Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 10:00 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, today we commemorate with Jews and Christians... the Jewish Passover and the Christians the night of the Last Supper.
Hear Exodus 12:12ff:
"It is the Passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land
of Egypt that night... I will execute judgment... I will pass over
you, and no plague shall destroy you..."
And for the Christians, hear St. Mark 14:22:
"While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after
blessing it, He broke it, and gave it to them and said, 'Take, this is
My body..."
Let us pray.
Father of us all, after today's session we will be taking a break to return to our homes and loved ones.
We will be spending some time with believers around our planet meditating on the great themes of mankind's predicament: Life... sin... death... judgment... suffering and, perhaps, the Resurrection and Eternal Life.
As we return next week, give us the grace to say, "I am Thine, O Lord! I have heard Your voice"!
Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
At 10:08 A.M., Senator GIESE moved that the Senate stand in recess for twenty minutes.
The Senate refused to recede.
The following was received:
Document No. 2495
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
SUBJECT: Individual Licenses
Received by Lieutenant Governor February 2, 2000
Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee
Legislative Review Expiration June 1, 2000
Revised June 10, 2000
120 Day Period Tolled
Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee Requested Withdrawal March 31, 2000
Withdrawn and Resubmitted March 22, 2000
On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, at 11:10 A.M., Senator O'DELL was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, at 11:10 A.M., Senator SALEEBY was granted a leave of absence for today.
Senator LEATHERMAN introduced Dr. Susan Reynolds of Hartsville, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
S. 283 (Word version) -- Senators Wilson, Giese and Reese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 8-11-180 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A STATE EMPLOYEE WHO IS A CERTIFIED DISASTER SERVICE VOLUNTEER FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN DAYS PAID LEAVE IN A YEAR TO PARTICIPATE IN SPECIALIZED DISASTER RELIEF SERVICES OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AND TO MAKE SUCH LEAVE AVAILABLE ONLY WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE EMPLOYEE'S EMPLOYER.
Senator WILSON asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Finance.
There was no objection.
The Bill was recalled, ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 3420 (Word version) -- Reps. Klauber, Campsen, Altman, Knotts, Hawkins, Loftis, Sandifer, Cooper, Woodrum, Lanford, Harrison, Fleming, Taylor, Young-Brickell, Limehouse, Vaughn, Rodgers, Chellis, Keegan, Barrett and Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-7-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE RIGHT OF THE STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO SUE A FIREARMS MANUFACTURER, FIREARMS TRADE ASSOCIATION, OR FIREARMS DEALER ON BEHALF OF THE STATE OR ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS IN CASES ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM THE LAWFUL DESIGN, MARKETING, OR SALE OF FIREARMS TO THE PUBLIC IS RESERVED TO THE STATE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 23-31-30 SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY FOR PERSONS LICENSED UNDER THE UNITED STATES CODE, IN CASES ARISING FROM THE USE OF A FIREARM BY A PERSON OTHER THAN THE LICENSEE.
Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Judiciary.
There was no objection.
The Bill was recalled, ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
The following were introduced:
S. 1350 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 39, TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS, BY ADDING SECTION 59-39-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA TO A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WHO ENLISTED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES DURING THE PERIOD OF DECEMBER 8, 1941, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 1946, UPON PRESENTATION OF THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
l:\council\bills\gjk\21264sd00.doc
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 1351 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MR. MAC ARTHUR GOODWIN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-SIX YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA ARTS AND EDUCATION COMMUNITIES AND COMMEND HIM FOR HIS DEDICATED LEADERSHIP IN THE FIELDS OF EDUCATION AND THE ARTS.
l:\s-res\gfm\011good.kad.doc
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
H. 4467 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato and Tripp: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INSURANCE, BY ADDING CHAPTER 90, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION AND OPERATION OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, INCLUDING AMONG OTHER THINGS THE SCOPE OF BUSINESS THAT MAY BE CONDUCTED; REQUIREMENTS FOR INCORPORATION, LICENSURE, FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND ANNUAL REPORTS; PROVIDING FOR PERIODIC INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS OF THE COMPANY'S AFFAIRS; ESTABLISHING GROUNDS FOR LICENSE SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION, SETTING FORTH INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS; ESTABLISHING PREMIUM TAXES; AND PROVIDING THE PROCEDURES FOR CONVERSIONS AND MERGERS OF CERTAIN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES WITH RECIPROCAL INSURERS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
H. 4555 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Smith and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-9710, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST STEPS TO SCHOOL READINESS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO ADD THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION AS AN EX OFFICIO NONVOTING MEMBER OF THE BOARD.
Read the first time and, on motion of Senator SETZLER, with unanimous consent, ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
H. 4617 (Word version) -- Rep. Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-11-370, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENGAGING IN CONSTRUCTION PURSUANT TO A LICENSE, SO AS TO DEFINE "ENGAGING IN CONSTRUCTION" AND TO REQUIRE THAT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR ENGAGE IN CONSTRUCTION IN THE EXACT LICENSED NAME; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-11-410, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS AND SUBCLASSIFICATIONS SO AS TO DELETE "GLASS" AND "GLAZING" FROM THE SUBCLASSIFICATION OF "INTERIOR RENOVATION" AND TO ADD AND DEFINE "GLASS AND GLAZING" AS A SUBCLASSIFICATION OF "GENERAL CONTRACTORS SPECIALTY".
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 4651 (Word version) -- Reps. Witherspoon, Altman, Askins, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bowers, G. Brown, Carnell, Cato, Cooper, Dantzler, Davenport, Edge, Harrison, Hawkins, Hayes, J. Hines, Inabinett, Keegan, Kennedy, Klauber, Koon, Lanford, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Maddox, Martin, McCraw, W. McLeod, McMahand, Ott, Phillips, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Sandifer, Sharpe, Taylor, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Wilkes, Allen, Chellis, Haskins, Kirsh, Leach, Meacham-Richardson, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Parks, Rodgers, Simrill and Stille: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 6 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO ENACT "THE FAIR PRACTICES OF FARM, CONSTRUCTION, INDUSTRIAL, AND OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, WHOLESALERS, AND DEALERS ACT" TO PROVIDE FOR THE PRACTICES OF MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, WHOLESALERS, AND DEALERS OF FARM, CONSTRUCTION, INDUSTRIAL, AND OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING SPECIFICATION AND PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN UNFAIR ACTS OF TRADE AND COMPETITION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR JURISDICTION, VENUE, STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS, PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE, AND LEGAL AND EQUITABLE REMEDIES FOR ACTIONS ARISING OUT OF A VIOLATION OF ITS PROVISIONS.
Read the first time and, on motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent, ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
H. 4767 (Word version) -- Rep. Haskins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TIME THAT CERTAIN BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS MUST BE ADOPTED BY THE STATE MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE ADOPTION BY THE STATE OF ANY PORTION OF A REGIONAL OR NATIONAL BUILDING CODE THAT RELATES PRIMARILY TO SAFETY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-120, RELATING TO EXEMPTING WATER OR SEWER SYSTEMS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 9, TITLE 6 (BUILDING CODES), SO AS TO EXEMPT LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 4801 (Word version) -- Reps. Breeland, Lourie, Askins, Bailey, Battle, G. Brown, T. Brown, Carnell, Clyburn, Dantzler, Davenport, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harris, Harrison, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hosey, Inabinett, Kennedy, Law, Leach, Lloyd, Mack, McGee, McMahand, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J.H. Neal, Parks, Phillips, Quinn, Riser, Rodgers, Scott, F. Smith, Whipper, Wilder, Young-Brickell and Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 25-21-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THEIR FUNCTION OF SERVING AS AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE VETERANS' AFFAIRS DIVISION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 25-21-30, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SECTION 25-21-40, RELATING TO THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FROM THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS AUTHORIZED TO DECIDE HOW MONIES IN THE FUND MUST BE DISBURSED.
Read the first time and referred to the General Committee.
H. 4802 (Word version) -- Reps. Breeland, J. Brown, Clyburn, Davenport, Fleming, Hayes, J. Hines, Howard, Keegan, Kelley, Lee, Lloyd, Mack, Maddox, Moody-Lawrence, Parks, Pinckney, Rodgers, Rutherford, Scott, Simrill, J. Smith, Whatley and Robinson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A COMMITTEE TO STUDY CERTAIN ISSUES AFFECTING VETERANS AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES, THE FILLING OF VACANCIES, AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND STAFFING.
Read the first time and referred to the General Committee.
H. 4937 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Tripp, Easterday, Hamilton, Leach, Loftis, McMahand, F. Smith and Wilkins: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE NAME OF THE GREENVILLE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM DISTRICT IS CHANGED TO THE GREENVILLE ARENA DISTRICT AND SHALL BE COMPOSED OF THE AREA DEFINED FOR THE GREENVILLE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM DISTRICT AND IS VESTED WITH ALL THE POWERS, DUTIES, AND AUTHORITY VESTED IN THAT DISTRICT.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar without reference.
Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from the S. C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to attend a luncheon on the State House grounds on Tuesday, May 2, 2000, upon adjournment and lasting until 2:00 P.M.
