1.1      (SDE: Appropriation Transfer Prohibition)  The amounts appropriated herein for aid to subdivisions, allocations to school districts, or special line items shall not be transferred and must be expended in accordance with the intent of the appropriation.
     1.2.      (SDE: Attendance/Lunch Supervisors)  The amounts appropriated in this section for Attendance Supervisors and for School Lunch Supervisors shall be used for the payment of salaries of one attendance supervisor and one lunch supervisor for each county.  In the absence of a County Board of Education, the salary will be proportionately distributed among the districts of the county on the basis of the 135 average daily membership of the prior year, provided that such funds must be used for the supervision of the Attendance Program and the supervision of the School Food Service Program respectively.  For the current fiscal year the local supplement to salaries of School Lunch Supervisors and School Attendance Supervisors shall not be reduced below the supplements paid in the prior fiscal year.
     1.3.      (SDE: DHEC - Comprehensive Health Assessment)  All school districts shall participate, to the fullest extent possible, in the Medicaid program by seeking appropriate reimbursement for services and administration of health and social services.  Reimbursements to the school districts shall not be used to supplant funds currently being spent on health and social services.
     1.4.      (SDE: EFA Formula/Base Student Cost Inflation Factor)  To the extent possible within available funds, it is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for 100 percent of full implementation of the Education Finance Act to include an inflation factor projected by the Division of Budget and Analyses to match inflation wages of public school employees in the Southeast.  The base student cost for the current fiscal year has been determined to be $2,012 $2,073 which includes a 3.9% 3.04% inflation factor.
     Any unallocated Education Finance Act funds for FY 1999-00 2000-01 must first be used to reimburse the lost local revenue of any school district as a result of assessed value of property classified under Section 12-43-220(a) and provided:  1) is at least ten percent of the total assessed value of real property in the school district; 2) as of December 31, 1999, 2000, the property has been in bankruptcy status; and 3) on which no local taxes are collected.  The district shall receive a special allocation equal to the lost local revenue based on the local taxes irrecoverable by the school district.  This special appropriation shall be effective for two years, until the two year delay in the index of taxpaying ability under Section 59-20-10 replaces the lost dollars with state funds.  It is the responsibility of the county auditor to report such lost revenues to the Department of Revenue and the State Department of Education for verification and payment.  Any remaining unallocated Education Finance Act funds at the end of the current fiscal year must be allocated to the school districts for school building aid on a non-matching basis on the same basis that districts receive Education Finance Act allocations and/or for Summer School allocated according to Proviso 1.37.
     1.5.      (SDE: EFA - Formula)  The amount appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 for "Education Finance Act" shall be the maximum paid under the provisions of Act 163 of 1977 (the South Carolina Education Finance Act of 1977) to the aggregate of all recipients.  The South Carolina Education Department shall develop formulas to determine the State and required local funding as stipulated in the South Carolina Education Finance Act of 1977.  Such formulas shall require the approval of the State Board of Education and the Budget and Control Board.  After computing the EFA allocations for all districts, the Department shall determine whether any districts' minimum required local revenue exceeds the districts' total EFA Foundation Program.  When such instance is found, the Department shall adjust the index of taxpaying ability to reflect a local effort equal to the cost of the districts' EFA Foundation Program.  The districts' weighted pupil units are to be included in determination of the funds needed for implementation of the Education Finance Act statewide.
     In the event that the formulas as devised by the Department of Education and approved by the State Board of Education and the Budget and Control Board should provide for distribution to the various school districts totaling more than the amount appropriated for such purposes, subject to the provisions of this proviso, the Department of Education shall reduce each school district entitlement by an equal amount per weighted pupil so as to bring the total disbursements into conformity with the total funds appropriated for this purpose.  If a reduction is required in the State's contribution, the required local funding shall be reduced by the proportionate share of local funds per weighted pupil unit.  The Department of Education shall continually monitor the distribution of funds under the provisions of the Education Finance Act and shall make periodic adjustments to disbursements to insure that the aggregate of such disbursements do not exceed the appropriated funds.
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, local districts shall not be mandated or required to inflate the base number in their respective salary schedules by any percentage greater than the percentage by which the appropriated base student cost exceeds the appropriated base student cost of the prior fiscal year.
     1.6.      (SDE: Employer Contributions/Allocations)  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the appropriation contained herein for "Public School Employee Benefits" shall not be utilized to provide employer contributions for any portion of a school district employee's salary which is federally funded.
     State funds allocated for school district employer contributions must be allocated by the formula and must be used first by each district to cover the cost of fringe benefits for personnel required by the Defined Program, food service personnel and other personnel required by law.  Once a district has expended all state allocated funds for fringe benefits, the district may utilize food service revenues to fund a proportionate share of fringe benefits costs for food service personnel.
     The Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections' school districts must be allocated funds under the fringe benefits program in accordance with criteria established for all school districts.
     1.7.      (SDE: Employer Contributions/Obligations)  In order to finalize each school district's allocations of Employer Contributions funds for retiree insurance from the prior fiscal year, the Department of Education is authorized to adjust a school district's allocation in the current fiscal year accordingly to reflect actual payroll and payments to the Retirement System from the prior fiscal year.  In the event the Department of Education is notified that an Educational Subdivision has failed to remit proper payments to cover Employee Fringe Benefit obligations, the Department of Education is directed to withhold the Educational Subdivision's state funds until such obligations are met.
     1.8.      (SDE: Governor's School for Science & Math)  Any unexpended balance on June 30, of the prior fiscal year of funds appropriated to or generated by the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics may be carried forward and expended in the current fiscal year pursuant to the direction of the Board of Trustees of the School.  Of the general fund appropriation to the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, $30,000 must be used to provide for library and facilities improvements at Coker College that will be of benefit both to the College and the School.
     1.9.      (SDE: Educational Responsibility/Foster Care)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the responsibility for providing a free and appropriate public education program for all children including handicapped disabled students is vested in the public school district wherein a child of lawful school age resides in a foster home, group home, orphanage, or a state operated health care facility including a facility for treatment of mental illness or chemical dependence located within the jurisdiction of the school district.  The districts concerned may agree upon acceptable local cost reimbursement.  If no agreement is reached, districts providing education shall receive from the district where the child last resided before placement in a facility an additional amount equivalent to the statewide average of the local base student cost multiplied by the appropriate pupil weighting as set forth in Section 59-20-40 of the Education Finance Act.  If a child from out-of-state is being resided residing in a facility owned and/or operated by a for profit entity, the district providing educational services shall be reimbursed by the for profit entity the local district's local support per weighted pupil above the statewide average base student cost multiplied by the appropriate pupil weighting as set forth in Section 59-20-40 of the Education Finance Act.  School districts providing the education shall notify the non-resident district in writing within 45 calendar days that a student from the non-resident district is receiving education services pursuant to the provisions of the proviso.  The notice shall also contain the student's name, date of birth, and handicapping condition if available.  If appropriate financial arrangements cannot be effected between institutions of the state and school districts, institutions receiving educational appropriations shall pay the local base student cost multiplied by the appropriate pupil weighting.  Children residing in institutions of state agencies shall be educated with non-disabled children in the public school districts if appropriate to their educational needs.  Such institutions shall determine, on an individual basis, which children residing in the institution might be eligible to receive appropriate educational services in a public school setting. Once these children are identified, the institution shall convene an IEP meeting with officials of the public school district in which the institution is located.  If it is determined by the committee that the least restrictive environment in which to implement the child's IEP is a public school setting, then the school district in which the institution is located must provide the educational services.  However, that school district may enter into contractual agreements with any other school district having schools located within a 45 mile radius of the institution.  The cost for educating such children shall be allocated in the following manner:  the school district where the child last resided before being placed in an institution shall pay to the school district providing the educational services an amount equivalent to the statewide average of the local base student cost multiplied by the appropriate pupil weighting as set forth in Section 59-20-40 of the Education Finance Act; the school district providing the educational services shall be able to count the child for all funding sources, both state and federal.  The institution and school district, through contractual agreements, will address the special education and related services to be provided to students.  Should the school district wherein the institution is located determine that the child cannot be appropriately served in a public school setting, then the institution may request a due process hearing pursuant to the procedures provided for in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
     The agreed upon acceptable local cost reimbursement or the additional amount equivalent to the statewide average of the local base student cost multiplied by the appropriate pupil weighting set forth in Section 59-20-40, for instructional services provided to out-of-district students, shall be paid within 60 days of billing, provided the billing district has provided a copy of the invoice to both the Superintendent and the finance office of the district being invoiced. Should the district not pay within 60 days, the billing district can seek relief from the Department of Education. The Department shall withhold EFA funding equal to the billing from the district refusing to pay and submit the funding (equal to the invoice) to the billing school district.
     The Agency placing a child in any situation that requires changing school districts, must work with the schools to assure that all required school records, including confidential records, are transferred from the sending to the receiving school within three working days.  School records to be transferred should include grade transcripts, state birth certificate, certificate of immunization, social security card, attendance records, discipline records, IEP's, psychological reports (or notation in the school records that a psychological report on the child is available at the school district office) and any other records necessary for the appropriate placement of the child in the new school.  School districts must release all records upon presentation of a court order or appropriate permission for confidential release.  If evaluation or placement is pending, the receiving school district is responsible to secure information and to complete the placement.  The receiving school will maintain appropriate confidentiality of all records received on a child.
     1.10.      (SDE: Handicapped/Preschool Children)  The State funding for free appropriate public education provided for the three and four year old disabled children served under Act 86 of 1993 shall be distributed based on the district's index of taxpaying ability as defined in Section 59-20-20(3).  Five-year-old disabled children shall continue to be funded under the Education Finance Act of 1977.
     1.11.      (SDE: Instruction in Juvenile Detention Centers)  It shall be the responsibility of the School District where a local Juvenile Detention Center is located to provide adequate teaching staff and to ensure compliance with the educational requirements of this state.  Students housed in local detention centers are to be included in the average daily membership count of students for that district and reimbursement by the Department of Education made accordingly.
     1.12.      (SDE: Revenue Authorization)  The State Department of Education is hereby authorized to collect, expend, and carry forward revenues in the following areas to offset the cost of providing such services:  the sale of publications, manuals and forms, the sale of Apple Tags, royalties, contributions, donations, foundation funds, special grants and contracts, brochures, photo copies, listings and labels, Directory of South Carolina Schools, student health record cards, items to be recycled, and high school diplomas and certificates; the collection of out-of-state and in-state investigation fees, registration fees for non-SDE employees, recurring facility inspection fees, teacher certification fees; the handling of audio-visual film; the provision of contract computer services to school districts and other state agencies, joint broadcast service to school districts, and education-related statistics through agreement with the National Center for Education Statistics; the lease or sale of programs of television, audio or microcomputer software; the collection of damage fees for instructional materials and the sale of unusable instructional materials; sale of fuel; use and repair of transportation equipment; fees for Medicaid reimbursable transportation; the receipt of insurance and warranty payments on Department of Education equipment and the sale of used school buses and support equipment.  The Department of Education is authorized to collect revenue for deposit into the State General Fund for testing material purchases and test rescoring fees.  Any State Department of Education fees related to licensure services, except for initial licensure ($49), are waived.
