H. 3628 -- Reps. Kelley, Harrison, Davenport, Allison, Keegan and Hodges: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 25, TITLE 17, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO JUDGMENT AND EXECUTION BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE NAME OF A DEFENDANT CONVICTED FOR AN OFFENSE BASED ON CHILD SEXUAL OR PHYSICAL ABUSE BE ENTERED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT MAINTAINED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-650, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURES FOR ENTERING THE NAME OF A PERPETRATOR IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-670, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS AND FOSTER HOMES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE NAME OF A PERPETRATOR OF SUCH ABUSE OR NEGLECT IMMEDIATELY TO BE ENTERED ON THE CENTRAL REGISTRY UPON A FINDING OF THE ABUSE OR NEGLECT AND TO PROVIDE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR APPEAL; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-680, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURES FOR MAINTAINING INFORMATION ON THE REGISTRY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3677 -- Rep. Klauber: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 35, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE UNIFORM SECURITIES ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHAPTER BY DELETING CERTAIN LANGUAGE AND PROVISIONS, ADDING NEW PROVISIONS, AND PROVIDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR DEFINITIONS FOR THE TERMS "FEDERAL COVERED ADVISER" AND "FEDERAL COVERED SECURITY", THAT INVESTIGATIVE RECORDS AND COMPLAINTS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES COMMISSIONER ARE NOT CONSIDERED PUBLIC INFORMATION BUT ISSUED ORDERS, INCLUDING CERTAIN COMPLAINTS, ARE CONSIDERED PUBLIC RECORDS, THAT CERTAIN BROKER-DEALERS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 35-1-410, THAT CERTAIN ACTIVITY IS UNLAWFUL, THAT EVERY INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTRATION OR NOTICE FILING EXPIRES TWO YEARS FROM ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNLESS RENEWED, THAT REGISTRATION OF AN INVESTMENT ADVISER AUTOMATICALLY CONSTITUTES REGISTRATION OF ANY INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE WHO IS A PARTNER, OFFICER, OR DIRECTOR OR A PERSON OCCUPYING A SIMILAR STATUS OR PERFORMING SIMILAR FUNCTIONS, FOR CHANGES IN CERTAIN FEES, THAT THE SECURITIES COMMISSIONER MAY REQUIRE, WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENT ADVISERS, THAT CERTAIN INFORMATION BE FURNISHED OR DISSEMINATED AS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST OR FOR THE PROTECTION OF INVESTORS AND ADVISORY CLIENTS, FOR NOTICE FILINGS FOR FEDERAL COVERED SECURITIES, THAT UNLESS PROHIBITED BY RULE OR ORDER OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSIONER, AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTERED UNDER THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS ACT OF 1940 MAY TAKE OR RETAIN CUSTODY OF SECURITIES OR FUNDS OF A CLIENT, AND THAT THE SECURITIES COMMISSIONER MAY REFER AVAILABLE EVIDENCE CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF THIS CHAPTER OR OF ANY RULE OR ORDER UNDER THIS CHAPTER TO THE APPROPRIATE DIVISION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE OR OTHER APPROPRIATE PROSECUTION, LAW ENFORCEMENT, OR LICENSING AUTHORITIES WHO MAY INSTITUTE THE APPROPRIATE PROCEEDINGS UNDER THIS CHAPTER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report, on:

H. 3408 -- Rep. D. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PRETRIAL INTERVENTION APPLICATION AND PARTICIPATION FEES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE APPLICATION FEE FROM FIFTY DOLLARS TO ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND TO INCREASE THE AGGREGATE FEES FOR APPLICATION AND PARTICIPATION FROM THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO THREE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report, on:

S. 226 -- Senator Bryan: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-5-910, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MAY HAVE HIS RECORD EXPUNGED EVEN THOUGH THE CONVICTION OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report, on:

H. 3744 -- Rep. Wilkins: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STUDY COMMITTEE TO FORMULATE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CONSIDER FOR FUTURE LEGISLATION CONCERNING DRUG IMPAIRED INFANTS AND THE TREATMENT METHODS, COMMITMENT PROCEDURES, AND THE PROSECUTION OF MOTHERS OF DRUG IMPAIRED INFANTS, AND ALL OTHER RELATED ISSUES CONCERNING DRUG IMPAIRED INFANTS AND THEIR MOTHERS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3606 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-96-40, AS AMENDED, 44-96-60, AS AMENDED, 44-96-80, 44-96-110, 44-96-120, AS AMENDED, 44-96-130, 44-96-140, AS AMENDED, 44-96-160, AS AMENDED, 44-96-180, AS AMENDED, 44-96-290, AS AMENDED, 44-96-350, AND 44-96-470, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SOLID WASTE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1991", SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CHANGE THE DEFINITIONS OF "RECOVERED MATERIALS", "RECOVERED MATERIALS PROCESSING FACILITY", AND "USED OIL", DELETE THE FEE OF TEN DOLLARS A TON ON SOLID WASTE GENERATED OUT OF STATE AND DISPOSED OF IN SOUTH CAROLINA, MAKE CHANGES REGARDING THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING, CHANGE THE PROVISIONS REGARDING THE PURPOSES OF THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT TRUST FUND, AND REQUIRE PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE SUBMITTAL OF A SITE HYDROGEOLOGIC CHARACTERIZATION REPORT FOR A NEW MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL OR FOR A LATERAL EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 44-96-230, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING ESTABLISH AND HAVE TRADEMARKED A STATE RECYCLING SYMBOL.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3607 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SOLID WASTE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1991 AND THE STATE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COUNCIL, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL, PROVIDE FOR VARIOUS TERMS OF OFFICE, AND DELETE THE PROVISION REGARDING EXPIRATION OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE COUNCIL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-100, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL UNDER THE SOLID WASTE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ACT, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS WHICH PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE AN ORDER REQUIRING COMPLIANCE WITH A REGULATION OR BRING A CIVIL ACTION FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF OR REQUEST THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BRING CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT ACTION UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY IMPOSE CERTAIN CIVIL PENALTIES, AND THAT WILFUL VIOLATION OF CERTAIN REGULATIONS IS A MISDEMEANOR; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-96-400, 44-96-410, AND 44-96-420, RELATING TO THE SOLID WASTE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ACT AND PROVISIONS GOVERNING WASTE MANAGEMENT, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCE TO "ARTICLE" AND SUBSTITUTE "CHAPTER" THEREFOR.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3619 -- Rep. Wilkes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-27, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL HUNTING OF MIGRATORY WATERFOWL ON CERTAIN PORTIONS OF LAKE MURRAY WITHIN TWO HUNDRED YARDS OF A DWELLING WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE OWNER OR OCCUPANT, SO AS TO MAKE SUCH PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LAKE WATEREE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3623 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE STATE'S SOLID WASTE POLICY, SO AS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN "COLLECTION", "DISPOSAL", "PROCESSING", AND "RECYCLING" AS APPLIED TO FACILITIES MANAGING WASTE TIRES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-96-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO WASTE TIRES, SO AS TO INCLUDE DISTINCTIONS AMONG WASTE TIRE MANAGEMENT, TO PROVIDE FOR A TIPPING FEE ON OVERSIZE WASTE TIRES, TO REFINE THE RETAILER-WHOLESALER REFUND PROGRAM, TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS AND PRIORITIES FOR USE OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE WASTE TIRE TRUST FUND, TO UPDATE REFERENCES TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AND THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COUNCIL, AND TO REQUIRE RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING BY WASTE TIRE FACILITIES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3771 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-2-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PURPOSES AND USES OF THE SUPERB ACCOUNT AND THE SUPERB FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FUND SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE SUPERB FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FUND CAN PAY CLAIMS DIRECTLY, TO REQUIRE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL'S INTERVENTION COSTS NOT AFFECT THE PER OCCURRENCE COVERAGE AMOUNTS, AND TO CLARIFY THAT, AS ACCOUNT AND FUND ADMINISTRATORS, THE STATE AND DEPARTMENT DO NOT ASSUME ADDITIONAL LIABILITY WHEN FUNDING IS INSUFFICIENT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-2-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REQUIREMENTS SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT ANY LENDER LIABILITY EXEMPTION IS EXTENDED ONLY TO OWNERS OF PETROLEUM PRODUCT TANKS, TO AMEND SECTION 44-2-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE FOR REGULATED TANKS, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO ASSESS PENALTIES FOR LATE FEES AND TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT FROM DISBURSING MONIES FROM THE SUPERB ACCOUNT OR SUPERB FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FUND TO OWNERS OR OPERATORS WHO OWE FEES OR PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-2-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RELEASE OF REGULATED SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT ANY LENDER LIABILITY EXEMPTION IS EXTENDED ONLY TO OWNERS OF PETROLEUM PRODUCT TANKS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-2-140, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF THE STATE UNDERGROUND PETROLEUM ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE BANK ACT, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE DEPARTMENT'S AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE THE ACT AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO SUSPEND THE DISPENSING OF A PETROLEUM PRODUCT FROM TANKS THAT POSE AN IMMINENT HAZARD.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report, on:

H. 3647 -- Reps. Battle, Jennings, Whipper, Sheheen, Chellis, Bailey, Gourdine, Barfield, F. Smith, Harvin, J. Brown, Miller, M. Hines, Kinon, Mason, Edge, McMahand, Witherspoon and Baxley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-1187, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF NONGAME FISH AND BAIT WHICH MAY BE USED WITH TROTLINES, SET HOOKS, AND JUGS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE RIVERS WHERE LIVE NONGAME FISH MAY BE USED WITH CERTAIN SET HOOKS AND TO CHANGE THE SIZE OF THE SINGLE-BARBED SET HOOKS WITH WHICH LIVE NONGAME FISH MAY BE USED ON THESE RIVERS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3807 -- Reps. Sharpe and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-1-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GAME ZONES OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO REVISE THE COMPOSITION OF GAME ZONES 1 AND 2; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO REVISE THE OPEN SEASON FOR TAKING DEER IN GAME ZONES 1, 2, AND 4, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN GAME ZONES 1, 2, AND 4 SHALL ESTABLISH THE METHODS FOR HUNTING AND TAKING OF DEER AND SHALL SET OTHER RESTRICTIONS FOR HUNTING AND TAKING DEER; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-390, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO DECLARE OPEN SEASONS AND SET BAG LIMITS AND METHODS OF HUNTING OF ANTLERLESS DEER, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THIS REGARD; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 50-11-395 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF ANTLERLESS DEER PERMITS IN GAME ZONES 1, 2, AND 4.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report, on:

