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Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:

Beloved, hear, again, words from St. Paul, this morning, his Epistle to the Phillipians (2:14-15):

"Do all things without grumbling... that you may be blameless

and innocent... in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,

among whom you shine as lights in the world..."
Let us pray.

O God, our Father, we make bold to come into Your presence, not because of any worthiness or merit of our own, but because of our desperate need for Your help!

Solutions of our problems come slowly to us sometimes. Help us to qualify for Your guidance and help by the sincerity and humility of our beseeching.

Help us to profit by the instruction of our colleagues in this place, by our respect for each other and a full measure of charity and willingness to be helped... toward an enlightened conscience.
Amen.

The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.

Senator RAVENEL introduced Dr. Louis Costa of Charleston, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Senator GLOVER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Senator HUTTO rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

The following were introduced:

S. 1288 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL CLOSE PERMANENTLY THE SOUTHERN ACCESS OF ROAD 43-506 AT THE POINT WHERE IT INTERSECTS WITH ROAD 43-251 IN SUMTER COUNTY.
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Read the first time and, on motion of Senator LEVENTIS, with unanimous consent, ordered referred to the Sumter County Delegation.

S. 1289 (Word version) -- Senators Anderson, Bryan, Ford, Patterson, Jackson, Ravenel, Fair, Branton, Washington and Matthews: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A JOINT COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE COMMUNICATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE STATE SO AS TO DETERMINE WHETHER CURRENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM CHARGES ARE APPROPRIATE AND DO NOT INHIBIT THE ABILITY OF LOW INCOME FAMILIES TO COMMUNICATE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE INCARCERATED; TO REVIEW ALL COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES AND EXPENDITURES INCLUDING ALL CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES, DEVICES, EQUIPMENT, AND PRODUCTS APPROVED, LEASED, OR USED BY THE STATE FOR COMMUNICATION PURPOSES; TO PROVIDE AN ANALYSIS OF REVENUES GENERATED TO THE STATE; TO CONDUCT AN ANALYSIS OF WHETHER ANY SYSTEM SAVINGS COULD RESULT FROM PRIVATIZATION OF SOME OR ALL OF THE STATES' COMMUNICATION NETWORK; AND TO REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ANY RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE APRIL 1, 2001.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1290 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2000, TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF A SURPLUS NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY IN YORK, SOUTH CAROLINA, TO YORK COUNTY.
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Read the first time and, on motion of Senator HAYES, with unanimous consent, ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1291 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 62-5-433, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS IN FAVOR OF OR AGAINST MINORS OR INCAPACITATED PERSONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS IN AN AMOUNT EXCEEDING TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, JURISDICTION SHALL BE WITH THE CIRCUIT COURT; AND FOR CLAIMS NOT EXCEEDING TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, JURISDICTION SHALL BE WITH EITHER THE CIRCUIT COURT OR THE PROBATE COURT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1292 (Word version) -- Senators Leventis and Land: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE APRIL 1-7, 2000, AS "CENSUS WEEK", AND APRIL 2, 2000, AS "CENSUS SUNDAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE CENSUS 2000 AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PALMETTO STATE.
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Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Resolution.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1293 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 71, TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-138 SO AS TO REQUIRE ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES AND HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR EDTA CHELATION THERAPY ADMINISTERED BY A PHYSICIAN FOR TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND TO DEFINE "EDTA CHELATION THERAPY".
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

S. 1294 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson and Land: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING CALHOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SAINTS ON WINNING THE 2000 CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN BASKETBALL.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1295 (Word version) -- Senator Moore: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON LEARNING OF THE DEATH OF HARRY LEE HOWARD OF NORTH AUGUSTA, ONE OF THE PALMETTO STATE'S LEADING BUSINESSMEN OF HIS DAY AND EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

H. 4832 (Word version) -- Reps. Knotts, Koon, Frye, Huggins, Gamble, Stuart and Riser: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JOSEPH DREW SMITH, AND HIS LASTING CONTRIBUTION TO BOATING SAFETY IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, BY NAMING THE NEW LAKE MURRAY MARINE PATROL STATION ON BUNDRICK ISLAND IN LEXINGTON COUNTY IN HIS HONOR.

On immediate consideration, the Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 894 (Word version) -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 128, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA YOUTH SMOKING PREVENTION COMMISSION AND FUND, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, THE DISTRIBUTION OF MONIES RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSION, THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STATE PLAN FOR YOUTH SMOKING PREVENTION, AND THE TYPES OF QUALIFIED PROGRAMS ELIGIBLE FOR GRANTS FROM THE FUND; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-110, RELATING TO VARIOUS ENTITIES INCORPORATED INTO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO ADD THE YOUTH SMOKING PREVENTION COMMISSION IN THAT OFFICE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1007 (Word version) -- Senators Holland and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEATH PENALTY, SO AS TO MAKE THE OFFENSE OF AGGRAVATED STALKING AN AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCE TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE COURT OR THE JURY IN DETERMINING IF THE DEATH PENALTY SHOULD BE IMPOSED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1215 (Word version) -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 15-25-60, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ACTIONS BE PLACED ON THE DOCKET OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS WITHIN ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS OF THE FILING OF THE INITIAL COMPLAINT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HOLLAND from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1250 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Matthews and Washington: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-708 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA ARTISANS CENTER IN WALTERBORO AS THE OFFICIAL STATE FOLK ART AND CRAFTS CENTER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1279 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-470, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REGISTRATION AND FEES FOR DRYCLEANING FACILITIES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DATE BY WHICH A DRYCLEANING FACILITY OWNER OR OPERATOR MUST RECEIVE CERTAIN CERTIFICATIONS AND THE DATE BY WHICH THEY MUST INSTALL CONTAINMENT STRUCTURES AROUND EQUIPMENT ITEMS IN WHICH DRYCLEANING SOLVENTS ARE USED; AND TO AMEND ACT 119 OF 1995, RELATING TO DRYCLEANING FACILITY RESTORATION, THE DRYCLEANING RESTORATION TRUST FUND, AND THE REGULATION AND REGISTRATION OF DRYCLEANING FACILITIES, SO TO DELETE THE PROVISION WHICH REPEALS THE ACT ON JULY 1, 2005.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3266 (Word version) -- Reps. D. Smith, J. Brown, W. McLeod and Miller: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 56, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT BY ADDING ARTICLE 7, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS PURPOSES AND THE PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH IT IS TO OPERATE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator WILSON from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3889 (Word version) -- Rep. Edge: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 32, TITLE 27, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO VACATION TIMESHARING PLANS, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE FORECLOSURE OF LIENS ON TIMESHARE ESTATES; AND TO DESIGNATE SECTIONS 27-32-10 THROUGH 27-32-250 AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 32, TITLE 27, ENTITLED "VACATION TIME SHARING PLANS".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MOORE from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4383 (Word version) -- Reps. Quinn, Gilham and Seithel: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-15-135 SO AS TO PROHIBIT PERSONS NOT LICENSED AS A DENTIST FROM PERFORMING CERTAIN ACTS RELATED TO DENTAL TREATMENTS IN THE OPERATION OF A DENTAL OFFICE OR PRACTICE AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND BY ADDING SECTION 40-15-83, SO AS TO REQUIRE DENTISTS TO MAINTAIN PATIENT RECORDS FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS AFTER WHICH THEY MAY BE DESTROYED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Columbia, S.C., March 25, 2000

