Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The House assembled at 12:00 Noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark as follows:
Never failing and eternal God, the Source of wisdom and truth, we confess that there are times we feel at our wit's end and that defeat seems to shadow our fondest dreams. So we beg for the assurance of Your presence. Give us enough light to take the next step, confidence enough for the present task, faith sufficient for the day's duties, and endurance enough to see for certain the coming of the dawn. So give us the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of David, the patience of Job, and the compassion of Jesus. Even as we wait, keep us strong. 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 Friday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
Rep. J. BROWN moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Thomas Grate of New Light/Anderson, which was agreed to.
The following was received.
Document No. 2272
Promulgated By Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - Board of Medical Examiners
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 40-47-20
Initial Complaint; Formal Complaint; Duty of the Panel; Review by the Board; Duty of Board after Review; Appeal of Decision; Proceedings Private Until Filed; Administrator is Agent for Service of Notices on Non-resident Physicians; Investigations and Injunctions; Docket of Complaints; Confidentiality of Disciplinary Proceedings; Final Orders of the Board; Content of Petition for Reinstatement; Board's Report to be Filed; Procedure Thereupon; Investigation at Instance of Board or Commission Members; Procedure Thereunder
Received By Speaker January 29, 1998
Referred to House Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
120 Day Review Period Expiration Date May 29, 1998
Revised June 3, 1998
House - Requested Withdrawal March 18, 1998
Withdrawn and Resubmitted March 23, 1998
The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., March 18, 1998
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the Governor's appointment of:
Initial Appointment, Prisoner of War Commission, with term to commence July 1, 1995, and to expire July 1, 1999:
Fifth Congressional District:
Rev. Ewell C. Black, Jr., 212 Ridge Street, Bishopville, S.C. 29010-1036 VICE Bobby R. Bagley (Deceased)
Initial Appointment, Prisoner of War Commission, with term to commence July 1, 1997, and to expire July 1, 2001:
Sixth Congressional District:
Mr. Charles R. Murray, 200 Carolina Avenue, St. George, S.C. 29477 VICE Harry Everett Thomas, Jr. (Resigned)
Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.
The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., March 19, 1998
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators McConnell, Ford and Rankin of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on H. 3337:
H. 3337 -- Reps. D. Smith, Cato, Rice, Robinson, Govan, Beck, Tripp and F. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-580, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CLERK AND OTHER STAFF OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE MAY APPOINT, HIRE, CONTRACT, AND SUPERVISE THE SUPPORT STAFF HE IS INDIVIDUALLY ALLOTTED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-650, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROMULGATION OF RULES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROMULGATION OF RULES GOVERNING PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE BEFORE THE DIVISION.
Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.
Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, on:
S. 1109 -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO SUMMER PROGRAM, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2225, 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, with amendments, on:
H. 3453 -- Reps. McMahand, F. Smith, Meacham, Knotts, Neal, Mack, Maddox, Stille, Haskins, Young-Brickell, Hamilton, Parks, Gourdine and Moody-Lawrence: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-243 SO AS TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS AND TO REQUIRE A CHILD EXPELLED FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK TO BE PLACED IN A PRIVATE OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:
H. 3652 -- Reps. Beck, J. Hines, Seithel, Neilson, Cato, Mason, Allison, Clyburn, Whatley, R. Smith, Lee, Davenport, McCraw, Keegan, Spearman, Breeland, Kelley, Easterday, Edge, Miller, Witherspoon, Boan, Hamilton, Harrell, Mack, Hawkins, Battle and Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-67-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF SCHOOL BUSES OWNED AND OPERATED BY A PRIVATE SCHOOL OR UNDER CONTRACT FOR A PRIVATE SCHOOL, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO PAINTING, LETTERING, AND USE OF STOP ARMS AND WARNING LIGHTS ON THESE VEHICLES OWNED AND OPERATED OR UNDER CONTRACT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 4858 -- Reps. Meacham, Leach, J. Brown, Hamilton, Kelley, Easterday, Baxley, Bowers, Neilson, Battle, Hinson, Klauber, Mason, Beck, Allison, Martin, Seithel, Fleming, Inabinett, Whatley, McCraw Townsend, Barrett, Young-Brickell, Simrill, T. Brown, Bailey, Lloyd, Koon, H. Brown, Byrd, D. Smith, Canty, Walker, Edge,Witherspoon and Wilkins: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT AND SUBMIT TO THE STATES FOR RATIFICATION AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW THE EXERCISE OF FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN PUBLIC PLACES.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following was introduced:
H. 4859 -- Reps. Govan, Felder, Sharpe, Cobb-Hunter and Stuart: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING PAUL E. ROBINSON, SR., OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY FOR HIS OUTSTANDING BUSINESS CAREER AND MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY, AND EXTENDING BEST WISHES TO HIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following was introduced:
H. 4860 -- Reps. J. Brown, Howard, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bailey, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bauer, Baxley, Beck, Boan, Bowers, Breeland, G. Brown, H. Brown, T. Brown, Byrd, Campsen, Canty, Carnell, Cato, Cave, Chellis, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Cotty, Cromer, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Felder, Fleming, Gamble, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harrell, A. Harris, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hawkins, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Inabinett, Jennings, Jordan, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Law, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Mack, Maddox, Martin, Mason, McAbee, McCraw, McGee, McKay, McLeod, McMahand, McMaster, Meacham, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Mullen, Neal, Neilson, Phillips, Pinckney, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Scott, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, D. Smith, F. Smith, J. Smith, R. Smith, Spearman, Stille, Stoddard, Stuart, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Whipper, Wilder, Wilkes, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Woodrum, Young and Young-Brickell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE SINCERE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MRS. WILLIS J. CHARLES, PRINCIPAL OF EAU CLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL, FOR HER SELFLESS DEDICATION TO THE STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF OF EAU CLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL AND TO CELEBRATE THE LOVE SHE SO FREELY GIVES TO OTHERS.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 4861 -- Reps. Clyburn, J. Hines, Sharpe, Bailey, Baxley, Breeland, Cromer, Rodgers, Cave, Trotter, Knotts, Jennings, Lanford, Limehouse, Harvin and J. Brown: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-17-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEARINGS BEFORE THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE HEARING MUST BE HELD AT A SITE DESIGNATED BY THE COMMISSION TAKING ANY HARDSHIP INTO CONSIDERATION IN SELECTING THE SITE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 4862 -- Reps. Govan, Neilson, Bowers, J. Hines, M. Hines, Kennedy, Lloyd, Seithel, Simrill, Clyburn, Inabinett, Whipper, Rodgers, Mack, Woodrum, Young, Neal, Cave, Gamble, Moody-Lawrence, Walker, Byrd, J. Brown, D. Smith, Phillips, Howard and Littlejohn: A JOINT RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TWENTY-FIVE YEAR STATE RETIREMENT STUDY COMMITTEE AND PROVIDING FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES, TO REQUIRE THE COMMITTEE TO REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 15, 1998, AND TO ABOLISH THE COMMITTEE AFTER IT MAKES ITS REPORT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
H. 4863 -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, HIGHWAY PATROL, RELATING TO WINDOW TINTING, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2190, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Without reference.
H. 4864 -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, RELATING TO RELEASE OF LICENSING AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2189, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Without reference.
H. 4865 -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO EVALUATION OF TEACHERS EMPLOYED UNDER PROVISIONAL CONTRACTS (REPEAL), DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2224, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Without reference.
H. 4866 -- Reps. T. Brown, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bailey, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bauer, Baxley, Beck, Boan, Bowers, Breeland, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Brown, Byrd, Canty, Carnell, Cato, Cave, Chellis, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Cotty, Cromer, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Felder, Fleming, Gamble, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hawkins, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Howard, Inabinett, Jennings, Jordan, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Law, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Mack, Maddox, Martin, Mason, McAbee, McCraw, McGee, McKay, McLeod, McMahand, McMaster, Meacham, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Mullen, Neal, Neilson, Phillips, Pickney, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Scott, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, D. Smith, F. Smith, J. Smith, R. Smith, Stille, Stoddard, Stuart, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Webb, Whatley, Whipper, Wilder, Wilkes, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Woodrum Young and Young-Brickell: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EDUCATION BY ADDING CHAPTER 153 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD AND TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ORGANIZE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS.
On motion of Rep. DAVENPORT, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
H. 4867 -- Reps. Simrill and Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 270 OF 1981, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF FORT MILL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4 IN YORK COUNTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT RATHER THAN YORK COUNTY SHALL PAY FOR THE COST OF THE ELECTIONS.
