Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Beloved, hear words from Psalm 26 (vv. 8-10):
"O Lord, I love the house in which You dwell, and the place where
Your glory abides.
Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the
bloodthirsty, those in whose hands are evil devices..."
Let us pray.
Our Father, we in this country are disturbed, confused, and worried about what we should do about the suffering among the babies, the women and the innocent victims of Kosovo and other crisis torn regions of the world... a crisis of sin and evil on our earth... Your earth.
You have given us the power of the sword, nuclear power, air power. They can destroy but they cannot redeem!
We beseech You, who outfoxed the Pharaohs of Egypt and brought Your children to the Promised Land, that You will manifest the power of Your Spirit in the affairs of our world... today.
If we can help, in any way, show us the way! Make us willing to be used in the fray! In the Name of the God who loves us all.
Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Senator DRUMMOND made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.
Senator BRYAN moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Alexander Anderson Branton Bryan Cork Courson Drummond Fair Ford Giese Glover Gregory Grooms Hayes Holland Hutto Jackson Land Leatherman Leventis Martin Matthews McConnell McGill Mescher Moore Passailaigue Patterson Peeler Rankin Ravenel Russell Saleeby Setzler Short Smith, J. Verne Thomas Waldrep Washington Wilson
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senators O'DELL, REESE, ELLIOTT, COURTNEY and RANKIN recorded their presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.
The following was received and referred to the appropriate committee for consideration:
Document No. 2421
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - State Board of Nursing
SUBJECT: Definition of Orientation
Received by Lieutenant Governor March 11, 1999
Referred to Medical Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration July 9, 1999 (Subject to Sine Die Revision)
Senator CORK introduced Dr. Ozzie Mikell of Beaufort, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator GREGORY, at 3:30 P.M., Senator RYBERG was granted a leave of absence for today.
The following were introduced:
S. 599 (Word version) -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-11-25 AND 1-11-26, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DIVISION OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND THE USE OF GRANT FUNDS, SO AS TO CHANGE ITS NAME TO THE OFFICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PROVIDE THAT ITS DIRECTOR REPORTS DIRECTLY TO THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND UPDATE REFERENCES TO AGENCIES.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 600 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, OFFICE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMPLIANCE, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR INTERIOR STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2343, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 601 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, OFFICE OF LABOR SERVICES, RELATING TO CHILD LABOR, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2355, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 602 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, RELATING TO VACATION TIME-SHARING, EDUCATIONAL PROVIDERS, AND REAL ESTATE PRACTICES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2344, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 603 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR GEOLOGISTS, RELATING TO FEES, USE OF SEAL, CONTINUING EDUCATION, AND REGISTRATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2380, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the local and uncontested Calendar.
S. 604 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, OFFICERS OF THE BOARD, MEETINGS, LICENSING PROVISIONS, CONTINUING EDUCATION, FEES, AND CODE OF ETHICS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2381, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 605 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY, RELATING TO FEES, COMMISSIONS, ACCOUNTING FIRMS, LICENSURE, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2357, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 606 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, OFFICERS, MEETINGS, SEAL OF THE BOARD, APPLICATIONS AND FEES, REGISTRATION BY EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION BY RECIPROCITY, RENEWALS, DUPLICATE CERTIFICATES, PRACTICE OF FIRMS, SEALS, ETHICS, MANNER OF DISCIPLINE, AND REINSTATEMENT, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2356, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 607 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, OFFICE OF ELEVATOR SAFETY, RELATING TO ELEVATOR SAFETY, DEFINITION OF "SERIOUS INJURY", DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2411, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 608 (Word version) -- Senators Washington, Hutto and Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 286 OF 1989, RELATING TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN HAMPTON COUNTY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 TO RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER MEETING FOR THEIR ATTENDANCE.
Read the first time and on motion of Senator WASHINGTON, with unanimous consent, ordered placed on the local and uncontested Calendar.
S. 609 (Word version) -- Senator Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 51 OF TITLE 12, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ALTERNATE PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TAXES, BY ADDING SECTION 12-51-180 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A LOST RETURN OR A RETURN OF CERTIFIED MAIL UNDELIVERED DOES NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OF TAX TITLE ISSUED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 51; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-51-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE NOTICE OF THE APPROACHING END OF THE REDEMPTION PERIOD, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCE TO THE RETURN OF UNDELIVERED MAIL.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 610 (Word version) -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 30-4-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A STATE AGENCY SHALL NOT RELEASE THE NAME, ADDRESS, PICTURE, OR INFORMATION OF A PERSONAL OR IMPERSONAL NATURE CONTAINED IN ITS RECORDS OF A PERSON WITHOUT HIS WRITTEN PERMISSION, TO PROVIDE THAT, IF THE PERSON IS A MINOR, THE AGENCY MUST RECEIVE THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE MINOR'S PARENT OR GUARDIAN BEFORE THE INFORMATION IS RELEASED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN RECORDS OF A MINOR ARE EXEMPT FROM THIS PROVISION.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 611 (Word version) -- Senator Saleeby: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION AND THEIR TERMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH OFFICE IS SEPARATE AND NUMBERED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ELECTIONS MUST BE FOR A SPECIFIC, NUMBERED SEAT ON THE COMMISSION.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 612 (Word version) -- Senator J. Verne Smith: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 28 SO AS TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 613 (Word version) -- Senators Passailaigue, Drummond, Giese, Ravenel, Mescher, Ford, Grooms and Washington: A BILL TO MAKE FINDINGS OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS TO MAINTAIN MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY IN MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-123-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ORGANIZATION AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL CONSTITUTE THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY TO THE AUTHORITY AND REMOVE THE HOSPITALS AND CLINICS FROM CENTRAL STATE PROGRAM REGULATION OF PROCUREMENT, REAL PROPERTY, AND HUMAN RESOURCES, TO SET FORTH THE DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 8-11-260, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM STATE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO EXEMPT EMPLOYEES OF THE HOSPITALS AND CLINICS FROM BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION; TO AMEND SECTION 8-17-370, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES, SO AS TO EXEMPT MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND CLINIC EMPLOYEES FROM THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-710, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO ADD AN EXEMPTION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE FOR THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 614 (Word version) -- Senators Ford and Branton: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1370 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS OF FAMILY COURT JUDGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FAMILY COURT JUDGES SHALL BE POPULARLY ELECTED FROM SENATORIAL DISTRICTS BY THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF EACH DISTRICT; TO REPEAL SECTION 20-7-1410 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE NUMBER OF FAMILY COURT JUDGES ASSIGNED TO EACH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF JANUARY 1, 2000, FOR THESE PROVISIONS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 3029 (Word version) -- Rep. Mason: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 39, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TRADE AND COMMERCE, BY ADDING CHAPTER 75 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF THE SALE OF REGROOVED AND REGROOVABLE TIRES.