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
H. 4017 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-123-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ORGANIZATION AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTING THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD ACTING AS THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND FOR OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE AUTHORITY INCLUDING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROVISIONS AND THE EXPENDITURE, RECEIPT, AND TRANSFER OF CERTAIN FUNDS AND STATE APPROPRIATIONS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SHALL BE THE SUCCESSOR TO THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA HOSPITAL; TO AMEND SECTION 8-11-260, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM STATE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO EXEMPT EMPLOYEES OF THE HOSPITALS AND CLINICS FROM BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION; TO AMEND SECTION 8-17-370, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES, SO AS TO EXEMPT MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES FROM THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-710, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO ADD AN EXEMPTION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE FOR THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Columbia, S.C., March 25, 2000

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
H. 4139 (Word version) -- Reps. Barrett and Townsend: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-2100, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE, SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN "S" ENDORSEMENT WHICH AUTHORIZES A PERSON TO DRIVE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SCHOOL BUSES OR SCHOOL DISTRICT OWNED ACTIVITY BUSES.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

The following Bills were read the third time and having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the titles be changed to that of Acts and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3295 (Word version) -- Rep. Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INSURANCE, BY ADDING CHAPTER 38 SO AS TO ENACT PROVISIONS GOVERNING AND REGULATING FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CERTAIN CRIMINAL OFFENSES AND PENALTIES, MEMBERSHIP, CONTRACTUAL BENEFITS, AND FINANCES; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 37, TITLE 38, RELATING TO FRATERNAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATIONS.

H. 3914 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Hayes and Mason: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-39-90, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INSURANCE PREMIUM SERVICE COMPANIES AND CANCELLATION OF INSURANCE CONTRACTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PRO-RATA COMPUTATION OF THE GROSS UNEARNED PREMIUM TO BE RETURNED, AND PROVIDE THAT, IN THE EVENT A PREMIUM IS SUBJECT TO AN AUDIT TO DETERMINE THE FINAL PREMIUM AMOUNT, THE GROSS UNEARNED PREMIUM MUST BE CALCULATED UPON THE DEPOSIT PREMIUM AND THE INSURER SHALL RETURN TO THE PREMIUM SERVICE COMPANY, FOR THE INSURED'S ACCOUNT, THE GROSS UNEARNED PREMIUM BASED UPON THE DEPOSIT PREMIUM AMOUNT.

The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 1084 (Word version) -- Senator Holland: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 60-11-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNIVERSITY SOUTH CAROLINIANA SOCIETY SHALL SERVE AS A NON-EX OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION.

Senator MARTIN asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

S. 1129 (Word version) -- Senators Leventis, Hutto, Courson, Waldrep, Moore, Hayes, Ravenel, Bryan, McConnell, Grooms, Richardson, Passailaigue and Matthews: A BILL TO ENACT THE "ATLANTIC INTERSTATE LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE COMPACT IMPLEMENTATION ACT" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO AMEND TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 46, SO AS TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY BASIS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA'S MEMBERSHIP IN THE ATLANTIC LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE COMPACT; TO SPECIFY CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S MEMBERSHIP; TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT PROCEDURES AND POLICIES NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE STATE OBJECTIVES WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPACT, INCLUDING STATE APPROVAL OF DISPOSAL RATES AND PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING ALLOWABLE OPERATING COSTS SO AS TO DETERMINE REVENUES DUE TO THE STATE FOR LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL; TO PROVIDE DIRECTIVES FOR APPOINTING THE STATE'S COMMISSIONERS TO THE COMPACT COMMISSION AND GUIDING THE COMMISSIONERS ON STATE POLICIES; AND TO INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE THE NORTHEAST INTERSTATE LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPACT; TO AMEND SECTION 13-7-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO VARIOUS DUTIES OF THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD INCLUDING DUTIES PERTAINING TO ASSESSMENTS, SURCHARGES, AND PENALTY CHARGES ON NONSITED WASTE RECEIVED AT THE REGIONAL DISPOSAL FACILITY SO AS TO DELETE THESE PROVISIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR INTERIM DISPOSAL RATES OF LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSED AT ANY REGIONAL FACILITY IN THIS STATE; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 48, TITLE 48 RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE.

Senators LEVENTIS and MOORE spoke on the Bill.