     1.13.      (SDE: School District Bank Accounts)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, each school district in this State, upon the approval of the district's governing body, may maintain its own bank account for the purpose of making disbursement of school district funds as necessary to conduct school district business and each county treasurer is hereby authorized to transfer such amount as needed, upon receipt of a written order certified by the district governing body or their designee.  Such order shall contain a statement that such amount is for immediate disbursement for the payment of correct and legal obligation of the school district.
     1.14.      (SDE: School Lunch Program Aid)  The amount appropriated herein for School Lunch Program Aid shall be divided among the District and/or County Boards of Education of the State upon the basis of the number of schools participating in the School Lunch Program in each district during the prior school year.  The travel expenses of the District and/or County School Lunch Supervisor shall be paid from this appropriation at the prevailing rate of mileage allowed by the State.  These funds may be used as an aid in improving the School Lunch Program. These funds may not be used to supplement the salaries of school lunch supervisors.  In the absence of a County Board of Education in multi-district counties, the funds will be divided among the school districts of the county on the basis of the number of schools participating in the School Lunch Program in each district during the prior school year.
     1.15.      (SDE: Teachers/Temporary & Emergency Certificates)  Of the funds provided for teacher salaries funds may be used to pay salaries for those teachers holding temporary or emergency certificates which shall remain valid for the current school year if the local board of education so requests.  The State Department of Education shall submit to the General Assembly by March 1, of the current fiscal year, a report showing by district the number of emergency temporary certificates by category; including an enumeration of the certificates carried forward from the previous year. No temporary or emergency certificate shall be continued more than twice.
     1.16.      (SDE: Transportation/Demonstration Sites)  The Department of Education may designate the Charleston, Beaufort and/or Jasper County School Districts as demonstration sites for privatization of student transportation services.  In addition, the Budget and Control Board may assist no more than three additional school districts desiring to privatize student transportation services.  Funding for these pilot sites shall not exceed that presently utilized to support school transportation in the site(s).  Appropriated funds for school bus maintenance, school bus fuel, school bus drivers and school bus fringe benefits are to be used for this project.
     1.17.      (SDE: Travel/Outside of Continental U.S.) School District allocations from General Funds and EIA funds shall not be used for travel outside of the continental United States.  The International Baccalaureate Program shall be exempt from this restriction.
     1.18.      (SDE: Year End Closeout)  The State Department of Education is authorized to expend Federal and Earmarked Funds (not including State or EIA Funds) in the current fiscal year for expenditures incurred in the prior year; however, state funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XIII, Aid to School Districts, for the Children's Case Resolution System or private placements for services provided to children with disabilities may be used for those expenditures in prior fiscal years.  The Department is also authorized to use appropriated funds to pay for textbooks shipped in the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year.
     1.19.      (SDE: Transportation Collaboration)  The Department of Education School Bus Maintenance Shops shall be permitted, on a cost reimbursable-plus basis, to deliver transportation maintenance and services to vehicles owned or operated by public agencies in South Carolina.
     School Buses operated by school districts, other governmental agencies or head start agencies for the purpose of transporting students for school or school related activities shall not be subject to State Motor Fuel taxes.  Further, that school districts, other governmental agencies or head start agencies may purchase this fuel, on a cost reimbursable-plus basis, from the Department of Education School Bus Maintenance Shops.
     1.20.      (SDE: Assisting, Developing, and Evaluating Professional Teaching--ADEPT)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XIII.A-Aid to School Districts-Aid to Subdivision-APT/ADEPT, may be used for the implementation of the ADEPT system.  Of the funds appropriated, $148,500 $200,000 is to be used to pay colleges and universities for ADEPT services.  The remaining funds will be distributed to school districts, School for the Deaf and the Blind, John de la Howe School, Governor's School for Arts and Humanities and the Department of Juvenile Justice on a per induction contract teacher basis to offset the costs of implementing the ADEPT program.  Governing boards of public institutions of higher education may provide by policy or regulation for a tuition waiver for the tuition for one three-hour course at that institution for those public school teachers who serve as supervisors for full time students completing education degree requirements. Of the funds appropriated in the prior fiscal year, unexpended funds may be carried forward to the current fiscal year and expended for the same purposes.
     1.21.      (SDE: Praxis Waiver)  For individuals with work experience and content area degree, but who lack South Carolina teaching credentials, the State Board of Education, for the Critical Need Teacher Certification Program, is authorized to waive, for an individual program eligibility purposes, the satisfactory completion of the Praxis II subject area exam for up to six twelve months after the first day of employment.  Attendance at the pre-service institute may be waived if unavoidable circumstances prevent the individual from meeting the requirement, however, attendance is required at the next pre-service institute.  The individual granted either or both of these waivers shall be entitled to compensation under the school district's teacher salary schedule based on degree and years experience as a teacher.
     1.22.      (SDE: Summer Exit Exam Cost)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1, III may be used to offset the costs of the summer administration of the Exit Examination.  These funds may be expended to cover the costs related to developing, printing, shipping, scoring, and reporting the results of the assessments.  Local school districts may absorb local costs related to administration.
     1.23.      (SDE: Defined Program Personnel Requirements) Administrative positions requiring State Board of Education teacher or administrator certification, may only be filled by individuals receiving a W-2 (or other form should the Internal Revenue Service change the individual reporting form to another method) from the hiring school district.  Any public school district or special school that hires a corporation, partnership, or any other entity other than an individual to fill such positions will have its EFA and or EIA allocation reduced by the amount paid to that corporation, partnership, or other entity.  Compliance with this requirement will be made part of the single audit process of local public school districts as monitored by the State Department of Education.  Temporary instructional positions for special education, art, music, critical shortage fields as defined by the State Board of Education, as well as temporary positions for grant writing and testing are excluded from this requirement.
     Of the funds provided for teacher salaries, funds may be used to pay salaries for those retired members of the State Retirement System returning to employment covered by the system as certified teachers employed by a school district or special school to teach in the classroom in their area of certification in a critical academic need area or geographic need area as defined by the State Board of Education.  However, a school district or special school may not consider a retired member of the system for employment before May 31.  The certification of these retired teachers may be extended for the current school year if the local board of education so requests.  This certification shall be extended no more than twice.  This provision does not apply to any teacher that has been retired for more than five years.  Special schools include the Governor's School for Science and Math, Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, John de la Howe School, School for the Deaf and the Blind, Felton Lab, Department of Juvenile Justice and Palmetto Unified School District 1.
     Retired certified administrators may be hired to fill administrative positions requiring State Board of Education administrator certification in a critical needs school or district on an emergency basis for a period not to exceed twelve months and shall be exempt from earnings limitations from the State Retirement System.  Administrators may not be rehired in the same school for concurrent years or for a period of 24 months at the school from the end of the 12 month period of service. Furthermore, retired administrators may not be hired to fill a position created by their retirement during the school year.  The Department of Education must review and approve, from the documentation provided by the school district, that no qualified, non-retired certified administrator is available for employment in the position and that the member selected for employment meets the requirements of this section.  The Department must notify the State Retirement System of the exemption from the earnings limitation.
     1.24.      (SDE: Statewide Systemic Initiative) Of the funds appropriated to the Department of Education, $75,000 must be provided to the Charleston Science and Mathematics Hubs for curriculum development at the South Carolina Aquarium.
     1.25.      (SDE: School Bus Insurance)  The Department of Education shall maintain comprehensive and collision insurance or self-insure state-owned buses.  In no event shall the Department charge local school districts for damages to the buses which are commonly covered by insurance.
     1.26.      (SDE: Governor's School for Science and Math Board of Trustees)  The Governing Board of Trustees of the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics shall be enlarged to include the following six additional members:
           1.      The President of the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Foundation, Inc.
           2.      The Provost (or Vice President for Academic Affairs) from each of the following higher education research institutions:
                 A.      Clemson University
                 B.      The University of South Carolina
                 C.      The Medical University of South Carolina.
           3.      Two members appointed from this State at large by the Governor.  The provost of each of the research institutions shall serve as non-voting ex officio members.
     1.27.      (SDE: Class Size Reduction-Grade One)  School districts which choose to reduce class size to fifteen to one in grades one through three shall be eligible for funding for the reduced pupil-teacher ratios from funds provided by the General Assembly for this purpose.
     1.28.      (SDE: Teacher Data Collection)  Of the funds appropriated for K-12 Technology, the Department of Education in conjunction with the Commission on Higher Education shall begin the collection of design a system to collect data about the teaching profession in South Carolina. and establish The establishment of a database that is compatible with the database at the Commission on Higher Education and in the school districts should coincide with the State's implementation of SASI.  The data collection system should ensure (1) a systematic collection of teacher supply and demand information and (2) in-field and out of the field data to determine classes being taught by public school teachers out of field of their preparation. The data collection should include but not be limited to:  classes/subjects taught, number of students taught, percentage of teacher education graduates from South Carolina colleges/universities who go into teaching, percentage of teacher education graduates who teach in public schools in South Carolina, percentage of new teachers who leave the South Carolina teaching profession in the first three years of public school teaching due to unsuccessful evaluations, percentage of new teachers who leave the profession in the first three years of public school teaching in South Carolina who have successful evaluations, turnover rate of teachers and certification areas with highest vacancies. All database items should be set up so that it can be disaggregated by ethnicity, gender, geographic location, etc.
     1.29.      (SDE: Adult Education/Literacy)  Beginning with Fiscal Year 2000-2001, the General Assembly must appropriate for adult education an amount equal to $175 per pupil.  The per pupil amount shall be adjusted annually by the same percentage as the inflation factor used to adjust the base student cost of the Education Finance Act.  The number of pupils shall be determined by counting the number of persons sixteen years or older who attended a minimum of twelve hours in an approved adult education program in the prior fiscal year.  Funds may decrease with a decrease in enrollment; however, overall levels of State funding must meet the federal requirement of State maintenance of effort.
     From the funds appropriated for adult education, $150,000 must be used to provide for pilot projects for rural literacy development.  In addition, each county shall receive $50,000 for use by the school districts for adult literacy for service delivery to adult-nonreaders and those reading at or below the eighth grade level.  The North Family Community School shall receive $2,000 of the funds allocated to Orangeburg County for adult literacy.  The school districts may provide this service or may contract to have this service provided.  In multi-district counties, the districts must agree on the method of service delivery for the entire county and select one district to serve as the fiscal agent.
     1.30.      (SDE: Teacher Recertification - Technology)  To ensure the effective and efficient use of the funding provided by the General Assembly in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1 for school technology in the classroom and internet access, the State Department of Education shall approve teacher technology competency standards required by local school districts as part of the Teacher Professional Development Plan.  Approval of the teacher technology standards by the Department shall be a prerequisite for expenditure of district technology funds.  Teachers must demonstrate proficiency in these standards and be validated by the school district.
     1.31.      (SDE: School Building Aid Allocation)  Funds appropriated for School Building Aid shall be transferred to a special trust fund established by the Comptroller General.  Funds appropriated shall be distributed to the school districts of the State for use in accordance with Section 59-21-350 of the Code of Laws of 1976.  Funds shall be allocated to eligible school districts on a per pupil basis.  The allocation must be based on the 135 day count of average daily membership for the second preceding fiscal year.
