Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 2:00 P.M.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark, as follows:

Lord, it is easy to take for granted Your protection. So now we want to thank You for Your presence with us each day and night. Thank You for the constancy of Your love, even when we sleep through it. There are many times that we have passed You without noticing. With Your forgiveness, move us to a new day as living as Your child. Take the hand of each of us and bring out the best within us this day.
Take this our prayer and all our petitions, shaping them to be presented to our God who is always "nearer to us than breathing and closer to us than hands and feet." Amen.

Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

Rep. J. BROWN moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Allen Douglas of Columbia, which was agreed to.

January 13, 1999
The Honorable Rex Fontaine Rice
418 Blatt Building
Columbia, S.C. 29211

Dear Rex:
It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, effective January 14, 1999. This appointment is to fill the vacancy which occurred when Representative Boan resigned from the House of Representatives. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.

Sincerely,
David H. Wilkins
Speaker of the House

January 13, 1999
The Honorable James H. Lucas
320A Blatt Building
Columbia, S.C. 29211

Dear Jay:

It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, effective January 14, 1999. This appointment is to fill the vacancy which occurred when Representative Rice was reassigned. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.

January 13, 1999
The Honorable J.M. Knotts, Jr.
323D Blatt Building
Columbia, S.C. 29211

Dear Jake:

It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Rules Committee, effective January 14, 1999. This appointment is to fill the vacancy which occurred when Representative Rice resigned from the committee. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.

Sincerely,
David H. Wilkins
Speaker of the House

January 13, 1999
The Honorable Dwight Loftis
530A Blatt Building
Columbia, S.C. 29211

Dear Dwight:
It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, effective January 14, 1999. This appointment is to fill the vacancy which occurred when Representative Hamilton was reassigned. I know

Sincerely,
David H. Wilkins
Speaker of the House

January 13, 1999
The Honorable Glenn L. Hamilton
312-A Blatt Building
Columbia, S.C. 29211

Dear Glenn:

It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Education and Public Works Committee, effective January 14, 1999. This appointment is to fill the vacancy which occurred when Representative Loftis was reassigned. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.

Sincerely,
David H. Wilkins
Speaker of the House

The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:

Document No. 2343
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Office of Occupational Safety and Health Compliance
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 41-15-210
Procedures for Interior Structural Firefighting
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 19, 1999

Document No. 2352
Agency: Department of Health and Environmental Control
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 48-1-30 through 48-1-60
61-62.5 Standard 3. Waste Combustion and Reduction
61-62.1 Definitions and General Requirements
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 19, 1999
Referred to House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Legislative Review Expiration May 19, 1999

Document No. 2372
Agency: Department of Health and Environmental Control
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 48-1-30, 44-1-50
Procedures for Contested Cases
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 20, 1999
Referred to House Committee on Judiciary
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 1999

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

H. 3155 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, H. Brown, J. Brown, Harrison, Cato, Townsend, Sharpe, Haskins, D. Smith, Harrell, Edge, Robinson and Campsen: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 9, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO SESSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ANNUAL SESSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMENCING AT VARYING TIMES IN EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS AND ODD-NUMBERED YEARS AND FOR AN ORGANIZATIONAL SESSION FOR THE SENATE IN CERTAIN YEARS, DELETE CERTAIN OBSOLETE LANGUAGE, PROVIDE FOR ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN MEETINGS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

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

H. 3156 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, H. Brown, J. Brown, Harrison, Cato, Townsend, Sharpe, Haskins, D. Smith, Harrell, Edge, Robinson and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-1-180, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ADJOURNMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE FOR THE MANDATORY ADJOURNMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE FIRST THURSDAY IN JUNE TO THE SECOND THURSDAY IN MAY, AND PROVIDE THAT IN ANY YEAR THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FAILS TO GIVE THIRD READING TO THE APPROPRIATIONS BILL BY MARCH FIFTEENTH, RATHER THAN MARCH THIRTY-FIRST, THE DATE OF ADJOURNMENT IS EXTENDED BY ONE STATEWIDE DAY FOR EACH STATEWIDE DAY AFTER MARCH FIFTEENTH, RATHER THAN MARCH THIRTY-FIRST, THAT THE HOUSE FAILS TO GIVE THE BILL THIRD READING.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3002 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Hawkins, Altman, J. Brown, Loftis, Leach, Kelley, Harvin, Walker, D. Smith, Campsen, Stille, Davenport, Rice, Barrett, Cotty, Lanford, Wilder, Sharpe, Delleney, Littlejohn, Tripp, Witherspoon, Harris, Carnell, Kirsh, Vaughn, Webb, McKay, Riser, Sandifer, Cato, Simrill, Allison, Harrison, Barfield, McGee, Meacham, Hamilton, Koon, Fleming, Martin, Mason, Gilham, Edge, Robinson, Emory, McCraw and W. McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-19-170, ENACTING THE GAMBLING CRUISE PROHIBITION ACT, SO AS TO PROHIBIT GAMBLING ON A CRAFT THAT EMBARKS AND DISEMBARKS FROM ANY POINT IN THIS STATE AND TO MAKE THIS PROHIBITION APPLY WHETHER OR NOT THE GAMBLING ACTIVITIES ARE