S. 975 (Word version) -- Senators Short, Hayes, O'Dell, McGill, Passailaigue, McConnell and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 125 OF TITLE 59, RELATING TO WINTHROP UNIVERSITY SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR WINTHROP UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC FACILITIES BONDS, TO DESIGNATE SECTIONS 59-121-10 THROUGH 59-121-80, RELATING TO THE CITADEL, AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 121 OF TITLE 59, TITLED "GENERAL PROVISIONS", AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 121 OF TITLE 59, RELATING TO THE CITADEL SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CITADEL ATHLETIC FACILITIES BONDS.

S. 1088 (Word version) -- Senators Short and Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-9710 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FIRST STEPS TO READINESS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO ADD TO THE MEMBERSHIP THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION OR HIS DESIGNEE.

S. 1140 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-5-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEARINGS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO PERMIT THE BOARD TO DESIGNATE A HEARING OFFICER AS WELL AS ONE OF ITS MEMBERS TO HOLD HEARINGS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BOARD.

S. 1164 (Word version) -- Senators Bryan, Setzler, Giese, Reese, Ford, Anderson, Branton, Waldrep, Hayes, Moore, Saleeby, Washington, J. Verne Smith, Courson, Ravenel, Grooms, O'Dell, Holland, Fair, Martin, Matthews, Patterson, Elliott, Alexander, Land, Short, Rankin and McGill: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EDUCATION, BY ADDING CHAPTER 28 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ACT" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK FOR ENCOURAGEMENT OF INCREASED PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN, FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT TRAINING FOR EDUCATORS AND SCHOOL STAFF, FOR PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THEIR CHILD'S ACADEMIC SUCCESS, FOR EFFORTS TO INCREASE PARENT-TEACHER CONTACTS, AND FOR EVALUATION OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT EFFORTS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-1-420, RELATING TO THE LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM, SO AS TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL SCHOOL DAYS TO BEGIN WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2002-2003 AND TO PROVIDE THAT THESE DAYS MUST BE USED FOR FURTHER PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL CONSIDER ENACTING EMPLOYER TAX CREDITS TO ENCOURAGE WORKPLACE POLICIES FOR PARENT RELEASE TIME FROM WORK FOR PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES AND PARTICIPATION IN OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.

Senator BRYAN asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

S. 1234 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-101-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF THIS STATE; SECTION 59-101-185, RELATING TO GOVERNING BOARDS OF SPECIFIED STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AUTHORIZED TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS; SECTION 59-107-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR PURPOSES OF ISSUING STATE INSTITUTION BONDS; AND SECTION 59-112-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF STATE POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING RATES OF TUITION AND FEES, SO AS TO INCLUDE COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY WITHIN THESE DEFINITIONS AND LISTINGS, AND TO UPDATE THE NAMES OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS.

Senator RANKIN explained the Bill.

S. 1235 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-104-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIPS, SECTION 59-113-20, RELATING TO TUITION GRANTS, SECTION 59-142-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO NEED-BASED GRANTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND TUITION AT STATE INSTITUTIONS, AND SECTION 59-149-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT OR BEEN CONVICTED OF ANY FELONIES OR ALCOHOL OR DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES ARE INELIGIBLE FOR THESE GRANTS OR SCHOLARSHIPS, EXCEPT THAT HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE STUDENTS OTHERWISE QUALIFIED WHO HAVE BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT OR CONVICTED OF ALCOHOL OR DRUG-RELATED MISDEMEANORS SHALL BE ELIGIBLE OR CONTINUE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH GRANTS OR SCHOLARSHIPS AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF ONE ACADEMIC YEAR FROM THE DATE OF THE ADJUDICATION, CONVICTION, OR PLEA.

Senator SHORT explained the Bill.

S. 1262 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Matthews, Patterson, Reese, Hayes, Jackson, Passailaigue and Saleeby: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-3-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT TO FURNISH REPORTING FORMS TO DOMESTIC INSURERS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-5-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE OR LICENSE TO FOREIGN OR ALIEN INSURERS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE INSURER MUST EMPLOY PERSONS RESIDING IN THE STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-7-35, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO USES FOR TAX IMPOSED ON FIRE INSURERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN TAXES TO BE USED TO IMPLEMENT THE DIVISION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-7-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RETURNS OF PREMIUMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH RETURNS MAY BE UNDER OATH OF AN OFFICER OF THE INSURER RATHER THAN THE INSURER'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ANNUAL STATEMENTS THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED BY AN INSURER, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT TO FURNISH FORMS FOR THIS STATEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-27-610, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PRIORITY FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF CLAIMS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PRIORITY AND TO INCLUDE CLAIMS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, NOT OTHERWISE INCLUDED, AND TO INCLUDE CLAIMS OF GENERAL CREDITORS AND CERTAIN CLAIMS AGAINST AN INSURER FOR LIABILITY FOR BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-33-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIRED REPORTS FOR HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, TO REQUIRE ANNUAL FILING OF THE ANNUAL STATEMENT CONVENTION BLANK WITH A NATIONAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION, AND TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY TO THIS ASSOCIATION FOR COLLECTING, ANALYZING, AND DISSEMINATING THIS ANNUAL INFORMATION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-33-100, RELATING TO FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY, SO AS TO REVISE THE NET WORTH REQUIREMENT AND TO INCLUDE CERTAIN CAPITAL AND SURPLUS REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 38-45-20 AND 38-45-30, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR A RESIDENT AND NONRESIDENT, RESPECTIVELY, TO BE LICENSED AS AN INSURANCE BROKER, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT AND CERTIFICATION BY BROKERS AS THEY RELATE TO BROKER'S TAXES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-45-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR PLACING INSURANCE WITH SURPLUS LINES INSURERS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT AND PENALTIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO DISAPPROVAL; TO AMEND SECTION 38-61-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF ALL INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED OR SOLD IN THE STATE AND EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN OFFICER OF THE INSURER, RATHER THAN THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, TO CERTIFY INFORMATION WHEN POLICIES ARE EXEMPT FROM THE APPROVAL PROCESS; TO ADD SECTIONS 38-63-660, 38-65-360, 38-69-330, AND 38-71-1760 ALL SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL LIFE INSURANCE, GROUP LIFE INSURANCE, INDIVIDUAL ANNUITIES, AND ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE, RESPECTIVELY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-495, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO DISAPPROVE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED RATES FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE CLASSIFICATIONS AND REVISIONS OF THESE CLASSIFICATIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE APPEALS OF THESE MATTERS TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE POLICY EXPIRATION OR CANCELLATION DATE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 38-73-1370 AND 38-73-1380, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR RATING ORGANIZATIONS TO FILE RATES AND PREMIUMS AND FOR APPROVAL OF FINAL RATE OR PREMIUM CHARGES, RESPECTIVELY, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT FOR A PUBLIC HEARING IN CONNECTION WITH THESE MATTERS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-75-470, RELATING TO AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, SO AS TO INCLUDE AS COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DIVISION AND THE STATE FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM AND TO INCREASE THE DIRECTOR'S AND GOVERNOR'S APPOINTEES BY ONE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-75-480, RELATING TO A LOSS MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION RESOURCES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH DEVELOPING NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-125, RELATING TO INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE INCLUDED ON AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICIES, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT RESIDENT INSURANCE ADJUSTER INFORMATION MUST ALSO BE INCLUDED; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 38-47-80 RELATING TO REQUIRING A PROPERTY OR CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY TO MAINTAIN A RESIDENT ADJUSTER IN THE STATE.