On motion of Rep. SIMRILL, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
H. 4868 -- Reps. H. Brown, Keegan and Cooper: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-37-2810, 12-37-2820, AS AMENDED, 12-37-2830, AS AMENDED, 12-37-2840, AS AMENDED, AND 12-37-2850, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO MOTOR CARRIERS AND THE ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES ON MOTOR VEHICLES OF MOTOR CARRIERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "MOTOR CARRIER" TO CLARIFY THAT THE DEFINITION EXTENDS TO THE TRANSPORTATION OF BOTH PROPERTY AND PERSONS, AND TO DEFINE "BUS" AND "GROSS CAPITALIZED COST"; TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT OF VALUATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; TO PROVIDE FOR PROPOSED ASSESSMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT IF A MOTOR CARRIER FAILS TO FILE A RETURN; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ASSESSMENT BASED ON THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
H. 4870 -- Reps. Jennings, Baxley, Harrell, Knotts and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTIONS 61-4-525, 61-6-185, AND 61-6-1825 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE MANNER IN WHICH PROTESTS MAY BE HEARD IN ISSUING OR RENEWING A BEER AND WINE PERMIT, A RETAIL LIQUOR LICENSE, AND A MINIBOTTLE LICENSE, TO DEEM AN UNPURSUED PROTEST TO BE INVALID, AND TO AUTHORIZE A PENALTY TO INCLUDE COURT COSTS AND ATTORNEY'S FEES WHEN A PROTESTANT FAILS TO APPEAR AT A HEARING AFTER AFFIRMING A DESIRE TO ATTEND; AND TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-1820, RELATING TO THE CRITERIA APPLICABLE TO ISSUE A MINIBOTTLE LICENSE, SO AS TO DELETE LANGUAGE MADE OBSOLETE BY THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 61-6-1825 AS ADDED ABOVE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 1115 -- Education Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SCHOOL DISTRICTS WHICH CHOOSE TO REDUCE CLASS SIZE IN FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS AND IN GRADES ONE THROUGH THREE SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR CERTAIN STATE FUNDING, TO PROVIDE FOR A LOCAL MATCH REQUIREMENT, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ABOVE PROVISIONS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works.
S. 1123 -- Senators Wilson, Hayes, Leventis, J. Verne Smith, Giese, Branton and Lander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 25-1-350, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, SO AS TO ALLOW THE ADJUTANT GENERAL TO ORDER A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OR STATE GUARD TO ACTIVE DUTY FOR NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN DAYS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNOR AND THE GUARD MEMBER.
On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 1127 -- Senators Martin, Alexander, Fair, Waldrep, Thomas, J. Verne Smith, Ryberg, Wilson, Anderson, Hutto, Grooms, Courson, Branton, Giese and Mescher: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-7-15 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A ZONING ORDINANCE OF A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY FROM PROHIBITING CHURCH RELATED ACTIVITIES IN A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE.
On motion of Rep. HASKINS, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
The following was introduced:
H. 4869 -- Reps. H. Brown and Townsend: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO REAUTHORIZE THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY PROGRAM BY MAY 1, 1998, AND TO FUND THE PROGRAM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL THAT THE USER-FINANCED HIGHWAY TRUST FUND CAN SUPPORT.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows.
Allison Altman Bailey Barfield Barrett Battle Bauer Baxley Beck Bowers Breeland Brown, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Brown, T. Byrd Canty Carnell Cato Cave Chellis Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Cooper Dantzler Davenport Delleney Easterday Edge Fleming Gamble Gourdine Hamilton Harrell Harris Harrison Harvin Haskins Hines, J. Hines, M. Hinson Howard Inabinett Jennings Jordan Keegan Kelley Kennedy Kinon Kirsh Klauber Knotts Lanford Law Leach Lee Limehouse Littlejohn Lloyd Loftis Maddox Martin Mason McAbee McCraw McGee McKay McLeod McMahand McMaster Meacham Miller Moody-Lawrence Mullen Neilson Phillips Rhoad Rice Riser Rodgers Sandifer Scott Sharpe Sheheen Simrill Smith, D. Smith, J. Smith, R. Stille Stoddard Stuart Tripp Trotter Vaughn Walker Webb Whatley Wilder Wilkes Wilkins Witherspoon Woodrum Young Young-Brickell
I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Tuesday, March 24.
James L.M. Cromer, Jr. Fletcher Nathaniel Smith, Jr. John David Hawkins Ronald P. Townsend John G. Felder Harry R. Askins Joseph H. Neal Richard M. Quinn, Jr. Jackson S. Whipper Bill Cotty William D. Boan Clementa C. Pinckney Alfred B. Robinson, Jr. Jerry N. Govan, Jr.
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
The SPEAKER granted Rep. SEITHEL a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. CAMPSEN a leave of absence for the week due to compelling business reasons.
I was absent Thursday, March 19 due to my husband having eye surgery.
Rep. ELSIE RAST STUART
Announcement was made that Dr. Layton McCurdy of Charleston is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2 Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. After a bill or resolution has been presented and given first reading, no further names of co-sponsors may be added. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."
Bill Number: H. 4619
DATE ADD:
3/24/98 J.M. Knotts, Jr.
Bill Number: H. 4621
DATE ADD:
3/24/98 J.M. Knotts, Jr.
3/24/98 Walton J. McLeod
The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:
H. 4844 -- Rep. G. Brown: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR ELECTION OF THE LEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN AT THE BOARD'S REGULAR JANUARY MEETING AND TO MAKE THE APPLICATION OF THIS PROVISION RETROACTIVE.
H. 4654 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SUPERVISION OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO DELETE A PROVISION PERTAINING TO CONTRACTING WITH AND DISMISSAL OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MAY BE REMOVED BY THE DIRECTOR AT HIS DISCRETION.
Rep. WITHERSPOON explained the Bill.
H. 4841 -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BOARD OF DENTISTRY, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2203, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Rep. BATTLE explained the Joint Resolution.
H. 4842 -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2271, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Rep. BATTLE explained the Joint Resolution.
S. 1085 -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO NONGAME AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: RED-COCKADED WOODPECKERS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2251, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Rep. SHARPE explained the Joint Resolution.
H. 4621 -- Reps. Boan, Knotts and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 9-11-140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT PENSION UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE BENEFITS PAID UNDER THIS PROGRAM TO BE ADJUSTED TO REFLECT INCREASES IN THE COST OF LIVING IN THE MANNER BENEFIT PAYMENTS UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM ARE SO ADJUSTED.
Rep. LANFORD explained the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4757 -- Reps. Barfield, Battle, T. Brown, Davenport, Edge, Miller, Sharpe, Witherspoon, Mullen, Rhoad, Hamilton and J. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-21-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LAWS OR ORDINANCES GOVERNING THE OPERATION AND EQUIPPING OF VESSELS OPERATED ON THE WATERS OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MAY ESTABLISH TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT SLOW SPEED ZONES BY DESIGNATING THE AREAS WITH REGULATORY MARKERS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT WHENEVER FLOOD CONDITIONS MAKE OPERATION OF WATERCRAFT HAZARDOUS OR DANGEROUS TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY, THE DEPARTMENT HAS THE AUTHORITY TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE AREAS OF THE WATERS OF THIS STATE TO ALL RECREATIONAL VESSELS AND COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSELS FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED TEN DAYS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN EXTENSIONS OF AND EXCEPTIONS TO THIS CLOSURE.
Rep. BARFIELD proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\JIC\5426JM.98), which was adopted.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Page 1, Section 50-21-30, as contained in SECTION 1, line 35 by striking / or permanent/.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. BARFIELD explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. WITHERSPOON explained the Bill.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4502 -- Reps. Kelly, Keegan, Wilkins, Knotts, Sandifer, Meacham, Jordan, Hinson, Robinson, Stuart, Rice, Haskins, Riser, Barrett, Moody-Lawrence, Mullen, Rodgers and Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-160, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PERSON OR HEALTH CARE FACILITIES FOR WHICH A CERTIFICATE OF NEED IS REQUIRED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, SO AS TO REQUIRE SUCH A CERTIFICATE FOR AN OUTPATIENT METHADONE TREATMENT FACILITY.
Reps. KELLEY and KEEGAN proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\DKA\4863AC.98), which was adopted.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/SECTION __. Section 44-7-210 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 511 of 1992, is further amended by adding at the end:
"(F) The department may not issue a certificate of need approval for a methadone treatment facility until licensure standards are promulgated by the department, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, for these facilities. The department shall convene a study group to revise and propose licensure standards for methadone clinics. The study group shall consist of representatives of the department, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, methadone providers in South Carolina, and the Medical University of South Carolina. The licensure standards shall include standards for location of these facilities within the community. Methadone treatment facilities licensed as of January 1, 1997, must not be required to obtain a certificate of need pursuant to this section."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. KELLEY explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. KELLEY explained the Bill.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
Rep. KLAUBER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, March 31, which was adopted.