The following was introduced:

H. 3306 (Word version) -- Reps. Bowers and Simrill: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY DELETING RULE 10.6 RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF REMOVING LAPTOP COMPUTERS IN THE HOUSE CHAMBER FROM THE CHAMBER.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Rules.

The following was introduced:

H. 3307 (Word version) -- Reps. Woodrum, Harvin, G. Brown, M. McLeod, Allen, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bailey, Bales, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bauer, Beck, Bowers, Breeland, Campsen, Canty, Carnell, Cato, Cave, Chellis, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Cotty, D. Smith, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Emory, F. Smith, Fleming, Gamble, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, H. Brown, Hamilton, Harrell, Harris, Harrison, Haskins, Hawkins, Hayes, Hinson, Howard, Inabinett, J. Brown, J. Hines, J. Smith, Jennings, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Law, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lourie, Lucas, M. Hines, Mack, Maddox, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McGee, McKay, McMahand, Meacham, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Neal, Neilson, Ott, Parks, Phillips, Pinckney, Quinn, R. Smith, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, Spearman, Stille, Stuart, T. Brown, Taylor, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, W. McLeod, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Whipper, Wilder, Wilkes, Wilkins, Witherspoon and Young-Brickell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO WILLIAM JEFFREY "JEFF" YOUNG, OF SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS THE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE OF DISTRICT 67, AND TO RECOGNIZE HIS HARD WORK AS A REPRESENTATIVE AND AS A MEMBER AND SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE

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

H. 3308 (Word version) -- Rep. Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 34-39-140, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATION AS A DEFERRED PRESENTMENT SERVICE, AND SECTION 34-41-30, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATION AS A CHECK-CASHING SERVICE, BOTH SO AS TO EXEMPT A GROCERY STORE AND A DRUGSTORE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR REFUND OF A LICENSING OR INVESTIGATION FEE PAID BY A GROCERY STORE OR A DRUGSTORE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 3309 (Word version) -- Reps. Knotts and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON, BY ADDING ARTICLE 19, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA VIOLENCE PREVENTION AUTHORITY" WHICH SHALL COORDINATE VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 79 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES AND THE FEES MUST BE USED FOR THE OPERATION OF THE VIOLENCE PREVENTION AUTHORITY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 3310 (Word version) -- Reps. Knotts and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-13-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S JURISDICTION WHEN HE IS IN PURSUIT OF AN OFFENDER, SO AS TO EXPAND THE JURISDICTION OF