Senator McCONNELL explained the Bill.

S. 962 (Word version) -- Senators Moore, J. Verne Smith and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 40, CHAPTER 22 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF TITLE 40, CHAPTER 1 FOR BOARDS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AUTHORIZING THE BOARD TO REGULATE CROSS-BORDER ENGINEERING.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the third reading of the Bill.

Senators MOORE and J. VERNE SMITH proposed the following amendment (962R001.TLM), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 30, by striking lines 17 through 31.

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 43, by striking lines 5 through 23, and inserting the following:

/     (1)   graduation from a school or college of four or more years with a board-approved bachelor of science degree, including in the curriculum not less than fifteen semester hours or the equivalent in quarter hours of surveying, mapping, hydraulics and hydrology courses satisfactory to the board, or a bachelor of engineering technology degree in an ABET Commission accredited curriculum of land surveying or engineering technology, including in the curriculum not less than twelve semester hours or the equivalent in quarter hours of surveying, mapping, hydraulics, and hydrology courses satisfactory to the board, a specific record of four or more years of progressive practical experience of a character satisfactory to the board and performed under a practicing registered land surveyor, and passing of the Land Surveyor-in-Training Fundamentals of Land Surveying examinations and the written or electronic examinations in the Principles and Practices of TIER A and TIER B Land Boundary Surveying as prescribed by the board. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MOORE explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives.

S. 1042 (Word version) -- Senators Saleeby and Passailaigue: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-720, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENTITIES WHOSE EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR STATE HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS SO AS TO ADD THE EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES OF CITY, COUNTY, REGIONAL, AND CONSOLIDATED HOUSING AUTHORITIES.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the previously proposed amendment.

Senator ELLIOTT proposed the following amendment (1042R001.DE), which was adopted:

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

/     SECTION   _____.   Section 1-11-720(A) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 100 of 1999, is further amended by adding a new item at the end:

"(19)   soil and water conservation districts established pursuant to Title 48, Chapter 9."   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator ELLIOTT explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senators BRANTON, McCONNELL and ELLIOTT proposed the following amendment (1042R002.WSB), which was adopted:

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

/     SECTION   _____.   Section 1-11-720(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(7)   special purpose districts created by act of the General Assembly that provide gas, water, fire, sewer, recreation, or hospital service, or any combination of these services;"   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator LAND proposed the following amendment (BBM\ 9447HTC00), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 1-11-720(A) as contained in SECTION 1, page 1, line 28, by striking /."/ and inserting:
/;

( )   cooperative educational service center employees." /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives.

The following Bill, having been read the second time with notice of general amendments, was ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:

H. 4450 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, Cato, Wilkins, Sharpe, Jennings, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bailey, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bowers, G. Brown, H. Brown, Carnell, Cooper, Dantzler, Davenport, Easterday, Edge, Gamble, Harrell, Harris, Harvin, Haskins, Hawkins, Hinson, Huggins, Keegan, Kelley, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lourie, Mack, Maddox, Martin, McCraw, McGee, M. McLeod, W. McLeod, McMahand, Meacham-Richardson, Miller, Ott, Phillips, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Seithel, Simrill, D. Smith, J. Smith, R. Smith, Taylor, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Walker, Wilder, Wilkes, Witherspoon, Woodrum, Young-Brickell, Vaughn, Law, Stuart, Emory and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 15, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REGULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND DEALERS, BY ADDING SECTION 56-15-45 SO AS TO PROHIBIT OWNERSHIP, OPERATION, OR CONTROL OF COMPETING DEALERSHIPS BY A MANUFACTURER OR FRANCHISOR EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, PROHIBIT UNFAIR COMPETITION BY A MANUFACTURER OR FRANCHISOR AGAINST A FRANCHISEE, DEFINE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT GIVING RISE TO A PRESUMPTION OF UNFAIR COMPETITION, AND EXEMPT SALES BY MANUFACTURERS OR FRANCHISORS TO THEIR EMPLOYEES AND TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; BY ADDING SECTION 56-15-46 SO AS TO REQUIRE WRITTEN NOTICE TO A CURRENT DEALERSHIP OF THE INTENTION OF A FRANCHISOR TO RELOCATE AN EXISTING DEALERSHIP OR TO ESTABLISH A NEW DEALERSHIP IN THE SAME MARKET AREA, PROVIDE GROUNDS FOR INJUNCTION OF THAT ESTABLISHMENT OR RELOCATION, AND PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-15-60, RELATING TO DEALERS' CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION, SO AS TO LIMIT THE AUDIT PERIOD FOR INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAMS AND PROHIBIT THE DENIAL, DELAY, OR RESTRICTION OF A CLAIM PAYMENT UNLESS THE CLAIM IS MATERIALLY DEFECTIVE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-15-140 SO AS TO GRANT JURISDICTION FOR ACTIONS FILED PURSUANT TO THIS ACT TO THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE PLAINTIFF DEALERSHIP HAS ITS PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS AND ESTABLISH RESIDENCE OF THE DEFENDANT ENTITIES IN THAT COUNTY FOR VENUE PURPOSES, NOTWITHSTANDING AN AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY.