Courson Wilson Matthews Patterson Passailaigue McGill Washington Reese
Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from E. I. duPont deNemours and Company to attend a reception at the Columbia Museum of Art on Tuesday, May 2, 2000, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M.
Courson Wilson Matthews Patterson Passailaigue McGill Washington Reese
Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from the University of South Carolina to attend a luncheon at Williams-Brice Stadium, 600 level, on Wednesday, May 3, 2000, upon adjournment and lasting until 2:00 P.M.
Courson Wilson Matthews Patterson Passailaigue McGill Washington Reese
Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein L.L.P., Adelphia Business Solutions, CACI, Charter Behavioral Health Systems L.L.C., Georgetown Steel Corporation and National Computer Systems, Inc. to attend a reception at the Capital City Club on Tuesday, May 9, 2000, from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M.
Courson Wilson Matthews Patterson Passailaigue McGill Washington Reese
Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from the S. C. Dairy Association, Inc. to attend an "Ice Cream under the Veranda" function on the State House grounds on Wednesday, May 10, 2000, from 10:00 A.M. until 3:30 P.M.
Courson Wilson Matthews Patterson Passailaigue McGill Washington Reese
Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from the S. C. Beer Association to attend a reception at the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens on Wednesday, May 10, 2000, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M.
Courson Wilson Matthews Patterson Passailaigue McGill Washington Reese
Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from the S. C. Osteoporosis Coalition to attend a breakfast at 221 Blatt Building on Wednesday, May 17, 2000, from 8:00 until 10:00 A.M.
Courson Wilson Matthews Patterson Passailaigue McGill Washington Reese
Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from the S. C. Victims Assistance Network to attend a reception at the Adam's Mark Hotel on Thursday, May 18, 2000, from 8:00 until 9:45 A.M.
Courson Wilson Matthews Patterson Passailaigue McGill Washington Reese
Senator SETZLER from the Committee on Education submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 52 (Word version) -- Senators Giese, Elliott, Leventis, Hayes, Rankin and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-65-55 SO AS TO PERMIT HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE STUDENT RESIDES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator WILSON from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3120 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Meacham, Simrill and Littlejohn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-620, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS REQUIRED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE STATE DNA DATABASE, SO AS TO INCLUDE PERSONS CONVICTED OR ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT FOR HOMICIDE OR ASSAULT AND BATTERY COMMITTED AGAINST A CHILD BY A PERSON SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator SETZLER from the Committee on Education submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 4336 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Wilkins, Allison, Altman, Barfield, Barrett, Beck, H. Brown, Campsen, Cato, Chellis, Cooper, Dantzler, Easterday, Edge, Gamble, Gilham, Hamilton, Harrison, Haskins, Hinson, Kelley, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Law, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Martin, McKay, Perry, Quinn, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Sharpe, Simrill, D. Smith, R. Smith, Townsend, Tripp, Vaughn, Walker, Whatley, Witherspoon, Woodrum, Young-Brickell, Fleming, McGee and Meacham-Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 40, TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE ORGANIZATION, OPERATION, AND GOVERNANCE OF CHARTER SCHOOLS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Columbia, S.C., April 19, 2000
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
S. 85 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 24-3-550, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO WITNESSES PERMITTED TO VIEW AN EXECUTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CONVICT MAY SUBSTITUTE ONE PERSON FOR EITHER HIS COUNSEL OR A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, OR TWO PERSONS FOR BOTH HIS COUNSEL AND A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Columbia, S.C., April 19, 2000
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
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".
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Columbia, S.C., April 19, 2000
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
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.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Columbia, S.C., April 19, 2000
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
H. 4839 (Word version) -- Reps. Vaughn, Wilkins, Haskins, Cato, Easterday, Hamilton, Leach, Loftis, McMahand, Rice, F. Smith and Tripp: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-280, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES IN GREENVILLE COUNTY, SO AS TO CHANGE CERTAIN POLLING PLACES, AND DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH LINES OF PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE DIVISION OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL SERVICES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
H. 3509 (Word version) -- Reps. Simrill, Mason, Robinson, Moody-Lawrence, Altman, Davenport, Hamilton, Kirsh, Leach, Meacham-Richardson, J.H. Neal and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 13, TITLE 16, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FORGERY, LARCENY, AND SIMILAR OFFENSES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 2, ENTITLED THE "PERSONAL FINANCIAL SECURITY ACT" SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE OFFENSE OF FINANCIAL IDENTITY FRAUD AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION; AND TO FURTHER AMEND CHAPTER 13, TITLE 16 BY DESIGNATING SECTION 16-13-10 THROUGH 16-13-490 AS ARTICLE 1 OF THAT CHAPTER.
The House returned the Bill with amendments.
On motion of Senator BRYAN, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.
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. 4266 (Word version) -- Reps. Law, Dantzler, Hinson, Gourdine and H. Brown: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-141, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A NO WAKE ZONE AT PIMLICO BOAT LANDING IN BERKELEY COUNTY.
H. 4618 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe, Davenport and Wilkes: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 57, TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT PRIVILEGES AND VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT REPORT IS PRIVILEGED, IMMUNE FROM DISCOVERY, AND INADMISSIBLE IN CERTAIN CIVIL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY ACTIONS AND THAT NO PRIVILEGE APPLIES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OR PROCEEDINGS; TO CLARIFY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE PRIVILEGE; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRIVILEGE CONTINUES FOR CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS WHEN AN AUDIT HAS BEEN OBTAINED OR USED IN A CRIMINAL PROCEEDING; TO CLARIFY AUDIT NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS; TO REQUIRE A PERSON CLAIMING IMMUNITY BECAUSE OF A VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATION TO PROVE SPECIFIC ELEMENTS IN ORDER TO BE ENTITLED TO IMMUNITY AND FOR THE BURDENS OF PROOF IN THIS REGARD; AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A DISCLOSURE IS NOT VOLUNTARY.
Senator MOORE explained the Bill.
The following House Bills were read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:
H. 4558 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Smith, Lourie, Hawkins and Klauber: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 25-1-630, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS BY OFFICERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, IN ADDITION TO BEING AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO ADMINISTER OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS IN ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO OR CONCERNING THE NATIONAL GUARD OF SOUTH CAROLINA, ALL COMMISSIONED AND WARRANT OFFICERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD ARE AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO ACT AS A NOTARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF, THE UNITED STATES CODE, AND THIS SECTION; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 25, RELATING TO COMMISSIONED AND WARRANT OFFICERS, BY ADDING SECTION 25-1-635, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NATIONAL GUARD LEGAL ASSISTANCE ATTORNEYS MAY RENDER LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS AND DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD WHEN, IN THE OPINION OF THE LEGAL ASSISTANCE OFFICER, SUCH LEGAL ASSISTANCE ENHANCES THE OVERALL MOBILIZATION READINESS OF A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE, DUTIES, AND LIMITATIONS OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE ATTORNEYS AND JUDGE ADVOCATES.
H. 3741 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe, Wilkes and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 2 OF TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 SO AS TO ENACT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY FUND ACT WHICH CREATES THE "ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY FUND", DEFINES ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES, REQUIRES THAT ALL FINES AND PENALTIES COLLECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, NOT OTHERWISE DESIGNATED, TO BE CREDITED TO THE FUND, ESTABLISHES A TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR CAP FOR THE FUND, AND PROVIDES FOR USE OF THESE FUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 58-5-720 RELATING TO THE FILING OF BONDS OF CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT BEFORE APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION OR OTHER WORK ON WATER OR SEWER SYSTEMS SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE BOND FROM A MINIMUM OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS TO TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND A MAXIMUM OF FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS; TO DESIGNATE SECTIONS 48-2-10 THROUGH 48-2-90 AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 48 ENTITLED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND; TO RENAME CHAPTER 2 OF TITLE 48, AS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUNDS.
Having voted on the prevailing side, Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to reconsider the vote whereby the Bill was given third reading.
There was no objection.
Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to give the Bill notice of general amendments.
There was no objection.
Third reading of the Bill was reconsidered, notice of general amendments was given to the Bill and it was ordered returned to the second reading Calendar.
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:
S. 959 (Word version) -- Senator Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-250, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO INCLUDE "BUTORPHANOL" AS A SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-360 RELATING TO PRESCRIPTIONS FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO REVISE REFERENCES, DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING LABELING OF THESE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, AND TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM DOSAGE UNITS THAT MAY BE PRESCRIBED; TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-710, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO STATE AGENCIES HAVING CONTROL OVER METHADONE, SO AS TO REMOVE SUCH CONTROL FROM STATE AGENCIES AND PLACE THE CONTROL EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-720 RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF METHADONE, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS SECTION TO PROVISIONS GIVING EXCLUSIVE CONTROL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND TO AUTHORIZE DISPENSING METHADONE BY A RETAIL PHARMACY FOR ANALGESIA; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-730 RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF METHADONE, AND SECTION 44-53-740, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PROMULGATING REGULATIONS RELATING TO METHADONE AND OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, BOTH SO AS TO CONFORM THESE SECTIONS TO PROVISIONS GIVING EXCLUSIVE CONTROL OF METHADONE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL.