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 3188 (Word version) -- Reps. Knotts, Edge, Rodgers, Whatley and Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-1520, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IS SEVENTY MILES AN HOUR; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-5-1510, RELATING TO THE STATE'S FIFTY-FIVE MILE AN HOUR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT AND FEDERAL LAWS THAT PERMIT THE STATE TO SET SPEED LIMITS GREATER THAN FIFTY-FIVE MILES AN HOUR.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 3304 (Word version) -- Rep. Easterday: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 58, CHAPTER 3, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, BY ADDING SECTION 58-3-230 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE UNAUTHORIZED CHANGE OF A CUSTOMER'S UTILITY SERVICE PROVIDER AND TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 3535 (Word version) -- Rep. Edge: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 27-31-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS OF "BUILDING", "GENERAL COMMON ELEMENTS", AND "PROPERTY" IN THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT, SO AS TO EXTEND THE MEANINGS OF THESE TERMS TO APPLY TO PROPOSED OR ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION, AS WELL AS EXISTING CONSTRUCTION OR STRUCTURES; TO AMEND SECTION 27-31-30, RELATING TO THE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HORIZONTAL PROPERTY REGIME, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PROPERTY MAY BE SUBMITTED TO SUCH A REGIME PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION OR THE COMPLETION OF ANY BUILDING OR APARTMENT, IMPROVEMENTS, OR STRUCTURES ON THE PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTION 27-31-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT AND THE CONTENTS OF THE MASTER DEED OR LEASE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MASTER DEED OR LEASE SHALL SET FORTH THE DESCRIPTION OF THE LAND, WHETHER LEASED OR IN FEE SIMPLE, AND THE BUILDING OR BUILDINGS IN EXISTENCE OR TO BE CONSTRUCTED, IF APPLICABLE, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 27-31-110, RELATING TO THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE PLOT PLAN AND BUILDING PLAN ACCOMPANY THE MASTER DEED OR LEASE, SO AS TO EXTEND THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION TO PROPOSED OR ANTICIPATED BUILDINGS OR CONSTRUCTION, AS WELL AS BUILDINGS OR CONSTRUCTION ALREADY EXISTING.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 3685 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin, Barfield, G. Brown, J. Brown, Canty, Dantzler, Gourdine, J. Hines, Hinson, Law, M. McLeod, Ott and Woodrum: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 51-13-230, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE SANTEE COOPER COUNTIES PROMOTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSION TO BORROW MONEY.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
H. 3706 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, PILOTAGE COMMISSION, RELATING TO PORT OF PORT ROYAL, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2312, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 3707 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, PILOTAGE COMMISSION, RELATING TO PORT OF GEORGETOWN, SHORT BRANCH QUALIFICATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2313, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 3708 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, PILOTAGE COMMISSION, RELATING TO PORT OF CHARLESTON, SHORT BRANCH QUALIFICATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2322, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 3710 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, RELATING TO COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SYSTEM SURCHARGE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2376, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
H. 3711 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, RELATING TO VACATION TIME-SHARING, EDUCATIONAL PROVIDERS, AND REAL ESTATE PRACTICES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2344, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 3712 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, RELATING TO GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURING AMENDMENTS AND RECERTIFICATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2384, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 3725 (Word version) -- Reps. Breeland, Altman, Bailey, Campsen, Chellis, Dantzler, Gourdine, Harrell, Hinson, Inabinett, Limehouse, Mack, Whatley, Whipper and Young-Brickell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 49-29-230, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CERTAIN SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATIONS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DOWNSTREAM ASHLEY RIVER SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATION TO THE HIGHWAY 526 BRIDGE.
Senator RAVENEL spoke on the Bill.
Read the first time and on motion of Senator RAVENEL, with unanimous consent, ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
Senator WILSON from the General Committee submitted a favorable report on:
S. 154 (Word version) -- Senators Passailaigue, Giese, Leventis, Hayes, Washington and Reese: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE VETERANS' MONUMENT COMMISSION AND PROVIDE FOR THE COMMISSION'S MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND RELATED MATTERS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator WILSON from the General Committee submitted a favorable report on:
S. 240 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Passailaigue: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 722 OF 1976, RELATING TO THE WASHINGTON LIGHT INFANTRY AND SUMTER GUARDS BOARD OF OFFICERS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD FROM FIVE TO SEVEN MEMBERS AND TO CHANGE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ARE APPOINTED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator WILSON from the General Committee submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3678 (Word version) -- Reps. Haskins and J. Smith: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE APRIL 24, 1999, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF 1915-1923" SO AS TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF THE ONE AND ONE-HALF MILLION PEOPLE OF ARMENIAN ANCESTRY WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING THAT TERRIBLE TIME AND TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF GENOCIDE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
S. 487 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews and Hutto: A BILL TO REVISE THE ELECTION DISTRICTS AND METHOD OF ELECTING THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT FIVE AND TO CHANGE THE MANNER FOR FILLING VACANCIES ON THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
The House returned the Bill with amendments.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.
H. 3429 (Word version) -- Reps. Lanford, Hawkins, Wilder, Walker, Allison, Lee, Davenport, D. Smith, Vaughn and Littlejohn: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DAY OF JANUARY 4, 1999, MISSED BY STUDENTS OF EACH OF THE SEVEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1998-99 WHEN THE SCHOOLS WERE CLOSED DUE TO ICE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE SCHOOL DAYS OF JANUARY 5 AND 8, 1999, MISSED BY STUDENTS OF MAYO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN
SPARTANBURG COUNTY FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1998-99 WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED DUE TO A POWER OUTAGE AND MECHANICAL FIRE ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.
The House returned the Joint Resolution with amendments.
On motion of Senator RUSSELL, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.
S. 495 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott and Rankin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE OVER THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY IN THE RESTAURANT ROW AREA OF HORRY COUNTY IN HONOR OF MR. WILLIAM H. ALFORD.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
S. 557 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1999, AS "READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, URGING EVERY CITIZEN IN THE PALMETTO STATE TO ENSURE THAT EVERY CHILD IS READ TO BY A CARING ADULT AT LEAST ONCE ON THAT DAY, AND REDEDICATING THIS STATE TO EFFORTS WHICH ENGAGE IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES TO PLACE SOUTH CAROLINA'S CHILDREN AMONG THE BEST READERS IN THE NATION.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:
S. 542 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 27-18-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR TERMS USED IN THE UNIFORM UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ACT, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "INTANGIBLE PROPERTY" BY EXCLUDING TRADING STAMPS AND ELECTRONIC ENTRIES REPRESENTING TRADING STAMPS.