On motion of Senator FORD, with unanimous consent, the Bill was given a second reading with notice of general amendments, carrying over all amendments to third reading.

S. 1130 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 47, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REGULATION BY COUNTIES OF DOGS AND OTHER DOMESTIC PETS, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, MAKE THE ARTICLE SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO CATS, PROVIDE FOR IMPOUNDING AND ADOPTION OF ANIMALS, INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR VIOLATING SECTION 47-3-50, PROVIDE FOR THE PROMULGATION OF CERTAIN REGULATIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, PROVIDE THAT WHENEVER AN ANIMAL SHELTER ACCEPTS OR COMES INTO POSSESSION OF A DOG OR CAT, THE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY AND THOROUGHLY MUST SCAN THE ANIMAL FOR ANY IMPLANTED MICROCHIP, OR SIMILAR DEVICE, WHICH PROVIDES EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP AND, UPON FINDING THIS DEVICE, IMMEDIATELY MAKE A GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO CONTACT THE IDENTIFIED OWNER, AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS; AND TO AMEND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 47, RELATING TO ANIMAL EUTHANASIA, SO AS TO AMONG OTHER THINGS, REVISE THE PROVISIONS OF LAW REGARDING THE ALLOWABLE METHODS OF EUTHANASIA AND AUTHORIZE A CERTIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO ADMINISTER EUTHANASIA, INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, AND AUTHORIZE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BRING AN ACTION TO ENJOIN A VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the second reading of the Bill.

Senator BAUER proposed the following amendment (1130R002.AB), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the bill in its entirety and inserting the following:

/   SECTION   1.   Article 1, Chapter 3 of Title 47 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

Section 47-3-10.     For the purpose of this article the following terms, word or phrases shall have the meaning given herein:

(1)   'Animal' is defined as provided for in Chapter 1;

(2)   'Animal shelter' shall include includes any premises designated by the county or municipal governing body for the purpose of impounding, care, adoption, or destruction euthanasia of dogs and cats held under authority of this article;

(3)   'Dog' shall include includes all members of the canine family four months or more of age, including foxes and other canines;

(4)   A dog shall be is deemed to be 'running at large' if off the premises of the owner or keeper and not under the physical control of the owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device;

(5)   A dog shall be is deemed to be 'under restraint' if on the premises of its owner or keeper or if accompanied by its owner or keeper and under the physical control of such the owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device.;

(6)   'Cat' includes all members of the feline family;

(7)   'Vicious dog' shall be deemed to mean means any dog evidencing an abnormal inclination to attack persons or animals without provocation.

Section 47-3-20.     The governing body of each county or municipality in this State may enact ordinances and promulgate regulations for the care and control of dogs, cats, and other domestic pets animals and to prescribe penalties for violations thereof.

Section 47-3-30.     The governing body of the county or municipality is authorized to establish an animal shelter for the county or municipality for the purpose of impounding and quarantining dogs and quarantining cats and shall employ such personnel, including enforcement personnel, as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this article. Funds to establish and operate the shelter and employ necessary personnel shall must be provided in the annual county or municipal appropriations.

Section 47-3-40.     The county or municipal animal shelter personnel or governmental animal control officers shall pick up and impound or quarantine any dog running at large or quarantining any cat. To obtain release of his dog or cat, an owner or keeper must satisfy the animal shelter personnel that the dog or cat is currently inoculated against rabies and also pay a an impound or quarantine fee of twenty-five dollars determined by the governing body of the county or municipality. Payment of this fee shall bar bars prosecution under Section 47-3-50. All fees so collected shall must be delivered to the county or municipal treasurer for deposit in the general fund of the county or municipality.

Section 47-3-50.     (A)   It shall be is unlawful in any county or municipality adopting penalty provisions pursuant to the provisions of this article for any dog or cat owner or other keeper of a dog or cat to:

(a)(1)   allow his dog to run at large off of property owned, rented, or controlled by him;

(b)(2)   keep a vicious or unruly dog unless under restraint by a fence, chain, or other means so that such the dog cannot reach persons not on land owned, leased, or controlled by him;

(c)(3)   release or take out of impoundment or quarantine without proper authority any dog or cat or resist county or municipal shelter personnel engaging in the capture and impoundment or quarantine of a dog or quarantining of a cat.

(B)   Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be deemed is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall must be fined not more than fifty dollars for a first offense and not more than one hundred dollars for each subsequent offense.

Section 47-3-55.     (A)   If an animal shelter accepts or comes into possession of a dog or cat, the shelter immediately and thoroughly must scan the dog or cat for a tatoo, any implanted microchip, or similar device, which provides evidence of ownership and, upon finding it, immediately must make a good faith effort to contact the identified owner as required by Section 47-3-540.

(B)   If an animal shelter or its officers, directors, or staff have made a good faith effort to comply with the provisions of subsection (A), they must be held harmless as well as the manufacturer, against any action at law or otherwise, civil or criminal, for failure to detect a microchip or similar device and undertake the action specified in subsection (A).