S. 967 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Elliott and Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-33-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF FOREST LAND, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE "FOREST LAND"; TO AMEND SECTION 48-33-30, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF FOREST FIRE, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE "FOREST FIRE"; TO AMEND SECTION 48-33-60, RELATING TO COUNTY FORESTRY BOARDS, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE ANNUAL FOREST FIRE PROTECTION PLAN AND PROVIDE THAT COUNTY FOREST FIRE PROTECTION OFFICES SHALL BE EMPLOYED ONLY WITH THE CONSENT OF THE COUNTY FORESTRY BOARD; AND TO AMEND SECTION 48-33-70, RELATING TO PLANS FOR FOREST FIRE PROTECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE COMMISSION OF FORESTRY SHALL PREPARE A PLAN FOR FOREST FIRE PROTECTION.
S. 1263 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-67, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FEE IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES ALLOWED FOR CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF A PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY PROJECT WITH MORE THAN A FOUR HUNDRED MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT.
Senator LEATHERMAN explained the Bill.
S. 1264 (Word version) -- Senator Moore: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 25-21-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THEIR FUNCTION OF SERVING AS AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE VETERANS' AFFAIRS DIVISION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 25-21-30, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SECTION 25-21-40, RELATING TO THE DISBURSEMENT FUNDS FROM THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS AUTHORIZED TO DECIDE HOW MONIES IN THE FUND MUST BE DISBURSED.
S. 1337 (Word version) -- Senators Passailaigue, McConnell, Courson, Moore, Short, Giese and Ravenel: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 51, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 18 TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA CIVIL WAR HERITAGE TRUST PROGRAM.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, the names of Senators HUTTO, RICHARDSON and PEELER were added as co-sponsors of S. 1337.
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 FACIITY RESTORATION, THE DRYCLEANING RESTORATION TRUST FUND, AND THE REGULATION AND REGISTRATION OF DRYCLEANING FACILITIES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION WHICH REPEALS THE ACT ON JULY 1, 2005.
Senator LEVENTIS asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the third reading of the Bill.
Senator LEVENTIS explained the Bill.
Senator LEVENTIS proposed the following amendment (GJK\21227SD00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking Section 44-56-470 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 1, and inserting:
/Section 44-56-470. (A) For each drycleaning facility owned and in operation, the owner or operator of the facility or person shall register with and pay initial registration fees to the Department of Revenue by October 1, 1995, and pay annual or quarterly renewal registration fees as established by the department in regulation. The fee must be accompanied by a notarized certification from the owner, on a form provided by the department, certifying the number of employees employed by the owner for the twelve-month period preceding payment of the fee.
(B) An initial and annual registration fee for each drycleaning facility with:
(1) up to four employees is seven hundred fifty dollars;
(2) five to ten employees is one thousand, five hundred dollars;
(3) eleven or more employees is two thousand, two hundred fifty dollars.
The fee must be paid within thirty days after receipt of billing by the department.
(C) Revenue derived from the registration fees must be submitted to the State Treasurer and credited to the Drycleaning Facility Restoration Trust Fund.
(D) Before July 1, 1999 2002, an owner or operator of a drycleaning facility or person shall receive certification from the International Fabricare Institute, the Neighborhood Cleaners Association, or some other comparable nationally recognized drycleaning industry association certifying that the operator has demonstrated a level of competency to operate a drycleaning facility in accordance with the highest standards of the drycleaning industry.
(E) Before July 1, 1999 January 1, 2002, an owner or operator of a drycleaning facility or person in operation before July 1, 2000, shall install dikes or other containment structures around each machine or item of equipment in which drycleaning solvents are used and around an area in which solvents or waste containing solvents are stored. The containment must meet the following criteria:
(1) the dikes or containment structures must be capable of containing one-third of the capacity of the total tank capacity of each machine.;
(2) dikes or containment structures around areas used for storage of solvents or waste containing solvents must be capable of containing one hundred percent of the volume of the largest container stored or retained in the containment structure;
(3) all diked containment areas must be sealed or otherwise made impervious to the drycleaning solvents in use at the facility, including floor surfaces, floor drains, floor joints, and inner dike walls;
(4) to the extent practicable, an owner of a drycleaning facility or person shall seal or otherwise render impervious those portions of all diked floor surfaces upon which any drycleaning solvents may leak, spill, or otherwise be released.;
(5) containment devices must provide for the temporary containment of accidental spills or leaks until appropriate response actions are taken by the owner/operator to abate the source of the spill and remove the product from all areas on which the product has accumulated; and
(6) materials used in constructing the containment structure or sealing the floors must be capable of withstanding permeation by drycleaning solvents in use at the facility for not less than seventy-two hours.
(F) For drycleaning facilities that commence operating on or after July 1, 1995 2000, the owners or operators of these facilities or persons, before the commencement of operations, shall install beneath each machine or item of equipment in which drycleaning solvents are used a rigid and impermeable containment vessel capable of containing one hundred percent of the volume of the largest single tank in the machine or piece of equipment or one-third of the total tank capacity of each machine, whichever is greater. Dikes or containment structures must be installed before delivery of any drycleaning solvents to the facility. All dikes or containment structures shall meet all criteria of Section 44-56-470(E).
(G) A person or the owner or operator of a drycleaning facility or wholesale supply facility at which there is a spill of more than the federally mandated reportable quantity of drycleaning solvent outside of a containment structure, after July 1, 1995, shall report the spill to the department immediately upon the discovery of the spill and comply with existing emergency response regulations.
(H) Failure to comply with the requirements of this section constitutes gross negligence with regards regard to determining site eligibility./
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, by adding a new SECTION appropriately numbered to read:
/SECTION _____. Section 44-56-440(E) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 119 of 1995, is amended to read:
"(E) If the facility started operation before July 1, 2000, and an eligible drycleaning or wholesale owner or operator or person applies for monies from the fund on or before:
(1) October 1, 1997 2002, the deductible is one thousand dollars;
(2) October 1, 1998, the deductible is five thousand dollars;
(3) October 1, 1999 2003, the deductible is ten thousand dollars;
(4) October 1, 2000, the deductible is fifteen thousand dollars;
(5) October 1, 2001, the deductible is twenty thousand dollars
(3) October 1, 2004, the deductible is twenty-five thousand dollars.
If an owner, operator, or person applies after October 1, 2001, the deductible is twenty-five thousand dollars.
If a contaminated site which is no longer operated as a drycleaning facility or coin-operated drycleaning facility, or both, and the owner or former owner or person is involved in the drycleaning industry subsequent to July 1, 1995, and has paid a registration fee pursuant to Section 44-56-470(B), the deductible is fifteen thousand dollars.
An eligible drycleaning facility that has applied for monies from the fund prior to the effective date of this paragraph shall have a deductible of one thousand dollars regardless of any deductible previously assigned to the facility based on its application date or type of site. Any approved assessment or remedial costs in excess of one thousand dollars previously incurred by the owner, operator, or person shall be refunded, without interest, to such party by the department."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator LEVENTIS 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. 1163 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 48 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING OF A PUBLIC INSURANCE ADJUSTER BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the third reading of the Bill.
Senator McCONNELL proposed the following amendment (1163R002.GFM), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, by striking Section 38-48-20 in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following: /
Section 38-48-20. Every individual commonly called a public adjuster, adjusting losses for an insured, must be licensed by the director or his designee. These individuals shall apply for a license on a form prescribed by the director or his designee. The director or his designee shall satisfy himself that each applicant for a public adjuster's license is an individual of good moral character, has sufficient knowledge of the insurance business and duties as a public adjuster, has not violated the insurance laws of the State, and is a fit and proper individual for the position. No license may be issued to a nonresident public adjuster who resides in a state which has enacted a statute requiring the licensing of public adjusters and which refuses to license South Carolina public adjusters. Only licensed public adjusters may solicit business from an insured who has sustained an insured loss. Individuals engaged in providing public adjusting services without out a license shall be deemed to be engaged in unauthorized transaction of insurance business and subject to the remedies provided in Chapter 25, as well as the disgorgement of fees or restitution to the insured for any fees paid. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator McCONNELL explained the amendment.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives.
The following Bills, having been read the second time with notice of general amendments, were ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:
S. 57 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-25-115, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MUNICIPAL MINISTERIAL RECORDERS AND THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THESE MINISTERIAL RECORDERS TO SET AND ACCEPT BONDS AND RECOGNIZANCES.
S. 265 (Word version) -- Senators Russell and Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 60-13-210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA INSTITUTE OF ARCHEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE SHALL APPOINT, RATHER THAN SERVE AS, THE STATE ARCHEOLOGIST AND SHALL APPOINT A STATE UNDERWATER ARCHEOLOGIST AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES OF EACH.