H. 4645 -- Reps. Klauber, Young, Jennings, Scott, Mullen, Beck, Maddox, Miller and Hawkins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-1500, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON RETAIL ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR DEALERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE SIZE OF CONTAINERS CONTAINING ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS WHICH A RETAIL DEALER IS PERMITTED TO OWN OR KEEP IN HIS POSSESSION.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4378 -- Reps. Wilkins, Cotty, Whipper, Harrison, T. Brown, Knotts, Mason, Sandifer, Simrill, Stille, Stuart, Riser, Moody-Lawrence, Walker and Meacham: A BILL TO ENACT "THE MAGISTRATES COURT REFORM ACT OF 1998" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO ADD SECTION 9-11-27, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MAGISTRATES MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTION 22-1-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OF MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT COURT ADMINISTRATION AFTER CONSULTING WITH EACH COUNTY GOVERNING BODY SHALL INFORM THE SENATORS REPRESENTING THE COUNTY OF THE NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTY, THE NUMBER OF WORK HOURS REQUIRED BY EACH POSITION, THE COMPENSATION FOR EACH POSITION, AND THE AREA OF THE COUNTY TO WHICH EACH POSITION IS ASSIGNED; TO REQUIRE THAT ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 2002, A MAGISTRATE AT THE TIME OF HIS APPOINTMENT MUST HAVE RECEIVED A TWO-YEAR ASSOCIATE DEGREE; AND THAT ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 2006, A MAGISTRATE AT THE TIME OF HIS APPOINTMENT MUST HAVE RECEIVED A FOUR-YEAR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE; TO ADD SECTION 22-1-12 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT A MAGISTRATE COMPLETE CERTAIN TRIAL OBSERVATIONS PRIOR TO TRYING CASES; TO AMEND SECTION 22-1-15, RELATING TO THE PERSONS PRESENTLY SERVING AS MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT A MAGISTRATE CONTINUING TO SERVE ON MAY 1, 2002, MUST HAVE RECEIVED A TWO-YEAR ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND THAT A MAGISTRATE CONTINUING TO SERVE ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 2006, MUST HAVE RECEIVED A FOUR-YEAR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE AND TO PROVIDE THAT MAGISTRATES SERVING ON JULY 1, 1998, SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO MEET THE HIGHER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 22-1-10 (B) AND (C) DURING THEIR TENURE IN OFFICE; TO ADD SECTION 22-1-17 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A TWO-YEAR PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO MAGISTRATES WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION; TO ADD SECTION 22-1-19 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SUPREME COURT REGARDING THE ELIGIBILITY EXAMINATION, CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR MAGISTRATES; TO AMEND SECTION 22-1-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL OF MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MAGISTRATE'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH RETIREMENT, TRAINING, OR EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS MAY SUBJECT THE MAGISTRATE TO SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT; SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY EXAMINATION THE RESULTS OF WHICH MUST BE USED BY THE SENATORIAL DELEGATION IN MAKING NOMINATION FOR MAGISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS; TO ADD SECTION 22-2-5 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY EXAMINATION THE RESULTS OF WHICH MUST BE USED BY THE SENATORIAL DELEGATION IN MAKING NOMINATION FOR MAGISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 22-2-200, RELATING TO ACCOMMODATIONS TAX REVENUE AS AFFECTING NUMBER OF MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO CONFORM THE PROVISION WITH APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL MAGISTRATES DEPENDENT UPON ACCOMMODATIONS TAX REVENUES; TO AMEND SECTION 22-8-40, RELATING TO FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME MAGISTRATES AND SALARIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A NEW SALARY SCHEDULE AND FOR ADDITIONAL MAGISTRATES TO BE APPOINTED DEPENDENT UPON ACCOMMODATIONS TAX REVENUES AND TO REQUEST THE SUPREME COURT TO MAKE A REPORT TO THE CHAIRMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES' JUDICIARY COMMITTEES RECOMMENDING ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS SYSTEM.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\GJK\21362SD.98).
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION 1. This act is known and may be cited as the 'Magistrates Court Reform Act of 1998'.
SECTION 2. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 9-11-27. (A) On and after January 1, 1999, any person who is a magistrate appointed pursuant to Section 22-1-10 shall participate in the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System for his service as a magistrate.
(B) From January 1, 1999, to July 1, 1999, a magistrate who elects to transfer credited service received under the South Carolina Retirement System to the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System may do so upon payment of the accumulated employer and employee contributions and interest in the South Carolina Retirement System plus five percent of his annual salary in effect on July 1, 1998, for each year of service prorated for periods of less than a year. After July 1, 1999, a magistrate may elect to transfer credited service he received under the South Carolina Retirement System to the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System as provided in Section 9-11-40(9)."
SECTION 3. Section 22-1-10(A) and (B) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 136 of 1991, are amended to read:
"Section 22-1-10. (A) The Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may appoint magistrates in each county of the State for a term of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualified.
Magistrates serving the counties of Abbeville, Allendale, Bamberg, Beaufort, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Dillon, Edgefield, Florence, Greenville, Hampton, Jasper, Lancaster, Lee, Marion, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Sumter, and Williamsburg shall serve terms of four years commencing May 1, 1990. Magistrates serving the counties of Aiken, Anderson, Barnwell, Berkeley, Charleston, Chester, Darlington, Dorchester, Fairfield, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, Marlboro, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Spartanburg, Union, and York shall serve terms of four years commencing May 1, 1991.
At least ninety days before the date of the commencement of the terms provided in the preceding paragraph and every four years thereafter, the South Carolina Court Administration, after consultation with each county governing body, must inform, in writing, the Senators representing that county of the number of full-time and part-time magistrate positions available in the county, the number of work hours required by each position, the compensation for each position, and the area of the county to which each position is assigned. If the county governing body Court Administration fails to inform, in writing, the Senators representing that county of the information as required in by this section, then the compensation, hours, and location of the full-time and part-time magistrate positions available in the county remain as designated for the previous four years.
Each magistrate's number of work hours, compensation, and work location must remain the same throughout the term of office, except for a change (1) specifically allowed by statute or (2) authorized by the county governing body Court Administration at least four years after the magistrate's most recent appointment and after a material change in conditions has occurred which warrants the change. Nothing provided in this section prohibits the raising of compensation or hours and compensation during a term of office. No magistrate may be paid for work not performed except for bona fide illness or as otherwise provided by law.
The number of magistrates to be appointed for each county and their territorial jurisdiction are as prescribed by law before March 2, 1897, for trial justices in the respective counties of the State, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(B) No person is eligible to hold the office of magistrate who is not at the time of his appointment a citizen of the United States and of this State, and who has not been a resident of this State for at least five years, has not attained the age of twenty-one years upon his appointment, and has not received a high school diploma or its equivalent educational training as recognized by the State Department of Education.
(1) Notwithstanding the educational qualifications required in this subsection, on or after May 1, 2002, no person is eligible to hold the office of magistrate who has not at the time of his appointment received a minimum of a two-year associate degree except as otherwise provided in Section 22-1-15(D).
(2) Notwithstanding the educational qualifications required in this subsection, on or after May 1, 2006, no person is eligible to hold the office of magistrate who has not at the time of his appointment received a minimum of a four-year baccalaureate degree except as otherwise provided in Section 22-1-15(D)."
SECTION 4. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 22-1-12. (A) A magistrate whose initial appointment begins on or after May 1, 1998, may not try a case until a certificate is filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court stating that the magistrate has observed ten trials. The certificate shall state the name of the proceeding, the dates and the tribunals involved, and be attested to by the judge conducting the proceeding.
(B) The required trial experiences must include the following:
(1) four criminal cases in a magistrates court, two of which must be in a magistrates court where he will not preside;
(2) four civil cases in a magistrates court, two of which must be in a magistrates court where he will not preside;
(3) one criminal jury trial in circuit court; and
(4) one civil jury trial in circuit court.
(C) The trial experiences may be undertaken and completed any time after a person has been nominated by the senatorial delegation for the position of magistrate."
SECTION 5. Section 22-1-15 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 22-1-15. (A) The provisions of Section 22-1-10(B) of the 1976 Code do not apply to a magistrate serving on January 1, 1989 during his tenure in office. A magistrate presently holding office must achieve a high school education or the equivalent educational training as recognized by the State Department of Education within two years of January 1, 1989, and must submit a certified copy of his high school diploma or certified proof of its recognized equivalent in educational training as established by the State Department of Education to the South Carolina Court Administration. However, this requirement does not apply to a magistrate with at least five years' service as a magistrate on January 1, 1989. The South Carolina Court Administration must report to the Governor's Office a magistrate's failure to submit the proper documentation and such violation terminates that magistrate's term of office.
(B) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (A), a magistrate who is appointed to the office of magistrate after July 1, 1998, must receive a minimum of a two-year associate degree by May 1, 2002, and must submit certified proof to the Court Administration that he has received this degree or a higher educational level degree. The Court Administration must report to the Governor's Office a magistrate's failure to submit the proper documentation, and such violation terminates that magistrate's term of office.
(C) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (A) and (B), a magistrate who is appointed to the office of magistrate after July 1, 1998, must receive a minimum of a four-year baccalaureate degree by May 1, 2006, and must submit certified proof to the Court Administration that he has received this degree or a higher educational level. The South Carolina Court Administration must report to the Governor's Office a magistrate's failure to submit the proper documentation, and such violation terminates that magistrate's term of office.
(D) The provisions of Section 22-1-10 (B)(1) and (2) do not apply to a magistrate serving on July 1, 1998, during his tenure in office."
SECTION 6. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 22-1-17. (A) The South Carolina Court Administration is authorized to establish a two-year program available to magistrates who have successfully completed the certification examination. The program must provide extensive instruction in civil and criminal procedures and must encourage magistrates to develop contacts and resources of information in conjunction with their instructors and fellow magistrates.