S. 542 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 27-18-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR TERMS USED IN THE UNIFORM UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ACT, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "INTANGIBLE PROPERTY" BY EXCLUDING TRADING STAMPS AND ELECTRONIC ENTRIES REPRESENTING TRADING STAMPS.
On motion of Senator PASSAILAIGUE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator PASSAILAIGUE was added as a co-sponsor of the Bill.
The following Bill, having been read the second time with notice of general amendments, was ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:
H. 3415 (Word version) -- Reps. Bailey, Walker and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-57-100, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REAL ESTATE BROKERS, SALESMEN, AND PROPERTY MANAGERS AND THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS WHICH ARE CONDITIONAL TO AN APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR A SALESMAN'S LICENSE THE APPLICANT FOR LICENSURE MUST COMPLETE SIXTY, RATHER THAN THIRTY, HOURS OF CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION IN FUNDAMENTALS OF REAL ESTATE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES ON EVIDENCE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT FOR A BROKER'S LICENSE, THE APPLICANT FOR LICENSURE MUST COMPLETE ONE HUNDRED FIFTY, RATHER THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY, HOURS OF CERTAIN CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, NINETY, RATHER THAN SIXTY, HOURS OF WHICH MAY BE THE HOURS REQUIRED FOR A SALESMAN'S LICENSE.
S. 398 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 40, CHAPTER 22 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF TITLE 40, CHAPTER 1 FOR BOARDS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AUTHORIZING THE BOARD TO REGULATE CROSS-BORDER ENGINEERING.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following amendment (S. 398 AMENDMENT), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 40-22-10(B), page 25, line 14, after /Governor/ by inserting:
/with the advice and consent of the Senate/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-120(B), page 35, by deleting lines 21-25 and inserting:
/(B) The board may require the offending party to pay a fine of not more than five hundred dollars to the board for each violation of a provision of this chapter or a regulation promulgated by the board; however, the total of the fines imposed for these violations may exceed ten thousand dollars./
Amend the bill further, page 36, lines 10-26, by deleting Section 40-22-180 in its entirety.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-220(B)(1), page 38, line 4 after /written/ by inserting:
/or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-220(B)(2), page 38, line 12 after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/ and on line 17 after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-220(C)(2), page 39, line 7 after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/ and on line 10 after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-220(C)(3), page 39, line 22, after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/ and on line 25 after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-220(D), page 39, line 42 after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-225(B)(1), page 40, line 25, after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-225(B)(2), page 40, line 35, after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-225(C), page 40, line 39, after /surveyor/ by inserting /TIER A/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-225(C)(1), page 41, line 16, after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-225(C)(2), page 41, line 29, after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-225(D)(1), page 42, line 7, after /written/ by inserting /or electronic/.
Amend the bill further, Section 40-22-250(H), page 46, by deleting lines 13-15 and inserting:
/(H) Nothing in this section may be construed to mean that a firm may practice or offer to practice engineering or land surveying without meeting individual licensure./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MOORE explained the committee amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators HUTTO and BRANTON proposed the following amendment (L:\S-LCI\AMEND\S.398 AMENDMENT2), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 28, by deleting lines 4 through 8 and inserting:
"(16) 'Gross negligence' means an act or course of action, or inaction, which denotes a lack of reasonable care and a conscious disregard or indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of others and which does or could result in financial loss, injury, or damage to life or property."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar with notice of general amendments.
S. 493 (Word version) -- Senator Moore: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 40-13-5, 40-13-10, 40-13-20, 40-13-30, 40-13-110, 40-13-230, 40-13-240, AND 40-13-250, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 40-13-310, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF COSMETOLOGISTS, MANICURISTS, AND ESTHETICIANS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TERM "MANICURIST" TO "NAIL TECHNICIAN"; TO PROVIDE MILEAGE, SUBSISTENCE, AND PER DIEM TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY; TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "COSMETOLOGY" AND "ESTHETICIAN" AND TO DEFINE "APPROVED SCHOOL"; TO REQUIRE A TRADE OR INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL TO BE LICENSED; TO ESTABLISH CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO NOTIFY THE BOARD OF A SCHOOL CLOSING OR TO PROVIDE THE BOARD STUDENT RECORDS; TO REVISE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTHETICIANS AND NAIL TECHNICIANS; TO PROVIDE FOR BIENNIAL LICENSE RENEWAL RATHER THAN ANNUAL; AND TO PROVIDE RENEWAL AND REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURES FOR INACTIVE LICENSES.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Senator MOORE proposed the following amendment (493R001.TLM), which was adopted:
Amend the committee report, as and if amended, page [493-1], lines 26 through 41 and page [493-2] lines 1 through 11, by striking and inserting:
/ Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking Section 40-13-10(A) on page 2, which begins on line 7, through line 30 and inserting:
"(A) A State Board of Cosmetology is created composed of seven members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies are filled in the manner of original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. Recommendations for appointment may be made by the board and other interested groups or persons. The recommendations must be submitted to the Governor not later than the thirty-first day of December of the year preceding the year in which appointments expire. Four members of the board must be experienced cosmetologists and must have been in the practice of cosmetology in this State for a least five years before appointment. One member must be from the public at large and not connected with the practice of cosmetology. One member must be an esthetician and one must be a manicurist nail technician.
It is unlawful for a member of the board or an inspector or employee of the board, or a spouse of a board member, inspector, or employee to own an interest in a cosmetology school or substantial interest in a company which deals in wholesale sales or services to beauty salons or schools.
The member of the board who is not connected with the practice of cosmetology has all rights and privileges of other members of the board except the member may not participate in the examination of an applicant for a license."/
Amend title to conform.
Senator MOORE explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following amendment (L:\S-LCI\AMEND\S. 493 AMENDMENT), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding:
/Section __. Section 40-13-10(A) of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 427 of 1998, is amended to read:
"(A) A State Board of Cosmetology is created composed of seven members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies are filled in the manner of original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. Recommendations for appointment may be made by the board and other interested groups or persons. The recommendations must be submitted to the Governor not later than the thirty-first day of December of the year preceding the year in which appointments expire. Four members of the board must be experienced cosmetologists and must have been in the practice of cosmetology in this State for a least five years before appointment. One member must be from the public at large and not connected with the practice of cosmetology. One member must be an esthetician and one must be a manicurist.