S. 1332 (Word version) -- Senators Ryberg and Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-111-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TUITION NOT REQUIRED FROM CHILDREN OF FIREMEN, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AND CERTAIN OTHER PUBLIC EMPLOYEES TOTALLY DISABLED OR KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, SO AS TO EXTEND THIS PROVISION TO CHILDREN OF STATE EMPLOYEES TOTALLY DISABLED OR KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 1996; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-111-145 TO DEFINE "STATE EMPLOYEE" FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 59-111-110 AS A PERSON WHO IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
S. 1336 (Word version) -- Senator Drummond: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-11-1210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE FOR ESTABLISHING SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS FOR SEWAGE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING LATERAL COLLECTION LINES MAY BE ASSESSED AGAINST PROPERTIES DERIVING A PARTICULAR BENEFIT FROM THE LINES; TO AMEND SECTION 6-11-1220, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO AMEND THE TERM "FRONT-FOOT ASSESSMENT" TO INCLUDE AN ASSESSMENT LEVIED ON A PER PARCEL OR PER UNIT BASIS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 6-11-1230, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE COMMISSION OR GOVERNING AGENCY OF THE SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSION TO ASSESS LOTS OR PARCELS WHICH DERIVE A PARTICULAR BENEFIT FROM LATERAL COLLECTION LINES FOR THE COST OF THE LINES.
Senator MOORE explained the Bill.
H. 4650 (Word version) -- Reps. Hamilton, W. McLeod, Easterday, Leach and F. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-149-50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR A LIFE SCHOLARSHIP, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT STUDENTS MUST PASS ALL COURSES REQUIRED FOR A STAR DIPLOMA; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 59-39-105 AND 59-39-190 RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND THE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS FOR THE STAR DIPLOMA; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-103-175, RELATING TO INCLUDING STAR DIPLOMA INFORMATION IN HIGH SCHOOL AND HIGHER EDUCATION AWARENESS COUNSELING, ALL SO AS TO REPEAL THE STAR DIPLOMA PROGRAM.
Senator SETZLER explained the Bill.
S. 1347 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-5630, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A SHERIFF OR CHIEF OF POLICE PROVIDING NOTICE TO OWNERS AND LIENHOLDERS OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, PENALTIES IMPOSED UPON A LIENHOLDER, HIS AGENT, OR SERVANT WHO ABANDONS A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND THE NONIMPOSITION OF PENALTIES AGAINST THE OWNER OF A STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN ABANDONED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A TOW COMPANY THAT HAS TAKEN CUSTODY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED NOTICE CONTAINED IN THIS PROVISION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-5640, RELATING TO THE SALE OF UNCLAIMED VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PERSONS WHO INCURRED CERTAIN EXPENSES RELATING TO THE SALE OF AN UNCLAIMED VEHICLE SHALL BE REIMBURSED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the second reading of the Bill.
Senator LEVENTIS proposed the following amendment (PPLS1347001), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 1, Section 56-5-5630(a) of the 1976 Code, on page 1, line 40, by deleting:
/ return receipt requested, /
and inserting
/ return receipt requested, /.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator LEVENTIS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading with notice of general amendments.
The following Bills and Joint Resolutions, having been read the second time, were ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:
S. 1152 (Word version) -- Senator Holland: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 8-17-320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITIONS OF "DEMOTION" AND "PROMOTION".
On motion of Senators MOORE and DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, S. 1152 was ordered to receive a third reading on Monday, April 24, 2000.
S. 1329 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler and Drummond: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-740 SO AS TO ESTABLISH SOUTH CAROLINA YOUTH HUNTING DAYS FOR CERTAIN GAME SPECIES AND TO SPECIFY REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION.
Senator PEELER explained the Bill.
On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, S. 1329 was ordered to receive a third reading on Monday, April 24, 2000.
S. 1340 (Word version) -- Senators Ravenel, Mescher and McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 11, CHAPTER 5, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SHRIMP, BY ADDING SECTIONS 50-5-1102, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2000, NO PERSON LICENSED AS A COMMERCIAL SALTWATER FISHERMAN OR AS A WHOLESALE SEAFOOD DEALER MAY OBTAIN A SHRIMP BAITING LICENSE, AND 50-5-1110, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2002, WHEN TAKING SHRIMP OVER BAIT, NO CAST NET MAY BE USED HAVING A MESH SIZE SMALLER THAN ONE-HALF INCH SQUARE MEASURE OR ONE INCH STRETCH MEASURE.
On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, S. 1340 was ordered to receive a third reading on Monday, April 24, 2000.
H. 4730 (Word version) -- Reps. Rhoad, Sharpe, Seithel and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-4-130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VIOLATIONS OF PROVISIONS TITLE 47, SO AS TO CHANGE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS FROM A FINE OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS OR IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS TO A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN THAT AMOUNT AUTHORIZED AS THE JURISDICTIONAL MAXIMUM FOR A SUMMARY COURT OR IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN THAT PERIOD OF TIME AUTHORIZED AS THE JURISDICTIONAL MAXIMUM FOR A SUMMARY COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 47-11-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO BRUCELLOSIS TEST REQUIRED FOR CATTLE, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO BRUCELLOSIS TEST REQUIRED FOR CATTLE FOR DAIRY AND BREEDING PURPOSES BEFORE THEY ARE REMOVED FROM A PUBLIC LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET AND PROVIDE THAT, WHEN CONSIDERED ADVISABLE BY THE STATE LIVESTOCK-POULTRY HEALTH COMMISSION, ALL ANIMALS EXCEPT THOSE FOR IMMEDIATE SLAUGHTER MUST BE TESTED FOR BRUCELLOSIS BEFORE BEING REMOVED FROM STOCKYARDS OR OTHER PREMISES WHERE ANIMALS ARE HELD FOR SALE; TO AMEND SECTION 47-13-1350, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HORSES ENTERING THE STATE BEING TESTED FOR EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE HORSE MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN OFFICIAL TEST CHART SHOWING THAT THE HORSE REACTED NEGATIVELY TO THE TEST WITHIN THE TWELVE MONTHS BEFORE ENTRY; TO AMEND SECTION 47-13-1390, AS AM00ENDED, RELATING TO FALSE COGGINS TEST CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF HAVING A FALSE OR FORGED CERTIFICATE MUST BE PUNISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 47-4-130; TO AMEND SECTION 47-13-1400, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA TESTING REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 13, CHAPTER 13, TITLE 47, RELATING TO EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA, MUST BE PUNISHED IN ACCORDANC00E WITH SECTION 47-4-130; TO AMEND SECTION 47-15-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "GARBAGE", SO AS TO STRIKE VEGETABLE WASTE FROM THE DEFINITION AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT UNPASTEURIZED MILK AND UNPASTEURIZED MILK PRODUCTS ARE ANIMAL WASTE; TO AMEND SECTION 47-17-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF SECTIONS 47-17-60, 47-17-70, AND 47-17-80 REGULATING MEAT AND MEAT FOOD PRACTICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF A VIOLATION OF THOSE SECTIONS MUST 00BE PUNISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 47-4-13000, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER PENALTIES IF A VIOLATION INVOLVES INTENT TO DEFRAUD OR DISTRIBUTION OF AN ADULTERATED ARTICLE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 47-19-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF SECTIONS 47-19-70, 47-19-80, 47-19-90, 47-19-100, AND 47-19-110 REGULATING POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF A VIOLATION OF THOSE SECTIONS MUST0 BE PUNISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 47-4-130.
Senator LEVENTIS explained the Bill.
H. 4783 (Word version) -- Reps. Harris, Lucas, Jennings and Neilson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AUTHORIZED TO PILOT A PROGRAM TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF USING SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION AS PART OF A COORDINATED COMMUNITY SERVICE BY ALLOWING CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO RIDE STATE-OWNED SCHOOL BUSES OPERATED ON STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROVED ROUTES ON A SPACE-AVAILABLE BASIS AND UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO ALLOW THE USE OF STATE-OWNED SCHOOL BUSES IN CONJUNCTION WITH NONSCHOOL-RELATED ACTIVITIES OR PROGRAMS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROVISION IS NOT A WAIVER OR ABROGATION OF THE STATE'S LIMITED IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY AND SUIT UNDER THE STATE'S TORT CLAIMS ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST OBTAIN A SLED BACKGROUND CHECK ON EACH INDIVIDUAL WHO SEEKS PERMISSION TO RIDE A SCHOOL BUS PURSUANT TO THIS PROVISION, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ADULT GIVEN PERMISSION TO RIDE A SCHOOL BUS PURSUANT TO THIS PROVISION MUST POSSESS AND WEAR A PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION CARD CONTAINING CERTAIN INFORMATION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS OTHER THAN SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED "LAWFUL OCCUPANTS" PURSUANT TO CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
On behalf of Senator HOLLAND, Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to give H. 4783 a third reading on Monday, April 24, 2000.
S. 1116 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Hayes, Mescher, Ryberg, Giese, Branton and Fair: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XI OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION, BY ADDING SECTION 5 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THIS STATE MUST BEGIN EACH SCHOOL DAY WITH A MOMENT OF SILENCE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE MINUTE NOR MORE THAN THREE MINUTES IN DURATION.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Joint Resolution. The question being the second reading of the Joint Resolution.