(B) The program shall be administered through the state's technical college system and may be used to facilitate continuing legal education opportunities for all magistrates.
(C) The funding for this program is to be appropriated from the state's general fund."
SECTION 7. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 22-1-19. An advisory council shall be established in order to make recommendations to the Supreme Court regarding the eligibility examination, certification examination, and continuing education requirements for magistrates. The council shall submit an annual report to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or his designee. The council shall consist of:
(1) a member appointed by the South Carolina Bar upon the recommendation of the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association;
(2) a member appointed by the South Carolina Bar upon the recommendation of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers;
(3) a representative designated by the Criminal Justice Academy;
(4) a representative designated by the South Carolina Legal Services Association;
(5) a representative designated by the Summary Court Judges Association;
(6) a representative designated by the Dean of the University of the South Carolina School of Law;
(7) a representative designated by the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee;
(8) a representative designated by the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee;
(9) a representative designated by the Governor;
(10) a representative of the South Carolina Victims Assistance Network;
(11) a representative of the South Carolina Solicitor's Association; and
(12) a representative of the South Carolina Sheriff's Association."
SECTION 8. Section 22-1-30 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 181 of 1993, is further amended to read:
"Section 22-1-30. A magistrate may be suspended or removed by order of the Supreme Court pursuant to its rules for incapacity, misconduct, or neglect of duty. A magistrate's failure to retire in accordance with Section 22-1-25 or a magistrate's failure to comply with training and examination requirements of Section 22-1-10(C) may subject him to suspension or removal by order of the Supreme Court."
SECTION 9. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 22-2-5. (A) The South Carolina Court Administration, in cooperation with the technical college system, shall select and administer an eligibility examination to test basic skills of persons seeking an initial appointment as magistrate on or after July 1, 1998. In determining the persons to be recommended to the Governor for initial appointments as magistrates on or after July 1, 1998, a senatorial delegation must use the results of these eligibility examinations to assist in its selection of nominees. The results of these eligibility examinations are valid for six months of the time the appointment is to be made.
(B) The Court Administration shall establish guidelines for exempting persons from taking the examination if certain prescribed educational equivalency requirements have been met.
(C) The Court Administration, in cooperation with the technical college system, shall develop an optional examination preparatory course."
SECTION 10. Section 22-2-200 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 22-2-200. The provisions of Sections 8-21-1010, 8-21-1060, 22-1-10, 22-1-15, 22-1-170, 22-2-10, 22-2-210, 22-2-30, and Chapter 8 of Title 22 may in no way be construed to mandate the reduction of the total number of magistrates in any county which generates four million dollars or more annually in accommodations tax revenue. This in no way prohibits the county which generates four million dollars or more annually in accommodations tax revenue from increasing the number of its magistrates notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or Chapter 8 of Title 22."
SECTION 11. Section 22-8-40 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 22-8-40. (A)(1) The county governing body of each county South Carolina Court Administration, using information submitted by each county's governing body and the formula in this section, shall designate magistrates serving within the county as either full time or part time. A county is not required to have a full-time magistrate and may have only part-time magistrates.
(2) The Court Administration must review and approve each county's designation of full-time and part-time magistrates. The total amount paid in magistrates' salaries for a county shall not exceed the total amount of salaries calculated for that county specified by subsections (B) through (G) of this section. Counties are prohibited from supplementing the salaries of magistrates. With the approval of Court Administration, a magistrate may contract with a municipality to preside over its court in the manner provided by law.
(B) All magistrates in this State must be in a state unclassified full-time equivalent position and paid by the State through the Court Administration the base salary as determined by the following factors:
(1) There is established a base salary for each population category as follows:
(a) for those counties with a population of two one hundred fifty thousand and above, according to the latest official United States Decennial Census, the base salary is twenty-nine thousand dollars sixty percent of a circuit judge's salary;
(b) for those counties with a population of at least one hundred fifty thousand but not more than one hundred ninety-nine forty-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine, according to the latest official United States Decennial Census, the base salary is twenty-seven thousand dollars fifty percent of a circuit judge's salary; and
(c) for those counties with a population of at least one hundred thousand but not more than one hundred forty-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine, less than fifty thousand according to the latest official United States Decennial Census, the base salary is twenty-five thousand dollars forty percent of a circuit court judge's salary;
(d) for those counties with a population of at least fifty thousand but not more than ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine, according to the latest official United States Decennial Census, the base salary is twenty-two thousand dollars;
(e) for those counties with a population of at least thirty-five thousand but not more than forty-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine, according to the latest official United States Decennial Census, the base salary is nineteen thousand dollars; and
(f) for those counties with a population of less than thirty-five thousand, according to the latest official United States Decennial Census, the base salary is seventeen thousand dollars.
(2) The following salary schedule shall be used to determine a magistrates's annual compensation:
(a) upon being appointed a magistrate, a magistrate shall be paid seventy percent of the base salary rate for his county's population category;
(b) upon completing the requirements of Sections 22-1-10(C) and 22-1-12, a magistrate shall be paid eighty percent of the base salary rate for his county's population category;
(c) upon the magistrate's completion of his second year in office, a magistrate shall be paid eighty-five percent of the base salary rate for his county's population category;
(d) upon the magistrate's completion of his third year in office, a magistrate shall be paid ninety percent of the base salary rate for his county's population category;
(e) upon the magistrate's completion of his fourth year in office, a magistrate shall be paid one hundred percent of the base salary rate for his county's population category.
(3) The provisions of this subsection are effective January 1, 1999.
(C) The number of magistrates shall be determined using the following factors:
(2)(1) There is established a ratio of one magistrate for every twenty-eight thousand persons in each county of the State based on the latest official United States Decennial Census.
(3)(2) There is established a ratio of one magistrate for every one hundred fifty square miles of area in each county of the State as a factor to be used in determining the base salary as provided in this section.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (D), the maximum number of magistrates in each county is the greater of that number determined by taking one magistrate for every twenty-eight thousand persons in each county or that number determined by taking the average of the ratio of one magistrate for every twenty-eight thousand persons in each county as provided by item (2) (1) of this section subsection and the ratio of one magistrate for every one hundred fifty square miles of area in each county as provided in item (3) (2) of this section subsection. However, no county is required to have fewer than the equivalent of one full-time magistrate and one part-time magistrate. If a fraction of a magistrate results, the county must round off up the fraction, establishing an additional part-time magistrate. No additional magistrates may be added until a county has less than the ratio.
(D) In addition to the maximum number of magistrates prescribed in subsection (C), additional magistrates shall be appointed as determined using the following formula:
(1) For counties which collect accommodations tax revenues of five hundred thousand to nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine dollars, one additional magistrate shall be appointed.
(2) For counties which collect accommodations tax revenues of one million to two million, nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine dollars, two additional magistrates shall be appointed.
(3) For counties which collect accommodations tax revenues of three million to four million, nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine dollars, three additional magistrates shall be appointed.
(4) For counties which collect accommodations tax revenues of five million dollars and above, four additional magistrates shall be appointed.
(C)(E) Part-time magistrates are to be computed at a ratio of four part-time magistrates equals one full-time magistrate.
(D)(F) Part-time magistrates are entitled to a proportionate percentage of the salary provided for full-time magistrates. This percentage is computed by dividing by forty the number of hours a week the part-time magistrate spends in the performance of his duties. The number of hours a week that a part-time magistrate spends in the exercise of the judicial function, and scheduled to be spent on call, must be the average number of hours worked and is fixed by Court Administration after consultation with the county governing body and upon the recommendation of the chief magistrate.
(E) A cost of living increase must be paid by the county in the amount provided classified state employees in the annual state general appropriations act of the previous fiscal year. The base salaries provided for in this Part must be adjusted annually based on the percentage amount of the cost of living increase paid to classified state employees in the annual state general appropriations act of the previous fiscal year.
(F)(G) A full-time chief magistrate must be paid a yearly supplement of three thousand dollars and reimbursed for travel expense as provided by law while in the actual performance of his duties. A part-time chief magistrate must be paid a yearly supplement of fifteen hundred dollars and reimbursed for travel expense as provided by law while in the actual performance of his duties.
(G) Magistrates in a county are entitled to the same perquisites as those employees of the county of similar position and salary.
(H) A ministerial magistrate is entitled to the same compensation as a part-time magistrate.
(I) A magistrate who is receiving a salary greater than provided for his position under the provisions of this chapter must not be reduced in salary during his tenure in office. Tenure in office continues at the expiration of a term if the incumbent magistrate is reappointed.
(J) No county The Court Administration may not pay a magistrate a salary lower than the base salary established for that county by the provisions of subsection (B) of this section.
(K) Nothing in this section may be interpreted as prohibiting a county from paying a magistrate more than the base salary established for that county.