(C)   If a dog or cat is adopted or redeemed from an animal shelter, a licensed veterinarian or an animal shelter employee under the direction of a licensed veterinarian may implant a microchip in the dog or cat adopted or redeemed. The animal shelter shall record the date the microchip was implanted, the name, address, and telephone number of the person adopting or redeeming the dog or cat, an identification number unique to the dog or cat adopted or redeemed, the name, address, and telephone number of the animal shelter that sheltered the dog or cat before adoption or redemption, and the date the dog or cat was adopted or redeemed. The animal shelter must keep a record of all microchips implanted pursuant to this subsection.

(D)   The animal shelter is not required to adhere to subsection (A), if the necessary scanner is not provided free of charge or at a reasonable cost as determined by the county or municipality.

(E)   The owner redeeming his dog or cat must elect to have a microchip implanted.

Section 47-3-60.     (A)   After any dog animal has been quarantined pursuant to South Carolina Rabies Control Act for twenty-one days and is unclaimed by its owner, after the pound animal shelter employees have made a good faith effort to contact the identified owner as required by Section 47-3-540, the animal shelter employees, unless the animal must be kept pending disposition of a criminal or civil trial involving the animal unless a hearing on the disposition of the animal is held prior to the trial, may dispose of such the dog animal by adoption or by a humane form of destruction euthanasia or such the dogs animal may be turned over to any organization established for the purpose of caring for animals, such as the Humane Society.

(B)   After any animal has been impounded for five days and is unclaimed by its owner, and after the animal shelter employees have made a good faith effort to contact the identified owner as required by Section 47-3-540, the animal shelter employees, unless the animal must be kept pending disposition of a criminal or civil trial involving the animal unless a hearing on the disposition of the animal is held prior to the trial, may dispose of the animal by adoption or by euthanasia or the animal may be turned over to any organization established for the purpose of caring for animals, such as the Humane Society.

(C)   Complete records shall must be kept by shelter officials as to the disposition of all animals impounded.

Section 47-3-70.     Nothing in this article shall may be construed to limit the power of any municipality within the or county to prohibit dogs animals from running at large, whether or not they have been inoculated as herein provided in this article; nor shall anything and nothing in this article may be construed as to limit the power of any municipality or county to regulate and control further in such the county or municipality and to enforce other and additional measures for the restriction and control of rabies.

Section 47-3-75.     (A)   An animal delivered to a veterinarian, a dog kennel, a cat kennel, an animal hospital, another animal care facility, or to a person who boards domestic animals on the person's premises for a fee may be transferred to an appropriate animal shelter ten days after the date the owner failed to pick up the animal as agreed to pursuant to a written contract or agreement. The animal may be transferred only if the written contract or agreement provides for the transfer and if an attempt is made to notify the owner by regular mail and by certified mail at the owner's last known address on the date the owner failed to pick up the animal as agreed.

(B)   A person who boards animals of others pursuant to subsection (A) shall post written notice of the provisions of this section at the person's place of business.

(C)   A person who fails to pick up an animal as provided for in subsection (A), who fails to pay his boarding fees in a timely manner, or who abandons an animal at an animal hospital, a dog kennel, a cat kennel, another animal care facility, or boarding facility is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be imprisoned not more than thirty days or fined not more than two hundred dollars."

SECTION   2.   Article 7, Chapter 3 of Title 47 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

Section 47-3-410.     The term 'animal shelter' shall mean means any place or premises kept for the care, keeping, impounding, housing or boarding of stray, neglected, or abandoned animals any animal, whether such the premises are owned or operated by a municipality, county, private association, institution, humane organization or any other business or corporation.

Section 47-3-420.     Only the following methods of euthanasia shall be used to kill dogs and cats impounded in animal shelters and the procedure applicable to the method selected shall be strictly followed:

1. Barbituric Acid Derivatives:

(a)   Intravenous or intracardial injection of a lethal solution,

(b)   Intraperitoneal injection of a lethal solution when location of an injection into the vein is difficult or impossible,

(c)   Oral ingestion of powdered barbituric acid derivatives in capsules mixed with food or by manual administration.

2.   Euthanasia Solution T-61 or other therapeutically equivalent solution approved for animal euthanasia by the American Veterinary Medicine Association and the Food and Drug Administration: Intravenous or intracardial injection of these solutions specifically according to the directions of the manufacturers for intravenous and intracardial injections. The solutions shall not be administered via intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, or intrapulmonary routes, nor in any other manner except as provided above. Administration of injections shall be done only by a licensed veterinarian or by a person trained for this purpose by a licensed veterinarian. All injections shall be administered using an undamaged hypodermic needle of a size suitable for the size and species of animal.

3.   Carbon Monoxide Gas: Dogs and cats, except animals under eight weeks of age, may be killed by carbon monoxide gas administered in a tightly enclosed chamber. The chamber shall be equipped with:

(a)   Internal lighting and a window providing direct visual surveillance of the collapse and death of any animal within the chamber.

(b)   The gas concentration process must be adequate to achieve a carbon monoxide gas concentration throughout the chamber of at least five percent within five minutes after any animal is placed in the chamber. If chemical generation through the use of sodium formate and sulfuric acid is used, the generated carbon monoxide gas must have all irritating acid vapors filtered out by passing it through a ten percent solution of sodium hydroxide prior to its entry into the carbon monoxide chamber.

(c)   If carbon monoxide gas generation is by combustion of gasoline in an engine, all of the following shall be satisfied:

(1)   The engine shall be maintained in good operating condition.

(2)   The engine shall be operated only at idling speed with the richest fuel-air mixture the choke permits.

(3)   Prior to entry into the chamber, the exhaust gas shall be cooled so that it does not exceed 115 Fahrenheit.