On motion of Senator MOORE, with unanimous consent, the text of the Joint Resolution was ordered printed upon the pages of the Journal as follows and ordered to receive a second reading:
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XI OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION, BY ADDING SECTION 5 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THIS STATE MUST BEGIN EACH SCHOOL DAY WITH A MOMENT OF SILENCE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE MINUTE NOR MORE THAN THREE MINUTES IN DURATION.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. It is proposed that Article XI of the Constitution of this State be amended by adding:
"Section 5. The public schools of this State must begin each school day with a moment of silence of not less than one minute nor more than three minutes in duration."
SECTION 2. The amendment proposed in Section 1 must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots must be provided at the various polling precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballot:
"Must Article XI of the Constitution of this State, relating to public schools, be amended by adding Section 5 so as to require that the public schools of this State must begin each school day with a moment of silence of not less than one minute nor more than three minutes in duration?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'."
The question then was the second reading of the Joint Resolution.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Alexander Anderson Bauer Branton Bryan Courson Drummond Elliott Fair Ford Giese Glover Gregory Grooms Hayes Holland Hutto Jackson Land Leatherman Leventis Martin Matthews McConnell McGill Mescher Moore Passailaigue Patterson Peeler Rankin Ravenel Reese Richardson Russell Ryberg Setzler Short Smith, J. Verne Thomas Waldrep Washington Wilson
The Joint Resolution was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 669 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 48, CHAPTER 27, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF FORESTERS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS IN CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 AND, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO FURTHER DEFINE AND CLARIFY THE PRACTICE OF FORESTRY AND TO REVISE PROCEDURES FOR USE OF AN ESCROW ACCOUNT.
The Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry proposed the following amendment (BBM\9529AC00), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting Section 48-27-10 on page 9 and inserting:
/ Section 48-27-10. The South Carolina Board of Registration for Foresters is created whose duty it is to administer the provisions of this chapter. The board shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate, all of whom must be residents of the State. Five members must be registered foresters and have been engaged in the practice of forestry for ten years or more and two must be nonforester private timberland owners. The Governor shall accept nominations from the Foresters Council of South Carolina for the registered forester members and from the South Carolina Forestry Association for the nonforester members. The Governor may consider nominations from any other individual, group, or association. Members shall serve terms of five years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Members may not serve more than two five-year terms in succession. Before beginning a term of office, each member shall file with the Secretary of State a written oath or affirmation for the faithful discharge of the official duties of the board. On the expiration of a member's term, three nominees for the position must be submitted by the designated entity to the Governor from which the Governor shall appoint a member. A vacancy occurring for a reason other than the expiration of a term must be filled by the Governor from three nominees recommended by the designated entity to fill the unexpired portion of the term. If the Governor fails to make an appointment within ninety days after expiration of a term, the board shall make the necessary appointment./
Amend the bill further, by deleting Section 48-27-20 beginning on page 9 and inserting:
/ Section 48-27-20. (1) 'Board' means the South Carolina Board of Registration for Foresters.
(2) 'Direct supervision' means the direct responsibility for supervision, critical watching, and checking of the practice of forestry with the authority directly to review, enforce, and control compliance with standards for that practice as the work progresses.
(3) 'Forestry' means the science, art, or business of management, utilization, or development of forests or forestlands to accomplish an objective.
(4) 'Practice of forestry' means the application of forestry including, but not limited to:
(a) consultation designed to guide, persuade, or direct members of the public pertaining to the practice of forestry;
(b) evaluation of forests or forest lands or products;
(c) prescribing, planning, or responsibly supervising silviculture, economic, or other management activities./
Amend the bill further, Section 48-27-30(A) page 10 by deleting line 11 and inserting:
/and registered as a forester in accordance with this /
Amend the bill further, Section 48-27-30 on page 10 by deleting subsections (C), (D), and (E) and inserting:
/(C) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, no provision in this chapter may be construed to prevent or prohibit a person from managing or otherwise conducting the practice of forestry on land owned by the person, and no provision of this chapter may prohibit a regular employee from engaging in professional or other forestry practices on land owned by the person's employer.
(D) Nothing in this chapter may prohibit a nonregistered person from performing forestry work if the person works under the direct supervision of a registered forester.
(E) It is the purpose of this chapter to protect the public by improving the standards relative to the practice of professional forestry. This chapter applies to foresters employed by the State or an entity of the State who provide forestry information or services, or both, to the public including, but not limited to, foresters employed by the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, and employees of the Clemson University Forestry Department and Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Forest Management Technology Department who are not engaged solely in teaching or research, or both./
Amend the bill further, Section 48-27-50 on page 11 by deleting subsection (D) and inserting:
/ (D) A roster including, but not limited to, the names, employers, business address, and phone numbers of all registered foresters qualified according to this chapter must be prepared by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation during the month of October of each year. Copies of this roster must be mailed to each person registered, each office of the State Forestry Commission, and agricultural agencies placed on file with the Secretary of State and furnished to the public upon request./
Amend the bill further, Section 48-27-110 on page 11, line 34 by deleting /Plans/ and inserting / All professional documents including, but not limited to, plans /
Amend the bill further, Section 48-27-230(A), page 13, by deleting item (1) beginning on line 16 and inserting:
/ a baccalaureate, masters, or doctorate degree in forestry from a department, school, or college whose curriculum has been approved by the board and a specific record of an additional two years' or more experience in forestry of a character satisfactory to the board and indicating that the applicant is competent to practice forestry; or /
Amend the bill further by deleting Section 48-27-270 on page 14, lines 30-40 and inserting:
/ Section 48-27-270. A registered forester shall place, as soon as is practically possible, any deposit money or other money received by him in a forestry transaction in a separate trust or escrow account maintained by the forester in a banking institution authorized to do business in the State, and the funds must be kept in the account until the transaction has been consummated or otherwise terminated, at which time a full written accounting must be made by the registered forester to the parties in the forestry transaction. Records relative to the deposit, maintenance, and withdrawal of the funds must be properly maintained for at least three years and made available to a representative of the board upon request. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator WALDREP explained the committee amendment.
The committee amendment was adopted.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar.
S. 778 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews, Patterson, Washington, Glover, Ford, Holland, Jackson and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 23 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE HIGHWAY PATROL DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, BY ADDING SECTION 23-6-180 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT, CORRELATE, AND MAINTAIN CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT BY OFFICERS OF THE HIGHWAY PATROL AND OF THE STATE POLICE AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE AN ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING COMPLAINTS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AGAINST OFFICERS OF THE HIGHWAY PATROL AND OF THE STATE POLICE.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0778.001), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting therein the following:
/ SECTION 1. Chapter 75, Title 15 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 15-75-70. (A) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) 'civil rights deprivation' means the deprivation of any person or persons of any right, privilege, or immunity secured by the Constitution and laws of this State;
(2) 'pattern' means at least three acts. The first act must have occurred after the effective date of this chapter, and the last act must have occurred within three years after the commission of the first act in the pattern.
(B) A person who is deprived of any right, privilege, or immunity secured by the Constitution and laws of this State by a pattern of civil rights deprivations on the part of the State, a state agency, a political subdivision of the State, other entity of the State, or any employee thereof acting within the scope of his official duty may bring an action at law or in equity against the state entity or political subdivision that engaged in the pattern of civil rights deprivations."
SECTION 2. Chapter 1, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 23-1-230. (A) Agencies including, but not limited to, the Department of Public Safety, sheriff's departments, and municipal police departments, that employ law enforcement officers to enforce the traffic laws of this State must collect and maintain the following information regarding vehicle traffic enforcement:
(1) the number of drivers stopped for vehicle traffic enforcement where a warning or citation was issued;
(2) identifying characteristics of the drivers stopped, including the race or ethnicity, age, and gender;
(3) the alleged traffic violation that led to the stop;
(4) whether the vehicle, personal effects, driver, or any passengers were searched;
(5) the basis for the search; and
(6) the race or ethnicity of the officer.
(B) The information required by subsection (A) is not required to be collected in connection with driving under the influence checkpoints or other types of roadblocks, vehicle checks, or checkpoints that are consistent with the laws of this State and with the state and federal constitutions, except when warnings or citations are issued or searches, seizures, or arrests take place.
(C) The Department of Public Safety must annually report to the General Assembly the number of licensed drivers in each county as of December thirty-first of the previous year. The number of licensed drivers must be categorized by age, gender, and race or ethnicity.
(D) The information collected in subsections (A) and (C) must be reported to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate by the first day of the legislative session for distribution to the General Assembly.
(E) Agencies including, but not limited to, the Department of Public Safety, sheriff's departments, and municipal police departments, that employ law enforcement officers to enforce the traffic laws of this State must compile, annually publish, and make available to the public in a report the following information regarding formal complaints by members of the public against officers of the agency:
(1) the number of complaints received by type and location of incident by county;
(2) the gender, age, and race of the complainant when known, and of any officer involved in the complaint;
(3) the disposition for each complaint including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Exonerated. The alleged incident did occur, but the actions of the officer were justified, legal, and proper;
(b) Sustained. The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to prove the allegation;
(c) Not sustained. The investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation;
(d) Unfounded. The alleged incident did not occur or there is insufficient information to conduct a meaningful investigation;
(4) the total number of disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, letter of reprimand, suspension with or without pay, and dismissal stemming from each type of sustained complaint; however, this data must not include information pertaining to the identities of the officers.