S. 360 -- Senators Drummond, Bryan, Giese and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 48-5-55 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DRINKING WATER REVOLVING LOAN FUND AND PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH IT MUST BE ADMINISTERED; TO AMEND ACT 513 OF 1992, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA WATER QUALITY REVOLVING FUND AUTHORITY ACT, SO AS TO BRING THIS STATE'S LAWS INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE 1996 AMENDMENTS TO THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT, TITLE XIV OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT, SECTION 1452, TITLE 42, UNITED STATES CODE, AND BY ADDING AN APPROPRIATE LEGISLATIVE FINDING; TO AMEND SECTION 48-5-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA WATER QUALITY REVOLVING FUND AUTHORITY ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "FUND" TO "CLEAN WATER FUND", ADD A DEFINITION FOR "DRINKING WATER FUND" AND "SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT", AND CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "PROJECT"; TO AMEND SECTION 48-5-40, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA WATER QUALITY REVOLVING FUND AUTHORITY, SO AS TO ADD ADDITIONAL POWERS INCLUDING THE AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH ACCOUNTS FOR THE DEPOSIT OF PORTIONS OF GRANTS; TO AMEND SECTION 48-5-50, RELATING TO THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF THE FUND PREVIOUSLY CREATED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 6 OF TITLE 48, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE NAME OF THE FUND AS BEING THE CLEAN WATER FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 48-5-60, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT, SO AS TO ADD REFERENCE TO THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT AND AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND THE DEPOSITING IN THEM PORTIONS OF FEDERAL GRANTS AUTHORIZED BY THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 48-5-160, RELATING TO REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF THE AUTHORITY TO THE GOVERNOR, GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, SO AS TO ADD THE REQUIREMENT THAT A BIENNIAL REPORT BE MADE TO THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ON THE DRINKING WATER REVOLVING LOAN FUND.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, on:

S. 517 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO SCHOOL LIBRARIES (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2134, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, on:

S. 522 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO DRUG EDUCATION (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2129, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, on:

S. 513 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2133, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, on:

S. 516 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO STUDENT RECORDS (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2139, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, on:

S. 416 -- Education Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-24-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EVALUATION OF AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ARE EVALUATED AND PROVIDED DEVELOPMENTAL TRAINING.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3546 -- Reps. Knotts, Whatley, Bauer, Rice and Koon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-610, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TAKING EMERGENCY PHYSICAL OR PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF A CHILD BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TIME WITHIN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES SHALL CONDUCT A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER GROUNDS FOR ASSUMING LEGAL CUSTODY OF THE CHILD EXIST; TO PROVIDE THAT UPON CONCLUDING AFTER A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION THAT THE CHILD SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE CHILD'S PARENT, GUARDIAN, OR CUSTODIAN, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONSULT WITH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY RATHER THAN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHO TOOK EMERGENCY PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF THE CHILD, AND THAT IF THE AGENCY OBJECTS TO THE RETURN OF THE CHILD, THE DEPARTMENT MUST ASSUME LEGAL CUSTODY OF THE CHILD UNTIL A PROBABLE CAUSE HEARING CAN BE HELD; TO CHANGE THE TIME WITHIN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES SHALL CONDUCT A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION UNDER THIS SECTION TO NINETY-SIX HOURS RATHER THAN SEVENTY-TWO HOURS AFTER THE CHILD WAS TAKEN INTO EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CUSTODY BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER; TO PROVIDE THAT THE FAMILY COURT SHALL SCHEDULE A PROBABLE CAUSE HEARING TO BE HELD WITHIN NINETY-SIX HOURS RATHER THAN SEVENTY-TWO HOURS OF THE TIME THE CHILD WAS TAKEN INTO EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OR WITHIN SEVENTY-TWO HOURS OF THE TIME THE CHILD WAS TAKEN INTO EMERGENCY PHYSICAL CUSTODY IF LEGAL CUSTODY SUBSEQUENTLY WAS ASSUMED BY THE DEPARTMENT; AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE FOURTH DAY, RATHER THAN THE THIRD DAY, FALLS UPON A SATURDAY, SUNDAY, OR HOLIDAY, THE PROBABLE CAUSE HEARING MUST BE HELD NO LATER THAN THE NEXT WORKING DAY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3770 -- Reps. Kelley, Harrison and Keegan: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A PILOT CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES SYSTEM IN ONE REGION OF THE STATE WHICH ALLOWS THE DEPARTMENT TO DIVERT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES TO AN ASSESSMENT TRACK RATHER THAN FOLLOWING NORMAL PROTOCOL WHEN CERTAIN MORE SERIOUS FORMS OF ALLEGED ABUSE OR NEGLECT ARE NOT PRESENT; TO ESTABLISH THE PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH THE DEPARTMENT SHALL OPERATE THIS PILOT; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT TO THE HOUSE AND SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEES ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PILOT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMINATION OF THE PILOT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3786 -- Reps. Knotts, H. Brown, Young, Inabinett, Barrett, Battle, Bailey, Koon, Gourdine, Chellis, Young-Brickell, Law, Kinon, Cromer, Whatley, Meacham, Riser, Leach and Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMITS BY ADDING SECTION 23-31-240 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE MAY CARRY A CONCEALABLE WEAPON ANYWHERE WITHIN THE STATE AFTER COMPLETING A SLED FIREARMS TRAINING COURSE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

The following was introduced:

H. 4032 -- Reps. Hawkins, Davenport, Rice, Lee, Easterday, Littlejohn, Allison, Leach, Hamilton, Walker, McMahand, Cato, Loftis, Haskins, F. Smith, Vaughn and Tripp: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO INCREASE THE CLEARANCE OF CERTAIN TRAFFIC SIGNS THAT DIRECT TRAFFIC ONTO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 85 IN SPARTANBURG AND GREENVILLE COUNTIES TO TWENTY-THREE FEET.

The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The following was introduced:

H. 4033 -- Rep. Boan: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING MR. HUGH JOHNSON FLOYD OF SUMMERVILLE, WHO AFTER FIFTY YEARS OF GOLF AND AT THE AGE OF SEVENTY-EIGHT, HAS ACHIEVED A HOLE IN ONE--THE ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT IN THE SPORT OF GOLF.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 654 -- Senators Passailaigue, McConnell, Rose, Washington, Ford, Mescher, Ravenel and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON COUGARS MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL SEASON AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING EFFORT IN THE 1997 NCAA TOURNAMENT.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 661 -- Senator Leventis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DESIGNATE AND NAME THE OVERPASS ON PINEWOOD ROAD IN SUMTER IN HONOR OF R.J. "CHIC" MATHIS AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS REFLECTING THIS DESIGNATION.

The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4034 -- Reps. Wilkins, Loftis, Tripp, Edge, Haskins, Leach, Vaughn, Cato, Hamilton, Keegan, Easterday and Harrell: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 15, TITLE 16, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-450 SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 15, TITLE 16 ARE INTENDED TO REGULATE OBSCENITY, MATERIAL HARMFUL TO MINORS, CHILD EXPLOITATION, AND CHILD PROSTITUTION; TO PROVIDE THAT ARTICLE 3 IS NOT INTENDED TO BE GENERAL LAW REGULATING NUDITY OR TO PRECLUDE REGULATION BY COUNTIES OR MUNICIPALITIES OF OTHER ASPECTS OF NUDITY IN PUBLIC PLACES, INCLUDING COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

H. 4035 -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION, RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION REPEAL: FILING AND SERVICE OF FORMS AND MOTIONS, TERMINATING TEMPORARY COMPENSATION BENEFITS, COMPENSATION RATE, AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE, AND COMPENSATION RATE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2115, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Without reference.

H. 4036 -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO DAMS AND RESERVOIRS SAFETY ACT, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2160, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Without reference.

S. 83 -- Senator Rose: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 11, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF CASES BEFORE THE FAMILY COURT, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-1530, SO AS TO PROVIDE FACTORS WHICH MUST BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING THE CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILDREN; AND TO ADD SUBARTICLE 2, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SPECIAL VISITATION PROVISIONS WHICH A COURT MAY ORDER WHEN AWARDING VISITATION IN CASES INVOLVING DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

S. 89 -- Senator Holland: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-4-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DURATION OF AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ORDER OF PROTECTION BE ISSUED FOR A MINIMUM PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

S. 278 -- Senators Leventis, Reese, Glover, Ravenel, O'Dell, Gregory, McConnell, Land, McGill, Russell, Jackson, Courson, Thomas, Waldrep, Rose, Passailaigue, Hutto and Ryberg: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF ANIMAL, SO AS TO REDEFINE THE TERM ANIMAL AND DEFINE THE WORDS SUSTENANCE AND SHELTER; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ILL-TREATMENT OF AN ANIMAL SO AS TO ALLOW FOR DISPOSITION OF A PERSON'S CASE, WHO HAS ALLEGEDLY DISOBEYED THIS SECTION, TO BE HEARD IN EITHER MAGISTRATE'S OR MUNICIPAL COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR THE MISUSE AND ABANDONMENT OF AN ANIMAL SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT A PERSON MAY NOT KNOWINGLY OR WILFULLY AUTHORIZE OR PERMIT AN ANIMAL TO BE SUBJECTED TO UNNECESSARY TORTURE, SUFFERING, OR CRUELTY; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ABANDONMENT OF AN ANIMAL AND THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM NECESSITIES OF LIFE SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN ANIMAL MUST BE GIVEN A SUPPLY OF CLEAN, FRESH, AND POTABLE WATER AT LEAST ONCE DAILY; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-90, RELATING TO THE TRANSPORTATION OF AN ANIMAL IN RAILROAD CARS SO AS TO REQUIRE ANY COMPANY CARRYING OR TRANSPORTING AN ANIMAL NOT TO OVERLOAD THE VEHICLE CARRYING THE ANIMAL AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN ANIMAL MUST NOT BE CONFINED IN A VEHICLE FOR A PERIOD LONGER THAN TWENTY-FOUR CONSECUTIVE HOURS UNLESS CIRCUMSTANCES STATED IN THIS SECTION ALLOW; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-100, RELATING TO THE CARE OF AN ANIMAL UNLOADED DURING TRANSIT SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-120, RELATING TO THE CUSTODY OF AN ANIMAL WHEN ITS KEEPER IS ARRESTED, SO AS TO DELETE LANGUAGE AND PROVISIONS REGARDING CERTAIN VEHICLES; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-140, RELATING TO THE CARE OF AN ANIMAL AFTER ITS CUSTODIAN'S ARREST SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN ANIMAL TAKEN AFTER ITS CUSTODIAN'S ARREST BE CARED AND PROVIDED PROPERLY FOR BY THE PERSON MAKING THE ARREST UNTIL THE OWNER TAKES CUSTODY OF THE ANIMAL AND TO ALLOW AN ANIMAL TO BE SEIZED PRECEDING AN ARREST PURSUANT TO SECTION 47-1-150; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-150, RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS, SO AS TO ALLOW AN ANIMAL TO BE HELD BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS OR OTHER SOCIETY INVOLVED IN THE SEIZURE OF AN ANIMAL AFTER ITS CUSTODIAN'S ARREST PENDING CRIMINAL DISPOSITION OF THE CASE AT A FACILITY MAINTAINED OR CONTRACTED BY THAT AGENCY; TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-170, RELATING TO PENALTIES, FINES, AND LIENS ASSESSED UPON AN ANIMAL CRUELLY USED SO AS TO DELETE THE CURRENT PROVISIONS AND REQUIRE THE CONVICTED OWNER OR PERSON HAVING CUSTODY OF A CRUELLY USED ANIMAL TO FORFEIT OWNERSHIP OF THE ANIMAL AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COSTS INCURRED AS ORDERED BY THE SENTENCING COURT; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 47-1-30, RELATING TO WILFUL ABUSE OF HORSES OR OTHER "BEASTS OF BURDEN".

Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

S. 357 -- Senators Saleeby and Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-15, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO STATEMENTS OF INTENTION OF CANDIDACY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF A FILING DATE FALLS ON A SATURDAY, SUNDAY, OR LEGAL HOLIDAY, THESE DATES SHALL BEGIN OR END, AS APPROPRIATE, ON THE NEXT DAY WHICH IS NOT A SATURDAY, SUNDAY, OR LEGAL HOLIDAY, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE FILING REPOSITORY FOR THESE STATEMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-210, RELATING TO NOTICE OF CANDIDACY AND PLEDGE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE FILING REPOSITORIES FOR THESE ITEMS; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-40, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT PARTIES NOMINATING CANDIDATES BY PARTY PRIMARY MUST VERIFY QUALIFICATIONS OF THOSE CANDIDATES PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-45, RELATING TO FILING AS A CANDIDATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE WHERE PERSONS MAY FILE AS CANDIDATES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-350, RELATING TO CERTIFIED CANDIDATES NOMINATED BY PETITION, PRIMARY, OR CONVENTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT POLITICAL PARTIES NOMINATING CANDIDATES BY PRIMARY OR CONVENTION MUST VERIFY THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THOSE CANDIDATES PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION TO THE AUTHORITY CHARGED BY LAW WITH PREPARING THE BALLOT.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

S. 378 -- Senators Wilson and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-2379, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DIVISION FOR REVIEW OF THE FOSTER CARE OF CHILDREN, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIVISION SHALL SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING FOSTER CARE POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND DEFICIENCIES OF AGENCIES TO THE GOVERNOR RATHER THAN TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

S. 380 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-25-315 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR EMERGENCY CEASE AND DESIST ORDERS TO PREVENT THE UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTION OF INSURANCE BUSINESS WITHIN THIS STATE AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-2-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INSURANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT TEN PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT COLLECTED AS PENALTIES MUST BE RETAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND CONSIDERED "OTHER FUNDS", REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, AND ALLOW THESE COLLECTED FUNDS TO BE CARRIED FORWARD INTO SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-25-330, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATING CHAPTER 25, TITLE 38 ON THE UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTION OF INSURANCE BUSINESS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A WILFULL VIOLATION BEFORE A CONVICTION MAY BE HAD OR A PENALTY IMPOSED, AND CHANGE THE OFFENSE FROM A MISDEMEANOR TO A FELONY.

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

S. 397 -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Fair, Thomas and Bryan: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-1-170, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MULTI-COUNTY INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS PARKS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE PRIOR CONSENT OF A MUNICIPALITY ALL OR A PORTION OF WHICH IS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PARK.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

S. 446 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 58-25-30, 58-25-35, 58-25-40, AND 58-25-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO CHANGE EACH REFERENCE OF "CITY" TO "MUNICIPALITY".

Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works.

S. 482 -- Senator Ryberg: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-3-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PUBLIC DEFENDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDERS MAY RESIDE OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTY OR THE DEFENDER CORPORATION AREA IN WHICH THEY SERVE.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

S. 591 -- Senator Waldrep: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 2-20-25 SO AS TO REQUIRE A PERSON SERVING IN AN OFFICE ELECTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, OTHER THAN A JUDICIAL OFFICE, WHO IS NOT SEEKING REELECTION TO GIVE WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE FOR THE REVIEW OF CANDIDATES.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

S. 624 -- Senators Setzler, Ryberg, Lander, Wilson and Drummond: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 6-25-100, AS AMENDED, 6-25-110, AND 6-25-111, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF JOINT MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEMS AND THE AUTHORITY OF SUCH SYSTEMS TO INCUR DEBT, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT FOR UNANIMOUS APPROVAL BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF EACH MEMBER OF THE SYSTEM TO INCUR DEBT AND INSTEAD REQUIRE APPROVAL BY AT LEAST TWO-THIRDS OF THE GOVERNING BODIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SYSTEM.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 663 -- Senators Drummond, Alexander, Anderson, Bryan, Cork, Courson, Courtney, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Giese, Glover, Gregory, Hayes, Holland, Hutto, Jackson, Land, Lander, Leatherman, Leventis, Martin, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Mescher, Moore, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson, Peeler, Rankin, Ravenel, Reese, Rose, Russell, Ryberg, Saleeby, Setzler, Short, J. Verne Smith, Thomas, Waldrep, Washington, Williams and Wilson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE JAMES A. TIMMERMAN, JR., PH.D., UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, COMMENDING AND THANKING HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

On motion of Rep. EDGE, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:

H. 4037 -- Rep. Edge: A HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM (SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONS FOR 1997), HEAD COACH EDDIE FOGLER, AND THE ASSISTANT COACHES AND STAFF ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1997, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE 1996-97 SEASON.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the House of Representatives be extended to the University of South Carolina Men's Basketball Team (Southeastern Conference regular season champions for 1997), Head Coach Eddie Fogler, and the assistant coaches and staff on Wednesday, April 30, 1997, at a time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of being recognized for their accomplishments during the 1996-97 season.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 4038 -- Rep. J. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING BISHOP ROBERT L. BISHOP FOR MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED WITNESS AND OUTSTANDING CHURCH SERVICE.

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.

Allison                Altman                 Askins
Bailey                 Barfield               Barrett
Battle                 Bauer                  Beck
Boan                   Bowers                 Breeland
Brown, G.              Brown, H.              Brown, J.
Campsen                Carnell                Cato
Cave                   Chellis                Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cooper                 Cotty
Cromer                 Dantzler               Davenport
Delleney               Easterday              Edge
Fleming                Gamble                 Gourdine
Hamilton               Harrell                Harrison
Harvin                 Haskins                Hawkins
Hines, J.              Hines, M.              Hinson
Hodges                 Howard                 Inabinett
Jennings               Jordan                 Keegan
Kelley                 Kennedy                Kinon
Kirsh                  Klauber                Knotts
Leach                  Lee                    Limbaugh
Limehouse              Littlejohn             Lloyd
Mack                   Martin                 Mason
McCraw                 McKay                  McLeod
McMahand               McMaster               Meacham
Miller                 Moody-Lawrence         Mullen
Parks                  Phillips               Pinckney
Rhoad                  Rice                   Riser
Robinson               Rodgers                Sandifer
Scott                  Seithel                Sharpe
Sheheen                Simrill                Smith, F.
Smith, J.              Smith, R.              Spearman
Stille                 Stoddard               Stuart
Townsend               Trotter                Walker
Webb                   Whatley                Whipper
Wilder                 Wilkes                 Wilkins
Witherspoon            Woodrum                Young
Young-Brickell

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, April 16.

Doug Smith                        James N. Law
Larry L. Koon                     Alma W. Byrd
Ralph W. Canty                    Denny W. Neilson
Joseph H. Neal                    Jerry N. Govan, Jr.
Lewis R. Vaughn                   Daniel L. Tripp
John G. Felder                    Steve P. Lanford
Theodore A. Brown                 Dwight A. Loftis
Richard M. Quinn, Jr.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. MASON a leave of absence for the remainder of the day.

Announcement was made that Dr. Charlie Thomas of Greenville, S.C., is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

Reps. RHOAD and CAVE presented to the House the Andrew Jackson Academy "Confederates" Football Team, winners of the 1996 SCISAA Class A State Championship, their coaches and other school officials.

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate.

H. 3907 -- Rep. Cooper: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE SCHOOL TRUSTEE OF ANDERSON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER ONE ELECTED FROM AREA 2 EXPIRES IN THE YEAR 2000, AT WHICH TIME A SUCCESSOR SHALL BE ELECTED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

H. 3943 -- Reps. Walker, Littlejohn, Lee, Vaughn, Lanford, Allison, Hawkins, Davenport and D. Smith: A BILL TO PROHIBIT A COMMISSIONER OF A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED BY A SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY FROM SERVING OR ACTING AS A FIREFIGHTER FOR THAT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.

H. 3957 -- Reps. Cato, Vaughn, McMahand, Leach and F. Smith: A BILL TO AFFIRM THE AUTHORITY OF THE STROUD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DISTRICT COMMISSION IN GREENVILLE COUNTY TO SELL THE ASSETS OF THE DISTRICT TO THE STROUD FAMILY CARE CENTER, INC., AND TO AFFIRM THIS SALE; TO DISSOLVE THE DISTRICT, DISCHARGE THE COMMISSION MEMBERS FROM ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND PROVIDE THAT THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE DISTRICT ARE TRANSFERRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES; AND TO REPEAL ACT 1239 OF 1964 AND ACTS 613 AND 624 OF 1965, ALL RELATING TO THE STROUD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

H. 3291 -- Reps. Kelley, Witherspoon, Simrill, Young-Brickell, Edge, Keegan, Riser, Davenport, Lanford, Knotts, Robinson, Sandifer, McCraw, Law, Askins, Rice, Miller, Wilkins, Limbaugh and Phillips: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-386 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISSEMINATE OR DISPLAY INDECENT MATERIAL TO MINORS AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 16-15-345 AND 16-15-355, RELATING TO THE ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF OBSCENE MATERIAL TO MINORS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 16-15-375, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS REGARDING SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE DEFINITIONS APPLY TO THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN SECTION 16-15-386 CONCERNING DISPLAYING INDECENT MATERIAL TO MINORS, AND TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR "INDECENT MATERIAL TO MINORS"; TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-391, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE, MANUFACTURE, POSSESSION, SALE OR DELIVERY OF PARAPHERNALIA, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTIES; AND TO PROVIDE A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.

H. 3403 -- Reps. Cato, Wilkins, Young-Brickell, Meacham, Haskins, Davenport, Tripp, Seithel, Limehouse, Law, Delleney, Gamble, Trotter, Harrison, Dantzler, Littlejohn, Quinn, Chellis, Bailey, Mason, Allison, Harrell, Sandifer, Jordan, Inabinett, Stuart, Kelley, Rice, Canty, Neilson, Simrill, Moody-Lawrence, Altman, Easterday, Leach, Stoddard, F. Smith, Barfield and Edge: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 8, TITLE 39, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE "UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT", SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CHANGE THE NAME AND SCOPE OF THE CHAPTER TO THE "SOUTH CAROLINA TRADE SECRETS ACT", CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF VARIOUS TERMS, ADD NEW DEFINITIONS, AND ADD CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW.

H. 3421 -- Rep. Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-567 SO AS TO CREATE A MISDEMEANOR FOR KNOWINGLY MAKING A FALSE REPORT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR GOOD FAITH REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THERE IS NO IMMUNITY IF A PERSON DOES NOT ACT IN GOOD FAITH OR ACTS MALICIOUSLY IN MAKING A REPORT.