H. 3311 (Word version) -- Reps. Knotts, Cotty, Whatley, Scott, Kelley and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR PRETRIAL INTERVENTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE WHO HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN ACCEPTED INTO AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM AND WHO IS CHARGED WITH AN ALCOHOL-RELATED MISDEMEANOR MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR PRETRIAL INTERVENTION.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 3312 (Word version) -- Reps. Knotts, Whatley, Kelley, Keegan and Cotty: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE SALES AND USE TAX, SO AS TO INCLUDE EXEMPTIONS FOR THE SALE OF MEALS OR FOODSTUFFS TO A PERSON WHO IS CERTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO BE DECLARED TOTALLY DISABLED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 3313 (Word version) -- Reps. Breeland, Whipper, Sharpe, McMahand, Altman, Inabinett, Harrison, Beck, Miller, Harrell, J. Hines, Mack and Limehouse: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-39-160, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES BY STUDENTS IN GRADES NINE THROUGH TWELVE, SO AS TO REQUIRE STUDENTS TO HAVE AN OVERALL "C" AVERAGE IN THE PRECEDING SEMESTER AND PASS AT LEAST FOUR ACADEMIC COURSES, INCLUDING EACH UNIT REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION, AND TO REQUIRE DISTRICTS TO GIVE ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE TO THOSE STUDENTS WHO DESIRE TO PARTICIPATE BUT WHO DO NOT HAVE SUCH AN AVERAGE.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 3315 (Word version) -- Rep. Barrett: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 48 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE FEES COLLECTED.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 3316 (Word version) -- Reps. Bales, M. Hines, Hayes, Scott, Howard, Stuart, Neal and Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-1-400, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SICK LEAVE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CERTIFIED SCHOOL TEACHER SHALL BE PAID AT A RATE OF NOT LESS THAN FIFTY DOLLARS A DAY FOR ANY ACCRUED SICK LEAVE ACCUMULATED YEARLY IN EXCESS OF THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SICK LEAVE AUTHORIZED TO BE CARRIED FORWARD FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 3317 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe, Davenport, Witherspoon, R. Smith, Limehouse and Altman: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-96-85 SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS THAT APPLY TO THE DISPLACEMENT OF A PRIVATE COMPANY PROVIDING COLLECTION SERVICES FOR SOLID WASTE OR RECOVERED MATERIALS OR BOTH.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 3321 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-1-211, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE RETENTION OF SURCHARGE MONIES TO BE USED TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE VICTIMS OF CRIME, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF MONIES ARE WITHHELD OR DIVERTED FROM AN AGENCY OR OFFICE HAVING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROVIDING SERVICES, THEN THE DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND LIABILITIES OF PROVIDING THESE SERVICES MUST BE ASSUMED BY THE AGENCY OR OFFICE WHICH RECEIVED THE MONIES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 3322 (Word version) -- Reps. Rodgers, Pinckney, Lloyd and Gilham: 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

The following was introduced:

H. 3318 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter and Stuart: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION APPLAUDING THE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP OF RANDOLPH D. SMOAK, JR., M.D., OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY IN HIS ROLE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND RECOGNIZING HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE

The following was introduced:

H. 3319 (Word version) -- Reps. Inabinett, Moody-Lawrence, Campsen, Neal, Mack and Whipper: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FIRST THURSDAY IN MAY (MAY 6, 1999) AS "LEGISLATIVE FAMILY DAY 1999" IN RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF THE PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING SHOWN BY THE FAMILIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE WONDERFUL SUPPORT GIVEN BY THESE GREAT FAMILIES TO THE MEMBERS AS THEY CARRY OUT THEIR LEGISLATIVE DUTIES, AND ASKING EACH MEMBER TO SHOW HIS OR HER APPRECIATION TO THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ON THIS DAY.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

The following was introduced:

H. 3323 (Word version) -- Rep. Mason: A HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HONORABLE SANDRA K. MCKINNEY, CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TO COLLECT AND PUBLISH THE 1999 SESSIONAL PRAYERS OF THE HOUSE CHAPLAIN, THE REVEREND DR. ALTON C. CLARK OF LITTLE MOUNTAIN, AND PROVIDE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF EIGHTEEN HUNDRED COPIES OF THE CHAPLAIN'S COLLECTED PRAYERS AS DIRECTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The Resolution was adopted.

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 342 (Word version) -- Senators Giese, Patterson, Courson and Jackson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1999, AS "DISABILITIES DAY", TO ENDORSE THE "B.A.C.-COFFEE DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES" PROJECT AND OTHER OUTSTANDING PROGRAMS OF EASTER SEALS SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A JOINT SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 11:30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1999, AT WHICH TIME THE STATE EASTER SEAL REPRESENTATIVES AND THEIR PARENTS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 343 (Word version) -- Senator Cork: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE CROSS ISLAND PARKWAY BRIDGE IN BEAUFORT COUNTY THE "CHARLES E. FRASER BRIDGE" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 347 (Word version) -- Senator Holland: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DESIGNATE THE BRIDGE ON S.C. 52 NORTH OF CHERAW IN CHESTERFIELD COUNTY AS THE "GILBERT (GIL) FRANKLIN HALMA BRIDGE."
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:

Allen                  Allison                Altman
Bailey                 Bales                  Barfield
Barrett                Bauer                  Beck
Bowers                 Breeland               Brown G.
Brown H.               Brown J.               Brown T.
Campsen                Carnell                Cato
Chellis                Clyburn                Cobb-Hunt
Cooper                 Cotty                  Dantzler
Davenport              Delleney               Easterday
Edge                   Emory                  Fleming
Gamble                 Gilham                 Gourdine
Govan                  Hamilton               Harrell
Harris                 Harrison               Harvin
Haskins                Hawkins                Hayes
Hines J.               Hines M.               Hinson
Howard                 Inabinett              Keegan
Kelley                 Kennedy                Kirsh
Klauber                Knotts                 Koon
Lanford                Law                    Leach
Lee                    Limehouse              Littlejohn
Lloyd                  Loftis                 Lourie
Lucas                  Mack                   Maddox
Martin                 Mason                  McCraw
McGee                  McKay                  McLeod M.
McLeod W.              McMahand               Meacham
Miller                 Neal                   Parks
Phillips               Pinckney               Quinn
Rhoad                  Rice                   Riser
Robinson               Rodgers                Rutherford
Sandifer               Scott                  Seithel
Sharpe                 Sheheen                Simrill
Smith D.               Smith J.               Smith R.
Spearman               Stille                 Stuart
Taylor                 Townsend               Tripp
Trotter                Vaughn                 Walker
Webb                   Whipper                Wilder
Wilkes                 Wilkins                Witherspoon
Woodrum                Young-Brickell

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, January 20.

Fletcher N. Smith, Jr.     Denny Neilson
Douglas Jennings, Jr.     Harry R. Ott
Bessie Moody-Lawrence

The SPEAKER granted Rep. BATTLE a leave of absence for the day to represent Governor Hodges in Raleigh at a conference for governors on the tobacco settlement.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. CAVE a temporary leave of absence.

Announcement was made that Dr. Andrew Pate of Lancaster 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 the 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. 3119 (Word version)
Date:     ADD:
01/20/99   ROBINSON

Rep. MILLER presented to the House the Waccamaw High School Band, 1998 State Class A Marching Band Champions, their directors and other school officials.

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

H. 3289 (Word version) -- Reps. Phillips, McCraw and Littlejohn: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT SCHOOL DAYS MISSED ON JANUARY 4, 5, AND 6, 1999, BY THE STUDENTS OF THE CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1998-99 WHEN THE SCHOOLS WERE CLOSED DUE TO ICE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS AND A LACK OF ELECTRICITY ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.

H. 3298 (Word version) -- Reps. Beck, Clyburn, R. Smith, Mason and Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 503 OF 1982, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AIKEN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE AIKEN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO REVISE THE BOARD'S AUTHORITY WITH REGARD TO ADMINISTRATIVE AREA OFFICES AND AREA ADVISORY COUNCILS.

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

H. 3259 (Word version) -- Reps. Chellis, H. Brown, Seithel, Stuart, Edge, R. Smith, Young-Brickell, Cave, Cato, Tripp, Altman, Robinson, Bailey, Barrett, Beck, Dantzler, Fleming, Leach, Hinson, Loftis, Meacham, Sandifer, Riser, Harrell, Witherspoon, Hamilton, Wilkins, Keegan, Kelley, Walker, Rodgers, Neilson, Webb, Simrill, Limehouse, Gilham, McKay, Govan, Bales, Davenport, Lanford, Sharpe, Knotts, Whatley,

Rep. CHELLIS explained the Joint Resolution.

Rep. CHELLIS proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\DKA\AMEND\311OHTC99), which was adopted.
Amend the resolution, as and if amended, SECTION 1, page 1, lines 25 and 35, by striking /1994/ and inserting /1993/.
Amend further, line 38, by striking /1994 and/ and inserting /1993 through/.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. CHELLIS explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. SHEHEEN raised the Point of Order that in accordance with House Rule 5.3B, the Joint Resolution appropriated more than ten million dollars and therefore was required to show a corresponding reduction in appropriation.
The SPEAKER stated that the rule applied only to an amendment to the General and Supplemental Appropriations Bill and overruled the Point of Order.

Rep. CHELLIS moved to adjourn debate on the Joint Resolution, which was adopted.

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

Rep. TROTTER moved that the House recede until 6:30 P.M., which was adopted.

Further proceedings were interrupted by the House receding.

The House stood at ease subject to the call of the Chair.