(F) As used in subsection (E), 'complaint' means a signed report regarding vehicle traffic enforcement received by an agency regarding the conduct of an officer or of an incident, pattern, or practice of conduct that deprives a person of a right, privilege, or immunity secured or protected by the State or the United States Constitution or any law of the State.
(G) The annual report required pursuant to subsection (E) must respect privacy concerns and must not include the name, badge number, or other identifying information regarding officers, complainants, or other participants in a complaint, other than that information required by subsection (E)."
SECTION 3. Section 23-1-230 is repealed on July 1, 2005.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect on July 1, 2001. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator BRYAN explained the committee amendment.
The committee amendment was adopted.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
On motion of Senator JACKSON, with unanimous consent, the names of Senators JACKSON and ANDERSON were added as co-sponsors of S. 778.
On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, with unanimous consent, S. 778 was ordered to receive a third reading on Monday, April 24, 2000.
S. 820 (Word version) -- Senators Holland, McConnell and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1700, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF "HARASSMENT", SO AS TO INCLUDE WRITTEN OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1720, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES UPON CONVICTION FOR STALKING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE LENGTH OF MANDATORY IMPRISONMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1750, RELATING TO AN ACTION SEEKING A RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST A PERSON ENGAGED IN HARASSMENT OR STALKING, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT, WHEN A RESTRAINING ORDER IS ISSUED AS A CONDITION OF BOND, A COPY OF THE RESTRAINING ORDER MUST BE SENT BY THE COURT TO THE VICTIM, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION OF JURISDICTION AND VENUE, SO AS TO GRANT JURISDICTION TO MUNICIPAL COURTS; AND TO FURTHER REQUIRE THAT MUNICIPAL COURTS PROVIDE FORMS TO FACILITATE THE PREPARATION AND FILING OF A COMPLAINT AND MOTION FOR A RESTRAINING ORDER BY A PLAINTIFF NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1790, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SERVICE OF CERTIFIED COPIES OF RESTRAINING ORDERS, SO AS TO ALLOW SERVICE TO BE MADE BY MAIL RETURN RECEIPT TO DEFENDANT'S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1840, RELATING TO A MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION AS A CONDITION OF BAIL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE EVALUATION BE MADE BEFORE BAIL IS SET; AND TO FURTHER REQUIRE THAT THE EVALUATION BE SCHEDULED WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE ORDER'S ISSUANCE, THAT THE REPORT BE ISSUED WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS OF EVALUATION, AND THAT THE SOLICITOR ARRANGE FOR A BOND HEARING UPON RECEIPT OF THE REPORT BEFORE A CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0820.001), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the bill in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
TO AMEND SECTION 1600-3-1700, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF 'HARASSMENT', SO AS TO INCLUDE WRITTEN OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1710, RELATING TO PENALTIES UPON CONVICTION FOR HARASSMENT WITHIN SEVEN YEARS OF A PRIOR CONVICTION OF HARASSMENT OR STALKING, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE LANGUAGE OF THE SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1720, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES UPON CONVICTION FOR STALKING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE LENGTH OF M00ANDATORY IMPRISONMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1730, RELATING TO PENALTIES UPON CONVICTION OF AGGRAVATED STALKING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1750, RELATING TO AN ACTION SEEKING A RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST A PERSON ENGAGED IN HARASSMENT OR STALKING, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT, WHEN A RESTRAINING ORDER IS ISSUED AS A CONDITION OF BOND, A COPY OF THE RESTRAINING ORDER MUST BE SENT BY THE COURT TO THE VICTIM; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1770, RELATING TO FORM AND CONTENT OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER GRANTED WITHOUT NOTICE MUST BE ENTERED OF RECORD WITH THE MAGISTRATES COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1790, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SERVICE OF CERTIFIED COPIES OF RESTRAINING ORDERS, SO AS TO ALLOW SERVICE TO BE MADE BY MAIL RETURN RECEIPT TO DEFENDANT'S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1840, RELATING TO A MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION AS A CONDITION OF BAIL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE EVALUATION B0E MADE BEFORE BAIL IS SET; AND FURTHER TO REQUIRE THAT THE EVALUATION BE SCHEDULED WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE ORDER'S ISSUANCE, THAT THE REPORT BE ISSUED WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS OF EVALUATION, AND THAT THE SOLICITOR ARRANGE FOR A BOND HEARING UPON RECEIPT OF THE REPORT BEFORE A CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Article 17, Chapter 3, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:0
Section 16-3-1700. As used in this article:
(A) 'Harassment' means a pattern of intentional, substantial, and unreasonable intrusion into the private life of a targeted person that causes the person, and would cause a reasonable person in his position, to suffer mental distress. Harassment may include, but is not limited to:
(1) following the targeted person as he moves from location to location;
(2) visual, physical, or verbal contact, or written or electronic communication that is initiated, maintained, or repeated after a person has been provided notice that the contact is unwanted;
(3) surveillance of or the maintenance of a presence near the targeted person's:
(a) residence;
(b) place of work;
(c) school; or
(d) another place regularly occupied by the targeted person; and
(4) vandalism and property damage.
Harassment does not include words or conduct that is protected by the Constitution of this State or the United States, and does not apply to law enforcement officers or process servers performing their official duties.
(B) 'Stalking' means a pattern of words or conduct that is intended to cause and does cause a targeted person and would cause a reasonable person in the targeted person's position to fear:
(1) death of the person or a member of his family;
(2) assault upon the person or a member of his family;
(3) bodily injury to the person or a member of his family;
(4) criminal sexual contact on the person or a member of his family;
(5) kidnapping of the person or a member of his family; or
(6) damage to the property of the person or a member of his family.
Stalking does not include words or conduct that is protected by the Constitution of this State or the United States and does not apply to law enforcement officers or process servers performing their official duties.
(C) 'Aggravated stalking' means stalking accompanied or followed by an act of violence.
(D) 'Pattern' means two or more acts within a ninety-day period.
(E) 'Family' means a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or a person who regularly resides in the same household as the targeted person.
Section 16-3-1710. (A) A person who engages in harassment is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars, imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
(B) A person convicted of harassment against a person within seven years of a prior conviction of harassment against or stalking of that person, or when an injunction or restraining order is in effect prohibiting this conduct, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than one year, or both if:
(1) the person has a prior conviction of harassing or stalking; or
(2) at the time of the harassment or stalking, an injunction or restraining order was in effect prohibiting the harassment or stalking.
(C) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, a person convicted of harassment who received licensing or registration information pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 56 and used the information in furtherance of the commission of the offense under this section must be fined two hundred dollars or imprisoned thirty days, or both.
Section 16-3-1720. (A) A person who engages in stalking is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than one year three years, or both.
(B) A person who engages in stalking when an injunction or restraining order is in effect prohibiting this conduct is guilty of a misdemeanor felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than two three years, or both.
(C) A person who engages in stalking a person within seven years of and who has a prior conviction of harassment against harassing or stalking of that a person is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
(D) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, a person convicted of stalking who received licensing or registration information pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 56 and used the information in furtherance of the commission of the offense under this section must be fined one thousand dollars or imprisoned one year, or both.
Section 16-3-1730. (A) A person who engages in aggravated stalking is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
(B) A person who engages in aggravated stalking when an injunction or restraining order is in effect prohibiting this conduct is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than seven thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(C) A person who engages in aggravated stalking of a person within seven years of and who has a prior conviction of harassment against harassing or stalking of that a person is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than fifteen years, or both.
Section 16-3-1740. Before sentencing a person convicted of stalking, the court may require the person to undergo a mental health evaluation. If the court determines from the results of the evaluation that the person needs mental health treatment or counseling, the court shall require him to undergo mental health treatment or counseling by a court-approved mental health professional, mental health facility, or facility operated by the State Department of Mental Health as a part of his sentence.
Section 16-3-1750. (A) Under this article, the magistrate's magistrates courts shall have jurisdiction over an action seeking a restraining order against a person engaged in harassment or stalking.
(B) An action for a restraining order must be filed in the county in which:
(1) the defendant resides when the action commences;
(2) the harassment or stalking occurred; or
(3) the plaintiff resides if the defendant is a nonresident of the State or cannot be found.
(C) A complaint and motion for a restraining order may be filed by any person. The complaint must:
(1) allege that the defendant is engaged in harassment or stalking and must state the time, place, and manner of the acts complained of, and other facts and circumstances upon which relief is sought;
(2) be verified; and
(3) inform the defendant of his right to retain counsel to represent him at the hearing on the complaint.