H. 3586 -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-3-250, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO APPEALS OF OFFICERS REMOVED BY THE GOVERNOR; 1-23-390, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT APPEALS; 4-27-320, RELATING TO APPEALS OF CIRCUIT COURT DECISIONS INVOLVING COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CASES; 4-27-630, RELATING TO APPEALS OF CERTAIN COUNTY PLANNING CASES; 6-7-790, RELATING TO APPEALS OF ZONING DECISIONS; 6-29-850, RELATING TO APPEALS OF BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS DECISIONS; 6-29-940, RELATING TO APPEALS OF BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW DECISIONS; 14-11-85, RELATING TO APPEALS FROM FINAL JUDGMENTS ENTERED BY A MASTER-IN-EQUITY; 17-27-100, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEWS OF POST-CONVICTION RELIEF DECISIONS; 20-7-2220, RELATING TO APPEALS OF FAMILY COURT DECISIONS PERTAINING TO THE COMMITMENT OR CUSTODY OF CHILDREN; 34-29-180, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF CONSUMER FINANCE LAW DECISIONS; 37-6-108, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT ORDERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS; 37-6-415, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF CONTESTED CASES UNDER THE CONSUMER PROTECTION CODE; 39-37-100, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DECISIONS; 41-31-630 AND 41-35-750, RELATING TO APPEAL OF CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION DECISIONS; 42-17-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPEAL OF CERTAIN WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION AWARDS; 44-17-620, RELATING TO APPEALS OF PROBATE COURT ORDERS REGARDING THE COMMITMENT OF MENTALLY ILL PERSONS; 49-19-1080, RELATING TO APPEAL OF DRAINAGE AND WATER RECLAMATION DECISIONS; 57-5-1120, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DECISIONS PERTAINING TO PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS AND SIDE-ROAD ENTRANCES; 58-5-360, RELATING TO APPEALS OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DECISIONS PERTAINING TO GAS, HEAT, WATER, AND SEWAGE COMPANIES; 58-9-1470, RELATING TO APPEALS OF ORDERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION PERTAINING TO TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANIES; 59-25-260, RELATING TO APPEALS OF STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION ORDERS PERTAINING TO TEACHERS; 59-25-480, RELATING TO APPEALS OF SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES' DECISIONS PERTAINING TO TEACHERS; AND 59-25-830, RELATING TO DECISIONS OF STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION PERTAINING TO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TEACHERS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THESE APPEALS OR REVIEWS MUST BE TAKEN INCLUDING AS PROVIDED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA APPELLATE COURT RULES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-7-140, RELATING TO ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; 2-13-60, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE CODE COMMISSIONER; 2-13-80, RELATING TO ANNUAL CUMULATIVE SUPPLEMENTS TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS; 14-1-40, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF A CLERK FOR CERTAIN COURT PURPOSES; 14-8-210, RELATING TO REVIEW BY THE SUPREME COURT OF COURT OF APPEALS' DECISIONS; 15-1-60, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF A CLERK FOR PURPOSES OF CIVIL REMEDIES AND PROCEDURES; 15-1-260, RELATING TO PAYMENTS OF DEPOSITS IN LIEU OF BONDS; 15-17-550, RELATING TO ARREST AND BAIL APPEAL PROCEEDINGS; 17-4-70, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF APPELLATE DEFENSE; 17-15-200, RELATING TO PERSONS TO WHOM A DEPOSIT IN LIEU OF BOND OR RECOGNIZANCE MUST BE PAID; 18-1-20, RELATING TO CERTAIN DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL APPEALS; 18-9-10, AS AMENDED, 18-9-30, 18-9-40, AND 18-9-270, ALL RELATING TO APPEALS TO THE SUPREME COURT; 27-40-800, RELATING TO LANDLORD AND TENANT APPEALS; 38-59-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LIABILITY FOR ATTORNEYS' FEES WHERE AN INSURER HAS REFUSED TO PAY A CLAIM AND APPEALS THEREFROM; 38-63-90, RELATING TO AUTHORIZATION OF ATTORNEYS' FEES WHERE A LIFE INSURER REFUSES TO PAY A CLAIM AND APPEALS THEREFROM; 39-3-190, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF TRUST AND MONOPOLY PROVISIONS BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; 42-1-650, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACTIONS; 50-5-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROSECUTION OF FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT VIOLATORS; 59-25-270, RELATING TO REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF TEACHERS' CERTIFICATES AND APPEALS THEREFROM; 62-1-308, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPEALS FROM THE PROBATE COURT UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA PROBATE CODE, SO AS TO INCLUDE REFERENCES THEREIN TO THE COURT OF APPEALS OR TO CLARIFY REFERENCES THEREIN TO THE COURT OF APPEALS OR OTHER COURTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-7-40, RELATING TO APPEARANCES FOR THE STATE IN THE SUPREME COURT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SO AS TO CLARIFY A REFERENCE THEREIN TO THE SUPREME COURT; 14-1-70, RELATING TO THE LISTING OF THE COURTS OF JUSTICE IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE COURT OF APPEALS THEREIN AND DELETE VARIOUS OBSOLETE REFERENCES; 14-8-200, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THIS JURISDICTION; 14-8-260, RELATING TO DETERMINATION OF CASES ASSIGNED TO THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SUPREME COURT SHALL SPECIFY BY RULE WHETHER OR NOT THE NOTICE OF APPEAL SHALL BE FILED INITIALLY WITH THE SUPREME COURT OR COURT OF APPEALS AND TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR THE FILING OF THESE NOTICES OF APPEAL; 15-51-42, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENTS OF WRONGFUL DEATH OR SURVIVAL ACTIONS, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE PARTICULAR COURTS TO WHICH CERTAIN PETITIONS SHALL BE ADDRESSED; 18-9-150, RELATING TO DEPOSITS OR SURETY WHEN A JUDGMENT REQUIRES DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS; 18-9-160, RELATING TO STAYING A JUDGMENT TO EXECUTE A CONVEYANCE; 18-9-220, RELATING TO WHEN NOTICE OF APPEAL STAYS LOWER COURT PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO SPECIFY WHICH APPELLATE COURT IS ENTITLED TO ISSUE CERTAIN ORDERS OR ISSUE BINDING JUDGMENTS IN REGARD THERETO; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 14-8-540, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR APPEALS TO THE COURT OF APPEALS; 15-37-150, RELATING TO CASES ON APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT; AND 17-4-90, RELATING TO WHEN TIME TO APPEAL COMMENCES IN CERTAIN CASES INVOLVING INDIGENT PERSONS.

H. 3449 -- Reps. Haskins, Altman, H. Brown, Knotts, Mason, Lee, R. Smith, Davenport, Sandifer, Cooper, Littlejohn, Phillips, McMahand, F. Smith, Cato, Chellis, Koon, Vaughn, Hamilton, Leach, Rhoad, Campsen, Riser, Koon, Stille, Kinon, Limehouse, Young-Brickell, Battle, Meacham, Whatley, Byrd, Webb, Simrill and Barrett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-470, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EAVESDROPPING OR PEEPING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO BE AN EAVESDROPPER OR A PEEPING TOM ON A PUBLIC PREMISE.

The following Bill and Joint Resolution were read the third time, passed and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title of each be changed to that of an Act, and that they be enrolled for ratification.

S. 553 -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2161, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 308 -- Senators McGill, Lander, Alexander, Anderson, Bryan, Cork, Courson, Courtney, Drummond, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Giese, Glover, Hayes, Holland, Hutto, Jackson, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Martin, Matthews, McConnell, Mescher, Moore, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson, Peeler, Rankin, Ravenel, Rose, Ryberg, Saleeby, Setzler, Short, J. Verne Smith, Thomas, Waldrep, Washington, Williams and Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-2-2740, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REFUSAL TO RENEW A DRIVER'S LICENSE AND MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION FOR NONPAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE BIENNIAL LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS.

Rep. YOUNG moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, April 17, which was adopted.

H. 3603 -- Reps. Allison, Rice, Barrett, Seithel, Leach, Chellis, Simrill, Hinson, Spearman, Phillips, Bailey, Cato, McCraw, Sandifer, Walker, Limbaugh, Riser, Kinon, Young, R. Smith, Easterday, Rhoad, Mason, Gamble, Harvin, Bauer, Moody-Lawrence, Miller, Stuart, Limehouse, McMaster and Battle: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL CONDUCT TOWARDS A CHILD BY PERSONS HAVING CHARGE OR CUSTODY OF THE CHILD, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE A PERSON RESIDING IN THE HOUSE OF A CHILD, OR HAVING RECURRING ACCESS TO A CHILD, OR WHO HAS BEEN GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR A CHILD IN PLACE OF A PERSON WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE AND SUPPORT OF A CHILD, AND TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON WHO HAS CHARGE OR CUSTODY OF A CHILD TO PLACE THE CHILD IN A SITUATION THAT WOULD LIKELY LEAD TO ABANDONMENT.

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments.

S. 77 -- Senators Holland and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-3-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TRANSFERRING A CLAIM AND COUNTERCLAIM FROM MAGISTRATES COURT TO THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IF A SUCCESSFUL COUNTERCLAIM WOULD EXCEED TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, SO AS TO INCREASE TO FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS THE AMOUNT OF A COUNTERCLAIM WHICH MAY BE FILED IN MAGISTRATES COURT.

S. 292 -- Senator Drummond: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-31-216 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION SHALL COLLECT AND MAINTAIN CONCEALABLE WEAPON APPLICATION, RENEWAL, AND REPLACEMENT FEES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE "LAW ABIDING CITIZENS SELF-DEFENSE ACT OF 1996".

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3174 -- Reps. Knotts and Limehouse: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 52 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF "CHARTER LIMOUSINE" LICENSE PLATES.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\DKA\4232CM.97).

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 56-3-5300(B), page 1, beginning on line 34, by deleting:

/(B)     The biennial fee for this special license plate is twenty-five dollars./

and inserting:

/(B)     The department must receive at least three hundred applications requesting a special charter limousine plate before the special license plate may be issued. The biennial fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee plus the personalized license plate fee provided by Section 56-3-2020./

Amend title to conform.

Rep. STODDARD explained the amendment and moved to adjourn debate upon the Bill until Thursday, April 17, which was adopted.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3137 -- Rep. J. Brown: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 40, CHAPTER 67, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL BOARDS IN CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 AND, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BOARD MEMBERS FROM SIX TO FIVE, TO CLARIFY THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD, TO CLARIFY THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE, TO AUTHORIZE DISPENSING AND FITTING DEVICES TO PROMOTE COMMUNICATION, TO ADD LICENSURE FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANTS, TO PROVIDE FOR BIENNIAL LICENSURE, TO INCREASE FEES, TO REQUIRE CONTINUING EDUCATION, TO CLARIFY EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CHAPTER, AND TO ESTABLISH CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\PSD\7206AC.97), which was adopted.