(L) The South Carolina Court Administration shall monitor compliance with this section. Nothing contained in this section may be construed as prohibiting a county from paying salaries in excess of the minimum base salaries provided for in this section. From funds distributed to each county pursuant to Section 6-27-40 under the State Aid to Subdivisions Act, an amount equivalent to the amount each county paid its magistrates in salary and benefits in the fiscal year 1997-98 must be deducted annually from its distribution and used by the State Treasurer for the payment of salaries and benefits for the magistrates. The Court Administration and the South Carolina Association of Counties jointly must provide the State Treasurer with the total amount each county paid for its magistrates' salaries and benefits in fiscal year 1997-98 by September 1, 1998. The county's deduction amount from its aid to subdivision funds used for the purpose of partially funding magistrates' salaries and benefits shall not exceed the amount paid out in fiscal year 1997-98."
SECTION 12. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 8-11-47. A magistrate who is in a state unclassified full-time equivalent position and paid by the State through the South Carolina Court Administration as provided by Section 22-8-40 and who served as a magistrate before July 1, 1998, must be permitted to transfer to and retain at the Court Administration all sick leave formerly accumulated."
SECTION 13. Section 8-11-640 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a new paragraph at the end to read:
"A magistrate who is in a state unclassified full-time equivalent position and paid by the State through the South Carolina Court Administration as provided by Section 22-8-40 and who served as a magistrate before July 1, 1998, must be given full state service credit for prior continuous service as a magistrate of this State for purposes of computing bonus earnings and his annual leave balance must be transferred to the Court Administration."
SECTION 14. Section 8-21-1010 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 678 of 1988, is further amended to read:
"Section 8-21-1010. (A) Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following fees and costs must be collected by the magistrates and deposited in the general fund of the county:
(1) for taking civil recognizance, with or without sureties, five dollars;
(2) for granting an order for civil special bail, with or without sureties, five dollars;
(3) for receiving and filing bond in claim and delivery, attachment, five dollars; if justification of sureties required, an additional five dollars;
(4) for administering and certifying oaths or documents in writing, two dollars;
(5) for issuing any prerogative writ, five dollars;
(6) in all civil actions, for issuing a summons and a copy for defendant, and for giving judgment with or without a hearing, twenty-five fifty dollars, provided that for civil actions where the amount in controversy or the amount of damages does not exceed one thousand dollars, the fee is twenty-five dollars;
(7) for issuing execution and renewal thereof, ten dollars;
(8) for making up, certifying, and forwarding a transcript of record and judgment in a case for purpose of appeal, ten dollars;
(9) for proceedings by a landlord or lessor against a tenant or lessee, including notices to quit, eviction orders, or recovery of rents, ten forty dollars;
(10) for proceedings on a coroner's inquest, as prescribed by law, ten dollars, if inquest is demanded by a party other than the State or county or authorized officer of either;
(11) for proceeding on estrays, including judgment for possession, sale, or damages, ten dollars;
(12) for qualifying appraisers to set off homestead or qualifying sureties on a bond posted in a case, including bail bonds, five dollars;
(13) for each tax execution collected, five dollars;
(14) for filing or issuing any other paper not provided for in this section, five dollars.
(B) One-half of the fifty dollar fee collected in item (6) must be forwarded to the State Treasurer and deposited in the general fund of the State to be used to fund the salaries and benefits of the magistrates. If the fee collected in item (6) is twenty-five dollars, the entire fee must be deposited in the general fund of the county.
(C) One-half of the forty dollar fee collected in item (9) must be forwarded to the State Treasurer and deposited in the general fund of the State to be used to fund the salaries and benefits of the magistrates.
(D) No Fees or costs may not be assessed against a party for summoning jurors or expense of jury service in a criminal case in which a trial by jury is had."
SECTION 15. Section 34-11-90(d) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(d)(1) After a conviction or plea for drawing and uttering a fraudulent check or other instrument in violation of Section 34-11-60 and the defendant is charged or fined, he shall pay in addition to the fine all reasonable court costs accruing, not to exceed twenty forty dollars, and the service charge provided in Section 34-11-70.
(2) One-half of the costs collected in (D)(1) must be forwarded to the State Treasurer and deposited in the general fund of the State to be used to fund the salaries and benefits of the magistrates."
SECTION 16. The Supreme Court is requested to hold a public hearing and make a report to the respective Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives' Judiciary Committees by March 15, 1999, with recommendations for additional changes in the magistrates courts system.
SECTION 17. This act takes effect July 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in the act./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. YOUNG explained the amendment.
Rep. SCOTT raised a Point of Order that Amendment No. 1 was out of order in that it was in violation of Code Section 6-27-50 in that no section of that chapter may be amended or repealed except in separate legislation solely for that purpose.
SPEAKER WILKINS stated that Chapter 27 of Title 6 dealt with the formula for funding to local governments and ended with the restriction that no section may be amended or repealed in the Appropriations Bill. He further stated that Amendment No.1 was in a separate piece of legislation from the Appropriations Bill.
Rep. SCOTT stated that a previous Point of Order raised on March 10, 1994, ruled an amendment out of order because the amendment was not in compliance with Section 6-27-50 which stated that no section of the chapter may be amended or repealed.
SPEAKER WILKINS stated that the precedent Rep. SCOTT referred to dealt with a Point of Order raised during the consideration of the Appropriations Bill. He further stated that he, after review of the precedents, interpreted Section 6-27-50 to require legislation separate from the Annual Appropriations Bill. Speaker Wilkins further stated that Amendment No. 1 affected Chapter 27 of Title 6 in legislation separate from the Appropriations Bill, and he overruled the Point of Order.
Reps. CANTY, CAVE, HARRISON, YOUNG, BYRD, HOWARD, WOODRUM, McGEE, J. SMITH, EASTERDAY, HAMILTON and R. SMITH requested debate on the Bill.
The following Joint Resolution was taken up.
H. 4644 -- Reps. Quinn and Harrison: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE STATE TO SET ASIDE $1,500,000 ANNUALLY TO PAY FEES AND EXPENSES OF PRIVATE COUNSEL APPOINTED IN NONCAPITAL CASES.
Rep. HARRISON explained the Joint Resolution.
Rep. QUINN spoke in favor of the Joint Resolution.
Rep. LOFTIS 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.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4619 -- Reps. Wilkins, D. Smith, Lanford, Haskins, Harrell, Campsen, Whipper, Kirsh, Mason, Meacham, Young-Brickell, Miller, Wilder, Koon, Littlejohn, Bauer, Easterday, Sandifer, Seithel, Hamilton, T. Brown, Hinson, Delleney, Dantzler, Woodrum, Jordan, Moody-Lawrence, McGee, McKay, Quinn, Simrill, Altman, Felder, Sharpe, Edge, Clyburn, Klauber, Inabinett, Battle, Hawkins, Lloyd, Harrison, Riser, Scott and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 9, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE VARIOUS STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, BY ADDING CHAPTER 14, THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS INVESTMENT SAFEGUARDS ACT, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE INVESTMENT AND REINVESTMENT OF FUNDS OF THE VARIOUS STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS IN EQUITY SECURITIES OF AMERICAN CORPORATIONS THAT ARE REGISTERED ON A NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE OR QUOTED THROUGH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS AUTOMATIC QUOTATIONS SYSTEMS, TO LIMIT TOTAL EQUITY INVESTMENTS TO NO MORE THAN FORTY PERCENT OF THE MARKET VALUE OF THE ASSETS OF A RETIREMENT SYSTEM, TO ESTABLISH THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS INVESTMENT PANEL AND PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, AND DUTIES, INCLUDING THE DELEGATION OF ITS
FUNCTIONS OR THOSE OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ANNUAL INVESTMENT PLAN AND THE DUTIES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS INVESTMENT PANEL IN DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN, TO PROVIDE REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS, TO PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF FIDUCIARIES WITH RESPECT TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM, INCLUDING MATTERS RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, AND INSURANCE AND PROVIDE FOR CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DOES NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO DELIBERATIONS ON THE ANNUAL INVESTMENT PLAN; TO AMEND SECTION 9-1-1310, RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AS TRUSTEE OF THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS, SO AS SPECIFICALLY TO AUTHORIZE THE FUNDS OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO BE INVESTED IN EQUITY SECURITIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SEVERABILITY OF THIS ACT IF ANY PART IS HELD INVALID.
Rep. H. BROWN 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. 4704 -- Reps. Harrell, Bailey, Battle, Bauer, Baxley, Beck, Boan, Bowers, G. Brown, J. Brown, T. Brown, Campsen, Carnell, Cato, Cooper, Cromer, Dantzler, Easterday, Edge, Govan, Hamilton, A. Harris, Harrison, Harvin, Hawkins, Jennings, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kinon, Klauber, Koon, Lanford, Leach, Mack, Maddox, McAbee, McCraw, McGee, McMaster, Miller, Neal, Quinn, Riser, Rodgers, Sharpe, J. Smith, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Wilder, Wilkes, Witherspoon, Woodrum, Young, Whipper, McKay, Whatley, Hinson, Sandifer, Knotts, Walker, Fleming, Mason, Haskins, Inabinett, Limehouse, Vaughn, Lloyd, Altman, Rhoad, Davenport, H. Brown, Wilkins, Seithel, Littlejohn, Phillips and Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-90, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES" FOR PURPOSES OF THE STATE SALES AND USE TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT FROM THAT DEFINITION THE SALES PRICE ON SALES WHICH ARE UNCOLLECTIBLE, TO PROVIDE FOR CREDIT FOR TAXES PAID ON UNCOLLECTIBLE AMOUNTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR LATER PAYMENT OF TAXES ON AMOUNTS SUBSEQUENTLY COLLECTED.