It is unlawful for a member of the board or an inspector or employee of the board, or a spouse of a board member, inspector, or employee to own an interest in a cosmetology school or substantial interest in a company which deals in wholesale sales or services to beauty salons or schools.
The member of the board who is not connected with the practice of cosmetology has all rights and privileges of other members of the board except the member may not participate in the examination of an applicant for a license."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
The amendment was adopted.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar with notice of general amendments.
S. 7 (Word version) -- Senators Short, Leventis, McGill, Glover, Washington, Reese and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 62 SO AS TO ENACT THE "MEDICAL RADIATION HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT"; TO RECOGNIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA RADIATION QUALITY STANDARDS ASSOCIATION; AND TO ESTABLISH CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF PERSONS USING RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT EMITTING IONIZING RADIATION ON HUMANS FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Medical Affairs.
Senator SHORT proposed the following amendment (7R001.LHS), which was adopted:
Amend the committee report, as and if amended, page [7-2], by striking line 7 and inserting therein the following:
/ Technologists (SCSRT), one of whom is employed by a hospital and from the South Carolina Health Care Alliance; /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator SHORT explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (7m001.lhs.doc) which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page four (4), line four (4), by striking line four (4) in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
"Section 40-62-50. (A) Any person employing or allowing a person"
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page four (4), line twenty-two (22), by striking line twenty-two (22) in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
"(B) For two years after this act's effective date,"
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page four (4), line thirty (30), by striking line thirty (30) in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
"(C) A certification of examination shall be conducted by the"
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, by inserting, at line thirty-six (36), the following language:
"(D) Dentists and their auxiliaries who meet the requirements of the South Carolina Dental Practice Act are exempt from the provisions of this act.
Section 40-62-60. (A) The board must be composed of thirteen members from the below listed trade associations as follows: one member shall be a representative from the South Carolina Society of Medical Assistants, Incorporated who is also a certified limited practice radiographer and a certified medical assistant; one member shall be a consumer from the South Carolina Radiation Standards Association; two members shall be radiologic technologists from the South Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists (SCSRT), one of whom is employed by a hospital; one member shall be a radiologic technologist educator from the SCSRT; one member shall be a radiologic technologist of nuclear medicine from the South Carolina Society of Nuclear Medicine; one member shall be a radiation therapist from the SCSRT; three members shall be medical doctors, one doctor shall be a licensed family physician from the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, one doctor shall be a licensed radiologist from the South Carolina Radiological Society and one doctor shall be a medical doctor of another specialty from the South Carolina Medical Association; one member shall be a chiropractor from the South Carolina Chiropractic Association; and one member shall be a representative from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, ex officio, and from the Radiological Health Branch.
(B)The members of the board shall be appointees from the above listed trade associations and the members of the board shall serve for a term to be established by the board.
(C) The board shall establish continuing education requirements and terms of re-certification."
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator SHORT explained the committee amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar.
Senator SHORT asked unanimous consent to give the Bill a third reading on Wednesday, March 17, 1999.
Senator McCONNELL objected.
The following Bills, having been read the second time, were ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:
S. 454 (Word version) -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-36-260, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LICENSURE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO CLARIFY AND REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REINSTATEMENT OF INACTIVE LICENSES IN THE PRACTICE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY.
S. 598 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO APPEALS OF OFFICERS REMOVED BY THE GOVERNOR; AND RELATING TO CERTAIN APPEALS OF OTHER AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)
Senator McCONNELL explained the Bill.
At 12:45 P.M., Senator MARTIN assumed the Chair.
THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.
S. 263 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Wilson, Passailaigue, Ryberg, Leventis, McConnell, Leatherman, Hayes, Russell, Reese, Grooms and Short: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-616 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM CONSISTS OF SEGMENTS OF HIGHWAY OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED IN THE NATIONAL SYSTEM OF INTERSTATE AND DEFENSE HIGHWAYS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-1520, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IS SEVENTY MILES AN HOUR; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-1540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ALTERATION OF SPEED LIMITS BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT IN AN URBAN DISTRICT IS SEVENTY MILES AN HOUR; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-5-1510, RELATING TO THE STATE'S FIFTY-FIVE MILE AN HOUR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT AND FEDERAL LAWS THAT PERMIT THE STATE TO SET SPEED LIMITS GREATER THAN FIFTY-FIVE MILES AN HOUR.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the third reading of the Bill.
On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, the Bill was carried over.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.
S. 528--Senators Gregory, Waldrep, Ravenel and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA BOATING REFORM AND SAFETY ACT OF 1999"; (ABBREVIATED TITLE).
Senator PEELER moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.
Senator HOLLAND spoke on the motion.
The Bill was made a Special Order.
Senator PEELER asked unanimous consent to make a motion to delete the provisions relating to new or increased fees from the Bill.
Senator BRYAN objected.
On motion of Senator SETZLER, the Senate agreed to dispense with the Motion Period.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE SPECIAL ORDERS.
S. 45 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson, Elliott, Glover and Washington: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 16 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASE IN THE PENALTY FOR AN UNDERLYING OFFENSE IF THE OFFENDER INTENTIONALLY SELECTS THE PERSON AGAINST WHOM THE CRIME IS COMMITTED OR SELECTS THE PROPERTY THAT IS DAMAGED OR OTHERWISE AFFECTED BY THE CRIME IN WHOLE OR IN PART BECAUSE OF THE OFFENDER'S BELIEF OR PERCEPTION REGARDING THE RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, RELIGION, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR DISABILITY, TO AMEND THE CODE, RELATING TO DISPOSITIONAL POWERS OF THE FAMILY COURT REGARDING CHILDREN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT, AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 13, RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY, BY ADDING ARTICLE 11, THE "HATE CRIME OFFENDER REGISTRY. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator JACKSON was recognized.
At 12:52 P.M., on motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, the Senate receded from business not to exceed ten minutes, with Senator JACKSON retaining the floor.
At 1:05 P.M., the Senate resumed.
S. 586 (Word version) -- Finance Committee: A BILL AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 1377 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL PROJECTS AND CONFORM THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL INDEBTEDNESS AMOUNT TO THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS AUTHORIZED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 2-7-105, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF BONDS WHICH MAY BE ISSUED.
Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to place the Bill in the status of Adjourned Debate.
Senator GIESE objected.
The Senate resumed consideration of S. 45.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0045.001), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, line 35, in Section 16-1-130(A)(1), as contained in SECTION 2, by inserting after /16-1-10/ the following: / or commits a common law crime /.