AMEND THE BILL, AS AND IF AMENDED, SECTION 40-67-20(2), page 9, LINE 30 BY DELETING /AUDIOPROSTOLOGIST / so when amended item 2 reads:

" (2)     'Audiologist' means an individual who practices audiology.

A person represents himself to be an audiologist when he holds himself out to the public by any title or description of services which incorporates the words 'audiologist', 'audiology', 'acoustician', 'auditory integrative trainer', 'hearing clinician', 'hearing therapist', or any similar variation of these terms or any derivative term or uses terms such as 'hearing', 'auditory', 'acoustic', 'aural', or 'listening' in combination with words such as 'communicologist', 'correctionist', 'specialist', 'pathologist', 'therapist', 'conservationist', 'center', 'clinic', 'consultant', or 'otometrist' to describe a function or service he performs."

Amend the bill further, Section 40-67-300(A)(1), page 19, line 15 after / agency / by inserting / or a political subdivision of the State / and on line 16 after

/employees / by inserting / or employees of a political subdivision of the State/.

Amend the bill further, Section 40-67-300(A), page 19 by deleting item (3) on lines 21-24 and inserting:

/(3)     Hearing aid specialists licensed to fit and sell hearing aids pursuant to Chapter 25. Nothing in this chapter is in lieu of or shall conflict with or supersede Chapter 25 and the rights of those licensed under Chapter 25./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Rep. PARKS explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. KIRSH proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\KGH\15126AC.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 40-67-60, page 13, by inserting immediately after line 2, /(F) Any business conducted by the board must be by a positive majority vote. For purposes of this subsection "positive majority vote" means a majority vote of the entire membership of the board, reduced by any vacancies existing at the time./

Amend the bill further, Section 40-67-300(A)(1), page 19, line 15, after /agency/ and on line 16 after /state/ by inserting /or political subdivision/.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Rep. KIRSH explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3506 -- Reps. Wilkins, Sharpe, Cobb-Hunter, Harrison, Cooper, Campsen and Hodges: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-45, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND AGENCIES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURING ACT OF 1993, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COASTAL COUNCIL MAY BE RELOCATED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT BUT MUST CONTINUE AS AN ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT AND AT OR ABOVE THE BUREAU LEVEL.

Reps. HARRISON, KNOTTS, HASKINS, MILLER, COBB-HUNTER, DAVENPORT, KIRSH, LAW, RISER and BARRETT requested debate on the Bill.

Rep. HARRISON moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, April 17, which was adopted.

H. 3593 -- Rep. Limbaugh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 16-3-1110 AND 16-3-1210, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIME, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEFINITION OF CRIME INCLUDES TERRORISM AS DEFINED BY FEDERAL LAW AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN VICTIMS OF TERRORISM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES MAY FILE FOR BENEFITS WITH THE VICTIM'S COMPENSATION FUND.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3193 -- Reps. Young, Meacham and Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-13-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PETIT AND GRAND LARCENY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE THEFT OF A FIREARM IS GRAND LARCENY AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\BBM\9353CM.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, by deleting lines 33 through 37 and page 2 by deleting lines 1 through 7 and inserting:

/"(B) Larceny of goods, chattels, instruments, or other personalty valued in excess of one thousand dollars is grand larceny. Upon conviction, the person is guilty of a felony and must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than:

(1)     five years or fined in the discretion of the court if the value of the personalty is more than one thousand dollars but less than five thousand dollars; or

(2)     ten years or fined in the discretion of the court if the value of the personalty is five thousand dollars or more.

(C)     Larceny of a firearm is grand larceny. Upon conviction, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be imprisoned not more than one year or fined in the discretion of the court."/

Amend title to conform.

Rep. YOUNG explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

Reps. KENNEDY and MOODY-LAWRENCE objected to the Bill.

Reps. F. SMITH, LIMBAUGH, CANTY, RISER, KNOTTS, WOODRUM, BAUER, R. SMITH and DAVENPORT requested debate on the Bill.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3415 -- Reps. Townsend, Rodgers, H. Brown, Parks, Wilder, Neal, Limehouse, Govan, Lloyd, Sharpe, Neilson, Allison, Bailey, Jordan, McLeod, Law, Walker, Littlejohn, Trotter, Leach, Inabinett, Stille, Martin, Harrison, Stuart, Young-Brickell, Hinson, Easterday, Cato, Wilkins, Hamilton, Harrell, D. Smith, J. Brown, Kirsh, J. Smith, Klauber, Webb, Woodrum, McMahand, Sandifer, Maddox, McKay, Haskins, Cooper, Barrett and Riser: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-39-100 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF UNIFORM HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS AND THE NUMBER OF UNITS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE A DIPLOMA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, BEGINNING WITH THE NINTH GRADE CLASS OF SCHOOL YEAR 1997-98 AND THEREAFTER, THE NUMBER OF UNITS REQUIRED FOR A DIPLOMA IS TWENTY-FOUR, RATHER THAN TWENTY, TO SPECIFY WHAT THESE FOUR ADDITIONAL UNITS MUST CONSIST OF, AND TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH OTHER UNITS MAY BE APPLIED TOWARD THESE REQUIREMENTS.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\GJK\20419SD.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION     1.     Section 59-39-100 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 59-39-100.         Diplomas issued to graduates of accredited high schools within this State must be uniform in every respect and particularly as to color, size, lettering, and marking. The number of units required for a state high school diploma is twenty units as prescribed by the State Board of Education. Beginning in the 1986-87 academic year, a minimum of 3 three units must be earned in mathematics and a minimum of 2 two units must be earned in science.

One unit in computer science, if approved by the State Department of Education for this purpose, may be counted toward the mathematics requirement.

Students who earn one unit in science and six or more units in a specific occupational service area will meet the science requirements for a state high school diploma. Vocational programs operating on a 3-2-1 structure may count prevocational education as one of the six required units.

Beginning with the ninth grade class of school year 1997-98 and thereafter, the number of units required for a high school diploma is twenty-four units as prescribed by the State Board of Education by regulation, with one additional unit required in mathematics, science, and computer science. For students in a college preparatory track as defined by the state board, one additional unit must be earned in a foreign language, and for students in a track designed to enter the work force as defined by the state board, one additional vocational unit must be earned. Beginning with the ninth grade class of school year 1997-98, if a student counts one unit of computer science toward his mathematics requirement as permitted above, one additional unit of computer science must be earned."

SECTION     2.     The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-39-105.     For the purposes of calculating program membership, a high school pupil shall maintain membership in a minimum of two hundred fifty minutes of daily instruction or its equivalent for an annual accumulation of forty-five thousand minutes. A high school for purposes of this section is defined as a school offering grades nine through twelve."

SECTION     3.     Section 59-26-70 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 59-26-70.     The State Board of Education, through the State Department of Education, in order to offer students more instructional time in a particular basic skill, may allow adjustments in the amount of instructional time required in each of the subjects in the State's defined minimum program. No commission or agency of the State shall require any public high school in this State to require foreign language as a prerequisite to receiving a regular high school diploma."

SECTION     4.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. WALKER explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. WALKER explained the Bill.

Rep. TOWNSEND spoke in favor of the amendment.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3461 -- Reps. McMahand, F. Smith, Sheheen, Allison, Breeland, Spearman, Littlejohn, Lee, Stoddard and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-67-545 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PARENTS AND OTHER ADULT SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS TO RIDE SCHOOL BUSES ON A SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THEIR VOLUNTEER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\GJK\20420SD.97).

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking Section 59-67-545 of the 1976 Code as contained in SECTION 1 and inserting:

/Section 59-67-545.     (A)     Parents and other adult school volunteers or employees may ride route school buses on a space available basis not to exceed four adults per bus. The provisions of this section shall not be construed as a waiver or abrogation of the State's limited immunity from liability and suit under the State Tort Claims Act.

(B)     Parents and other adults also may ride school buses in conjunction with special programs that are sponsored by the local school district. The State is not responsible for any costs associated therewith.

(C)     The use of these school buses as permitted above by parents and other adults shall be in accordance with local school district board policies and programs./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. WALKER explained the amendment.

Rep. KNOTTS moved to adjourn debate upon the Bill until Thursday, April 17, which was adopted.

Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar.

Rep. WILKINS moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4039 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 49-29-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SCENIC RIVERS TRUST FUND, SO AS TO EXTEND THE AUTHORIZED USE OF THESE TRUST FUNDS TO EDUCATIONAL OR PLANNING PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STATE SCENIC RIVERS PROGRAM.

Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

H. 4040 -- Reps. Kinon, M. Hines and Jennings: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES IN DILLON COUNTY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1997, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 1998.

On motion of Rep. KINON, with unanimous consent, the Joint Resolution was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 4041 -- Rep. Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 205 OF 1993, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VACANCY MUST BE FILLED BY SPECIAL ELECTION CALLED BY THE BOARD RATHER THAN BY AN APPOINTMENT MADE BY THE BOARD.

On motion of Rep. JENNINGS, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 4042 -- Reps. Jennings and Boan: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-410, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FELONY OF UNLAWFULLY POINTING OR PRESENTING A FIREARM AT ANOTHER PERSON, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION WHERE THE PERSON AT WHOM THE FIREARM IS POINTED IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ACTING IN THE LINE OF DUTY WHICH SHALL INCLUDE A MANDATORY MINIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THAN TEN YEARS NOR MORE THAN THIRTY YEARS, NO PART OF WHICH MAY BE SUSPENDED, PROBATION FOR WHICH MAY NOT BE GRANTED FOR ANY PORTION, AND FOR WHICH A PERSON IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PAROLE UNTIL HE HAS SERVED AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS OF HIS SENTENCE.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3594 -- Reps. Chellis, Altman, Bailey, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bauer, Baxley, Boan, Bowers, H. Brown, J. Brown, T. Brown, Campsen, Cato, Cave, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Dantzler, Edge, Felder, Fleming, Gamble, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Haskins, Hawkins, Hinson, Howard, Inabinett, Jordan, Kennedy, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Law, Leach, Lee, Limbaugh, Limehouse, Lloyd, Loftis, Maddox, Martin, Mason, McCraw, Meacham, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Mullen, Neilson, Pinckney, Quinn, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, D. Smith, F. Smith, R. Smith, Spearman, Stille, Stoddard, Stuart, Trotter, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Whipper, Wilder, Woodrum, Young and Young-Brickell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-20-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SPENDING PRIORITIES, AUDITS, EVALUATIONS, AND REPORTS UNDER THE EDUCATION FINANCE ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PROGRAMMATIC REPORTS TO THE PARENTS AND CONSTITUENTS OF THE DISTRICT MUST BE PROVIDED ON DECEMBER FIRST OF EACH YEAR RATHER THAN NOVEMBER FIFTEENTH.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\GJK\20421SD.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION     1.     Section 59-17-100 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section     59-17-100.     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each school district of the State shall provide the State Department of Education each year with two copies of its annual budget and two copies of its audit report, one copy of each to be furnished to the Chairman of the State Board of Education by December first following the close of the fiscal year."