The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\PT\1804MM.98).
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION 1. Section 12-36-90(2) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 431 of 1996, is further amended by adding an appropriately lettered item at the end to read:
"( ) the sales price, not including sales tax, of property on sales which are actually charged off as bad debts or uncollectible accounts for state income tax purposes. A taxpayer who pays the tax on the unpaid balance of an account which has been found to be worthless and is actually charged off for state income tax purposes may take credit for the tax paid on a return filed pursuant to this chapter, except that if an amount charged off is later paid in whole or in part to the taxpayer, the amount paid must be included in the first return filed after the collection and the tax paid."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies for debt incurred after 1998./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. VAUGHN explained the amendment.
Rep. SCOTT 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. 4672 -- Reps. Edge, Kelley, Keegan and Mullen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SECTION 27-32-170, RELATING TO EXEMPTION FROM SALES TAX OF SALE OF A VACATION TIME SHARING PLAN, AND SECTION 27-32-250, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTION FROM SALES TAX OF SALE OF A VACATION MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP INTEREST, ALL SO AS TO EXEMPT FROM SALES TAX THE SALE OR RESALE OR THE EXCHANGE OF AN INTEREST IN A VACATION TIME SHARING PLAN AND A VACATION MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP INTEREST.
Rep. VAUGHN explained the Bill.
Rep. KIRSH 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. 4526 -- Reps. Kelley, Edge, Barfield and Keegan: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-2420, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE IMPOSITION OF AND EXEMPTIONS FROM THE ADMISSIONS LICENSE TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEASURE OF THIS TAX DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY TAX OR FEE IMPOSED BY A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE THAT CONSTITUTES A PART OF THE CHARGE FOR ADMISSION.
The Committee on Ways and Means proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\BBM\9787JM.98), which was adopted.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION 1. The last paragraph of Section 12-21-2420 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Section 146 of Act 181 of 1993, is further amended to read:
"The tax imposed by this section shall must be paid by the person or persons paying such the admission price and shall must be collected and remitted to the South Carolina Department of Revenue by the person or persons collecting such the admission price. The tax imposed by this section shall does not apply to:
(a) any amount separately stated on the ticket of admission for the repayment of money borrowed for the purpose of constructing an athletic stadium or field by any accredited college or university; or
(b) any amount of the charge for admission, whether or not separately stated, that is a fee or tax imposed by a political subdivision of the State.
The revenue derived from the provisions of this section from fishing piers along the coast of South Carolina is hereby allocated for use of the Commercial Fisheries Division of the Department of Natural Resources."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect January 1, 1999./
Amend title to conform.
Rep. KELLEY explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Joint Resolution was taken up.
H. 4846 -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO FINANCE AND TAXATION BY ADDING SECTION 1A AND AMENDING EXISTING SECTION 6, SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL PERSONAL PROPERTY TO BE THE SUBJECT OF A SEPARATE MILLAGE LEVY WHICH MAY NOT EXCEED THE 1998 PROPERTY TAX YEAR LEVY ON SUCH PROPERTY, INCLUDING MILLAGE LEVIED FOR BONDED INDEBTEDNESS, TO PROVIDE THE PROPERTY TAX YEAR WHEN THIS SEPARATE LEVY FIRST APPLIES, TO REQUIRE THE 1998 MILLAGE RATE TO BE ADJUSTED ANNUALLY SO THAT REVENUE RAISED BY THE TAX ON PERSONAL PROPERTY DOES NOT EXCEED THE REVENUE RAISED BY THE 1998 MILLAGE RATE, AND TO MAKE A CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
Rep. McLEOD 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.
The following Bill was taken up.
H. 4847 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-460 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PHASED-IN EXEMPTION FOR THE PROPERTY TAX ON PERSONAL PROPERTY BEGINNING WITH THE MILLAGE IMPOSED ON MOTOR VEHICLES FOR SCHOOL OPERATING PURPOSES EXTENDING OVER TIME TO ALL PROPERTY TAXES ON ALL PERSONAL PROPERTY, TO ESTABLISH THE MOTOR VEHICLE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF TRUST FUND AND REQUIRE A CUMULATIVE FIFTEEN PERCENT OF RECURRING GENERAL FUND REVENUE GROWTH TO BE CREDITED TO THE FUND TO REIMBURSE LOCAL TAXING ENTITIES FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES NOT COLLECTED BECAUSE OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY THIS SECTION, TO REQUIRE LOCAL TAXING ENTITIES TO ADJUST MILLAGE IMPOSED ON PERSONAL PROPERTY ANNUALLY SO THAT THE AMOUNT RAISED BY THE MILLAGE AND THE REIMBURSEMENT IN TOTAL DO NOT EXCEED 1998 TAX YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX REVENUES, TO PRESCRIBE THE ORDER OF THE VARIOUS TAX LIABILITIES TO WHICH THE EXEMPTION APPLIES, TO PROVIDE FOR REIMBURSEMENTS TO LOCAL TAXING ENTITIES WHEN ALL PERSONAL PROPERTY IS WHOLLY EXEMPT FROM PROPERTY TAX, TO PROVIDE THAT PROPERTY EXEMPTED FROM PROPERTY TAX BY THIS SECTION NEVERTHELESS IS CONSIDERED TAXABLE PROPERTY AT ITS 1998 ASSESSED VALUE FOR PURPOSES OF BONDED INDEBTEDNESS AND THE INDEX OF TAXPAYING ABILITY, AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS.
Rep. McLEOD 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. 4856 -- Reps. Delleney and Wilkins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-19-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF JUSTICES AND JUDGES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL MATERIALS CONCERNING A WITHDRAWN CANDIDATE INCLUDING HIS REPORT, TRANSCRIPT, APPLICATION MATERIALS, AND ALL INFORMATION GATHERED DURING THE COMMISSION'S INVESTIGATION MUST BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND DESTROYED AND IS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 2-19-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS, SO AS TO REMOVE WITHDRAWN CANDIDATES FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION AND PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL ALSO IS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.
Rep. FLEMING 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. 4855 -- Reps. Haskins, Whatley, Sandifer, Neilson, Barfield, Mason, Tripp, Inabinett, Altman, Barrett, T. Brown, Allison, J. Hines, Littlejohn, Neal, Wilder, Knotts, Cato, Loftis, Vaughn, Wilkins, McCraw, Easterday, Keegan, Leach, Davenport, Stoddard, McMahand, Hamilton, Phillips, F. Smith, H. Brown, Young-Brickell, Limehouse, Clyburn, Lloyd, Robinson, Trotter, Klauber, Lanford, Harrison, Koon, Townsend, Rice, Meacham, Edge, Riser and Hinson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-7-15 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A ZONING ORDINANCE OF A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY FROM PROHIBITING CHURCH RELATED ACTIVITIES IN A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE.
Rep. HASKINS explained the Bill.
Rep. CAVE 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.
Rep. TOWNSEND asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4836 from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Rep. KNOTTS objected.
On motion of Rep. H. BROWN, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Ways and Means.
S. 958 -- Senators Drummond, Land, Moore, McConnell, Courson, Bryan, Martin, Passailaigue and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 9, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, BY ADDING CHAPTER 16 PROVIDING FOR RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDS, INCLUDING
DEFINITIONS, FIDUCIARY DUTIES, INVESTMENT PLANS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESTABLISHING THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS INVESTMENT PANEL AND PROVIDING FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, AND DUTIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-1-1310, 9-8-160, 9-9-150, AND 9-11-240, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AS THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUNDS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SYSTEM, RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS, RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE INVESTMENTS ALLOWED AND SAFEGUARDS IMPOSED WITH RESPECT TO THE INVESTMENT OF THE FUNDS OF THE VARIOUS SYSTEMS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE INVESTMENT OF RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDS IN EQUITY SECURITIES; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 30-4-40 AND 30-4-70, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MATTERS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE AND MEETINGS WHICH MAY BE CLOSED FOR PURPOSES OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO EXEMPT RECORDS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS OR OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS OF THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS IF DISCLOSURE WOULD JEOPARDIZE INVESTMENT DECISIONS OR OBJECTIVES AND ALLOW THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO MEET IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AS TRUSTEE OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS IF DISCLOSURE WOULD JEOPARDIZE INVESTMENT DECISIONS OR OBJECTIVES.
Rep. KNOTTS asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4587 from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. MOODY-LAWRENCE objected.
The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate.