(4)   The chamber shall be equipped with accurate temperature gauges monitored closely by attendants or shall be equipped with an alarm system to assure that the internal temperature of the chamber does not exceed 90* Fahrenheit.

(5)   Prior to entry into the chamber, the exhaust gas shall be first passed through an adequate water-gravel filtration process and subsequently through a cloth filtration process to remove irritants and carbon particles.

(6)   The noise level from the engine shall not exceed 70 dBA when measured within the chamber.

(7)   A flexible tubing or pipe at least twenty-four inches in length shall be placed between the chamber and the engine to minimize vibrations.

(8)   The unit shall include a means for exhausting or bypassing internal combustion engine gas during the period of engine warm-up.

(9)   The unit shall include an exhaust fan connected by a gas-tight duct to the outdoors capable of completely evacuating the gas from the chamber before it is opened after each use, except that this provision shall not apply to chambers located out-of-doors.

(d)   Animals shall be left in the chamber for a period of no less than fifteen minutes from the time the gas concentration throughout the chamber reaches five percent.

4.   Nitrogen Gas: Dogs and cats, except animals under four months of age may be killed by nitrogen gas provided:

(a)   The nitrogen gas cabinet is equipped with a viewport providing direct visual surveillance of the collapse and death of any animal within the cabinet, and internal lighting unless the cabinet is equipped with a clear door.

(b)   Every animal is placed in an individual container or compartment of the cabinet.

(c)   The oxygen concentration within the cabinet is reduced to 1.5 percent or less by displacing air within the cabinet with nitrogen.

(d)   The 1.5 percent reduction in oxygen concentration is reached within 45-50 seconds after the beginning of the cycle of operation and the animals are left within the cabinet at that concentration not less than ten minutes.

(e)   Pregnant animals are left in the cabinet not less than twenty minutes.

In all instances where the carbon monoxide and nitrogen chambers are used:

(a)   Neither incompatible or hostile animals, nor animals of different species shall be placed in any chamber simultaneously.

(b)   Every chamber must be thoroughly cleaned after the completion of each full cycle. No live animals shall be placed in the chamber with dead animals.

(c)   All animals must be examined by a veterinarian or other qualified person to ensure they are dead upon removal from chamber.

(d)   All chambers shall be inspected quarterly by an independent qualified technician who is thoroughly knowledgeable with the operation and maintenance of the particular euthanasia chamber being used.

(e)   An operational guide and maintenance instructions shall be displayed in the room with the euthanasia chamber.

5.   Shooting: Shooting shall be used as a means of euthanasia only in an emergency situation to prevent extreme suffering or in which the safety of people or other animal life is threatened or where it is deemed necessary by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to eliminate or control the population of feral animals.

6.   Inhalant Anesthetics: The animal to be killed shall be less than eight weeks old.

(a)   The animal to be killed shall be placed in a cage. The cage shall be placed in an airtight chamber or in a transparent plastic bag which can be tightly sealed following introduction of the inhalant anesthetic.

(b)   When using ether, halothane, fluothane, halocarbon, metofane or penthrane a veterinarian shall be consulted as to the amount of inhalant anesthetic to be used in relation to the size of the container. When using chloroform a two percent concentration within the chamber is required. To obtain a two percent concentration use a formula of 1.9 cubic centimeters (.068 ounce) per cubic foot of air space within the container or chamber.

(c)   The inhalant anesthetic shall be placed on a piece of gauze or ball of cotton and inserted into the chamber or bag in such a position that the animal shall not be able to come in direct contact with it.

(d)   The lid of the chamber or the top of the plastic bag shall be left open until the animal is anesthetized. When no movement is seen, the container shall be tightly sealed.

(e)   The animal shall remain in the chamber or bag for a period of not less than twenty minutes.

(f)   The room in which the inhalant anesthetic is administered shall have forced ventilation to remove all fumes after each use.

(g)   The animal shall remain in the chamber or bag until rigor mortis has occurred.

(A)   Only the following methods of euthanasia may be used to kill animals impounded or quarantined in animal shelters, and the procedure applicable to the method selected must be strictly followed:

(1)   Barbituric acid derivatives:

(a)   intravenous or intracardial injection of a lethal solution;

(b)   intraperitoneal injection of lethal solution when location of an injection into the vein is difficult or impossible;

(c)   oral ingestion of powdered barbituric acid derivatives in capsules mixed with food or by manual administration of a solution;

(d)   intravenous injection of these solutions must be specifically injected according to the directions of the manufacturers for intravenous injections;

(e)   intracardial injection of these solutions must only be administered if the animal has been tranquilized with an approved, humane substance and the animal, at the time of the intracardial injection, is anesthetized or comatose;

(f)   the solutions may not be administered via intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, intrapulmonary, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intrarenal, intrasplenic, or intrathecal routes or in any other nonvascular injection route except as provided above;

(g)   administration of injections must be done only by a licensed veterinarian or by a euthanasia technician or Department of Natural Resources employee, trained and certified for this purpose in a euthanasia training class taught by a licensed South Carolina veterinarian, which must include training in tranquilizing animals. A person certified pursuant to this subitem must continue to maintain his proficiency by successfully completing a training course taught by a licensed South Carolina veterinarian every five years;

(h)   all injections must be administered using an undamaged hypodermic needle of a size suitable for the size and species of animal;

(i)   an animal shelter, governmental animal control agency, or the Department of Natural Resources (department) may obtain a barbituric acid derivative or tranquilizing agent by direct licensing. The animal shelter, governmental animal control agency, or department must apply for a Controlled Substance Registration Certificate from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and a State Controlled Substances Registration from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). If an animal shelter, governmental animal control agency, or the department is issued a certificate by the DEA and a registration by DHEC pursuant to this subitem, the animal shelter, governmental animal control agency director or his designee, and the department's applicant are responsible for maintaining their respective records regarding the inventory, storage, and administration of controlled substances. An animal shelter, governmental animal control agency and its certified euthanasia technician, and the department and its certified employees are subject to inspection and audit by DHEC and the DEA regarding the recordkeeping, inventory, storage, and administration of controlled substances used under authority of this article.