(D) The magistrate's Magistrates courts shall must provide forms to facilitate the preparation and filing of a complaint and motion for a restraining order by a plaintiff not represented by counsel. The court also shall must provide forms to facilitate the preparation and filing of motions and affidavits to proceed in forma pauperis. Upon the issuance of a restraining order as a condition of bond for the arrest of the defendant for any crime, the court shall issue a written copy of the restraining order to the victim in person or by mail within twenty-four hours of the bond hearing. A restraining order issued as a condition of bond has the same effect as any restraining order issued under the provisions of this section.
(E) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a restraining order or a temporary restraining order issued pursuant to this article shall be enforceable throughout this State.
Section 16-3-1760. (A) Within twenty-four hours after the filing of a complaint and motion seeking a restraining order under Section 16-3-1750, the court, for good cause shown, may hold an emergency hearing and, if the plaintiff proves his allegation by a preponderance of the evidence, may issue a temporary restraining order without giving the defendant notice of the motion for the order. A prima facie showing of immediate and present danger of bodily injury, verified by supporting affidavits, constitutes good cause.
(B) A temporary restraining order granted without notice must be served upon the defendant together with a copy of the complaint and a Rule to Show Cause why the order should not be extended for the full six-month period. The Rule to Show Cause shall must provide the date and time of the hearing for the Rule to Show Cause. The defendant must be served within five days before the hearing in the same manner required for service in circuit court.
(C) In cases not provided in subsection (A) of this provision, the court shall cause a copy of the complaint and motion to be served upon the defendant at least five days before the hearing in the same manner required for service in circuit court.
(D) The court shall must hold a hearing on a motion for a restraining order within fifteen days of the filing of a complaint and motion, but not sooner than five days after service has been perfected upon the defendant.
Section 16-3-1770. (A) A temporary restraining order granted without notice must be endorsed with the date and hour of issuance and entered of record with the magistrate's magistrates court.
(B) The terms of the restraining order shall must protect the plaintiff and may include temporarily enjoining the defendant from:
(1) abusing, threatening to abuse, or molesting the plaintiff or members of the plaintiff's family;
(2) entering or attempting to enter the plaintiff's place of residence, employment, education, or other location; and
(3) communicating or attempting to communicate with the plaintiff in a way that would violate the provisions of this article.
(C) A restraining order issued pursuant to this article conspicuously shall must bear the following language: 'Violation of this order is a criminal offense punishable by thirty days in jail, a fine of five hundred dollars, or both'.
Section 16-3-1780. (A) A temporary restraining order shall remain remains in effect until the hearing on the Rule to Show Cause why the order should not be extended for the full six-month period. The temporary restraining order must be for a fixed period in accordance with subsection (B) of this provision if the court finds the defendant in default at the hearing.
(B) In cases not provided for in subsection (A) of this provision, a restraining order must be for a fixed period not to exceed six months, but may be extended by court order on a motion by the plaintiff, showing good cause, with notice to the defendant. The defendant is entitled to a hearing on the extension of an order issued pursuant to this subsection within thirty days of the date upon which the order will expire.
(C) Notwithstanding subsection (B) of this provision, the provisions included in a restraining order granting relief pursuant to Section 16-3-1770 dissolve six months following the issuance of the order unless, prior to the expiration of this period, the court has charged the defendant with the crime of harassment or stalking and has scheduled a date for trial on the charge. If the trial has been scheduled, relief granted pursuant to Section 16-3-1770 shall remain remains in effect beyond the six-month period only until the conclusion of the trial.
(D) The court may modify the terms of an order issued pursuant to this section.
Section 16-3-1790. The magistrate' courts A magistrates court shall must serve the defendant with a certified copy of an order issued pursuant to this article and provide a copy to the plaintiff and to the local law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction over the area where the plaintiff resides. Service must be made without charge to the plaintiff. After reasonable attempts to locate the defendant have failed, service of the defendant must be made by mail return receipt requested to the defendant's last known address. The receipt return must be filed with the magistrates court. A copy must also be mailed to the plaintiff.
Section 16-3-1800. Law enforcement officers shall must arrest a defendant who is acting in violation of a restraining order after service and notice of the order have been provided. An arrest warrant is not required.
Section 16-3-1810. (A) The primary responsibility of a law enforcement officer when responding to a harassment or stalking incident is to enforce the law and protect the complainant.
(B) The law enforcement officer shall must notify the complainant of the right to initiate criminal proceedings and to seek a restraining order.
Section 16-3-1820. A person who reports an alleged harassment or stalking, files a criminal complaint, files a complaint for a restraining order, or who participates in a judicial proceeding under this article and who is acting in good faith is immune from criminal and civil liability that might otherwise result from these actions. A rebuttable presumption exists that the person was acting in good faith.
Section 16-3-1830. A proceeding commenced under this article is in addition to other civil and criminal remedies.
Section 16-3-1840. As a condition of Prior to setting bail, a magistrate or a municipal judge may order a defendant charged with harassment or stalking under this article to undergo a mental health evaluation performed by the local mental health department. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine if the defendant poses a threat to the victim or possesses a mental abnormality which requires immediate commitment or additional treatment as a condition of bond. The evaluation must be scheduled within ten days of the order's issuance. Once the evaluation is completed, the examiner must, within forty-eight hours, issue a report to the local solicitor's office. Upon receipt of the report, the solicitor must arrange for a bond hearing before a circuit court judge. For purposes of this section, 'mental abnormality' means a mental condition affecting a person's emotional or volitional capacity that predisposes the person to commit an offense against another person."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./
Amend title to conform.
Senator MOORE explained the committee amendment.
The committee amendment was adopted.
Senator FORD proposed the following amendment (JUD0820.002), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/ SECTION __. Section 16-1-60 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 16-1-60. For purposes of definition under definition under South Carolina law, a violent crime includes the offenses of murder (Section 16-3-10); criminal sexual conduct in the first and second degree (Sections 16-3-652 and 16-3-653); criminal sexual conduct with minors, first and second degree (Section 16-3-655); assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, first and second degree (Section 16-3-656); assault and battery with intent to kill (Section 16-3-620); kidnapping (Section 16-3-910); voluntary manslaughter (Section 16-3-50); armed robbery (Section 16-11-330(A)); attempted armed robbery (Section 16-11-330(B)); carjacking (Section 16-3-1075); drug trafficking, as defined in Sections 44-53-370(e) and 44-53-375(C); arson in the first degree (Section 16-11-110(A)); arson in the second degree (Section 16-11-110(B)); burglary in the first degree (Section 16-11-311); burglary in the second degree (Section 16-11-312(B)); engaging a child for a sexual performance (Section 16-3-810); homicide by child abuse (Section 16-3-85(A)(1)); aiding and abetting homicide by child abuse (Section 16-3-85(A)(2)); criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature (Section 16-25-65); accessory before the fact to commit any of the above offenses (Section 16-1-40); and attempt to commit any of the above offenses (Section 16-1-80). Only those offenses specifically enumerated in this section are considered violent offenses." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GIESE spoke on the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 891 (Word version) -- Senators Holland, Cork and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-670, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES' AUTHORITY TO INVESTIGATE ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS AND FOSTER HOMES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, INSTEAD OF THE OMBUDSMAN OF THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, SHALL INVESTIGATE AN ALLEGATION OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF A CHILD WHERE THE CHILD IS IN THE CUSTODY OF OR A RESIDENT OF A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITY, INSTITUTION, OR AGENCY LICENSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OR OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0891.001), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, beginning on line 26, in Section 20-7-670, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking Sections 20-7-670(F) and (G) in their entirety and inserting therein the following:
/ (F) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (A) or any other provision of this article, the The Department of Social Services may not must investigate an allegation of abuse or neglect of a child where the child is in the custody of or a resident of a public or private health facility, institution, or agency residential treatment facility or Intermediate Care Facility for the mentally retarded licensed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control or operated by the Department of Mental Health. These allegations of abuse and neglect must be investigated by the ombudsman of the Office of the Governor pursuant to Article 1, Chapter 35, Title 43, and Chapter 38, Title 43.
(G) The Department of Social Services has access to facilities for the purpose of conducting investigations and has authority to request and receive written statements, documents, exhibits, and other information pertinent to an investigation including, but not limited to, hospital records. The appropriate officials, agencies, departments, and political subdivisions of the State must assist and cooperate with the court and the Department of Social Services in furtherance of the purposes of this section.
(H) The Department of Social Services may file with the family court an affidavit and a petition to support issuance of a warrant at any time during an investigation. The family court must issue the warrant if the affidavit and petition establish probable cause to believe the child is an abused or neglected child and that the investigation cannot be completed without issuance of the warrant. The warrant may authorize the department to interview the child, to inspect the premises of the child, to inspect the premise where the child may be located or may reside, and to obtain copies of medical, school, or other records necessary for investigation of the allegations of abuse or neglect.