     1.32.      (SDE: School Building Aid Funds Expenditure)  Funds appropriated in Part IA in this Act or in a previous Appropriation Act for school building aid may be expended by the school district without approval from the State Board of Education.  The Department of Education shall require that school districts include in their annual audit a verification of compliance with all applicable State laws associated with the use of these funds.
     1.33.      (SDE: School Building Aid)  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA for School Building Aid, $500,000 shall be allocated on a K-12 per pupil basis to Multi-District Area Vocational Schools.
     1.34.      (SDE: PSAT/PLAN Reimbursement)  Funds appropriated for assessment shall be used to pay for the administration of the PSAT or PLAN test to tenth grade students to include the testing fee and report fee.  SDE is authorized to carry forward into the current fiscal year, prior year state assessment funds for the purpose of paying for the scoring of the spring 2001 PACT assessment.
     1.35.      (SDE: Teacher Quality) Funds provided Teacher Quality state grants match shall be used to review teacher preparation, certification, and recruitment and retention.  The Department of Education, working with the Center for Teacher Recruitment and the Commission on Higher Education, shall develop the proposal.
     1.36.      (SDE: Basic Skills Exam)  Any person required to take and pass the Basic Skill Examination pursuant to Sections 59-26-20 and 59-26-40, and fails to achieve a passing score on all sections shall be allowed to retake the test or a portion thereof.
     1.37.      (SDE: School Bus Driver CDL)  From funds provided in Part 1A, Section 1 VII.C., the Department of Education shall assist the Department of Public Safety, by December 1, 2000, to implement a special School Bus endorsement for the State Commercial Driver's License.  The special commercial driver's license endorsement must fully qualify school bus drivers to operate a school bus in South Carolina as agreed to by the Department of Education.  Department of Education School Bus Driver Certification requirements shall be incorporated into the commercial driver's license endorsement.  The Department of Public Safety shall have the authority to determine the endorsement designation local school districts shall request a criminal record history from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for past conviction of any crime before the initial employment of a school bus driver or school bus aide.
     1.38.      (SDE: Parent and Guardian Responsibility)  To protect the unwarranted expenditure of funds provided in Part IA, Section 1, VII.C., the parents or guardians of a child being transported on a school bus are responsible for the safety and conduct of the child prior to the arrival of the school bus at the child's designated school bus stop for pick up and transport to school, and after the school bus drops off the child and departs the child's designated school bus stop when transporting the children from school.  The State's responsibility includes the arrival or departure of the school bus, which is defined as the time that the school bus assigned to the school bus stop activates the required pedestrian safety devices, stops and loads or unloads students, and until the school bus deactivates all pedestrian safety devices.
     1.39.      (SDE: SAT Preparation)  From the funds appropriated for SAT Preparation, the State Department of Education shall institute a plan reviewing, on an individual basis, weaknesses of students on actual PSAT administrations, and providing assistance.  To accomplish this, the Department shall use reports that analyze student weaknesses and provide guidance to local schools on the effective use of the reports.  To further encourage schools to emphasize SAT improvement, the high school earning the highest average gain in SAT scores shall receive a bonus of $50,000, and the 10 schools achieving the next highest gains shall each receive a bonus of $10,000.
     1.40.      (SDE: Delay Statewide Implementation of EAA Readiness Test) The readiness tests for grades one and two required under Section 59-18-33 will be field-tested in school year 2000-2001 and fully implemented in school year 2001-02. Funds appropriated shall be used for a full-scale field test of the readiness assessments and to provide teachers of grades one and two training in the use of the assessment system.  Districts shall excuse teachers who complete this training prior to the beginning of the contract year from the equivalent days of professional development required during the regular school year.  CSAB shall continue to be administered in Summer/Fall 2000 and in Summer/Fall 2001.
     1.41.      (SDE: School Bus Purchase)  The Department of Education may not purchase school buses under its existing contract for more than one year.  Any procurement of school buses with funds appropriated in this Act or any other appropriation bill must meet specifications developed by the School Bus Specification Committee after input and consideration of input from no less than three vendors as established by the State Superintendent of Education.  Standards are to be developed using national standards as a guide.  The School Bus Specifications Committee shall allow for input from all school bus chassis and body manufacturers and ensure that all school bus chassis and body manufacturers have the opportunity to bid on the specifications.
     1.42.      (SDE: EAA Report Card Criteria)  Pending implementation of standards-based assessments for students in grades 9-12 and revised examination scores, the Education Oversight Committee may base ratings on criteria relevant to high school or career and technology center performance including, but not limited to, current exit examination performance and other criteria identified by technical experts and appropriate groups of educators.  For other schools without standard-based assessments the ratings may be based upon criteria identified by technical experts and appropriate groups of educators.  All ratings criteria must be approved by the Education Oversight Committee.
     1.43.      (SDE: EAA School Grants Program/Retraining Grants)  First year retraining grants awarded pursuant to Section 59-18-1560 of the 1976 Code in the prior fiscal year may be carried forward to the current fiscal year and expended for the same purposes.  Second and third year retraining grant funds may be released to districts on a limited basis through September for summer programs in advance of submission of end-of-year reports for prior fiscal year retaining grants.
     1.44.      (SDE: Decrease Student:Resource Personnel Ratio)  Funds appropriated shall be used to increase the number of guidance counselors, and/or school safety officers in each school district.  The funding allocation shall be based proportionately on the number of high schools in each district.
     1.45.      (SDE: Buses, Parts, and/or Fuel)  Funds appropriated for school bus purchases or other operating in program VII.C. and D - Bus Shops may be use to purchase buses, fuel, parts or other school bus related items.
     1.46.      (SDE: Teacher Collaboratives)  Funds appropriated in the prior fiscal year in Act 100 of 1999, Part III, Section 1(3)(c) for the National Science Foundation Teacher Collaboratives Grant shall be allocated to the local school district for the purchase of library books and materials.
     1.47.      (SDE: Special Schools Oversight)  Special schools and school districts receiving appropriations in Part IA, Section 1 or 1A, to include the Governor's School for Science and Math, Governor's School for Arts and Humanities, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, John de la Howe School, School for the Deaf and Blind, Felton Lab, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Palmetto Unified School District 1 shall submit their prior year annual accountability report to the State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee by October 1 of the current year.  The State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee shall jointly review each report.
     1.48.      (SDE: Library Access to Subscription Services)  Of funds appropriated in Part I, Section 1 XIII.D, Technology Initiative, $1.5 million shall be used for Library Access to Subscription Services by all public libraries, libraries of higher education institutions and K-12 schools.  The amount shall be distributed to the South Carolina State Library for implementation of the program.
     1.49.      (SDE: Kindergarten Materials)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds appropriated for instructional materials may be used for the purchase of State Board of Education approved kindergarten materials.
     1.50.      (SDE: Impaired Unsatisfactory School Teacher Specialists)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, schools designated as impaired, below average, or unsatisfactory and include combined grade groupings of elementary, middle and/or high school, may be approved for funding of more than five teacher specialists as recommended by the review team.  Teacher specialists may be assigned to kindergarten level, if recommended by the review team.  Retired educators may be hired as teacher or principal specialists and shall be exempt from the earnings limitations of the State Retirement System.  No administrator who has entered or completed the Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive program is eligible for the principal specialist on-site program.
     1.51.      (SDE: Retired Educator Specialist)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds may be used for retired educators serving as teacher or principal specialists on site in districts in which a state of emergency is declared.  These educators will not be subject to the earnings limitations which restrict the amount of compensation that may be earned from covered employment while drawing benefits under the State Retirement Systems for a period of two years of such employment.
     1.52.      (SDE: Assessment of Students with Disabilities)  Students who are classified as a student with a disability under IDEA guidelines, who have a current IEP, and who do not meet the criteria for the state's alternate assessment, may be administered a PACT assessment consistent with the student's IEP instructional level in each content area.
     1.53.      (SDE: Student Loan Program/Teaching Loans)  Beginning with the 2000-2001 school year, a teacher with a Teacher Loan through the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation shall qualify, if the teacher is teaching in an area newly designated as a critical needs area (geographic and/or subject).  Previous loan payments shall not be reimbursed.  The Department of Education and the local school district shall be responsible for annual distribution of the critical needs list.  It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to request loan cancellation through service in a critical needs area to the Student Loan Corporation by November 1.  Teachers in an alternative teacher certification program shall be eligible to apply for the South Carolina Teacher Loan and to have the loan cancelled by teaching in a critical needs area.  For the Teacher Loan Program, areas of critical need shall include both geographic areas and areas of teacher certification and must be defined annually for that purpose by the State Board of Education.  The definitions used in the Federal Perkins Loan Program shall serve as the basis for defining 'critical geographical areas'.  The list shall also include alternative public schools, designated occupational centers, special schools, and correctional centers serving grades 9-12 as approved by the State Board of Education.  Beginning July 1, 2000, the loan must be cancelled at the rate of twenty percent or three thousand dollars, whichever is greater, of the total principal amount of the loan plus interest on the unpaid balance for each complete year of teaching service in either an academic critical need area or in a geographic need area.  The loan must be cancelled at the rate of thirty-three and one-third percent, or five thousand dollars, whichever is greater, of the total principal amount of the loan plus interest on the unpaid balance for each complete year of teaching service in both an academic critical need area and a geographic need area. Beginning July 1, 2000, all loan recipients teaching in the public schools of South Carolina but not in an academic or geographic critical need area are to be charged an interest rate below that charged to loan recipients who do not teach in South Carolina.  Additional loans to assist with college and living expenses shall be made available for talented and qualified state residents attending public or private colleges and universities in this State for the sole purpose and intent of changing careers in order to become certified teachers employed in the State in areas of critical need.  These loan funds also may be used for the cost of participation in the critical needs certification program pursuant to Section 59-26-30(A)(8).  Such loans must be cancelled under the same conditions and at the same rates as other critical need loans.  All loan cancellation and repayment provisions of the Teacher Loan Program will apply to the loans provided under the former Governor's Teaching Scholarship Loan Program.
     1.54.      (SDE: Excellence in Middle School Initiative)  Funds appropriated for the Excellence in Middle Schools Initiative shall be to increase the number of guidance counselors, school safety officers and/or school nurses in middle/junior high schools.  The funding allocation shall be based proportionately on the number of middle/junior high schools in each district.
     1.55.      (SDE: Mitford Transportation Costs)  Transportation costs for the transporting of students from the Mitford area of Fairfield County to schools in the Great Falls area of Chester County is not the responsibility of and shall not be borne by the Chester County School District.  These transportation costs shall continue to be the responsibility of the State Department of Education.
     1.56.      (SDE: Refurbishing Science Kits)  Funds appropriated for the purchase of textbooks and other instructional materials may be used for reimbursing school districts to offset the costs of refurbishing science kits on the state-adopted textbook inventory.   The refurbishing cost of kits may not exceed the cost of the state-adopted refurbishing kits plus a reasonable amount for shipping and handling.  Costs for staff development, personnel costs, equipment, or other costs associated with refurbishing kits on state inventory are not allowable costs.