H. 4360 -- Reps. Limehouse, Wilkins, Altman, Barrett, Bauer, Barfield, H. Brown, Campsen, Cato, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Felder, Fleming, Harrell, Harrison, Haskins, Hawkins, Jordan, Keegan, Kelley, Kinon, Klauber, Law, Littlejohn, Lloyd, McMaster, Maddox, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Sandifer, D. Smith, F. Smith, R. Smith, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Whatley, Witherspoon, Young, Bailey, Cotty, Hinson, Gamble, Knotts, Leach, Meacham, Rodgers, Seithel, Stille, Easterday, Mason, Young-Brickell and J. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 48 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR ACT" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING IF A PERSON IS A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR, TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHTS OF SUCH PERSONS IN THIS PROCESS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMITMENT OF SUCH PERSON TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH UPON ANTICIPATION OF RELEASE FROM INCARCERATION UNTIL THE PERSON IS SAFE TO BE AT LARGE; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1110, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO COMPENSATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIME AND TOLLING THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME WHO HAVE A CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST AN INCARCERATED OFFENDER, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE TOLLING OF THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME IN REGARD TO PERSONS RELEASED FROM COMMITMENT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 48 OF TITLE 44; TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 24, RELATING TO THE STATE PRISON SYSTEM, BY ADDING SECTION 24-3-85 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO ADMIT AND DETAIN PERSONS TRANSFERRED PURSUANT TO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 48 OF TITLE 44; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-22-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO THE RIGHTS OF MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS, SO AS TO EXCLUDE FROM THE DEFINITION OF "PATIENT" A PERSON COMMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 48 OF TITLE 44.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up.
H. 4710 -- Reps. Stoddard, Wilder and Carnell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DESIGNATE AND NAME A PORTION OF EAST FARLEY AVENUE LOCATED IN THE CITY OF LAURENS AS THE "ISAAC WHITE AVENUE" IN HONOR OF ISAAC WHITE, A LONG-TIME EDUCATOR AND COMMUNITY LEADER, AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS TO THAT EFFECT.
Whereas, Isaac White has made substantial contributions to public education and has been a devoted community advocate; and
Whereas, Isaac White has been widely respected in Laurens County for many years and is known for his caring attitude and commitment to community improvement; and
Whereas, the General Assembly believes it would be a fitting tribute to this distinguished South Carolinian if the Department of Transportation named a portion of East Farley Avenue, located in the City of Laurens, in honor of this outstanding and giving man and that appropriate signs be placed on the avenue reflecting this designation. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina request the Department of Transportation to designate and name a portion of East Farley Avenue located in the City of Laurens as the "Isaac White Avenue" in honor of Isaac White, a long-time educator and community leader, and to erect appropriate signs to that effect.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Isaac White and the Department of Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up.
H. 4709 -- Reps. Stoddard, Wilder and Carnell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DESIGNATE AND NAME THE HIGHWAY 127 BYPASS IN LAURENS COUNTY AS THE "WILLIAM L. PATTERSON HIGHWAY" IN HONOR OF WILLIAM L. PATTERSON, A FORMER HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER FROM LAURENS COUNTY AND TO ERECT THE APPROPRIATE SIGNS.
Whereas, William L. Patterson has contributed much to the fine transportation system enjoyed by the citizens of Laurens County and this State by serving on the Highway Commission; and
Whereas, Mr. Patterson earned utmost respect from the citizens of Laurens County by being a dedicated and selfless public servant; and
Whereas, it is fitting and proper that the Highway 127 Bypass in Laurens County be designated as the "William L. Patterson Highway". Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, requests that the Department of Transportation designate the Highway 127 Bypass in Laurens County the "William L. Patterson Highway" and to erect appropriate signs.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. William L. Patterson and the Department of Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up.
H. 4563 -- Reps. Sandifer and Barrett: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS AT EXIT ONE AT ITS NORTHBOUND ENTRANCE ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 85 IN OCONEE COUNTY THAT INFORM MOTORISTS THAT THE CITY OF SENECA MAY BE ACCESSED FROM THIS EXIT.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly request that the Department of Transportation erect appropriate signs at exit one at its northbound entrance along Interstate Highway 85 in Oconee County that inform motorists that the City of Seneca may be accessed from this exit.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up.
H. 4457 -- Reps. Rodgers, Tripp, Altman, Littlejohn, Simrill, Meacham, Hinson, Allison, Bowers, Stuart, H. Brown, Loftis, Harrell, Witherspoon, Kennedy, Young-Brickell, Spearman, Barfield, McCraw, Kirsh, Davenport, Phillips, Kelley, Walker, Boan, Beck, Cato, Mason, Leach, Hamilton and Limehouse: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE CONGRESS TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND SUBMIT TO THE STATES FOR RATIFICATION AN AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE ALL FEDERAL COURT JUDGES TO BE RECONFIRMED BY THE UNITED STATES SENATE EVERY TEN YEARS, AND TO ENACT LEGISLATION ACCORDINGLY.
Whereas, Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States provides, in pertinent part, that the judges, both of the Supreme Court and such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish, shall hold their offices during good behavior; and
Whereas, the interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar province of the courts, and the complete independence of the courts of justice is recognized as essential under our constitutional form of government, so as to ensure and preserve public confidence in the state and federal judicial systems, and in the stability of the rule of law; and
Whereas, lifetime tenure for judges during good behavior was intended to foster, aid, and protect the judges who must interpret and declare the sense of the law, but was never intended to shield judges from reasonable accountability for their excesses, neglects, or unwarranted judicial activism; and
Whereas, in the recent past, Congress has held hearings attempting to define judicial activism, and to determine the nature and extent of the impact of excesses, neglects, and judicial activism on the balance of powers under our constitutional form of government, and on public confidence in the stability of the rule of law, and will undoubtedly give further consideration to these matters in future sessions of Congress; and
Whereas, the Congress presently has legislation pending before it to address the problems arising from some judges' excesses, neglects, and judicial activism, including one or more proposed amendments to the Constitution. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the Congress of the United States is hereby memorialized to amend the Constitution of the United States and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to require all federal court judges to be reconfirmed by the United States Senate every ten years, and to enact legislation accordingly.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the United States Senate, the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
Rep. McLEOD spoke against the Concurrent Resolution.
The question then recurred to the adoption of the Concurrent Resolution.
Rep. SHEHEEN demanded the yeas and nays, which were not ordered.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the Senate by a division vote of 44 to 34.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up.
H. 4728 -- Reps. Battle, Witherspoon, Barfield, M. Hines and Miller: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO RENAME THE GALIVANT'S FERRY PUBLIC BOAT LANDING IN MARION COUNTY AS THE JOSEPH W. HOLLIDAY BOAT LANDING.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation to rename the Galivant's Ferry Boat Landing in Marion County as the Joseph W. Holliday Boat Landing.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up.
H. 4677 -- Rep. Barfield: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND SPECIFICALLY THE HONORABLE STROM THURMOND AND THE HONORABLE FLOYD SPENCE TO SUPPORT AND EXPEDITE THE UPGRADE OF COLONEL LOGAN E. WESTON'S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS TO THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR.
Whereas, Colonel Logan E. Weston, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, United States Army (Retired), is a veteran of three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam; and
Whereas, Colonel Logan E. Weston's unwavering devotion to his country and to his faith have earned him a larger-than-life reputation and undying devotion from his men even to this day; and
Whereas, Colonel Logan E. Weston is considered one of the most heavily decorated soldiers in American history; and
Whereas, Colonel Logan E. Weston has received over four hundred medals and awards, among them two Distinguished Service Crosses, five Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars, six Purple Hearts, and a Legion of Merit; and
Whereas, a book has been written recently on the life of Colonel Logan E. Weston entitled The Fightin' Preacher; and
Whereas, the Americans for America Foundation has established the Logan E. Weston Award for outstanding integrity and morality, honesty, leadership capabilities, vision, unquestionable patriotism and service to God, family, and country; and
Whereas, past recipients of the Logan E. Weston Award include the Honorable Robert J. Dole, Dr. James E. T. Hopkins, and Larry Wayne Gatlin; and
Whereas, the United States Department of Defense, Pentagon, through the United States Total Army Personnel Command, has determined that there is merit that one of Colonel Logan E. Weston's Distinguished Service Crosses be upgraded to the Congressional Medal of Honor and has recommended that it be further processed; and
Whereas, the Department of the Army, Military Awards Branch, has forwarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Award recommendation to the Army Decorations Board, along with all supporting documentation, for their determination to the Secretary of the Army; and
Whereas, Colonel Logan E. Weston's health has declined in recent years. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring: that the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, call upon South Carolina's United States Congressional Delegation to support the deserved and long overdue upgrade of the Distinguished Service Cross to the Congressional Medal of Honor to South Carolina's own, "The Fightin' Preacher", Colonel Logan E. Weston.
Be it further resolved that the members of the South Carolina General Assembly specifically call upon Senator Strom Thurmond, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Floyd Spence, Chairman of the House National Security Committee, to work with the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of Defense to ensure that this upgrading process does not get mired down in Pentagon bureaucracy, so that Colonel Logan E. Weston's countless family and friends here in South Carolina can see that correct action can finally be taken by the United States Defense Department in the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Colonel Logan E. Weston, while Colonel Logan E. Weston is still alive.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up.
H. 4679 -- Rep. Barfield: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO REESTABLISH CIVILIAN CONTROL OVER THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS AND EFFECTIVE CUSTODIANSHIP OVER THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND TO MEMORIALIZE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT AND MONITOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE IN THESE MATTERS AND TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN SENIOR NATIONAL GUARD OFFICERS TO BE OF SUFFICIENT RANK AND AUTHORITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEFENSE BUDGETING PROCESS.