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 5, line 39, in Section 23-3-125(C), as contained in SECTION 5, by inserting after /local/ the word: / law /.
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 6, line 1, in Section 23-3-125(D), as contained in SECTION 5, by striking the word /SLED/ and inserting therein the following:
/ The Criminal Justice Academy Division of the Department of Public Safety /.
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 6, beginning on line 6, by striking SECTION 6 in its entirety.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator JACKSON explained the committee amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator FAIR desired to be recorded as voting against the adoption of the amendment.
Senator PEELER proposed the following amendment (45R001.HSP), which was adopted but later reconsidered and withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION at the end to read:
/ SECTION ___. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 16-3-29. Notwithstanding another provision of law, a person convicted of murdering a law enforcement officer in the line of duty must receive a mandatory sentence of death." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator PEELER explained the amendment.
Senator HUTTO spoke on the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators McCONNELL, COURSON, J. VERNE SMITH, RAVENEL and WILSON proposed the following amendment (JUD0045.002), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, line 40, in Section 16-1-130(A)(2), as contained in SECTION 2, by striking line 40 in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
/ race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 3, line 25, in Section 16-1-130(D), as contained in SECTION 2, by striking line 25 in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
/ national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 4, line 40, in Section 16-3-20(C)(a)(12), as contained in SECTION 3, by striking line 40 in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
/ cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability of the /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 5, line 9, in Section 20-7-7805(A), as contained in SECTION 4, by striking line 9 in its entirety and inserting therein the following:
/ color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 5, beginning on line 22, in Section 23-3-125(A), as contained in SECTION 5, by striking lines 22 through 29 and inserting therein the following:
/ perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability.
Upon establishing such a repository, SLED shall promulgate regulations providing a procedure to monitor, record, classify, and analyze information relating to crimes apparently directed against individuals or groups, or their property, by reason of their actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability. /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 6, beginning on line 3, in Section 23-3-125(D), as contained in SECTION 5, by striking lines 3 through 4 and inserting therein the following:
/ motivated by race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability. /
Amend title to conform.
Senators McCONNELL and JACKSON explained the amendment.
At 1:25 P.M., the PRESIDENT assumed the Chair.
Senator WALDREP argued contra to the adoption of the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator MARTIN spoke on the Bill.
Having voted on the prevailing side, Senator MARTIN moved to reconsider the vote whereby Amendment No. 1 (45R001.hsp), proposed by Senator PEELER, was adopted.
The motion to reconsider was adopted.
The question then was the adoption of Amendment No. 1.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, with unanimous consent, Amendment No. 1 was withdrawn.
In our opinion, Senator Peeler's amendment raises significant constitutional problems, and it is for that reason that we questioned the wisdom of adding this language to the South Carolina death penalty statute, S.C. Code Section 16-3-20 (1976, as amended). The United States Supreme Court has consistently invalidated mandatory death penalty statutes. We expressed concern that the adoption of this amendment could jeopardize the constitutionality of South Carolina's death penalty statute, thereby potentially resulting in the abolition of any death sentence in South Carolina.
After the adoption of the amendment and further consideration, the adoption of this amendment was reconsidered and then withdrawn. While all Senators have concern that our law enforcing officers should be afforded the utmost protection, the action of the Senate in allowing the amendment to be withdrawn will preserve the integrity and constitutionality of South Carolina's death penalty statute.
Senators JACKSON AND HUTTO proposed the following amendment (45R002.DJ), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 2 (page 2, lines 28-43, and page 3, lines 1-26) in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
/ SECTION 2. Chapter 1, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 16-1-130. (A) Following a conviction for a crime classified or exempted under Section 16-1-10 or a common law crime, the court may consider as an aggravating circumstance subject to increased penalties as provided in subsection (B), evidence that the defendant intentionally selected the person against whom the crime was committed or selected the property that was damaged or otherwise affected by the crime in whole or in part because of the offender's belief or perception regarding the race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of that person or the owner or occupant of that property, whether or not the offender's belief or perception was correct.
(B)(1) If the crime committed under subsection (A)(1) is ordinarily a felony, the maximum period of imprisonment provided for the offense may be increased by not more than five years.
(2) If the crime committed under subsection (A)(1) is ordinarily a Class A misdemeanor, the maximum period of imprisonment provided for the offense may be increased to not more than four years.
(3) If the crime committed under subsection (A)(1) is ordinarily a misdemeanor other than a Class A misdemeanor, the maximum period of imprisonment provided for the offense may be increased to not more than three years.
(C) This section provides for the enhancement of the penalties applicable for the underlying crime if the court finds that the aggravating circumstances specified in subsection (A) exist. The defendant may present evidence of mitigating circumstances in order to avoid the enhancement of penalties under this section.
(D) The decision to seek sentencing under this section is in the discretion of the solicitor. When the solicitor determines to seek sentencing of a defendant under this section, written notice must be given by the solicitor to the defendant and defendant's counsel not less than ten days before trial.
(E) This section does not apply to any crime if proof of race, color, national origin or ancestry or proof of any person's belief or perception regarding another person's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability is required for a conviction for that crime." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, moved that the Clerk be directed to incorporate the provisions of Amendment No. 2, proposed by Senator McCONNELL, relating to "cultural or social identity" and "political affiliation" into Amendment No. 3 in all applicable places within the committee amendment and the Bill and then the amendment be adopted.
There was no objection.