At 6:55 P.M. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

At 7:00 P.M. the Senate appeared in the Hall of the House.

The President of the Senate called the Joint Assembly to order and announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses.

S. 346 (Word version) -- Senators Drummond, Holland, Saleeby, J. Verne Smith, Land, Setzler, Leatherman, Leventis, McConnell, Moore, Peeler, Bryan, Courson, Giese, Matthews, Thomas, Wilson, Patterson, Russell, McGill, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Washington, Reese, Hayes, Courtney, Cork, Elliott, Ford, Glover, Gregory, Jackson, Martin, Mescher, Rankin, Ryberg, Short, Waldrep, Alexander, Fair, Hutto, Anderson, Ravenel, Branton and Grooms: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION INVITING HIS EXCELLENCY, JAMES H. HODGES, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION AT 7:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1999, IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Governor James H. Hodges and distinguished party were escorted to the rostrum by Senators Anderson, Branton, Short, Ravenel, Jackson and Alexander and Representatives HASKINS, BAILEY, G. BROWN, LEE, MCKAY AND GAMBLE. The President of the Senate introduced Governor Hodges who then addressed the Joint Assembly as follows:

Mr. Speaker...Mr. President...Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly...Distinguished Guests. It feels a little bit like coming home tonight ... As I look out over the floor where I worked for 11 years ... I see so many familiar faces.

Senator John Drummond ... what an honor to be able to stand with you. A true war hero ... ace fighter pilot, and prison camp survivor. You are just the kind of ally I want in the fight to make our schools better.

Representative Terry Haskins ...welcome back. I value the time we've spent working on important issues ... like government restructuring. And I am personally inspired by your own fight for your health. Your presence here is a daily reminder to all of us of the primary importance of our family ... and friends.

As we begin a new administration ... I look forward to working with ... and introducing the many new faces of South Carolina who will help. One of them is here with us tonight ... Michael Tecklenburg. Michael's story should inspire us all. When he was born ... Michael's parents were told he was mentally retarded. At age four, doctors learned the truth ... Michael is deaf. Through a life-long series of educational challenges, Michael kept at it ... insisting on being a full partner in his own education ... eventually becoming the first deaf student to graduate from the Columbia University School of Law. As our Washington representative ... Michael will work to advance South Carolina's interests in the nation's capitol.

Governors making a state-of-the-state address typically sound like a speaker at a testimonial dinner. Lots of grandiose rhetoric, patting yourself on the back, praise for all that's been accomplished ... with maybe a hint or two about the future. Not here. Not tonight. My friends, we face serious problems in South Carolina. We don't have the luxury to contentedly sit back and rest on our laurels. We need to solve these problems and we need to solve these problems starting right now.

One week ago, I stood on the State House steps and asked you to join me in a crusade for South Carolina's children. I said that ... working together ... we could put South Carolina on a march to greatness.
But to paraphrase an ancient saying, a march of a thousand miles must begin with the very first steps. We must take those first steps tonight, my friends, because for too many children in South Carolina, the state of our State is not bright. Just look at the sobering statistics in the national Kid's Count Report.

South Carolina's rankings are dismal. Forty-seventh in infant mortality. Forty-fifth for children living in poverty. And when they add up everything that measures a child's health and welfare, we are forty-eighth. .... Forty-eighth! And what happens when these kids get to school? For most, the situation doesn't get any better. In South

During my campaign, as I walked through schools I heard horror stories about insulation falling through the ceiling ... puddles in the hallway from dripping pipes ... bathroom fixtures broken off or inoperable ... dingy, makeshift classrooms beyond repair. Superintendent Rhett Dean tells me that in Marion School District 3, he'd like to produce students ready to take on the scientific and technical challenges of the 21st Century. But he's got science labs so out of date his students have no chance to compete. These aren't isolated examples. This is the state of our schools.

Sure there are some so-called "rich" districts. But so many families are moving into those communities that children privileged to live there are rewarded with crowded, portable classrooms. Superintendent Frank Vail in Lexington District 4 can tell you about the challenges of growth. He's already got the equivalent of an entire school in portables ... and his district is growing by 150 to 200 students a year.
My friends, I propose an agreement ... an agreement that we all begin tonight to improve the state of our State ... by improving the state of our children's education.