     1.57.      (SDE: Credits High School Diploma Distribution)  The funds appropriated for Raise Academic Standards-Credits High School Diploma shall be distributed to the school districts of the state based upon the 135 day count of Average Daily Membership.
     1.58.      (SDE: DPS/DARE)  Of the funds appropriated for Other State Agencies and Entities for the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, $200,000 must be transferred to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for the operation of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and for the training of DARE officers in the fifth-grade classes of public schools in the state, and $25,000 shall be used by the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services to provide matching funds for local governments and school districts for the DARE program.  A report on the effectiveness of the DARE program must be provided by DPS to the Education Oversight Committee by October 1 of each year.
     1.59.      (SDE: Status Offenders/John de la Howe)  The funds appropriated for the Status Offender Program shall be distributed to John de la Howe School to expand residential programs to include court ordered status offenders.  Components of such a program shall include collaboration between the home school district and the residential school and treatment or related services to the families of students in placement.
     1.60.      (SDE: Historical Works)  Of the funds appropriated, $43,000 must be provided to the Department of Archives and History to assist South Carolina schools and educational professionals in the learning and teaching of primary research skills promoting the study and development of historical works.  These skills must be in line with the grade by grade academic achievement standards established under EAA.
     1.61.      (SDE: Part-time Benefits) DELETED
     1.62.      (SDE: EAA Summer School, Grades 3-8)  Funds appropriated for summer school shall be allocated to each local public school district based on the number of academic subject area scores below the basic on the prior year Spring PACT administration for students in grades three through eight. However, until such time that the PACT assessments for all core academic areas as required by the Education Accountability Act have been implemented, the results of any of these assessments shall not be used as the sole criteria to determine whether a student is required to attend summer school, is placed on academic probation, or is retained.  However, school districts may consider PACT scores along with other factors in making such decisions.  School districts should make every effort to provide each student scoring below basic on any PACT assessment an accelerated instruction program and where appropriate additional services designed to bring the student's performance up to grade level.  Current year appropriations may be expended for prior year EAA summer school purposes.  Local public school districts shall utilize these funds in accordance with the requirements of Section 59-18-500 of the 1976 Code.
     1.63.      (SDE: Governor's School Leave Policy)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities and the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics are authorized to promulgate administrative policy governing annual and sick leave relative to faculty and staff with the approval of their respective Board of Directors.  This policy shall address their respective school calendars in order to comply with the instructional needs of students attending both special schools.
     1.64.      (SDE: Two Day Classroom Preparation)  Notwithstanding Section 59-1-420 of the 1976 Code, of the 190 day statutory school term, two days of the ten non-instructional days provided must be used for the preparation and opening of schools.
     1.65.      (SDE: High Schools That Work/Critical Needs)  From carryover FY 2001 funds provided for Career Changers Loans, not more than $350,000 shall be used in the current year for the High Schools That Work Program and not more than $150,000 shall be used for the Critical Needs Program.
     1.66.      (SDE: Fees - Incidental & Matriculation)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board of trustees of any school district which does not have the authority by any special act of the General Assembly to charge the cost of educational materials and supplies is authorized to charge a fee to offset the cost of education materials and supplies.  The board of trustees of each school district which charges such fees is directed to develop rules and regulations for such fees which take into account the student's ability to pay and to hold the fee to a minimum reasonable amount.  Fees may not be charged to students eligible for free lunch and must be pro rata for students eligible for reduced price lunches, if the parents or guardians of these students so request.
     1.67.      (SDE: Health and Dental)  Notwithstanding the S.C. Code of Laws Section 59-25-45, health and dental benefits for teachers working less than thirty hours a week shall be suspended for the current fiscal year.
     1.68.      (SDE: Sale of School District Property)  Notwithstanding Section 59-19-250 of the 1976 Code, during the current fiscal year, school trustees of a school district which do not currently have the authority to do so, may sell or lease school property, real or personal, in their school district whenever they deem it expedient to do so and apply the proceeds of the sale or lease to the school fund of the district.
     1.69.      (SDE: Flexibility)  The Department of Education, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly. However, the Department shall not reduce funding to the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, the Governor's School for Science and Math, or any school district funding required for the Education Accountability Act.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Education is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Education is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Education is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Education is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 1A - H63 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION-EIA

     1A.1.      (SDE-EIA: XI-Local Financial Support)  There shall be no required local match for Education Improvement Act funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.  This shall not impact or alter the requirements of Section 59-21-1030, level of financial effort per pupil required of each school district; application for waiver.  The inflationary increase required for local financial effort as defined in Section 59-21-1030 for the current fiscal year is 3.9% 3.04%.
     1A.2.      (SDE-EIA: XI-Prohibition on Appropriation Transfers)  The amounts appropriated herein for aid to subdivisions or allocations to school districts shall not be transferred or reduced and must be expended in accordance with the intent of the appropriation.
     1A.3.      (SDE-EIA: XI.C.3-Revenue Shortfall)  In the event an official EIA revenue shortfall is declared, funds appropriated for EIA teacher salaries and related fringe benefits in Part IA, Section 1 XI.C.3. are exempt from any reduction required to offset the shortfall.
     1A.4.      (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Advanced Placement)  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1. for Advanced Placement, no more than $500,000 must be made available on a flat rate per class basis to schools offering "singleton" Advanced Placement classes with a student/teacher ratio equal to or less than ten to one.  The State Board of Education shall develop guidelines for the distribution of these "singleton" funds.  The remaining AP funds must be distributed to the school districts of the state based upon the 135 day count of AP students served.  AP funds may be used to defray the testing costs of the International Baccalaureate Program which are incurred by school districts at the same per-test reimbursement rate provided for Advanced Placement examinations.  High schools may receive funding for the allowable costs associated with ninth and tenth grade students taking Advanced Placement courses.  Funds provided for Advanced Placement may be carried forward into the current fiscal year to be expended for the same purpose.
     1A.5.      (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Distribution)  The money appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI. Education Improvement Program, A.1. Raise Academic Standards-Credits HS Diploma shall be distributed to the school districts of the state based upon the 135 day count of Average Daily Membership.
     1A.6.      (SDE-EIA: XI.A-Gifted & Talented)  Notwithstanding the provisions for Section 59-29-170, ten percent (10%) of the total state dollars appropriated annually for gifted and talented programs shall be set aside for serving artistically gifted and talented students in grades 3-12.  The State Department of Education shall allocate to districts a proportionate share of the ten percent (10%) based on the preceding year's total average daily membership in grades 3-12.  School districts shall service students identified as artistically gifted and talented in one or more of the following visual and performing arts areas: dance, drama, music and visual arts areas.  Districts may utilize their proportionate share of the ten percent (10%) for the purpose of contracting with other entities to provide services to students identified as artistically gifted and talented if personnel or facilities are not available in the school district for that service.  Of the remaining ninety percent (90%) of state dollars appropriated for gifted and talented programs, not more than $850,000 may be used to provide testing and teacher training.  The remaining funds shall be expended in accordance with Section 59-29-170.  Each district receiving funds for the gifted and talented program shall include an accelerated component as a part of its academically gifted and talented program.  EIA-Gifted and Talented funds may be carried forward and expended for the same purpose in the current fiscal year.
     1A.7.      (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Gifted & Talented/CHE 8th Grade Advisement)  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1. Gifted and Talented, $402,250 shall be used by the Commission on Higher Education to be expended on the eighth grade advisement program.  The Commission on Higher Education must provide a report on the effectiveness of the advisement program to the Education Oversight Committee by October 1 of the current year.
     1A.8.      (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Gifted & Talented/Jr. Academy of Science) Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1. Gifted & Talented, $100,000 must be provided to the Junior Academy of Science.  The Department of Education must provide a report on the effectiveness of the Academy to the State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee by October 1 annually in a format agreed upon by the Education Oversight Committee and the Department of Education.
     1A.9.      (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Handicapped Student Services)  The money appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1. for Handicapped Student Services shall be used only for educational services for trainable mentally handicapped pupils and profoundly mentally handicapped pupils.
     1A.10.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Junior Scholars)  The State Board of Education, through the Department of Education, must provide a report on the effectiveness of the Junior Scholars programs as appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1. to the Education Oversight Committee by October 1.  Eligibility for the Junior Scholars program is open to any student who meets the requirements of the program, whether the student attends public school or private school; provided however, any private school student is responsible for paying the cost of the qualifying examination and, at the option of the Department of Education, any other costs associated with the program.
     1A.11.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.4-Academic Assistance/Carry Forward) Any unexpended balance from the prior fiscal year in the EIA appropriations in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.4. for Academic Assistance may be carried forward to the current fiscal year by school districts to be expended to operate programs in accordance with their Academic Assistance long range plans.  The Department of Education shall provide the State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee, no later than November 1 of the current  year with a report on the implementation of the monitoring system for Act 135 related activities and programs for evaluating program effectiveness and student achievement. The report must include a description of the data districts are to collect and the system of evaluation, as well as the technical assistance that will be provided to the districts to enhance their capacity for program evaluation.
     1A.12.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.4-Academic Assistance/Curriculum Development)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.4. for Act 135 of 1993 Other Operating must be used by the Department of Education to provide schools and school districts with technical assistance on curriculum development, including implementing the grade-by-grade academic standards, and instructional improvement in keeping with the intent of Act 135 of 1993 (Sections 59-139-05 and 59-139-10 of the SC Code of Laws) as provided in regulations promulgated by the State Board of Education. Reports on the use of these funds will be provided to the Senate Education Committee and the House Education and Public Works Committee by September 1, of the current fiscal year, reflecting prior fiscal year expenditures.
     1A.13.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.4-Academic Assistance/Early Child Development)  A portion of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.4. for Academic Assistance 4-12 may be used to support components for the K-3 academic assistance if such change promotes better coordination of state and federal funds provided for programs for these students.  Districts requesting this waiver from the State Board of Education must demonstrate how the use of these funds is in keeping with their long range plan and how the needs of the students in grades 4-12 will be met.
     1A.14.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.4-Academic Assistance/Formula Funding & Distribution)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the total funding in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.4. for the 4-12 Academic Assistance component of Act 135 of 1993 shall be based on a derived free and reduced lunch eligibility count for grades 4-12 obtained by applying the state percentage of K-3 students eligible for free and reduced lunch to the 4-12 average daily membership; and funding for individual districts shall be based on two equally weighted factors; the district's derived lunch percentage for grades 4-12 and its four year average for the number of 4-12 students "not meeting" standard on the state's testing programs for the years 1990-1993.
     1A.15.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A-Academic Assistance/Reading Recovery) Of the EIA funds appropriated herein for the Academic Assistance Act 135, $3,200,000 shall be used for the Reading Recovery programs throughout the State.  The State Department of Education shall report to the State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee on the allocation and expenditure of these funds by October 1 annually in a format agreed upon by the Education Oversight Committee and the Department of Education.
     1A.16.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.4-Academic Assistance/Remedial Adult Education)  Of funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.4. for Academic Assistance an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 must be used for adult education students scoring below the BSAP standard on any portion of the exit examination at a weight of .114 of the base student cost as defined in the Education Finance Act.