Pursuant to the motion by Senator HUTTO, the following correcting amendment (45R005.CBH) was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the bill in its entirety, including the title, and inserting:
/ TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 16 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, BY ADDING SECTION 16-1-130 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASE IN THE PENALTY FOR AN UNDERLYING OFFENSE IF THE OFFENDER INTENTIONALLY SELECTS THE PERSON AGAINST WHOM THE CRIME IS COMMITTED OR SELECTS THE PROPERTY THAT IS DAMAGED OR OTHERWISE AFFECTED BY THE CRIME IN WHOLE OR IN PART BECAUSE OF THE OFFENDER'S BELIEF OR PERCEPTION REGARDING THE RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, CULTURAL OR SOCIAL IDENTITY, ANCESTRY, RELIGION, GENDER, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR DISABILITY OF THAT PERSON OR THE OWNER OR OCCUPANT OF THAT PROPERTY, WHETHER OR NOT THE ACTOR'S BELIEF OR PERCEPTION WAS CORRECT; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PUNISHMENT FOR MURDER, SO AS TO ADD AS A STATUTORY AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCE A MURDER IN WHICH THE OFFENDER INTENTIONALLY SELECTED THE MURDERED PERSON IN WHOLE OR IN PART BECAUSE OF THE OFFENDER'S BELIEF OR PERCEPTION REGARDING THE RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, CULTURAL OR SOCIAL IDENTITY, ANCESTRY, RELIGION, GENDER, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR DISABILITY OF THE MURDERED PERSON, WHETHER OR NOT THE OFFENDER'S BELIEF OR PERCEPTION WAS CORRECT; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-7805, RELATING TO DISPOSITIONAL POWERS OF THE FAMILY COURT REGARDING CHILDREN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COURT TO MAKE FINDINGS THAT A CHILD INTENTIONALLY SELECTED THE PERSON AGAINST WHOM AN OFFENSE IS COMMITTED OR SELECTED THE PROPERTY THAT IS DAMAGED OR OTHERWISE AFFECTED BY THE OFFENSE IN WHOLE OR IN PART BECAUSE OF THE CHILD'S BELIEF OR PERCEPTION REGARDING THE RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, CULTURAL OR SOCIAL IDENTITY, ANCESTRY, RELIGION, GENDER, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR DISABILITY OF THAT PERSON OR THE OWNER OR OCCUPANT OF THAT PROPERTY, WHETHER OR NOT THE CHILD'S BELIEF OR PERCEPTION WAS CORRECT AND ORDER A CHILD FOR WHOM SUCH FINDINGS ARE MADE, AS A CONDITION OF PROBATION, COMMITMENT, OR OTHERWISE, TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM REGARDING CULTURAL DIVERSITY; AND TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 23, RELATING TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-125 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A HATE CRIME RECORDS REPOSITORY .
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. This act shall be cited as the "Hate Crime Penalty Enhancement Act".
SECTION 2. Chapter 1, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 16-1-130. (A) Following a conviction for a crime classified or exempted under Section 16-1-10 or a common law crime, the court may consider as an aggravating circumstance subject to increased penalties as provided in subsection (B), evidence that the defendant intentionally selected the person against whom the crime was committed or selected the property that was damaged or otherwise affected by the crime in whole or in part because of the offender's belief or perception regarding the race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of that person or the owner or occupant of that property, whether or not the offender's belief or perception was correct.
(B)(1) If the crime committed under subsection (A)(1) is ordinarily a felony, the maximum period of imprisonment provided for the offense may be increased by not more than five years.
(2) If the crime committed under subsection (A)(1) is ordinarily a Class A misdemeanor, the maximum period of imprisonment provided for the offense may be increased to not more than four years.
(3) If the crime committed under subsection (A)(1) is ordinarily a misdemeanor other than a Class A misdemeanor, the maximum period of imprisonment provided for the offense may be increased to not more than three years.
(C) This section provides for the enhancement of the penalties applicable for the underlying crime if the court finds that the aggravating circumstances specified in subsection (A) exist. The defendant may present evidence of mitigating circumstances in order to avoid the enhancement of penalties under this section.
(D) The decision to seek sentencing under this section is in the discretion of the solicitor. When the solicitor determines to seek sentencing of a defendant under this section, written notice must be given by the solicitor to the defendant and defendant's counsel not less than ten days before trial.
(E) This section does not apply to any crime if proof of race, color, national origin or ancestry or proof of any person's belief or perception regarding another person's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability is required for a conviction for that crime."
SECTION 3. Section 16-3-20(C)(a) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 317 of 1996, is further amended to read:
"(C) The judge shall consider, or he shall include in his instructions to the jury for it to consider, mitigating circumstances otherwise authorized or allowed by law and the following statutory aggravating and mitigating circumstances which may be supported by the evidence:
(a) Statutory aggravating circumstances:
(1) The murder was committed while in the commission of the following crimes or acts:
(a) criminal sexual conduct in any degree;
(b) kidnapping;
(c) burglary in any degree;
(d) robbery while armed with a deadly weapon;
(e) larceny with use of a deadly weapon;
(f) killing by poison;
(g) drug trafficking as defined in Sections 44-53-370(e), 44-53-375(B), 44-53-440, or 44-53-445;
(h) physical torture; or
(i) dismemberment of a person.
(2) The murder was committed by a person with a prior conviction for murder.
(3) The offender by his act of murder knowingly created a great risk of death to more than one person in a public place by means of a weapon or device which normally would be hazardous to the lives of more than one person.
(4) The offender committed the murder for himself or another for the purpose of receiving money or a thing of monetary value.
(5) The murder of a judicial officer, former judicial officer, solicitor, former solicitor, or other officer of the court during or because of the exercise of his official duty.
(6) The offender caused or directed another to commit murder or committed murder as an agent or employee of another person.
(7) The murder of a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, peace officer or former peace officer, corrections employee or former corrections employee, or fireman or former fireman during or because of the performance of his official duties.
(8) The murder of a family member of an official listed in subitems (5) and (7) above with the intent to impede or retaliate against the official. 'Family member' means a spouse, parent, brother, sister, child, or person to whom the official stands in the place of a parent or a person living in the official's household and related to him by blood or marriage.
(9) Two or more persons were murdered by the defendant by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct.
(10) The murder of a child eleven years of age or under.
(11) The murder of a witness or potential witness committed at any time during the criminal process for the purpose of impeding or deterring prosecution of any crime.
(12)The offender intentionally selected the murdered person in whole or in part because of the offender's belief or perception regarding the race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability of the murdered person, whether or not the offender's belief or perception was correct."
SECTION 4. Section 20-7-7805(A) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 383 of 1996, is amended by adding an appropriately numbered item to read:
"( ) make findings that a child intentionally selected the person against whom an offense is committed or selected the property that is damaged or otherwise affected by the offense in whole or in part because of the child's belief or perception regarding the race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability of that person or the owner or occupant of that property, whether or not the child's belief or perception was correct and order a child for whom such findings are made to participate in an educational program regarding cultural diversity."
SECTION 5. Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 23-3-125. (A) The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) shall establish and maintain a central repository for the collection and analysis of information regarding crimes where the victims are intentionally selected by reason of their actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability.
Upon establishing such a repository, SLED shall promulgate regulations providing a procedure to monitor, record, classify, and analyze information relating to crimes apparently directed against individuals or groups, or their property, by reason of their actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability.
(B) All local law enforcement agencies shall report monthly to SLED concerning such offenses in such form and in such manner as prescribed by rules and regulations adopted by SLED. SLED must summarize and analyze the information received and file an annual report with the Governor, the House and Senate Judiciary committees, and with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as detailed in the federal Hate Crime Statistics Act.