SECTION     2.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. WALKER explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:

S. 428 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO PARAPROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL POSITIONS (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 1952, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 430 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO PARAPROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 1953, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 433 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO ATTENDANCE (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2097, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 521 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO PILOT PROJECTS (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2122, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 525 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO SUMMER PROGRAM, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2130, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 523 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO CLASS SIZE (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2131, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 515 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO SCHEDULING FOR INSTRUCTION (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2132, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 524 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2135, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 526 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO GUIDANCE PROGRAM (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2136, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 527 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO ADVANCED PLACEMENT, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2137, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Rep. LITTLEJOHN explained the Joint Resolution.

S. 512 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2138, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Rep. LITTLEJOHN explained the Joint Resolution.

H. 3895 -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO STUDENT ATTENDANCE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2028, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Rep. TOWNSEND explained the Joint Resolution.

H. 3931 -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2162, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Rep. WILDER explained the Joint Resolution.

S. 480 -- Senator Courtney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 16-3-1110 AND 16-3-1210, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIME, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEFINITION OF CRIME INCLUDES TERRORISM AS DEFINED BY FEDERAL LAW AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN VICTIMS OF TERRORISM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES MAY FILE FOR BENEFITS WITH THE VICTIM'S COMPENSATION FUND.

Rep. LIMBAUGH explained the Bill.

H. 3871 -- Rep. Stuart: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM AD VALOREM TAXATION, SO AS TO EXEMPT PROPERTY OWNED AND USED BY A COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION THAT IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UNDER SECTION 501(C) OF THE UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

Rep. STUART explained the Bill.

Rep. SIMRILL moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, April 22, which was adopted.

H. 3968 -- Reps. Simrill, Kirsh, Meacham and Moody-Lawrence: A BILL TO ALLOW THE YORK COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION THE AUTHORITY TO OVERRIDE A DECISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONCERNING THE PLACEMENT OF ELECTRICAL TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3756 -- Reps. Limehouse, Bailey, Battle, Bauer, Bowers, J. Brown, T. Brown, Campsen, Canty, Chellis, Dantzler, Delleney, Edge, Gamble, Gourdine, Harrell, Hinson, Hodges, Jordan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Koon, Leach, Mason, McMahand, McMaster, Meacham, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Mullen, Neal, Pinckney, Rhoad, Rice, Rodgers, Scott, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, F. Smith, Spearman, Stille, Stuart, Tripp, Walker, Whatley, Whipper and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-17-510, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON TAKING CERTAIN FISH, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT BLACK SEA BASS BE PROCESSED, MARKETED, AND SOLD WITH THE HEAD AND TAIL FINS INTACT.

Rep. LIMEHOUSE proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\DKA\4453MM.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

/SECTION __.     Section 50-17-510(D) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 326 of 1992, is further amended by adding at the end:

"(4)     Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, it is unlawful to take, have in possession, land, offer for sale, or sell a black sea bass (Centropristis striata) of less than ten inches in total length."/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Rep. LIMEHOUSE explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3033 -- Reps. Govan, Inabinett, J. Hines, Lloyd and Moody-Lawrence: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CHAPTER 61, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HOSPITALS, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 SO AS TO ENACT THE CHILDREN'S EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT, TO ESTABLISH THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS DUTIES, AND TO CREATE AN ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE PROGRAM.

Rep. DAVENPORT made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.

The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3292 -- Reps. Klauber and Parks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5-7-80, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF A MUNICIPALITY BY ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE LOTS OR PROPERTY TO BE KEPT IN A CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS AUTHORITY INCLUDES THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DEMOLITION OF CERTAIN SUBSTANDARD HOUSING.

The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\GJK\20509sd.97).

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION     1.     Section 31-15-10(1) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(1)     'Municipality' shall mean any city or town having a regardless of population of more than one thousand inhabitants;"

SECTION     2.     Section 31-15-30(6) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(6)     That the amount of the cost of such repairs, alterations or improvements, vacating and closing, or removal or demolition by the public officer shall be a lien against the real property upon which such cost was incurred and shall be collectible in the same manner as municipal taxes."

SECTION     3.     Section 31-15-30 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a new item (7) to read:

"(7)     If a municipality in demolishing unfit dwellings as permitted by this article contracts with a third party not employed by the municipality to do the work, it must bid the work in conformity with the procurement code applicable to the municipality."

SECTION     4.     Section 31-15-330(6) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(6)     That the amount of the cost of such repairs, alterations or improvements, vacating and closing, or removal or demolition by the public officer shall be a lien against the real property upon which such cost was incurred and shall be collectible in the same manner as county taxes."

SECTION     5.     Section 31-15-330 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a new item (7) to read:

"(7)     If a county in demolishing unfit dwellings as permitted by this article contracts with a third party not employed by the county to do the work, it must bid the work in conformity with the Procurement Code applicable to the county."

SECTION     6.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Amend title to read:

/TO AMEND SECTION 31-15-10 , CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO THE REPAIRING, CLOSING, OR DEMOLISHING OF UNFIT DWELLINGS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF A "MUNICIPALITY";TO AMEND SECTION 31-15-30, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES WITH REGARD TO UNFIT DWELLINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT COSTS INCURRED BY A MUNICIPALITY TO FIX OR REMOVE SUCH DWELLINGS SHALL BE COLLECTIBLE IN THE SAME MANNER AS MUNICIPAL TAXES AND THAT IF THE MUNICIPALITY IN DEMOLISHING AN UNFIT DWELLING CONTRACTS WITH A THIRD PARTY TO DO THE WORK, THE WORK MUST BE BID IN CONFORMITY WITH APPLICABLE PROCUREMENT CODES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 31-15-330, RELATING TO COUNTY ORDINANCES WITH REGARD TO UNFIT DWELLINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT COSTS INCURRED BY A COUNTY TO FIX OR REMOVE SUCH DWELLINGS SHALL BE COLLECTIBLE IN THE SAME MANNER AS COUNTY TAXES AND THAT IF THE COUNTY IN DEMOLISHING AN UNFIT DWELLING CONTRACTS WITH A THIRD PARTY TO DO THE WORK, THE WORK MUST BE BID IN CONFORMITY WITH APPLICABLE PROCUREMENT CODES. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals to conform.

Rep. ASKINS explained the amendment.

Rep. SHEHEEN made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.

The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3585 -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL MAKING FINDINGS OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH RESPECT TO GOVERNMENTAL TORT LIABILITY UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA TORT CLAIMS ACT; TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 15-78-200 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA TORT CLAIMS ACT IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY TORT COMMITTED BY A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE ACTING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE EMPLOYEE'S OFFICIAL DUTY AND TO REQUIRE THIS PROVISION TO BE LIBERALLY CONSTRUED IN FAVOR OF LIMITED LIABILITY WITH AMBIGUITY TO BE RESOLVED AS A MATTER OF LAW IN FAVOR OF THE GOVERNMENT; AND TO REENACT THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 15-78-120, AS CURRENTLY EXISTING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY APPLICABLE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA TORT CLAIMS ACT.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\DKA\4445MM.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION     1.         The General Assembly finds:

(1)     that because of the unique nature, role, funding, and function of government, the General Assembly has never intended that the government or taxpayers would be subject to unlimited liability for tort actions against the government;

(2)     this act shall clarify any ambiguity in the General Assembly's intent that there remain reasonable limits upon recovery against the government for tort actions, and that the government is only liable for torts as expressly prescribed and authorized in the "South Carolina Tort Claims Act".

SECTION     2.     Chapter 78, Title 15 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 15-78-200.     Notwithstanding any provision of law, this chapter, the 'South Carolina Tort Claims Act', is the exclusive and sole remedy for any tort committed by an employee of a governmental entity while acting within the scope of the employee's official duty. The provisions of this chapter establish limitations on and exemptions to the liability of the governmental entity and must be liberally construed in favor of limiting the liability of the governmental entity."

SECTION     3.     Section 15-78-120 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 380 of 1994, is reenacted in its present form which reads:

"Section 15-78-120.     (a)     For any action or claim for damages brought under the provisions of this chapter, the liability shall not exceed the following limits:

(1)     Except as provided in Section 15-78-120(a)(3), no person shall recover in any action or claim brought hereunder a sum exceeding two hundred fifty thousand dollars because of loss arising from a single occurrence regardless of the number of agencies or political subdivisions involved.

(2)     Except as provided in Section 15-78-120(a)(4), the total sum recovered hereunder arising out of a single occurrence shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars regardless of the number of agencies or political subdivisions or claims or actions involved.

(3)     No person may recover in any action or claim brought hereunder against any governmental entity and caused by the tort of any licensed physician or dentist, employed by a governmental entity and acting within the scope of his profession, a sum exceeding one million dollars because of loss arising from a single occurrence regardless of the number of agencies or political subdivisions involved.

(4)     The total sum recovered hereunder arising out of a single occurrence of liability of any governmental entity for any tort caused by any licensed physician or dentist, employed by a governmental entity and acting within the scope of his profession, may not exceed one million dollars regardless of the number of agencies or political subdivisions or claims or actions involved.

(5)     The provisions of Section 15-78-120(a)(3) and (a)(4) shall in no way limit or modify the liability of a licensed physician or dentist, acting within the scope of his profession, with respect to any action or claim brought hereunder which involved services for which the physician or dentist was paid, should have been paid, or expected to be paid at the time of the rendering of the services from any source other than the salary appropriated by the governmental entity or fees received from any practice plan authorized by the employer whether or not the practice plan is incorporated and registered with the Secretary of State.

(b)     No award for damages under this chapter shall include punitive or exemplary damages or interest prior to judgment.

(c)     In any claim, action, or proceeding to enforce a provision of this chapter, the signature of an attorney or party constitutes a certificate by him that he has read the pleading, motion, or other paper; that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry it is well-grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, and that it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a pleading, motion, or other paper is not signed, it shall be stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant. If a pleading, motion, or other paper is signed in violation of this rule, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, shall impose upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the pleading, motion, or other paper, including a reasonable attorney's fee."

SECTION     4.     A.     Section 15-78-120 of the 1976 Code, as reenacted by this act, is amended to read:

"Section 15-78-120.     (a)     For any action or claim for damages brought under the provisions of this chapter, the liability shall not exceed the following limits:

(1)     Except as provided in Section 15-78-120(a)(3), no person shall recover in any action or claim brought hereunder a sum exceeding two three hundred fifty thousand dollars because of loss arising from a single occurrence regardless of the number of agencies or political subdivisions involved.

(2)     Except as provided in Section 15-78-120(a)(4), the total sum recovered hereunder arising out of a single occurrence shall not exceed five six hundred thousand dollars regardless of the number of agencies or political subdivisions or claims or actions involved.

(3)     No person may recover in any action or claim brought hereunder against any governmental entity and caused by the tort of any licensed physician or dentist, employed by a governmental entity and acting within the scope of his profession, a sum exceeding one million two hundred thousand dollars because of loss arising from a single occurrence regardless of the number of agencies or political subdivisions involved.