     1A.17.            (SDE-EIA: XI.B - Half Day Program for Four-Year-Olds)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.B. for half-day programs for four-year-olds shall be based on the previous three years' average for students tested as "not ready" on the CSAB, however, no district shall receive less than 90 percent of the amount it received in the prior fiscal year.
     1A.18.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.3.-Black African-American History)  Funds provided for the development of the Black African-American History curricula may be carried forward into the current fiscal year to be expended for the same purpose.  These funds may be used to develop curricula for other ethnic populations to include, but not limited to Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans.
     1A.19.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.3-Critical Teacher Needs)  Funds appropriated for EIA-Critical Teacher needs must be used for courses which support instructional techniques and strategies in keeping with the intent of Act 135 of 1993, the Middle Schools Project, the Preparation for Technologies Program, the grade by grade academic achievement standards, or need established in the school and district long range plans. These funds may be used for courses which support the education of students with disabilities or special needs in the regular classroom.  School districts may require and collect a deposit from teachers enrolling in critical teaching needs courses.  Upon completion of the course any deposit collected shall be returned to the teacher having made the deposit.
     1A.20.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.3-Critical Teaching Needs/Roper Mountain)  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.C.3. for Critical Teaching Needs, $250,000 shall be disbursed to the Roper Mountain Science Center for summer workshops for public school science teachers. Funds disbursed to the Roper Mountain Science Center may be carried forward.
     1A.21.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-School Technology)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1. for school technology shall be distributed to each school district based on a ratio of district free and reduced lunches for first through third grades to the state total free and reduced lunches for first through third grades.
     1A.22.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.2-Teacher Evaluations, XI.E.3-Implementation/Education Oversight)  The Department of Education shall provide a review of the evaluation results for teachers employed under induction, provisional, annual, and second year annual and continuing contracts to be presented by September 30, annually, to the State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee.  The Department of Education is directed to oversee the evaluation of teachers at the School for the Deaf and the Blind, the John de la Howe School and the Department of Juvenile Justice under the ADEPT model.
     1A.23.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.3.-Teacher Salaries/SE Average)  The projected Southeastern average teacher salary shall be the average of the average teachers salaries of the southeastern states as projected by the Division of Budget and Analyses.  For the current school year the Southeastern average teacher salary is projected to be $37,447 $38,841.  It is the intent of the General Assembly to exceed the Southeastern average teacher salary as projected by $325.
     Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.C.3. for Teacher Salaries must be used to increase salaries of those teachers eligible pursuant to Section 59-20-50 (b), to include classroom teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, occupational and physical therapists, school nurses, orientation/mobility instructors and audiologists in the school districts of the state.
     1A.24.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.3-Teacher Salaries/State Agencies)  Each state agency which does not contain a school district but has instructional personnel shall receive an allocation from the line item "Alloc. EIA - TEACHER/OTHER PAY" in Part IA, Section 1 XI.F.3. for teachers salaries based on the following formula:  Each state agency shall receive such funds as are necessary to adjust the pay of all instructional personnel to the appropriate salary provided by the salary schedules of the school district in which the agency is located.  Instructional personnel may include all positions which would be eligible for EIA supplements in a public school district, and may at the discretion of the state agency, be defined to cover curriculum development specialists, educational testing psychologists, psychological and guidance counselors, and principals.  The twelve-month agricultural teachers located at Clemson University are to be included in this allocation of funds for base salary increases.  The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities and the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics are authorized to increase the salaries of instructional personnel by an amount equal to the percentage increase given by the School District in which they are both located.
     The funds appropriated herein in the line item " Alloc. EIA - Teacher/Other Pay" must be distributed to the agencies by the Budget and Control Board.
     1A.25.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Tech Prep) Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1, XI.A.1. for the Tech Prep Program, $75,000 shall be used by the State Department of Education, through the Tech Prep Consortia, to provide for professional development in applied techniques and integration of curriculum, and professional development in career guidance for teachers and guidance counselors and training mentors.  In addition, $500,000 shall be allocated for Career Counseling Specialists in the Tech Prep Consortia.  Each Career Specialist shall (1) be housed within a consortium as determined by the local Tech Prep/School to Work Consortium, (2) provide career development activities throughout all schools within the consortium, (3) be under the program supervision of the Office of Career and Technology Education, State Department of Education, and (4) adhere to an accountability and evaluation plan created by the Office of Career and Technology Education, State Department of Education.  The Office of Career and Technology Education, State Department of Education, shall provide a report, in February 2001, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee on accomplishments of the Career Counseling Specialists.  Of the funds appropriated in the prior fiscal year, unexpended funds may be carried forward to the current fiscal year and expended for the same purposes.
     1A.26.            (SDE-EIA: XI.E.1-Principal Salary Supplements)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.E.1. for salary supplements for principals and accompanying employer contributions must be distributed to school districts based on average daily membership (ADM).  Each school district shall distribute the funds as salary supplements in addition to existing compensation equally among principals and assistant principals employed by the district.
     1A.27.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.4-Impaired School Districts Unsatisfactory Districts and Schools) Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.4. for Impaired School Districts unsatisfactory districts and schools, shall be used to provide grants to assist school districts and schools in correcting education deficiencies as identified through the application of criteria adopted by the State Board of Education for evaluating the quality of education in school districts.  First priority for this funding shall be an allocation of funds to those school districts and schools whose education deficiencies led to the designation of "In Greatest Need of Technical Assistance" unsatisfactory .  No portion of the allocated funds may be used by the school district for administration purposes.  Funds appropriated for Impaired School Districts/In Need of Technical Assistance and allocated to the school districts and schools in the prior fiscal year may be retained and expended by the school districts and schools for the same purpose during the current fiscal year.
     1A.28.            (SDE-EIA: XI.E.3.-Evaluation/EIA Programs)  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.E.3. for EIA Implementation, Other Operating Expenses, $349,124 may only be used by the State Department of Education to support its contracted program evaluations and the conduct of the State Board of Education's annual assessment of EIA-funded education reforms and the related report, pursuant to Section 59-6-12.  The remaining $225,000 appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.E.3. for EIA Implementation, Other Operating Expenses shall be used to support the continuation of program and policy evaluations and studies and to support the state's participation in the Middle Grades Project, at no less than $100,000, the middle grade reading, science, and math resource and career exploration project of the sixth grade class at Kingstree Elementary School at no more than $25,000.  Provided further, for the current fiscal year, $100,000 shall be provided to the South Carolina Educational Policy Center for collaborative projects with the Department of Education and the Education Oversight Committee to provide research based information and consultation services on technical issues related to establishing a more thorough accountability system for public schools, school districts, and the K-12 education system.
     1A.29.            (SDE-EIA: XI.F.3-CHE/Teacher Recruitment)  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 X1.F.3. for the Teacher Recruitment Program, the S.C. Commission on Higher Education shall distribute a total of $2,755,695 $3,369,195 to the S.C. Center for Teacher Recruitment for a state teacher recruitment program, of which $1,200,000 $1,813,500 must be used for the Teaching Fellows Program and of which $200,000 must be used for specific programs to recruit minority teachers, and shall distribute $206,000 to Benedict College and $261,000 $467,000 to S.C. State University to be used only for the operation of a minority teacher recruitment program and therefore shall not be used for the operation of their established general education programs.  The S.C. Commission on Higher Education shall ensure that all funds are used to promote teacher recruitment on a statewide basis, shall ensure the continued coordination of efforts among the three teacher recruitment projects, shall review the use of funds and shall have prior program and budget approval.  The S.C. State University program, in consultation with the Commission on Higher Education, shall extend beyond the geographic area it currently serves.  Annually, the Commission on Higher Education shall evaluate the effectiveness of each of the teacher recruitment projects and shall report its findings and its program and budget recommendations to the House and Senate Education Committees, the State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee by October 1 annually, in a format agreed upon by the Education Oversight Committee and the Department of Education.
     1A.30.            (SDE-EIA: XI.F.3-SLED/DARE)  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.F.3. Other State Agencies and Entities for the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, $200,000 must be transferred to the State Law Enforcement Division for the operation of Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and for the training of DARE officers in the fifth-grade classes of public schools in the state, and $25,000 shall be used by the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services to provide matching funds for local governments and school districts for the DARE program.  A report on the effectiveness of the DARE program must be provided by SLED to the Education Oversight Committee by October 1.
     1A.31.            (SDE-EIA: XI.F.3-Disbursements/Other Entities)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2-7-66 and 11-3-50, S.C. Code of Laws, it is the intent of the General Assembly that funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.F.3. Other State Agencies and Entities shall be disbursed on a quarterly basis by the Department of Revenue directly to the state agencies and entities referenced except for the Teacher Loan Program, Centers of Excellence, the Education Oversight Committee and School Technology, which shall receive their full appropriation at the start of the fiscal year from available revenue.  The Comptroller General's Office is authorized to make necessary appropriation reductions in Part IA, Section 1 XI.F.3. to prevent duplicate appropriations.  If the Education Improvement Act appropriations in the agency and entity respective sections of the General Appropriations Act at the start of the fiscal year do not agree with the appropriations in Part IA, Section 1 XI.F.3. Other State Agencies and Entities, the "other funds" appropriations in the respective agency and entity sections of the General Appropriations Act will be adjusted by the Comptroller General's Office to conform to the appropriations in Part IA, Section 1 XI.F.3. Other State Agencies and Entities.
     1A.32.            (SDE-EIA: XI.F.3-Status Offenders/John de la Howe)  The funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.F.3. for the Status Offender Program shall be distributed to John de la Howe School to expand residential programs to include court ordered status offenders.  Components of such a program shall include collaboration between the home school district and the residential school and treatment or related services to the families of students in placement.
     1A.33.           (SDE-EIA: XI.F.3-Student Loan Program/Teaching Loans)  Beginning with the 2000-2001 school year, a teacher with a Teacher Loan through the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation shall qualify, if the teacher is teaching in an area newly designated as a critical needs area (geographic and/or subject).  Previous loan payments shall not be reimbursed.  The Department of Education and the local school district shall be responsible for annual distribution of the critical needs list.  It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to request loan cancellation through service in a critical needs area to the Student Loan Corporation by November 1.  Teachers in an alternative teacher certification program shall be eligible to apply for the South Carolina Teacher Loan and to have the loan cancelled by teaching in a critical needs area.  For the Teacher Loan Program, areas of critical need shall include both geographic areas and areas of teacher certification and must be defined annually for that purpose by the State Board of Education.  The definitions used in the Federal Perkins Loan Program shall serve as the basis for defining 'critical geographical areas'.  The list shall also include alternative public schools, designated occupational centers, special schools and correctional centers serving grades 9-12 as approved by the State Board of Education.  Beginning July 1, 2000, the loan must be cancelled at the rate of twenty percent or three thousand dollars, whichever is greater, of the total principal amount of the loan plus interest on the unpaid balance for each complete year of teaching service in either an academic critical need area or in a geographic need area.  The loan must be cancelled at the rate of thirty-three and one-third percent, or five thousand dollars, whichever is greater, of the total principal amount of the loan plus interest on the unpaid balance for each complete year of teaching service in both an academic critical need area and a geographic need area. Beginning July 1, 2000, all loan recipients teaching in the public schools of South Carolina but not in an academic or geographic critical need area are to be charged an interest rate below that charged to loan recipients who do not teach in South Carolina.  Additional loans to assist with college and living expenses shall be made available for talented and qualified state residents attending public or private colleges and universities in this State for the sole purpose and intent of changing careers in order to become certified teachers employed in the State in areas of critical need.  These loan funds also may be used for the cost of participation in the critical needs certification program pursuant to Section 59-26-30(A)(8).  Such loans must be cancelled under the same conditions and at the same rates as other critical need loans.  All loan cancellation and  repayment provisions of the Teacher Loan Program will apply to the loans provided under the former Governor's Teaching Scholarship Loan Program.