Whereas, the National Guard, as this nation's organized militia, is constitutionally recognized as an existing and permanent part of our government and our way of life; and
Whereas, except during extreme national crisis, the founders provided for the management of the National Guard to be equally shared between the Congress of the United States and the respective states in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution of the United States of America; and
Whereas, the Constitution empowers the Congress to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia training, reserving to the respective states the appointment of the officers of the militia and the authority of training the militia to the standards prescribed by Congress, this being one of two places in the Constitution where power is shared with the states, the other being a process to amend the document itself; and
Whereas, the existence of a well-organized and disciplined militia, officered by the citizens of the respective states and under the peacetime control of the respective states, was accepted by the prospective citizens of the United States as a necessary and sufficient protection of their liberties and freedoms from any encroachments by a standing military force under the control of the President; and
Whereas, the inclusion of the militia clause led proximately to the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United States; and
Whereas, the Constitution assigns three constitutional roles to the National Guard as the nation's militia; two of which are civil: suppressing rebellion and enforcing the laws of the union; and one which is military: repelling invasion; and
Whereas, under the enabling portion of this legislation, Congress has appointed the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force as the custodians of the nation's militia and requires them to ensure their readiness at all times; and
Whereas, the Congress of the United States also has seen fit to pass laws that place the National Guard in the first line of defense alongside the standing military forces of the United States, that specify the components of the National Guard as a separate land force and a separate air force, and that direct that they be organized in the same manner as the Army and the Air Force; and
Whereas, the United States of America has and will base its defense on the militia construct pursuant to which large military forces have in the past only been maintained when justified by an immediate lethal threat to national security while the bulk of our land force capability is maintained under the control of the citizens in the National Guard; and
Whereas, the Cold War ended in 1990 immediately reducing and ultimately eliminating any direct lethal threats to the American people, their liberties and their freedoms, from conventional military forces; and
Whereas, the leadership of the Department of the Air Force has dutifully and effectively recognized that America is a militia and nation that has structured its force consistent with the beliefs of the American people; and
Whereas, the Department of the Army has taken the opposite course, systematically attempting to reduce the military effectiveness of the Army National Guard of the United States and thereby denigrates its Constitutional and statutory role; and
Whereas, the Army has unlawfully reduced the size and reshaped the structure of the Army National Guard over the last eight years; and
Whereas, the Army has refused and failed to discharge its statutory respnosibilities to develop and maintain the readiness of the Army National Guard organizations and units as mandated by the laws of the United States in order to enable the Army Guard to execute its common law, constitutional and statutory responsibilities of providing for the safety and security of the American people; and
Whereas, this adversarial relationship, perpetrated and fostered since the Revolution by members of the Army, has resulted in a leadership environment within the three components of the Federal Army that is corrosive and destructive to the efficiency and effectiveness of our Nation's military forces; and
Whereas, the attitude and actions of the Army leadership indicates a lack of effective civilian control; and
Whereas, the National Guard and the other reserve forces lack an entry at a high enough level into the budgeting processes of the Department of Defense to ensure that their needs are heard and considered; and
Whereas, the Secretary of Defense's restatement of the Total Force Policy of September 4, 1998, remains unanswered and unexecuted as it pertains to the Army National Guard. There is a dearth of evidence to indicate that the Army military leadership has altered its course denigrating the Army National Guard since the end of the Cold War; and
Whereas, the trust and confidence we place in the officers of the Department of Defense is based on the custodianship of the Army and Air National Guard provided by the Secretary of the Army and the Air Force. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, memorialize the Secretary of Defense to reestablish civilian control over the military departments and the effective custodianship of The Secretary of the Army over the Army National Guard of the United States and memorialize the Army to take those steps necessary to ensure that the Army National Guard achieves the readiness levels established in law by the Constitution and statutes of the United States.
Be it further resolved that the members of the South Carolina General Assembly memorialize the Congressional Delegation of this State to closely and continuously monitor the reestablishment of civilian control of the military and the Department of Defense custodianship over the National Guard and to provide Congressional support necessary to allow the Secretary of Defense to achieve this goal; to insist that the Army leadership provide the resources and assistance prescribed for all units of the Army National Guard to achieve and maintain the readiness level established by Congress; and to provide for the senior military officer of the National Guard on duty in the Department of Defense along with one officer of the Federal Reserve components to be of sufficient rank and authority to participate in the defense budgeting process as equals with the uniformed Service Chiefs.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Secretary of Defense and copies forwarded to the South Carolina Congressional Delegation and to Adjutant General, Stan Spears.
Rep. BARFIELD explained the Concurrent Resolution.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the Senate.
Rep. HASKINS 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. 4871 -- Rep. Harrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-160, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RECIPROCAL CERTIFICATION OF PHYSICIANS BY THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO ALLOW RECIPROCAL CERTIFICATION OF PHYSICIANS LICENSED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF CANADA.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
H. 4872 -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, McGee, Inabinett, Lloyd, J. Hines, Breeland, Gourdine, Canty, Clyburn, Byrd, McKay, Rhoad, Cave, Stuart and Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-251, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND, BY PROVIDING THAT TAXING DISTRICTS MUST BE REIMBURSED ON A PER CAPITA BASIS FROM REVENUES CREDITED TO THE STATE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE AMOUNT REIMBURSED TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT IS INSUFFICIENT TO REIMBURSE FULLY FOR THE BASE YEAR OPERATING MILLAGE, THE SCHOOL BOARD SHALL CALCULATE A SCHOOL OPERATING MILLAGE SUFFICIENT TO MAKE UP THE SHORTFALL.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
H. 4873 -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Inabinett, Lloyd, Whatley, Breeland, Gourdine, Cave, Canty, Neal, Rhoad, Lee, Jennings, J. Hines, Clyburn, M. Hines, Phillips and Littlejohn: 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 A MOBILE HOME WHICH IS OCCUPIED AS A LEGAL RESIDENCE BY AN OWNER SIXTY-TWO YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
H. 4874 -- Reps. Rodgers, Kelley, Limehouse, Pinckney, Seithel, Inabinett, Lee, Bailey, Lloyd, Young-Brickell, Koon, Canty, Rhoad, Harvin, Davenport, Bowers and Littlejohn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CLASSIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT RATIOS OF PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO EXTEND THE FIVE PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO TO "COMMERCIAL VEHICLES" AND TO DEFINE "COMMERCIAL VEHICLES".
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
H. 4875 -- Reps. Haskins, D. Smith, Campsen, Jordan, Trotter, Cromer, Leach, Tripp, Young-Brickell, Seithel, Barrett, Maddox, Fleming, Rodgers, Hamilton, Davenport, Littlejohn, Limehouse, Robinson, Vaughn, Kirsh, Easterday, McMaster, Harrison, Loftis, Cooper, Allison, Whatley and Walker: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 1998, THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD SHALL ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITING BIDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY BY A THIRD PARTY FROM THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO STIPULATE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1999, SHALL OPEN THE BIDS AND ACCEPT THE HIGHEST SUITABLE BID, TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY TO CERTIFY ITS ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, AND PROVIDE ITS CERTIFIED INCOME STATEMENTS FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND BALANCE SHEET TO THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SOLICITATION, TO ALSO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY TO COOPERATE WITH INTERESTED BIDDERS IN THE PREPARATION OF THEIR BID, AND TO PROVIDE CIVIL REMEDIES AND PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PERFORM SUCH REQUIREMENTS OR TO COOPERATE, TO PROVIDE THAT IF A SUITABLE BID IS ACCEPTED THE REVENUE THEREFROM MUST BE DEPOSITED IN A FUND SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM THE STATE GENERAL FUND TO BE ENTITLED THE "SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION TRUST FUND", TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PRINCIPAL OF THIS TRUST FUND SHALL BE INVESTED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE EARNINGS FROM THE TRUST FUND SHALL BE ANNUALLY TRANSFERRED TO THE STATE GENERAL FUND AND USED FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANT PURPOSES AND FOR OTHER EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PROVIDE; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 31 OF TITLE 58 OF THE 1976 CODE RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY UPON FINAL CONSUMMATION OF THIS PURCHASE AND SALE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
H. 4876 -- Rep. Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 32-8-320, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MAY AUTHORIZE CREMATION OF A DECEDENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON DESIGNATED AS AGENT FOR THIS PURPOSE BY THE DECEDENT IN A WILL
OR OTHER VERIFIED AND ATTESTED DOCUMENT HAS THE FIRST PRIORITY TO AUTHORIZE CREMATION OF A DECEDENT.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
H. 4877 -- Reps. Sharpe, Kirsh, G. Brown, Cooper and Beck: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-13-253 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION TO ADMINISTER A CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR COSMETOLOGISTS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO COURSE PROVIDERS, INSTRUCTORS AND CONTENT.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
Rep. SCOTT moved that the House do now adjourn, which was adopted.
At 1:10 P.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. J. BROWN adjourned in memory of Thomas Grate of New Light/Anderson, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.
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