(4)     The total sum recovered hereunder arising out of a single occurrence of liability of any governmental entity for any tort caused by any licensed physician or dentist, employed by a governmental entity and acting within the scope of his profession, may not exceed one million two hundred thousand dollars regardless of the number of agencies or political subdivisions or claims or actions involved.

(5)     The provisions of Section 15-78-120(a)(3) and (a)(4) shall in no way limit or modify the liability of a licensed physician or dentist, acting within the scope of his profession, with respect to any action or claim brought hereunder which involved services for which the physician or dentist was paid, should have been paid, or expected to be paid at the time of the rendering of the services from any source other than the salary appropriated by the governmental entity or fees received from any practice plan authorized by the employer whether or not the practice plan is incorporated and registered with the Secretary of State.

(b)     No award for damages under this chapter shall include punitive or exemplary damages or interest prior to judgment.

(c)     In any claim, action, or proceeding to enforce a provision of this chapter, the signature of an attorney or party constitutes a certificate by him that he has read the pleading, motion, or other paper; that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry it is well-grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, and that it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a pleading, motion, or other paper is not signed, it shall be stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant. If a pleading, motion, or other paper is signed in violation of this rule, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, shall impose upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the pleading, motion, or other paper, including a reasonable attorney's fee."

B.     Subsection A of this section takes effect on the first day of the twelfth month following approval by the Governor and applies to a cause of action arising on or after that date.

SECTION     5.     Except where otherwise provided, this act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies to claims or actions pending on that date or thereafter filed, except where final judgment has been entered before that date. /

Amend title to conform.

Rep. LIMBAUGH explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following was received from the Senate.

Columbia, S.C., April 16, 1997
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon its amendments to:
S. 70 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-19-100, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY OF RETIRED JUSTICES OR JUDGES TO BE APPOINTED TO SERVE IN COURTS OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE JUSTICES OR JUDGES MUST BE FOUND QUALIFIED TO SERVE BY THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION WITHIN FOUR YEARS RATHER THAN TWO YEARS OF THEIR DATE OF APPOINTMENT TO SERVE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 2-19-110, RELATING TO THE ELIGIBILITY OF PERSONS TO BE APPOINTED AS MASTER-IN-EQUITY AFTER REVIEW BY THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO REVISE THE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE.
and asks for a Committee of Conference and has appointed Senators Moore, Passailaigue and Giese of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate.

Very respectfully,
President

Whereupon, the Chair appointed Reps. HARRISON, DELLENEY and D. SMITH to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

Upon the withdrawal of objections and requests for debate by Reps. R. SMITH, RISER, KNOTTS, KENNEDY, DAVENPORT, LIMBAUGH, WOODRUM and MOODY-LAWRENCE the following Bill was taken up.

H. 3193 -- Reps. Young, Meacham and Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-13-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PETIT AND GRAND LARCENY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE THEFT OF A FIREARM IS GRAND LARCENY AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.

Rep. YOUNG explained the Bill.

The Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

On motion of Rep. FLEMING, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Ways and Means.

H. 3992 -- Reps. Fleming, Loftis, Rodgers, Mullen, Altman, H. Brown, Whipper, Battle, Cobb-Hunter, Neilson, Barfield, Seithel, R. Smith, Breeland, Sharpe, Cotty, Lee, Campsen, Sheheen, Walker, Delleney, Beck, Miller, Vaughn, Davenport, Kelley, M. Hines, Trotter, Witherspoon, Easterday, Wilder, Littlejohn, McCraw, Kirsh, McLeod, Keegan, Felder, Stille, Edge, Knotts, Whatley, Lanford, Limehouse, Phillips, Pinckney, Mack, J. Smith, Harrell, Wilkes and Harvin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-2680, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE VALUATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES FOR PURPOSES OF PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VEHICLE WHICH QUALIFIES IN A TAX YEAR FOR A REDUCED VALUE BECAUSE OF HIGH MILEAGE SHALL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THE HIGH MILEAGE DEDUCTION FOR SUBSEQUENT TAX YEARS WITHOUT A NEW APPLICATION.

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. CATO.

Rep. LIMBAUGH moved to adjourn debate upon the following Joint Resolution until Wednesday, April 30, which was adopted.

H. 3132 -- Reps. Limbaugh, Altman, Barfield, Bauer, Beck, Boan, H. Brown, Cooper, Dantzler, Davenport, Easterday, Edge, Fleming, Harrell, Haskins, Hawkins, Hinson, Jordan, Kelley, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Lanford, Law, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Mason, McKay, McMaster, Meacham, Mullen, Quinn, Rice, Riser, Rodgers, Sandifer, Seithel, Sharpe, Simrill, D. Smith, R. Smith, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Whatley, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Woodrum, Young and Young-Brickell: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, BY ADDING SECTION 16 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA OR ANY OF ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FROM USING RACE, SEX, COLOR, ETHNICITY, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN AS A CRITERION FOR EITHER DISCRIMINATING AGAINST OR GRANTING PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT TO ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP IN THE OPERATION OF THE STATE'S SYSTEM OF PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, PUBLIC EDUCATION, OR PUBLIC CONTRACTING.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3310 -- Reps. Stille, Cooper, Townsend, Kelley, Limehouse, Campsen, Harrell, Witherspoon, Altman and Keegan: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 8-17-370, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS TO THE STATE EMPLOYMENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEES ARE COVERED BY THESE EXEMPTIONS.

Rep. STILLE explained the Bill.

Rep. TOWNSEND spoke in favor of the Bill.

Rep. McLEOD spoke against the Bill.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the yeas and nays were taken on the passage of the Bill on second reading resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Altman                 Barfield
Barrett                Bauer                  Beck
Brown, H.              Byrd                   Campsen
Carnell                Cato                   Chellis
Cooper                 Cotty                  Dantzler
Davenport              Easterday              Edge
Fleming                Gamble                 Hamilton
Harrell                Haskins                Hawkins
Hinson                 Jordan                 Keegan
Kelley                 Kennedy                Kirsh
Klauber                Knotts                 Koon
Lanford                Law                    Leach
Lee                    Limbaugh               Limehouse
Littlejohn             Loftis                 Martin
McKay                  McMahand               McMaster
Meacham                Mullen                 Rice
Robinson               Rodgers                Sandifer
Simrill                Smith, D.              Smith, R.
Stille                 Stoddard               Stuart
Townsend               Trotter                Vaughn
Walker                 Wilder                 Wilkins
Witherspoon            Young-Brickell

Those who voted in the negative are:

Askins                 Bailey                 Battle
Boan                   Bowers                 Breeland
Brown, G.              Brown, J.              Canty
Cave                   Cobb-Hunter            Cromer
Delleney               Felder                 Gourdine
Govan                  Harrison               Harvin
Hines, J.              Hines, M.              Hodges
Howard                 Inabinett              Jennings
Kinon                  Lloyd                  Mack
McCraw                 McLeod                 Miller
Moody-Lawrence         Neal                   Neilson
Parks                  Phillips               Pinckney
Quinn                  Rhoad                  Riser
Scott                  Seithel                Sharpe
Sheheen                Smith, F.              Smith, J.
Spearman               Webb                   Whatley
Whipper                Wilkes                 Woodrum
Young

So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3858 -- Reps. Vaughn, Haskins, Cato, Leach and Hamilton: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 432 OF 1947, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GREENVILLE HOSPITAL SYSTEM, ITS CREATION, BOARD, POWERS, AND DUTIES, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE BOARD FROM SELLING, LEASING, MERGING, CONSOLIDATING, OR TRANSFERRING CERTAIN OF ITS ASSETS OR ENTERING INTO A JOINT VENTURE OR OTHER BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE GREENVILLE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION IF THE ACTION DISPOSES OF OR COMMITS TEN PERCENT OR MORE OF THE ASSETS; TO PROHIBIT THE BOARD FROM TRANSFERRING OR DELEGATING ITS RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY OVER THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM TO ANY OTHER PERSONS, BOARD, OR ENTITY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION ONLY MAY CALL FOR A REFERENDUM IF CONSENT IS REQUESTED TO TAKE SUCH ACTION; TO INCREASE THE BOARD FROM SEVEN TO NINE MEMBERS AND TO PROVIDE NOMINATING PROCEDURES AND TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE COMPOSITION AND PROCEDURES CONTINGENT UPON A GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL STIPULATION BY ORDINANCE; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND LOCATE FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF GREENVILLE COUNTY IF SUCH WOULD ENHANCE SERVICES; TO ENTER INTO JOINT VENTURES OR OTHER BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR OBTAINING CONSENT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AUTHORIZE THE CHANGE OF NAME OF THE BOARD AND THE OPERATION OF THE BOARD UNDER A TRADE NAME; TO AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE OR MORE SUBSIDIARIES AND TO REQUIRE SUCH ENTITY TO COMPLY WITH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT; TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL HOSPITALS OR OTHER CLINICS; TO AUTHORIZE THE EXERCISE OF CERTAIN POWERS GENERALLY CONFERRED ON REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE DISTRICTS; TO AMEND ACT 1285 OF 1966, RELATING TO THE NAME OF THE GREENVILLE HOSPITAL SYSTEM, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE BOARD TO THE GREENVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES; TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO REIMBURSE THE COUNTY FOR ANY DAMAGES THE COUNTY MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE CITY UNDER A CONTRACT ARISING OUT OF ACT 432 OF 1947; AND TO REPEAL CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONTINGENT UPON STIPULATIONS OF GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL.

Rep. CATO proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\KGH\15117HTC.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 5A, as contained in SECTION 1, page 3, by adding immediately after line 3:

/(C)     Where the consent of a majority of the delegation is not required because of the threshold requirements of subsection (A)(1) and (2), written notice of the action must be provided in advance to the delegation./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Reps. TRIPP and LOFTIS proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\GJK\20524SD.97), which was tabled.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 5A of Act 432 of 1947, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking beginning on line 23, page 3858-3, /the board, with regard to property and assets acquired subsequent to the transfer of the hospital building and land adjacent to the hospital building pursuant to Act 432 of 1947, shall not:/ and inserting /neither the board nor any person or entity controlled by or affiliated with the board shall nor shall the board permit any person or entity controlled by or affiliated with the board to:/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. LOFTIS explained the amendment and moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.

Reps. TRIPP, HAMILTON, CATO, LOFTIS, HASKINS, McMAHAND and F. SMITH proposed the following Amendment No. 3 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\PSD\7274AC.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1 of the bill, page 2, line 28 before the /;/ by inserting /including, but not limited to, the three satellite hospitals in the Greenville Health Care System which, for purposes of this section, must be treated as individual entities and not as one entity/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Reps. TRIPP, HAMILTON, LOFTIS, CATO, HASKINS, McMAHAND, WILKINS and F. SMITH proposed the following Amendment No. 4 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\PSD\7273AC.97), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1 of the bill, page 3 by deleting lines 1-3 and inserting:

/delegation, may choose to hold a referendum which may be held as a special referendum or at the time of a general election. At the time the delegation determines that a referendum shall be held, the delegation, by majority vote, also shall determine whether or not the referendum will be binding./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals to conform.