     1A.34.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Arts in Education)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1. Arts Curricula shall be used to support arts education curriculum in the visual and performing arts which incorporates strengths from the Arts in Education pilot sites.  These funds shall be distributed under a competitive grants program.
     1A.35.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Continuous Improvement/Innovation)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.A.1. for Continuous Improvement/ Innovation and allocated to the school districts for innovative initiatives in the prior fiscal year may be retained and expended by the school districts for the same purpose during the current fiscal year.
     1A.36.            (SDE-EIA: XI.B-Parenting/Family Literacy)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 X1.B. for the Parenting/Family Literacy Programs and allocated to the school districts for parenting projects in the prior fiscal year may be retained and expended by the school districts for the same purpose during the current fiscal year.  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.B. for the Parenting/Family Literacy, $100,000 must be used for the Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Project at Winthrop University and $125,000 must be used for the Accelerated Schools Project at the College of Charleston.
     1A.37.            (SDE-EIA: XI.B.-Parenting/Family Literacy/Communities-In-Schools)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Department of Education shall transfer $200,000 from the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 X1.B. Parenting/Family Literacy to Communities-In-Schools.  These funds are to be utilized to provide technical assistance to local communities in establishing Communities-In-Schools programs statewide.  Communities-In-Schools will provide annual reports to the State Department of Education which will include: budget expenditure data, a listing of the communities served and the services provided.
     1A.38.            (SDE-EIA: XI-Problem Solving Skills)  It is not the intent of the General Assembly that the instruction in higher order thinking skills promote New Age religion or any other religion, faith, or belief.
     1A.39.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Local School Innovation Fund)  The funds provided for the Local School Innovation Fund shall be distributed to the school districts on a fifty percent average daily membership and fifty percent EFA basis and shall be expended by the individual school in accordance with the school's long-range school improvement plan pursuant to Act 135 of 1993.  Funds shall be accounted for in accordance with the EIA program or strategy.
     1A.40.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.3-National Board Certification Incentive)  Public school teachers and those teachers serving as teacher educators Public school classroom teachers who teach a minimum of three hours per day on average in team teaching or teaching classes who are certified by the State Board of Education and who have been certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards shall be paid a $7,500 salary supplement in the year of achieving certification.  Teachers employed as teacher educators at the special schools shall be eligible for this $7,500 salary supplement.  The special schools include the Governor's School for Science and Math, Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, John de la Howe School, School for the Deaf and the Blind, Felton Lab, Department of Juvenile Justice and Palmetto Unified School District 1.  The $7,500 salary supplement shall be added to the annual pay of the teacher for the length of the national certificate.  The Center for Teacher Recruitment shall develop guidelines and administer the programs whereby teachers applying to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for certification may receive a loan equal to the amount of the application fee.  One-half of the loan principal amount and interest shall be forgiven when the required portfolio is submitted to the National Board.  Teachers attaining certification within three years of receiving the loan will have the full loan principal amount and interest forgiven.  Teachers who previously submitted a portfolio to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for certification under previous appropriation acts, shall receive reimbursement of their certification fee as prescribed under the provisions of the previous appropriation act. Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.C.3. for National Board Certification, the State Department of Education shall transfer to the Center for Teacher Recruitment the funds necessary for the administration of the loan program.  In addition, teachers who are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards shall enter a recertification cycle for their South Carolina certificate consistent with the recertification cycle for National Board certification.  National Board certified teachers moving to this State are exempted from initial certification requirements and are eligible for continuing contact contract status.  Their recertification cycle will be consistent with National Board certification.
     1A.41.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.4-SC Statewide Systemic Initiative)  The funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI.C.4. shall be used for Mathematics and Science Hubs which support improvements in mathematics and science through resources and professional development in instructional techniques and strategies, use of technology in the classroom, leadership, content in subject areas and assessment.  These efforts will be coordinated with programs such as Tech Prep Consortia using applied learning techniques and which assist teachers in using computers in the classroom.
     1A.42.            (SDE: Defined Program Personnel Requirements) Administrative positions requiring State Board of Education teacher or administrator certification, may only be filled by individuals receiving a W-2 (or other form should the Internal Revenue Service change the individual reporting form to another method) from the hiring school district.  Any public school district or special school that hires a corporation, partnership, or any other entity other than an individual to fill such positions will have its EFA and or EIA allocation reduced by the amount paid to that corporation, partnership, or other entity.  Compliance with this requirement will be made part of the single audit process of local public school districts as monitored by the State Department of Education.  Temporary instructional positions for special education, art, music, critical shortage fields as defined by the State Board of Education, as well as temporary positions for grant writing and testing are excluded from this requirement.
     Of the funds provided for teacher salaries, funds may be used to pay salaries for those retired members of the State Retirement System returning to employment covered by the system as certified teachers employed by a school district or special school to teach in the classroom in their area of certification in a critical academic need area or geographic need area as defined by the State Board of Education.  However, a school district or special school may not consider a retired member of the system for employment before May 31.  The certification of these retired teachers may be extended for the current school year if the local board of education so requests.  This certification shall be extended no more than twice.  This provision does not apply to any teacher that has been retired for more than five years.  Special schools include the Governor's School for Science and Math, Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, John de la Howe School, School for the Deaf and the Blind, Felton Lab, Department of Juvenile Justice and Palmetto Unified School District 1.
     Retired certified administrators may be hired to fill administrative positions requiring State Board of Education administrator certification in a critical needs school or district on an emergency basis for a period not to exceed twelve months and shall be exempt from earnings limitations from the State Retirement System.  Administrators may not be rehired in the same school for concurrent years or for a period of 24 months at the school from the end of the 12 month period of service. Furthermore, retired administrators may not be hired to fill a position created by their retirement during the school year.  The Department of Education must review and approve, from the documentation provided by the school district, that no qualified, non-retired certified administrator is available for employment in the position and that the member selected for employment meets the requirements of this section.  The Department must notify the State Retirement System of the exemption from the earnings limitation.
     1A.43.            (SDE-EIA: XI-Historical Works)  Of the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 1 XI., $43,000 must be provided to the Department of Archives and History to assist South Carolina schools and educational professionals in the learning and teaching of primary research skills promoting the study and development of historical works.  These skills must be in line with the grade by grade academic achievement standards established under EAA.
     1A.44.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-School Technology Fund Carry Forward)  Funds for the K-12 school technology initiative may be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year to be used for the same purpose the funds were transferred.
     1A.45.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.1-Autism Parent-School Partnership Program)  From funds appropriated for Student Handicapped Services, $250,000 shall be provided to the South Carolina Autism Society for the Parent-School Partnership Program.
     1A.46.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.4-Professional Development on Standards) The amount appropriated herein for Professional Development on Standards Implementation These funds shall be used for professional development for teachers certificated instructional and instructional leadership personnel in grades kindergarten through 12 in the academic standards in the areas of English/language arts, mathematics, social studies and science for which SBE standards documents have been approved to better link instruction and lesson plans to the standards, develop classroom assessments consistent with the standards and PACT-style testing, and analyze PACT results for needed modifications in instructional strategies.  Multi-day work sessions shall be provided around the state during the summer and during the fall and winter using staff development days, teacher workdays.  District instructional leaders, regional service centers, consortia, Department personnel, university faculty, contracted providers, and the resources of ETV may be used as appropriate to implement this intensive professional development initiative.  Teachers participating in this professional development shall receive credit toward recertification according to State Board of Education guidelines.  Funds provided for professional development on standards may be carried forward into the current fiscal year to be expended for the same purpose.
     1A.47.            (SDE-EIA: XI-Structure of Budget Format)  In consultation with the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee and the Education Oversight Committee, the State Department of Education is authorized to realign Fiscal Year 2000-01 Education Improvement Act appropriations into a revised structure reflecting six subprograms.  These subprograms shall include (1) Teaching Profession; (2) Student Learning; (3) Facilities; (4) School District and Community Leadership; (5) Parents; and (6) Accountability.  This program structure shall be applied to all Education Improvement Act appropriations for succeeding fiscal years.
     1A.48.            (SDE-EIA: XI-Lapsed Funds and Revenue Shortfall)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any lapsed funds, to include unexpended appropriated funds or revenue in excess of appropriations in the EIA Fund, in any prior or current fiscal year must first be used in the following priority order: 1) to offset an official EIA revenue shortfall declared by the Board of Economic Advisors; 2) to fund any school district's appropriation deficit in EIA Teacher Salary Supplement, Teacher Salary Supplement Fringe, or National Board Certification Incentive; 3) to restore to FY 2000-2001 funding level for Local School Innovation funding; 4) to restore to FY 2000-2001 funding level for Credits High School Diploma funding.  The remaining lapsed funds must be used in accordance with S.C. Code of Laws Section 59-21-350.  Furthermore, in the event an official EIA revenue shortfall is declared, funds appropriated for EIA teacher salaries and related fringe benefits in Part IA, Section 1 XI.C.3. are exempt from any reduction required to offset the shortfall.
     1A.49.            (SDE-EIA: XI-Long Range Planning)  The Department of Education shall establish long-range plans and implement programs to address the issues of: (1) recruitment, retention and professional development of teachers; (2) assessment and delivery of instructional needs of multi-age children (early childhood programs and identification and delivery of services addressing individual instructional needs); (3) facilities and technological initiatives; (4) recruitment and training of educational leaders; (5) involvement of parents; and (6) accountability for higher academic achievement.  Agencies offering programs in these areas shall collaborate as appropriate.  The Department shall submit a report on the plans and implementation of the programs to the State Board of Education, Education Oversight Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     1A.50.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.3-Teacher Supplies)  From the funds appropriated, all certified public school or special school classroom teachers, media specialists and guidance counselors who are employed as of August 30, of each school year by a school district to teach in the classroom, shall receive reimbursement of up to one two hundred dollars each school year to offset expenses incurred by them for teaching supplies and materials directly related to the education of the students.  The Department of Education shall forward these funds to each school district no later than September 15 of each school year.  School districts must disburse these funds to the classroom teachers within one month of receipt from the Department of Education in a check separate and distinct from their payroll check.  This reimbursement shall not be considered by the state as taxable income.  Special schools include the Governor's School for Science and Math, the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, John de la Howe School, School for the Deaf and Blind, Felton Lab, Department of Juvenile Justice and Palmetto Unified School District.  Funds distributed to school districts or allocated to schools must not supplant existing supply money paid to teachers from other sources.  Schools districts may require receipts for materials purchased for the purpose of showing that disbursed funds are tax exempt.  Districts may not add any additional requirement not listed herein related to this reimbursement.