(C) Any information, records, and statistics collected in accordance with this subsection shall be available for use by any local law enforcement agency, unit of local government, or state agency, to the extent that such information is reasonably necessary or useful to such agency in carrying out the duties imposed upon it by law. Dissemination of such information shall be subject to all confidentiality requirements otherwise imposed by law.
(D) The Criminal Justice Academy Division of the Department of Public Safety shall provide training for police officers in identifying, responding to, and reporting all criminal offenses motivated by race, color, ethnicity, national origin, cultural or social identity, ancestry, religion, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability."
SECTION 6. If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.
SECTION 7. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator GROOMS proposed the following amendment (45R003.LKG), which was withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 4, after line 36, by adding an appropriately numbered subitem to read:
/ ( ) The murder of a member or a former member of the General Assembly during or because of the exercise of his official duties. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GROOMS explained the amendment.
On motion of Senator GROOMS, with unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.
Senator BRYAN spoke on the Bill.
Senator FAIR spoke on the Bill.
At 2:05 P.M., Senator ANDERSON assumed the Chair.
Senator FAIR continued speaking on the Bill.
At 2:08 P.M., the PRESIDENT assumed the Chair.
Senator FAIR continued speaking on the Bill.
Senator WASHINGTON argued in favor of the Bill.
By prior motion of Senator COURSON, the Remarks by Senator WASHINGTON, ordered printed in the Journal of Tuesday, March 16, 1999, are transcribed as follows:
Mr. PRESIDENT, Members of the Senate, I'm going to be very brief like my colleague from Charleston always says.
You know I am somewhat surprised at some of the concerns that I've heard this morning about this piece of legislation. Some of the things that we're talking about now, we're going to sort of bring into question our concerns about the importance of this piece of legislation. You look at the map and practically every state in the United States has passed this piece of legislation without any problems.
When I hear folks get up here and talk about "feel good" legislation, my dear friend from Berkeley County, we pass so much legislation in this body because it feels good. How come now we feel that, if you're going to pass some legislation that deals with hate crimes in this State, it has to be "feel good" legislation? This is a very serious and hot issue across this nation. Some of the things that have happened in the United States in the last year ought to encourage every individual of this Senate to be on the front line in passing this sort of legislation - not with all of the amendments that we have put on. Even though I voted for the amendment, I think that simple piece of legislation dealing with the problem of hate crimes by increasing the penalty ought to be something that we must talk about.
My good friend from Greenville, Senator FAIR, we talk about legislating morality. We hear that every day throughout the State. We always talk about "the Christian Right or the Moral Majority or the Christian Coalition attempting to legislate morality every day." Not only in the state legislature, but even in the Congress, one of the leaders of that organization in the last couple of weeks has said, "Well, you can't do it through legislation, so we had better do it some other way." Is that any different from our responsibility in trying to make sure that those individuals who really did so many terrible things to that individual that they killed him. Dragging him behind a truck -- discovering on his body tattoos and everything else that were really terrible things illustrating his concern, illustrating his feeling toward a group of people, any judge, any jury, anybody who had any concern about this, ought to be willing to make sure a person like that gets the strongest penalty that anybody can get.
For us to come here today, we may look at what every state has done. Georgia, right now, is in the process of passing this identical piece of legislation. People in South Carolina ought to feel that we are just as concerned, that we are just as interested in making sure these kinds of crimes are punishable to the greatest degree possible.
So, I simply want to say to my colleagues today, let's not talk about all of these other smoke screens and let's pass this legislation. Let's send a message to the people of this State who are continually dealing in this kind of thing, rather than dealing with an individual, Senator from Charleston, who has some different opinion about somebody's cultural background or somebody's race or the color of their skin.
We ought to send a message to them that this is something that we are going to deal with. We came here and we passed a "three strikes and you're out" bill without any problem. And how well, Senator GIESE, has it worked? How many statistics can we show today of how many people have been placed in jail, Senator MESCHER, from that piece of legislation? This is the kind of thing that I want to convey to you - that we ought to be concerned about the issue that is before us and that we ought to make sure that we send that strong message to those individuals, whether they are white, black, red, yellow, or any shade in between, that we are not going to put up with this sort of thing in the State of South Carolina.
And I simply urge you to vote in favor of passing this piece of legislation.
Thank you, my friends.
PRESIDENT: Senator from Richland.
Sen.COURSON: Mr. PRESIDENT, will the Senator yield for a question?
Sen.WASHINGTON: Yes, sir.
Sen.COURSON: You alluded to "three strikes," a bill that we debated in this body three or four years ago, which I authored.
Sen.WASHINGTON: Yes, sir.
Sen.COURSON: I think that violent crime has gone down in the Palmetto State because of that legislation. I support this legislation, but I don't think anyone can equate the two. It's entirely different legislation. And, as far as the instance you alluded to in Jasper, Texas, the horrific crime that happened with the dragging death of a young black man, the perpetrator of that crime was convicted of the death penalty and it was primarily a white jury. I believe there were 11 white jurors and 1 black juror on that who came down with the death penalty, which was justly awarded. I just wanted to make those remarks.
Sen.WASHINGTON: I believe he deserved that. This bill will give the judge an opportunity to expand that crime as far as the penalty for that crime. And this is what we are talking about. And I simply used the "three strikes and you're out" legislation because we have debated these kind of issues in the Senate and we have not heard that kind of opposition and this is what I was trying to point out to this body today. That's all I was attemptin to do.
PRESIDENT: Senator from Greenville.
Sen.J. VERNE SMITH: May I ask a question?
PRESIDENT: Senator yield?
Sen.WASHINGTON: Yes, sir.
Sen.J. VERNE SMITH: Presbyterian Preacher from Charleston...
Sen.WASHINGTON: Thank you, Elder.
Sen.J. VERNE SMITH: There's something kind of on my mind here. I think I'm going to support this bill, but I just want to get it out in the open. Does the Confederate flag flying over our State House mean hate to some people and not hate to others? Are we going to pass something that some use of the Confederate flag and so forth, it means my heart, deep in my heart. I've heard others say it means hate. Now, if that means hate, then I've got to filibuster this bill. If it doesn't mean hate, do you see what I mean?
Sen.WASHINGTON: I see what you mean, Senator, but I don't think there's any comparison to what we are dealing with as far as legislation today. We're talking about an act that happens in this State -- a criminal act -- but just simply having a feeling toward a flag, I don't think is a criminal act.
Sen.J. VERNE SMITH: So, a Confederate flag...