(I) When the investigation performed pursuant to this section results in a determination that an individual has harmed a child or threatened a child with harm, as defined in Section 20-7-490, the name of that individual immediately must be entered immediately in the Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect. The department must notify the individual in writing by certified mail that his name has been entered in the registry, of his right to request an appeal of the decision to enter his name in the registry, and of the possible consequences to ramifications regarding future employment and licensing if he allows his name to remain in the registry. The procedures set out forth in Section 20-7-655 apply when an individual challenges the entry of his name in the registry, and challenges of the entry in the registry pursuant to this subsection must be given expedited review in the appellate process." /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 3, line 8, by striking SECTION 2, in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
/ SECTION 2. This act takes effect ninety days after approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MOORE explained the committee amendment.
The committee amendment was adopted.
Senator McCONNELL proposed the following amendment (JUD0891.002), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, beginning on line 16, in Section 20-7-670(D), as contained in SECTION 1, by striking lines 16 through 18 in their entirety and inserting therein the following:
/ State Law Enforcement Division may promulgate regulations consistent with this authority to receive and investigate these reports and take remedial action, if necessary. /
Amend title to conform.
Senator McCONNELL explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 1324 (Word version) -- Senator Branton: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 512 OF 1996, RELATING TO DEVOLUTION OF AUTHORITY AND BUDGETARY APPROVALS TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, SO AS TO DELETE THE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE FROM THE OFFICES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS OVER WHICH THE GOVERNING BODY OF DORCHESTER COUNTY HAS AUTHORITY.
Senator BRANTON asked unanimous consent to commit the Bill to the Dorchester County Delegation.
There was no objection.
The Bill was committed to the Dorchester County Delegation.
S. 1119 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Ryberg, Richardson, Mescher, Giese, Branton and Fair: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE CONGRESS TO ENACT AND SUBMIT TO THE STATES FOR RATIFICATION AN APPROPRIATE AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION ALLOWING PRAYER IN SCHOOLS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
H. 4205 (Word version) -- Rep. Stille: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-101-190, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEANS' COMMITTEE ON MEDICAL DOCTOR EDUCATION, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE COMMITTEE TO THE DEANS' COMMITTEE ON MEDICAL EDUCATION, TO REVISE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE, THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CHAIRMAN IS SELECTED, AND THE FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE.
On motion of Senator SETZLER, with unanimous consent, the Bill was carried over.
THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.
S. 3 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin, Elliott, Moore, Drummond, Holland, Saleeby, J. Verne Smith, Land, Setzler, Leventis, Bryan, Matthews, Patterson, McGill, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Washington, Reese, Ford, Glover, Jackson, Lander, Short, Hutto, Anderson, Elliott, Ryberg, Giese, Wilson, Fair, Hayes, Leatherman and Russell: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 19, TITLE 16, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CRIMES AND OFFENSES, BY ADDING SECTION 16-19-180 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF CASINO GAMBLING ON BOATS, SHIPS, OR OTHER WATERCRAFT WHICH EMBARK, SAIL, AND DISEMBARK WITHIN SOUTH CAROLINA'S BORDERS.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of Amendment No. P-1 (3R001.wgr), proposed by Senator RYBERG and printed in the Journal of Wednesday, April 19, 2000.
Senator McCONNELL argued contra to the adoption of the amendment.
Senator McCONNELL asked unanimous consent to carry over all amendments ahead of Amendment No. 8 and take up for immediate consideration Amendment No. 8.
There was no objection.
Senator RANKIN proposed the following Amendment No. 8 (3R025.LAR):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
/ SECTION 1. Gambling activities prohibited by statutory laws and by the Constitution of this State are prohibited on vessels where voyages begin and end in waters of this State, consistent with the standards specified in 15 U.S.C. 1175, commonly referred to as the Johnson Act. Except as otherwise provided herein, this act prohibits gambling activities on so-called "cruises to nowhere".
SECTION 2. Chapter 19 of Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 16-19-170. (A) As used in this section:
(1) 'Vessel' means a boat, ship, casino boat, watercraft, or barge kept, operated, or maintained for the purpose of gambling, with one or more gaming establishments aboard, that carries or operates gambling devices for the use of its passengers or otherwise provides facilities for the purpose of gambling, whether within or without the jurisdiction of this State, and whether it is anchored, berthed, lying to, or navigating and the sailing, voyaging, or cruising, or any segment of the sailing, voyaging, or cruising begins and ends within this State.
(2) 'Gambling' or 'gambling device' means a game of chance and includes, but is not limited to, slot machines, punch boards, video poker or black jack machines, keeno, roulette, craps, or any other gaming table type gambling or poker, blackjack, or any other card gambling game.
(B) Except as provided in Section 5, it is unlawful for any person to repair or use any gambling device on a vessel that is on a voyage or segment of a voyage if:
(1) the voyage or segment begins and ends in this State; and
(2) during which the vessel does not make an intervening stop within the boundaries of another state or possession of the United States or a foreign country.
(C) The following voyages and segments are lawful if the voyage or segment includes or consists of a segment:
(1) that begins and ends in this State;
(2) that is part of a voyage to another state or possession of the United States or to a foreign country; and
(3) in which the vessel reaches the other state or foreign country within three days after leaving the state in which the segment begins."
SECTION 3. A violation of 16-19-170 is not a criminal offense, but is a violation for which a civil penalty, not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars for each violation, may be imposed by the Department of Revenue.
SECTION 4. The provisions of this act do not apply to (1) a commercial passenger vessel which has dining facilities and sleeping or stateroom accommodations for every passenger and whose voyage extends for a period in excess of twelve hours or (2) a commercial passenger vessel which operates in international waters conducting general cruise business from ports outside the State and which sails during a twelve month period to other ports outside the State or to another country.
SECTION 5. (A) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16-19-170: (1) the governing body of a coastal county by ordinance may suspend the application of the gambling prohibitions provided for in Section 16-19-170 for the unincorporated area of the county; and (2) the governing body of a municipality by ordinance may suspend the application of the gambling prohibitions provided for in Section 16-19-170 for the municipality.
(B) Except as provided in subsection (C), the county election commission or the municipal election commission, as appropriate, shall place the question contained in this subsection on the general election ballot in November 2000 in a coastal county in which the county governing body or the municipal governing body, as appropriate, has suspended application of the gambling prohibition provided for in Section 16-19-170 by ordinance within ninety days before the 2000 general election. The state election laws apply to the referendum, mutatis mutandis. The State Board of Canvassers shall publish the results of the referendum and certify them to the Secretary of State. If the result of a referendum is in favor of reinstating the gambling prohibition within the county or municipality, Section 16-19-170 applies in that county or municipality after the result of the referendum is certified to the Secretary of State.
The question put before the voters shall read:
"Shall the prohibition against gambling, however described, on a vessel that embarks and disembarks within South Carolina be reinstated in __________municipality/county?
No [ ]
Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'."
(C) In lieu of the referendum held at the time of the general election, but otherwise subject to the requirements of subsection (B), a referendum may be held at a date to be determined by the local governing body.
(D) For purposes of this section, a "coastal county" means Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Horry, Jasper, or Georgetown county.
SECTION 6. Nothing in this act shall be construed to repeal or modify any other provision of law relating to gambling. This act does not repeal or modify any law with regard to bingo or the operation of a device or machine pursuant to Section 12-21-2720(A)(3).
SECTION 7. The General Assembly recognizes that certain "cruises to nowhere" are lawful by virtue of the application of 15 U.S.C. 1175. However, effective November 15, 2000, nothing in this act prohibits or otherwise limits a county or city, by ordinance, from setting vessel weight restrictions and docking restrictions as long as these restrictions are reasonably and rationally related to public safety, navigation safety, depth of water, the preservation of historical areas, or general planning considerations pursuant to Chapter 7 of Title 6.
SECTION 8. The operator of a gambling boat vessel, the operation of which would be unlawful in this State except for the exclusions provided in 15 U.S.C. 1175, and as otherwise provided in this act, shall comply with all of the following:
(1) the applicable provisions of Chapter 8 of Title 12;
(2) the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards and requirements normally applicable in international waters;
(3) the passengers must be at least twenty-one years of age.
SECTION 9. A person engaged in the business of operating gambling boat voyages must pay a tax on the business at the rate of six dollars per passenger who embarks on a gambling boat voyage in this State. Within the first ten days of each month, the taxpayer must report to the Department of Revenue the number of passengers who embarked on the taxpayer's gambling boat voyages during the previous month and must pay the tax at the time the report is due. Twenty-five percent of any tax collected pursuant to this section must be paid to the general fund of the State. The remaining seventy-five percent must be paid to and shared equally by the county or municipality where the voyage originated.
SECTION 10. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
At 11:40 A.M., with Senator McCONNELL retaining the floor, on motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, the Senate receded from business not to exceed ten minutes.
At 11:50 A.M., the Senate resumed.
On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, debate was interrupted by adjournment, with Senator McCONNELL retaining the floor.
On motion of Senator HAYES, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Harry L. Tinsley, Jr. of Rock Hill, S.C.
Senator DRUMMOND moved that, when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, April 20, 2000, it stand adjourned to meet next Tuesday, April 25, 2000, at 12:00 Noon, which motion was adopted.
At 11:52 A.M., on motion of Senator DRUMMOND, the Senate adjourned to meet Monday, April 24, 2000, at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.
This web page was last updated on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 9:36 A.M.