     1A.51.            (SDE-EIA: XI.A.4-Math Program)  Of the EIA funds appropriated for At-Risk (Impaired), $50,000 may be granted to any impaired school district under review by the Department of Education, who demonstrates the need to provide a specific curriculum to at-risk students in the area of math.
     1A.52.            (SDE-EIA: XI-State Minimum Salary Schedule-Local Salary Supplement)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law and pursuant to Section 59-20-50, the State Department of Education is authorized to extend the existing State Minimum Salary Schedule from twenty to twenty-two years by one-year increments.  Each additional year will be increased by one percent above the previous year.
     1A.53.            (SDE-EIA: XI.E.1-Principal Executive/Leadership Institute Carry Forward)  Prior fiscal year funds appropriated in Part IA, Section XI.E.1. for the Principal Executive/Leadership Institute may be carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the same purpose.
     1A.54.            (SDE-EIA: XI.C.3-Teacher of the Year Awards)  Of the funds provided herein for Teacher of the Year Awards, each district Teacher of the Year shall receive an award of $1,000. In addition, the State Teacher of the Year shall receive an award of $25,000, and each of the four Honor Roll Teachers of the Year will receive an award of $10,000.  To be eligible, districts must participate in the State Teacher of the Year Program operated sponsored by the State Board Department of Education.
     1A.55.            (SDE-EIA: XI-Retired Educator Specialist)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds may be used for retired educators serving as teacher or principal specialists on site in districts in which a state of emergency is declared.  These educators will not be subject to the earnings limitations which restrict the amount of compensation that may be earned from covered employment while drawing benefits under the State Retirement systems for a period of two years of such employment.
     1A.56.            (SDE-EIA: XI-Impaired Unsatisfactory Schools Teacher Specialist)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, schools designated as impaired, below average, or unsatisfactory and include combined grade groupings of elementary, middle, and/or high school, may be approved for funding of more than five teacher specialists as recommended by the review team.  Teacher Specialists may be assigned to kindergarten level, if recommended by the review team.  Retired educators may be hired as teacher or principal specialists and shall be exempt from the earnings limitations of the State Retirement System.  No administrator who has entered or completed the Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive program is eligible for the principal specialist on-site program.
     1A.57.           (SDE-EIA: XI-Improvement Plans)  In order to more efficiently use Education Improvement Act and Education Accountability Act funds, the State Board of Education shall require school and district long-range improvement plans required in Section 59-139-10 to include stated goals and objectives for parent involvement and methods for local evaluation of parent involvement efforts; and develop a program to recognize those districts and schools where parent involvement significantly increases beyond stated goals and objectives.
     1A.58.           (SDE-EIA: XI-Accreditation System)  The State Board of Education and Department of Education, in developing the criteria for the new accreditation system mandated by Section 59-18-710, shall consider including as an area the functioning of school improvement councils and other school decision-making groups and their participation in the school planning process in accordance with state requirements.
     1A.59.           (SDE-EIA: XI-Parent Involvement Evaluations)  The State Superintendent of Education shall monitor and conduct evaluations of school and district parent involvement programs and related components and practices.  The Superintendent shall design a statewide system to evaluate the effectiveness of parent involvement efforts and to identify best practices; share evaluation findings and recommendations with schools, districts, state and local agencies, higher education institutions for use in teacher preparation programs, and appropriate other state agencies and entities; and provide reports of the evaluation findings and implications to the General Assembly, State Board of Education, and Education Oversight Committee.
     1A.60.           (SDE-EIA: XI.A.3-Institute of Reading)  Of the funds appropriated for the Institute of Reading, $500,000 must be used to implement a comprehensive approach to improving the reading abilities of students in the middle grades and accelerating the learning of middle grade students reading below grade level with strategies based on best practice and providing targeted assistance shown by research to help these students to read at grade level.
     1A.61.            (SDE-EIA: EOC)  The Education Oversight Committee may collect, retain and expend revenue from conference registration and fees; charges for materials supplied to local school districts or other entities not otherwise mandated to be provided by state law; and from other activities or functions sponsored by the Committee including public awareness campaign activities.  Any unexpended revenue from these sources may be carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the same purposes.
     1A.62.            (SDE-EIA: Professional Development)  With the funds appropriated for professional development, the Department of Education must disseminate the South Carolina Professional Development Standards, establish a professional development accountability system, and provide training to school leadership on the professional development standards, also training must be provided to educators on assessing student mastery of the content standards.
     1A.63.            (SDE-EIA: Teacher and Principal Specialists) For each principal specialist funded and designated to a school district, the school district shall designate an apprentice to work with the specialist.
     1A.64.            (SDE-EIA: Use of PACT Scores for Summer School)  Until such time that the PACT assessments for all core academic areas as required by the Education Accountability Act have been implemented, the results of any of these assessments shall not be used as the sole criteria to determine whether a student is required to attend summer school, is placed on academic probation, or is retained.  However, school districts may consider PACT scores along with other factors in making such decisions.  School districts should make every effort to provide each student scoring below basic on any PACT assessment an accelerated instruction program and where appropriate, additional services designed to bring the student's performance up to grade level.
     1A.65.            (SDE-EIA: Report Card Printing)  The Education Oversight Committee is prohibited from printing the Annual School and District Report Card in any other color other than black and white.
     1A.66.            (SDE-EIA: Hold Harmless)  The provisions of 59-21-170 of the 1976 Code, as amended, do not apply for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.
     1A.67.            (SDE-EIA: Annual School & District Report Card Distribution)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each school district which receives EIA funds for the Annual School and District Report Card shall distribute the required report cards in the same manner as the district distributes student report cards.

SECTION 2 - H71 - WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL

     2.1.      (WLG: Truants)  The Opportunity School will incorporate into its program services for students, ages 15 and over, who are deemed truant; and will cooperate with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Family Courts, and School districts to encourage the removal of truant students to the Opportunity School when such students can be served appropriately by the Opportunity School's program.
     2.2.      (WLG: GED Test)  Students attending school at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School that are 16 years of age and are unable to remain enrolled due to the necessity of immediate employment or enrollment in post secondary education may be eligible to take the General Education Development (GED) Test.  Prior to taking the GED the student must be pretested using the official General Education Development Practice Test and score a minimum of 220.
     2.3.      (WLG: Deferred Salaries Carry Forward)  Wil Lou Gray is authorized to carry forward into the current fiscal year the amount of the deferred salaries and employer contributions earned in the prior fiscal year for non-twelve month employees.  These deferred funds are not to be included or part of any other authorized carry forward amount.
     2.4.      (WLG: Improved Forestry Practices)  The Trustees of the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School may carry out improved forestry practices on the timber holdings of the school property and apply the revenues derived from them and any other revenue source on the property for the further improvement and development of the school forest and other school purposes.
     2.5.      (WLG: Flexibility)  The Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the School's mission, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the School.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the School is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the School's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 3 - H75 - SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND

     3.1.      (SDB: Student Activity Fee)  The School for the Deaf and the Blind is authorized to charge to the parents of students at the school a student activity fee, differentiated according to the income of the family.  The required student activity fee shall not exceed $40.00.  Such revenue may be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the purpose of covering expenses for student activities.
     3.2.      (SDB: Weighted Student Cost)  The School for the Deaf and the Blind shall receive through the Education Finance Act the average State share of the required weighted student cost for each student newly admitted into the multi-handicapped school with the recommendation of the local school district enrolled in the School.  The estimated State share shall come directly from the State Board of Education at the beginning of the fiscal year to be adjusted at the end of the fiscal year.  This shall include any students admitted into the Reeducation program for emotionally handicapped students.  Any students not currently funded under the Education Finance Act for the average State share of the required weighted cost shall be funded through unallocated Education Finance Act funds for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.
     3.3.      (SDB: Admissions)  Deaf, blind, multi-handicapped and other handicapped students identified by the Board of Commissioners as target groups for admission to the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind may be admitted by the School either through direct application by parents or on referral from the local school district.  The Board of Commissioners shall define the appropriate admissions criteria including mental capacity, degree of disability, functioning level, age, and other factors deemed necessary by the Board.  All placement hearings for admission to the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind shall be organized by the School.  The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind shall obtain information from the local school district concerning the needs of the student and shall prepare an Individualized Education Plan for each student admitted.  All parents applying for admission of their children must sign a statement certifying that they feel the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind is the most appropriate placement which constitutes the least restrictive environment for the individual student, based upon needs identified in the placement meeting and the Individualized Education Plan.  The decision concerning placement and least restrictive environment shall be reviewed annually at the IEP Conference.
     3.4.      (SDB: Adult Vocational Program Fees)  The School for the Deaf and the Blind is authorized to charge appropriate tuition, room and board, and other fees to students accepted into the Adult Vocational Program after July 1, 1986.  Such fees will be determined by the School Board of Commissioners, and such revenue shall be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended by the School for the purpose of covering expenses in the Adult Vocational Program.
     3.5.      (SDB: Mobility Instructor Service Fee)  The School for the Deaf and the Blind is authorized to charge a fee for the services of a mobility instructor to provide service on a contractual basis to various school districts in the state, and such revenue shall be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended by the School for the purpose of covering expenses in the Blind School.
     3.6.      (SDB: Cafeteria Revenues)  All revenues generated from cafeteria operations may be retained and expended by the institution for the purpose of covering actual expenses in cafeteria operations.
     3.7.      (SDB: School Buses)  The school buses of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind are authorized to travel at the posted speed limit.
     3.8.      (SDB: USDA Federal Grants)  All revenues generated from U.S.D.A. federal grants may be retained and expended by the SCSDB in accordance with Federal regulations for the purpose of covering actual expenses in the cafeteria/food service operations of the school.
     3.9.      (SDB: By-Products Revenue Carry Forward)  The School for the Deaf and the Blind is authorized to sell goods that are by-products of the school's programs and operations, charge user fees and fees for services to the general public: individuals, organizations, agencies and school districts, and such revenue may be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the purpose of covering expenses of the school's programs and operations.
     3.10.      (SDB: Deferred Salaries Carry Forward)  South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind is authorized to carry forward in the current fiscal year the amount of the deferred salaries and employer contributions earned in the prior fiscal year for non-twelve month employees. These deferred funds are not to be included or part of any other authorized carry forward amount.
     3.11.      (SDB: Sale of Property)  After receiving approval from the Budget and Control Board for the sale of property, the School may retain revenues associated with the sale of property titled to or utilized by the School. These funds shall be expended on capital improvements approved by the Joint Bond Review Committee and the Budget and Control Board.
     3.12.      (SDB: Flexibility)  The School for the Deaf and the Blind, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the School's mission, the School for the Deaf and the Blind is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The School for the Deaf and the Blind is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the School.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the School is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the School's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the School for the Deaf and the Blind is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The School for the Deaf and the Blind is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 4 - L12 - JOHN DE LA HOWE SCHOOL

     4.1.            (JDLHS: Status Offender Carry Forward)  To facilitate the period of initial program start-up, unexpended EIA status offender funds distributed to John de la Howe School from the Department of Education may be carried forward and used for the same purpose.