Sen.WASHINGTON: Now, if I got out there and tried to beat you up and tried to shoot you because you are carrying a Confederate flag, then it applies and I agree with you that the same punishment ought to be given to that person.
Sen.J. VERNE SMITH: Well, I've seen in the paper, you know that sign when it's displayed that it's a sign of hate and prejudice and you assure me that this bill hasn't got a thing to do with that.
Sen.WASHINGTON: I think that Senator McCONNELL's amendment is referring exactly to what you are talking about. I'm sure that is why he put his amendment on the bill.
Sen.J. VERNE SMITH: That's good. Then I'm satisfied.
Sen.WASHINGTON: Yes, sir.
PRESIDENT: Senator from Greenwood. Senator yield for a question?
Sen.WASHINGTON: Yes, sir.
Senator DRUMMOND: We've had in the last week a lot of publicity on Texas and also the one in Greenville, haven't we?
Sen.WASHINGTON: Yes, sir.
Senator DRUMMOND: Two different colors on it. And, you're the man of the cloth. You know what Jesus said, what's the greatest of all -- "Love your neighbor as yourself," and we won't have those problems. But, we have to write all these laws here to try to do that.
Sen.WASHINGTON: Thank you, sir. Mr. PRESIDENT, you are perfectly correct.
PRESIDENT: Senator GIESE.
Sen.GIESE: Senator, I'd like to follow up just a bit on what the Senator from Greer said. How often do we see in the newspaper a report of a hate crime, judged by a jury, yet not to go before a judge for enhancement of a penalty but just the crime itself is characterized in the newspapers as a hate crime. Now, that's a prejudicial thing that the newspapers are judging something before they know all the details of that particular crime. I think one of the worst things that ever happened was dragging that young man to his death, but that "hate crime" became an issue in every newspaper in the State - in fact, across the United States.
Sen.WASHINGTON: Senator, I know you are not asking me to comment on what the newspaper does because if you follow that, everything that happens in the newspaper in this State, particularly if it has anything to do with African-Americans or minorities, whether it is hate or not, they are going to report on it as something wrong and on the front page of the newspaper. So, don't bring that to me what the newspaper is going to print in this State. That's one of the problems, because the newspaper prints things to sell the newspaper. But the settlement or what's done in the courthouse or courtroom and that's what this bill does. There's no comparison.
Sen.GIESE: The point I'm making though, Senator, is that many times these things are pre-judged and just the point you're making and put in the newspapers and that may not really be the case.
Sen.WASHINGTON: I understand that, but, I hope this is not going to be judged by what the newspapers say. If that is the case, we're in big trouble. Thank you very much.
On motion of Senator Courson, with unanimous consent, ordered printed in the Journal.
Senator JACKSON argued in favor of the Bill.
At 2:25 P.M., Senator MARTIN assumed the Chair.
The question then was the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
AYES
Alexander Anderson Branton Bryan Cork Courson Courtney Drummond Elliott Ford Giese Glover Gregory Hayes Holland Hutto Jackson Land Leatherman Leventis Martin Matthews McConnell McGill Moore O'Dell Passailaigue Patterson Peeler Rankin Ravenel Reese Russell Saleeby Setzler Short Smith, J. Verne Washington Wilson
Fair Grooms Mescher Thomas Waldrep
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading with notice of general amendments.
As this Bill is currently written, I must oppose it. Hate is dangerous and I will be one of the first people to stand up and condemn any group that advocates it. I am in total agreement with the spirit of the Bill but this legislation does not address the root of the problem. It does, however, invite judicial abuse by allowing a judge to interpret the thoughts of the accused when imposing sentences. It simply does not guarantee equal protection under the law. The same illegal behavior can be punished in vastly different fashions, depending on how a judge wants to interpret the thoughts of the accused. This power can too easily be abused. We should never allow our government the power to interpret out thoughts. Opening the door to government controlled thought is closing the door to the individual freedoms and liberties that are the lifeblood of our nation.
Senator MATTHEWS rose to a Point of Personal Privilege.
Senator LAND asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Senate stand in recess for five minutes.
Senator PEELER objected.
Senator PEELER rose to a Point of Personal Privilege.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE CONTESTED STATEWIDE AND LOCAL CALENDAR.
S. 424 (Word version) -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Alexander, Anderson, Branton, Bryan, Cork, Courson, Courtney, Drummond, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Giese, Glover, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Holland, Hutto, Jackson, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Martin, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Mescher, Moore, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson, Peeler, Rankin, Ravenel, Reese, Russell, Ryberg, Saleeby, Setzler, Short, Thomas, Waldrep, Washington and Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-6-93 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL NOT SELL PHOTOGRAPHS OR DIGITIZED IMAGES CONTAINED IN A PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE RECORD, AND TO DELETE PARAGRAPH 36.12, SECTION 36, PART IB OF ACT 419 OF 1998 WHICH AUTHORIZES THE SALE OF SUCH ITEMS.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the third reading of the Bill.
Senator GIESE spoke on the Bill.
Under the provisions of Rule 14, Senator DRUMMOND moved to carry over the Bill, with Senator GIESE retaining the floor.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
AYES
Alexander Anderson Branton Bryan Cork Courson Courtney Drummond Elliott Ford Glover Gregory Grooms Hayes Holland Hutto Jackson Land Leventis Martin Matthews McConnell McGill Mescher Moore O'Dell Passailaigue Patterson Rankin Ravenel Reese Russell Saleeby Setzler Short Smith, J. Verne Waldrep Washington
Fair Giese Peeler Thomas Wilson
The Bill was carried over, with Senator GIESE retaining the floor.
Senator DRUMMOND asked unanimous consent to make a motion that S. 586 be taken up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
At 2:55 P.M., on motion of Senator GIESE, the Senate receded from business not to exceed five minutes.
At 3:00 P.M., the Senate resumed.
S. 586 (Word version) -- Finance Committee: A BILL AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 1377 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL PROJECTS AND CONFORM THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL INDEBTEDNESS AMOUNT TO THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS AUTHORIZED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 2-7-105, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF BONDS WHICH MAY BE ISSUED.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the second reading of the Bill.
Senator DRUMMOND asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Bill be given a second reading, with notice of general amendments, carrying over all amendments to third reading, and further, that the Bill would be placed in the status of Adjourned Debate, not to be taken up for consideration before Wednesday, March 24, 1999.
There was no objection.
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading with notice of general amendments, carrying over all amendments to third reading, and the Bill would be placed in the status of Adjourned Debate, not to be taken up for consideration before Wednesday, March 24, 1999.
At 3:05 P.M., on motion of Senator DRUMMOND, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.
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