Rep. ROBINSON proposed the following Amendment No. 5 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\GJK\20561SD.97), which was tabled.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 5 of Act 432 of 1947, as contained in SECTION 3, by inserting after /board/ on line 25, page 3858-8, /and upon approval by a majority of the legislative delegation of the county wherein the services will be provided or the facilities located/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. ROBINSON explained the amendment.

Reps. VAUGHN and TRIPP spoke against the amendment.

Rep. ROBINSON spoke in favor of the amendment.

Rep. VAUGHN moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to by a division vote of 16 to 14.

Rep. ROBINSON moved to adjourn debate upon the Bill until Thursday, April 17.

Rep. VAUGHN moved to table the motion, which was agreed to.

The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill, as amended, on second reading.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Cato                   Cotty                  Easterday
Hamilton               Haskins                McMahand
McMaster               Mullen                 Rice
Smith, F.              Tripp                  Vaughn
Wilkins

Those who voted in the negative are:

Loftis                 Robinson

So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

In accordance with Section 8-13-700(B) of the S.C. Code, I abstained from voting on the below referenced bill or amendment because of a potential conflict of interest and wish to have my recusal noted for the record in the House Journal of this date.

Bill #: H. 3858     General Subject Matter: Restructuring of Greenville Memorial Hospital

The reason for abstaining on the above referenced legislation is:

A potential conflict of interest may exist in that an economic interest of myself, an immediate family member, or an individual or business with which I am associated may be affected in violation of S.C. Code Section 8-13-700(B).

Rep. ROBERT W. LEACH

Seventy-six percent of Greenville County voters rejected the transfer of Hospital Assets and the A.G.S. Merger in the November 1996 referendum.

While I support Rep. Vaughn's proposal to broaden the makeup of the Hospital Board, Rep. Vaughn's proposal also allows the transfer of assets.

Though Rep. Vaughn placed a ten percent limit of transfer per year before legislative approval (some limitation), I see little in this Bill that would prevent the Hospital System from transferring assets of up to ten percent each year without taxpayer or legislative approval. Therefore cumulatively over a period of time achieving the Hospital System's goal of an A.G.S.-type system that seventy-six percent of voters in one hundred percent of the precincts in Greenville County rejected.

Rep. DWIGHT A. LOFTIS

Rep. VAUGHN moved to reconsider the vote whereby the following Bill was given a second reading.

H. 3858 -- Reps. Vaughn, Haskins, Cato, Leach and Hamilton: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 432 OF 1947, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GREENVILLE HOSPITAL SYSTEM, ITS CREATION, BOARD, POWERS, AND DUTIES, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE BOARD FROM SELLING, LEASING, MERGING, CONSOLIDATING, OR TRANSFERRING CERTAIN OF ITS ASSETS OR ENTERING INTO A JOINT VENTURE OR OTHER BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE GREENVILLE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION IF THE ACTION DISPOSES OF OR COMMITS TEN PERCENT OR MORE OF THE ASSETS; TO PROHIBIT THE BOARD FROM TRANSFERRING OR DELEGATING ITS RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY OVER THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM TO ANY OTHER PERSONS, BOARD, OR ENTITY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION ONLY MAY CALL FOR A REFERENDUM IF CONSENT IS REQUESTED TO TAKE SUCH ACTION; TO INCREASE THE BOARD FROM SEVEN TO NINE MEMBERS AND TO PROVIDE NOMINATING PROCEDURES AND TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE COMPOSITION AND PROCEDURES CONTINGENT UPON A GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL STIPULATION BY ORDINANCE; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND LOCATE FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF GREENVILLE COUNTY IF SUCH WOULD ENHANCE SERVICES; TO ENTER INTO JOINT VENTURES OR OTHER BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR OBTAINING CONSENT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AUTHORIZE THE CHANGE OF NAME OF THE BOARD AND THE OPERATION OF THE BOARD UNDER A TRADE NAME; TO AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE OR MORE SUBSIDIARIES AND TO REQUIRE SUCH ENTITY TO COMPLY WITH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT; TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL HOSPITALS OR OTHER CLINICS; TO AUTHORIZE THE EXERCISE OF CERTAIN POWERS GENERALLY CONFERRED ON REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE DISTRICTS; TO AMEND ACT 1285 OF 1966, RELATING TO THE NAME OF THE GREENVILLE HOSPITAL SYSTEM, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE BOARD TO THE GREENVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES; TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO REIMBURSE THE COUNTY FOR ANY DAMAGES THE COUNTY MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE CITY UNDER A CONTRACT ARISING OUT OF ACT 432 OF 1947; AND TO REPEAL CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONTINGENT UPON STIPULATIONS OF GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL.

Rep. HASKINS moved to table the motion to reconsider, which was agreed to.

The following Joint Resolution was taken up.

S. 361 -- Senator Mescher: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN STUDENTS FOR THE 1996-97 SCHOOL YEAR ARE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-39-160 OF THE 1976 CODE AND MAY PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS.

Rep. F. SMITH made the Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.

The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

Rep. TOWNSEND moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

Rep. STODDARD, from the Laurens Delegation, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3788 -- Reps. Wilder, Stoddard and Carnell: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 171 OF 1967, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FISCAL MATTERS AND THE IMPOSITION OF SCHOOL TAXES FOR LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS FIFTY-FIVE AND FIFTY-SIX, SO AS TO REVISE THE DATE FOR APPROVING THE BUDGET AND RECOMMENDING THE TAX MILLAGE, TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF THESE DISTRICTS TO INCREASE MILLAGE RATES THROUGH SCHOOL YEAR 2000-01 BY UP TO TEN MILLS A YEAR INCLUDING ANY MILLAGE SUFFICIENT TO MEET STATE-IMPOSED MAINTENANCE OF LOCAL EFFORT REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR FULL FISCAL AUTONOMY FOR THESE BOARDS FOR THE IMPOSITION OF SCHOOL TAXES FOR SCHOOL YEARS AFTER 2000-01, TO REQUIRE A "POSITIVE MAJORITY" OF THESE BOARDS TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL SCHOOL MILLAGE, AND TO DEFINE "POSITIVE MAJORITY".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 3279 -- Reps. Meacham, Allison, Altman, Bailey, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Baxley, Boan, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Brown, T. Brown, Byrd, Campsen, Canty, Cato, Cave, Chellis, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Hamilton, Harvin, Haskins, Hawkins, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Inabinett, Jennings, Jordan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Law, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McKay, McMahand, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Neal, Neilson, Parks, Phillips, Pinckney, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Sandifer, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, J. Smith, R. Smith, Spearman, Stille, Stoddard, Stuart, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Whipper, Wilkes, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Woodrum, and Young-Brickell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-440 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PATIENT ACCESS TO OPTOMETRIC PRIMARY EYE CARE ACT" BY ESTABLISHING PARAMETERS WITHIN WHICH HEALTH CARE INSURERS THAT OFFER PRIMARY EYE CARE MUST PROVIDE THIS COVERAGE AND TO PROVIDE AN EQUITABLE REMEDY WHEN THERE ARE VIOLATIONS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

The following was introduced:

H. 4043 -- Reps. Scott, Breeland, J. Brown, T. Brown, Byrd, Canty, Cave, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Gourdine, Govan, J. Hines, M. Hines, Howard, Inabinett, Kennedy, Lee, Lloyd, Mack, McMahand, Moody-Lawrence, Neal, Parks, Pinckney, F. Smith, Whipper, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bailey, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bauer, Baxley, Beck, Boan, Bowers, G. Brown, H. Brown, Campsen, Carnell, Cato, Chellis, Cooper, Cotty, Cromer, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Felder, Fleming, Gamble, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hawkins, Hinson, Hodges, Jennings, Jordan, Keegan, Kelley, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Law, Leach, Limbaugh, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Maddox, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McKay, McLeod, McMaster, Meacham, Miller, Mullen, Neilson, Phillips, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, D. Smith, J. Smith, R. Smith, Spearman, Stille, Stoddard, Stuart, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Wilder, Wilkes, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Woodrum, Young and Young-Brickell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO ONE OF THE PALMETTO STATE'S FINEST, EARTHA KITT, A WORLD-RENOWNED VOCALIST AND ENTERTAINER AND TO WELCOME HOME OUR FEATURED GUEST ON THE OCCASION OF HER PERFORMANCE IN THE THEATRICAL PRODUCTION "SOULS - THE CALAH" ON APRIL 18, 1997, IN COLUMBIA AT THE TOWNSHIP AUDITORIUM.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

The following was introduced:

H. 4044 -- Rep. Harvin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SORROW AT THE DEATH OF PERCY B. HARVIN OF CLARENDON COUNTY AND EXTENDING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

The following Bill was introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committee:

S. 285 -- Senators Alexander and J. Verne Smith: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 8, TITLE 39, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE "UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT", SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CHANGE THE NAME AND SCOPE OF THE CHAPTER TO THE "SOUTH CAROLINA TRADE SECRETS ACT", CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF VARIOUS TERMS, ADD NEW DEFINITIONS, AND ADD CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW.

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

Rep. YOUNG-BRICKELL moved that the House do now adjourn, which was adopted.

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 3388 -- Rep. Rice: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE INTERSECTION OF US HIGHWAY 25 AND US HIGHWAY 123 IN GREENVILLE COUNTY IN HONOR OF THE LATE DR. HAROLD B. SIGHTLER, DISTINGUISHED PASTOR OF THE TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH IN GREENVILLE FOR OVER FORTY YEARS.

H. 3675 -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Stuart, Felder and Sharpe: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 301 IN ORANGEBURG COUNTY FROM INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 26 TO UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 178 BYPASS IN HONOR OF THE HONORABLE MARSHALL BURNS WILLIAMS.

H. 4029 -- Reps. J. Brown, McLeod and Carnell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SORROW AT THE DEATH OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL DORCAS JUDSON ELLEDGE, UNITED STATES ARMY NURSING CORPS (RETIRED), AND EXTENDING SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

H. 3838 -- Rep. Witherspoon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION WELCOMING HOUSE OF BLUES TO THE GRAND STRAND AND THE PALMETTO STATE AND DECLARING MAY 4, 1997 AS "HOUSE OF BLUES DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

H. 4030 -- Rep. J. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING BISHOP ROBERT L. BISHOP FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED WITNESS AND OUTSTANDING CHURCH SERVICE.

H. 4031 -- Rep. J. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. EDWIN CLAYTON GUESS OF RICHLAND COUNTY FOR HIS UNSELFISH SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BECOMING AN ORDAINED MINISTER WITH THE GOOD NEWS GOSPEL WORLD OUTREACH MINISTRIES.

At 12:50 P.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. J. HINES adjourned in memory of Clifton R. Savarence, Sr. of Lamar, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.

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