(2)   Carbon monoxide gas:

(a)   dogs and cats, except animals under sixteen weeks of age, may be killed by bottled carbon monoxide gas administered in a tightly enclosed chamber. The chamber must be equipped with:

(i)   internal lighting and a window providing direct visual surveillance of the collapse and death of any animal within the chamber;

(ii)   the gas concentration process must be adequate to achieve a carbon monoxide gas concentration throughout the chamber of at least six percent within five minutes after any animal is placed in the chamber. The chamber must have a functioning gas concentration gauge attached to the chamber and a strong airtight seal must be maintained around the door;

(iii)   the unit shall include an exhaust fan connected by a gas-tight duct to the outdoors capable of completely evacuating the gas from the chamber before it is opened after each use, except that this provision does not apply to chambers located out-of-doors;

(iv)   animals must be left in the chamber for a period of no less than fifteen minutes from the time the gas concentration throughout the chamber reaches six percent.

(b)   no person may euthanize an animal by gas emitted from any engine exhaust system.

(c)   in all instances where a carbon monoxide chamber is used:

(i)   no incompatible or hostile animals, or animals of different species, may be placed in any chamber simultaneously;

(ii)   every chamber must be thoroughly cleaned after the completion of each full cycle. No live animals may be placed in the chamber with dead animals;

(iii)   all animals must be examined by a veterinarian or certified euthanasia technician to ensure they are dead upon removal from the chamber;

(iv)   all chambers must be inspected quarterly by an independent, qualified technician who is thoroughly knowledgeable with the operation and maintenance of the particular euthanasia chamber being used;

(v)   an operational guide and maintenance instructions must be displayed in the room with the euthanasia chamber.

(3)   Shooting:

Shooting may be used as a means of euthanasia only in an emergency situation to prevent extreme suffering or in which the safety of people or other animal life is threatened or where it is considered necessary by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to eliminate or control the population of feral animals.

(B)   In any of the previously listed methods, an animal may not be left unattended between the time euthanasia procedures have commenced and the time death occurs, and the animal's body may not be disposed of until death is confirmed by a certified euthanasia technician.

Section 47-3-430.     The local Departments of Health and Environmental Control shall inspect any animal shelter in which dogs and cats are impounded and destroyed upon receipt of complaint by any citizen transmitted through any active state chartered nonprofit humane organization or bona fide chapter of a national humane organization. The inspection may include, but shall not be limited to, the methods of euthanasia employed by such facility. All animal shelters are subject to the provisions of Chapter 1 of Title 47.

Section 47-3-440.     No person shall may kill any dog or cat animal impounded or quarantined in an animal shelter by any means except as provided by this article. Any person who violates the provisions of this article shall be deemed is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days for each animal killed is subject to the penalty provisions in Chapter 1, Title 47 for each animal killed. The Attorney General of South Carolina may bring an action to enjoin a violation of this article.

Section 47-3-450.     The provisions of this article shall do not apply to persons engaged in scientific endeavors by institutions of higher education."

SECTION   3.   Any training required of personnel employed on the effective date of this act, which training is necessary to bring the employee into compliance with the provisions of this act, must be completed within eighteen months of the effective date of this act.

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

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar with notice of general amendments.

The following Bills were carried over:

H. 4016 (Word version) -- Rep. Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-47-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND, SO AS TO INCREASE THE BOARD BY THREE MEMBERS WHO MUST BE PARENTS OF STUDENTS OR FORMER STUDENTS, ONE OF WHOM MUST BE BLIND, ONE DEAF, AND ONE MULTIHANDICAPPED.

On motion of Senator McCONNELL

S. 1272 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-85, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFENSE PERTAINS TO ANY PERSON WHO COMMITS ABUSE AND NEGLECT WHICH RESULTS IN THE DEATH OF A CHILD; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-95, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE OFFENSE OF INFLICTING GREAT BODILY INJURY UPON A CHILD AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE OFFENSE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-1-60, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFENSES OF INFLICTING GREAT BODILY INJURY UPON A CHILD AND ALLOWING GREAT BODILY INJURY TO BE INFLICTED UPON A CHILD ARE ADDED TO THE LIST OF VIOLENT CRIMES.

On motion of Senator MOORE

S. 1282 (Word version) -- Banking and Insurance Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 38-79-130, AS AMENDED, AND 38-79-480, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING RESPECTIVELY TO THE POWERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LIABILITY JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION AND LIMITS ON RECOVERY FOR CLAIMS MADE AGAINST A PERSON OR ENTITY INSURED BY THE ASSOCIATION SO AS TO INCREASE THE LIMITS FROM ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS TO TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH CLAIMANT AND FROM THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS TO SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR ALL CLAIMANTS UNDER ONE POLICY IN ANY ONE YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 38-79-250, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS TERMINATED FROM THE ASSOCIATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS, EXPENSES, LIABILITIES, JUDGMENTS, OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-79-260, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ASSOCIATION, SO AS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON THIS BOARD FROM TWENTY-ONE TO THIRTEEN AND TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO DEVELOP A PLAN OF OPERATION SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-79-430, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CREATION OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS TO MANAGE AND OPERATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA PATIENT'S COMPENSATION FUND, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO DEVELOP A PLAN OF OPERATION SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-79-450, RELATING TO FEES FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA PATIENT'S COMPENSATION FUND, SO AS TO REQUIRE MEMBERS TO PAY ANY DEFICIT OF THE FUND AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS, EXPENSES, LIABILITIES, JUDGMENTS, OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE FUND.

On motion of Senator MOORE

On motion of Senator MOORE, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Jesse Key of North Augusta, S.C.

At 12:22 P.M., on motion of Senator MOORE, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

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