Now, I want to speak directly to the parents of South Carolina's children. Many parents think that educating our children is the government's responsibility. They couldn't be more wrong. Government can hire teachers and buy educational software and computers and textbooks and facilities. But government can't do it all. You can't buy educational excellence. Education isn't something that's done to your children. Education is something that's done by your children and with your children. Parents can't drop their children off at school like they do their dry cleaning and then expect their kids to come back from school at the end of the day all well starched and nicely folded to be put away until tomorrow.

Excellence in education only happens when parents join government and teachers and students to make it happen. Parents, join us in our crusade for our children. I propose that during this school year ... and at the beginning of each school year ... every parent sign a "Compact with Our Children" ... a pledge to set high standards for ourselves as partners in our children's education. We've got to set the bar high ... teachers, students, and parents share in the responsibility to set ... and live up to high standards. That's what accountability is all about.

What do we need from you? A pledge that you will require regular and punctual school attendance. A pledge you will read to your young children, and encourage the older ones to read for themselves. A pledge to provide a quiet, well-lighted study area, adequate rest, food, and a healthy environment. A pledge to support school activities by volunteering, visiting the classroom, and attending parent-teacher conferences.
I'll make sure a copy of this "Compact with Our Children" gets to every parent of South Carolina's public school children. I urge each of you to sign the compact to help us set higher standards in education.
Members of the General Assembly ... there are things you can do to help our schools.

Let's get specific. First, we must adopt a state lottery with the proceeds constitutionally committed to education. An education lottery will generate at least $150 million dollars a year for our children. That's $150 million above and beyond any other existing state funding for education. If we need a reminder why those dollars are so important ... look around this familiar old building. The renovation of the State House and this chamber, completed just months ago, is a beautiful tribute to the importance of government. We cannot send our children a message that the condition of their schools is any less important. Each day in session, you sit at custom-made workstations ... work with the help of personal laptop computers. You realized lawmakers can't do 21st Century business with 19th Century tools and technology. Our children's access to the latest tools and technology for learning cannot be any less of a priority.

Let us begin by pledging to pass a joint resolution to place a lottery referendum on the ballot in the year 2000. With lottery dollars, we can build the 21st Century schools our kids need. We can get them out of those overcrowded classrooms. In our sister state of Georgia, lottery dollars are already paying big education dividends. Since 1993, almost 400,000 Georgia students have shared more than $600 million in HOPE scholarship money. This year alone, 61,000 Georgia children will attend pre-kindergarten programs funded by lottery dollars. And now, more than 44 percent of secondary school classrooms in Georgia are computer-equipped. Before the lottery, that number was two percent.

I know some of you here tonight don't favor a lottery. But I admire the statesmanship of people like Senator John Courson ...and Representative Joe Neal, who, while personally opposed, recognize that the lottery issue must ultimately be decided by all South

It's time to take another giant step. I'm requesting the General Assembly dedicate fully one half of the available dollars coming to the general fund and the EIA to educate our children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This represents increased educational spending of $380 million. This $380 million will jump-start us on the march to educational greatness. Let's use some of these dollars to cut class size. Today our teachers in kindergarten through third grade are often teaching twenty or more kids in a class.
My own son, Luke, attended kindergarten with 25 children in his class. No teacher can give the individual attention every child deserves in classes of that size. We've got to get that ratio down to a manageable level. Let's shoot this year for an average of no more than 17 children for every teacher in kindergarten through third grade. That's still too many, but it's a good first step on the way to 15 to 1 ... that's where you can begin to see real performance gains. Decreased class size demands more good teachers. To assist in solving this problem, I propose we turn to our corps of retired teachers. As the law stands, those veteran educators take their experience home ... or to post-retirement teaching jobs in Georgia or North Carolina. We can change the retirement law without jeopardizing our retirement system. Let's give our school districts the flexibility to keep some of our most experienced teachers in the classroom. And while we're at it, let's recognize the value of our current teachers to the future of our State by giving teachers a pay raise salary that, for the first time, will give them a salary that is $300 above the Southeastern average.

I'm tired of South Carolina being at the bottom of the nation in SAT scores. Other states use special courses to prepare students for the SAT. I propose we take $25 million of that $380 million to buy laptop computers and SAT review software programs. Then assign those take-home computers to high school students studying to take the test. Let's take the steps necessary to prepare our kids for the SAT. Let's raise their standards.   Of all the goals I hope to realize during my term of office, nothing would give me greater personal satisfaction than

Reading skills form the foundation for all other learning. That foundation must be in place by the end of the early grades. That's why I'm proposing a Governor's Institute of Reading. The Institute will bring to South Carolina the nation's leading reading experts, promote reading through grants to local schools, provide the best professional development for reading teachers, and promote a world-class collaborative reading effort. We need to teach our children that the most valuable possession a kid can have is not a new pair of Nike's or a Game Boy ... it's a library card. Tonight, kindergarten students from Rosewood Elementary School are with us. Kids, I will visit your school three years from now. I look forward to seeing confident readers .... students who are reading at their grade level and beyond because of our focus on this important skill.

Reducing class size, recruiting more good teachers, preparing students for the SAT, building better readers ... these are specific proposals to solve specific problems. But we don't have all the answers here in Columbia. Let's be innovative. I'm proposing tonight that we budget $125 million our schools can use to build 21st Century schools... to help build more classrooms, homework centers, or alternative schools. These dollars will give educators at the local level the flexibility to solve specific problems that plague schools statewide.

Now, I want to speak directly to our business community, ... foundation directors ... community leaders. We all know that children need a foundation upon which to build a successful and meaningful life. That's why I'm calling for the establishment of what I call South Carolina First Steps...my program to assure that all children enter school healthy and ready to learn. I've modeled South Carolina First Steps on North Carolina's successful program called "Smart Start" ... a program that won the Ford Foundation's Innovation in Government award. South Carolina First Steps is a community based initiative that will bring together the expertise of state and local agencies ... churches ... parents ... teachers ... and businesses to identify children's needs and find ways to address them. South Carolina First Steps will promote better child care ... coordinate children's health services ... and help parents help their children.

We can begin this first year with $20 million from state budget funds. But South Carolina First Steps will only work if business leaders, foundation directors and community leaders commit their time, talents and financial resources to make it work. We're on our way. Joe

My fellow South Carolinians, I want you to be safe in your homes and communities. That's why we're planning innovative crime prevention programs. Lexington County offers an example. There, two years ago, Judge Billy Keesley convened South Carolina's first drug court. Offenders have no history of violence ... and have committed non-violent crimes to get money for their addiction. Instead of costly incarceration, those convicted are sentenced to hundreds of hours of community service. They're tested and re-tested for drug use. Any hint of illegal drugs means instant jail time. This tough program is getting results. Former drug abusers are beating their addiction ... and heading away from a life of crime. I encourage the General Assembly to establish drug courts statewide to fight the war on drugs.
As the former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, I support sentencing guidelines. The bad guys need to know ... if they do the crime, they do the time. Speaker David Wilkins' sentencing bill, introduced last week, is a major step in the right direction.

Let me make another point tonight about law enforcement. I pledge to you that the operators of very business in South Carolina will be on the right side of the law. Every business, including video poker.
I will sign an executive order authorizing SLED Chief Robert Stewart to begin immediate criminal background checks on all persons who apply for video poker licenses in South Carolina. Early this month, I outlined for legislative leaders my proposal to tax the proceeds of video poker. I believe this industry should contribute $200 million a year to our State in taxes and fees. This represents roughly one-third of the

In my inaugural address, I predicted that South Carolina is poised to march into a 21st Century of unrivaled prosperity, boundless

It's time to begin. Pass the education lottery referendum ... put education first in this year's budget ... help South Carolina's children with their First Steps ... rein in video poker ... reward our senior citizens and hard-working state employees.

Join me tonight ...join me to take these first steps on our march to greatness.
Thank you.

Upon the conclusion of his address, Governor Hodges and his escort party retired from the Chamber.

The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the President announced that under the terms of the Concurrent Resolution the Joint Assembly would recede from business.

The Senate accordingly retired to its Chamber.

At 7:37 P.M. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

Rep. HASKINS moved that the House do now adjourn, which was adopted.

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 3278 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Haskins, Harrison, H. Brown, Cato, Sharpe, Townsend, J. Brown and D. Smith: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION INVITING HIS EXCELLENCY, JAMES H. HODGES, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION AT 7:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1999, IN THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

H. 3282 (Word version) -- Rep. McMahand: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND EXTEND SINCERE BEST WISHES TO MRS. GERTRUDE BROCK ON THE OCCASION OF HER 100TH BIRTHDAY.

At 7:38 P.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. J. BROWN adjourned in memory of Allen Douglas of Columbia, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.

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