     4.2.            (JDLHS: Flexibility)  The John de la Howe School, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the School's mission, the John de la Howe School is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The John de la Howe School is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the School.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the School is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the School's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the John de la Howe School is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The John de la Howe School is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5A - H03 - COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

     5A.1.      (CHE: Contract for Services Program Fees)  The amounts appropriated in this Section for "Southern Regional Education Board Contract Programs" and "Southern Regional Education Board Dues" are to be used by the Commission to pay to the Southern Regional Education Board the required contract fees for South Carolina students enrolled under the Contract for Services program of the Southern Regional Education Board, in specific degree programs in specified institutions and the Southern Regional Education Board membership dues. The funds appropriated may not be reduced to cover any budget reductions or be transferred for other purposes.
     5A.2.      (CHE: Grants for Programs in Other States)  Of the funds appropriated herein, the Commission on Higher Education shall make available at least $25,000 to make grants to South Carolina residents enrolled in an accredited institution outside the State in a program (a) not offered in South Carolina by an accredited institution, or (b) a program which differs significantly from a program offered in South Carolina as determined by the Commission on Higher Education.  The amount awarded to any such student must be made directly to the institution for the account of the grantee.
     5A.3.      (CHE: Out-of-State School of the Arts)  The funds appropriated herein for Out-of-State School of the Arts must be expended for an SREB Contract Program, administered by the Commission, which will offset the difference between the out-of-state cost and in-state cost for artistically talented high school students at the North Carolina School of the Arts.
     5A.4.      (CHE: Councils, Committees, Etc., Representation)  Each four-year campus of each state-supported senior college and university shall have the same representation on all formal and informal councils, advisory groups, committees, and task forces of the commission.  Independent four-year colleges shall have representation on all formal and informal committees and commissions dealing with higher education statewide issues.
     5A.5.      (CHE: Access & Equity Programs)  Of the funds appropriated herein for Access and Equity Programs, the Commission on Higher Education shall distribute at least $105,319 to South Carolina State University, $26,309 to Denmark Technical College, and $263,415 to the Access and Equity Program.  With the funds appropriated herein the colleges and universities shall supplement their access and equity programs so as to provide, at a minimum, the same level of minority recruitment activities as provided during the prior fiscal year.
     5A.6.      (CHE: Performance Funding Calculations Changes)  The allocations made for the immediate fiscal year following March 1 of any year may not be adjusted by the Commission due to any change in performance funding calculations, or methodology.
     5A.7.      (CHE: Reciprocal Tuition)  The University of South Carolina's Aiken Campus and Aiken Technical College may offer in-state tuition to any student whose legal residence is in the Richmond/Columbia County area of the neighboring state of Georgia as long as the Georgia Board of Regents continues its Georgia Tuition Program by which in-state tuition is offered to students residing in the: (1) Aiken/Edgefield/McCormick County Area of the State of South Carolina; or (2) if the Georgia Board of Regents does not extend its Georgia Tuition Program to include McCormick County residents, then students residing in the Aiken/Edgefield County Area of the State of South Carolina.
     5A.8.      (CHE: Penn Center)  Of the funds appropriated to Higher Education formula, $200,000 shall be allocated to the University of South Carolina - Beaufort for the Penn Center Project.  The funds allocated shall not be used for any other purposes and shall not be reduced due to budget reductions.
     5A.9.      (CHE: SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership)  The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education shall review annually the activities of the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, make a budget recommendation to the General Assembly, and coordinate the allocation of funds among all participating institutions.  The funds appropriated to the University of South Carolina - Columbia for the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership may not be used for any other purpose.  The Commission shall review the membership of the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership board to insure appropriate representation of all participating institutions.
     5A.10.      (CHE: Greenville Higher Education Center Rent)  Of the funds appropriated to higher education, $337,694 will be allocated to Greenville Technical College to pay the annual rent for the Greenville Higher Education Center.
     5A.11.      (CHE: Allowable Tuition and Fees)  State funds shall not be used to provide undergraduate out-of-state subsidies to students attending state-supported colleges and universities.
     Should there be any in-state undergraduate tuition increase in violation of this section, the appropriations in this act to that institution shall be reduced by the amount generated by that increase.  Tuition and fees for in-state undergraduates at state supported higher education institutions in South Carolina shall not be increased more than the previous year's Higher Education Price Index.  State supported institutions of higher education may raise their tuition for FY 2001-02 a maximum of $125 per semester above the increase in the Higher Education Price Index.  State supported institutions of higher education that increase their tuition for FY 2001-02 in excess of the Higher Education Price Index shall not increase their tuition in future years until the cumulative increases in the Higher Education Price Index, for corresponding years, have at least equaled the tuition increases implemented during FY 2001-02.  If an institution's tuition and fees are below the state average for tuition and fees, then this restriction does not apply.
     5A.12.      (CHE: Advanced Placement)  Students successfully completing advanced placement courses and receiving a score of three (3) or above on the exam shall receive advanced placement credit for each course in all post-secondary public colleges in South Carolina.
     5A.13.      (CHE: African-American Loan Program)  Of the funds appropriated to the Commission on Higher Education for the African-American Loan Program, $280,000 shall be distributed to South Carolina State University and $100,000 shall be distributed to Benedict College, and must be used for a loan program with the major focus of attracting African-American males to the teaching profession.  The Commission of Higher Education shall act as the monitoring and reporting agency for the African-American Loan Program.  $100,000 shall be distributed to South Carolina State University for the purpose of funding the 1890 Leadership Institute.  Of the funds allocated according to this proviso, no more than 10% shall be used for administrative purposes.
     5A.14.      (CHE: Scholarship and Grants Allocation)  In instances where the equal division of the appropriated funds between need-based grants and the Palmetto Fellows Program exceeds the capacity to make awards in either program, the Commission on Higher Education has the authority to re-allocate the remaining funds between the two programs until these programs are fully implemented in FY 2001-2002, after which an equal division between the two programs shall be maintained.
     5A.15.      (CHE: Performance Funding)  Funds appropriated in this bill or any other appropriations bill for education and general expenditures at the public higher education institutions shall be used to implement Act 359 of 1996.
     5A.16.      (CHE: Sister-State Fee Waiver) Beginning July 1, 1998, State-supported colleges and universities, including the technical colleges, may waive the nonresident portion of tuition and fees for those students who are participating in international Sister-State agreement programs which the Governor and the General Assembly have entered to promote the economic development of South Carolina. The nonresident fee waiver for the students is applicable only for those Sister-State agreements where South Carolina students receive reciprocal consideration. The Commission on Higher Education, through coordination with the Budget and Control Board, will annually notify institutions of the Sister-State Agreements eligible for the nonresident fee waiver.  The credit hours generated by these students shall be included in the Mission Resource Requirement for funding.
     5A.17.      (CHE: Ad Hoc Committee to Review Performance Funding)  An ad hoc committee shall be convened for the purpose of reviewing the implementation of performance funding for Higher Education to determine if the intent of the Legislature is being met based on the methodology adopted by the Commission on Higher Education.  The Committee shall be composed of two House members, two Senate members, and two business and/or citizen representatives.  The Committee shall report on its findings to the Senate Education Committee, the House Education and Public Works Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee no later than January 15, 2001.  The chairs of the standing committees shall appoint one representative each.  In addition, the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint a business or citizen representative. The members of the ad hoc committee shall elect the Chairman. The staff of the respective standing committees shall assist the ad hoc committee. This Committee shall convene no later than September 1, 1999.  Upon submission of the final report, the Committee shall be dissolved.
     5A.18.      (CHE: College Attendance)  Employees of public colleges and universities and technical colleges may attend classes at an institution of higher learning and receive tuition assistance in accordance with Budget and Control Board guidelines and regulations.
     5A.19.      (CHE: Pharmacist Permits)  College and University Athletic Department's shall be exempted from the requirements of Section 40-43-83 of the 1976 Code of Laws, as amended, as it relates to the requirement that all facilities distributing or dispensing prescription drugs must be permitted by the Board of Pharmacy and the requirement that each pharmacy shall have a pharmacist-in-charge.  Further, the Department shall be exempted from the requirements of Section 40-43-86 of the 1976 Code of Laws, as amended as it relates to the requirement that a pharmacist may not serve as a pharmacist-in-charge unless he is physically present in the pharmacy and the requirement that a pharmacist may not serve as pharmacist-in-charge for more than one pharmacy at a time.  Physicians who are in charge or who directly supervise the operation of College and University Athletics Department training rooms may dispense prescription drugs owned by the facility in order to meet the needs of student-athletes participating in Athletics Department activities or programs.  Records of drugs dispensed must be maintained and properly accounted for by the Athletics Department physician.  A valid physician-patient relationship shall exist between the Athletics Department physician and the student-athlete before dispensing prescription drugs in the Athletics Department training room.  Drugs dispensed by the Athletics Department physician must be properly labeled in accordance with federal and state law.
     5A.20.      (CHE: GEAR-UP)  Funds appropriated for GEAR-UP shall be used for state grants programs to reach disadvantaged middle school students to improve their preparation for college.  Eligible South Carolina public schools and public institutions of higher education shall cooperate with the Commission on Higher Education in the provision of services under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant.
     5A.21.      (CHE: EPSCoR Committee Representation)  With the intent that the four-year teaching institutions receive a portion of EPSCoR funding, the State EPSCoR Committee shall have an executive committee consisting of one representative from each of the research institutions and one representative from the four-year teaching university sector.
     5A.22.      (CHE: Scholarship Administration)  Of the funds appropriated to the Commission on Higher Education for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program and the Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship Program, up to $200,000 may be used by the Commission for the administration of those programs.
     5A.23.      (CHE: LIFE Scholarship for Two Year Independent Institutions)  Beginning with school year 2001-2002, eligible resident students attending two-year independent institutions may not receive an annual LIFE Scholarship of more than the maximum cost of tuition at two-year regional public institutions for thirty credit hours a year or its equivalent.
     5A.24.      (CHE: SREB Funds Exempt From Budget Cut)  In the calculation of any across the board cut mandated by the Budget and Control Board or General Assembly, the amount which the Commission on Higher Education is appropriated for Southern Regional Education Board Professional Scholarship Programs and Fees and Assessments shall be excluded from the Commission on Higher Education's base budget.
     5A.25.      (CHE: Credit Cards)  Public institutions of higher learning as defined in Section 59-103-5 of the 1976 Code, shall not provide space on campus more than once a year, with or without charge, for the purpose of permitting a credit card company, financial institution, or other vendor which issues credit cards to solicit credit card applications from students, faculty or staff.  Such institutions shall prohibit the distribution of give-away promotional items to attract students, faculty or staff to sign up for a credit card.
     5A.26.      (CHE: Furlough)  Notwithstanding Section 8-11-195 of the 1976 Code, in a fiscal year in which the total funds appropriated for a state agency's operations are less than the total of such funds in the preceding fiscal year as a result of a statewide budget reduction or an across-the-board budget reduction due to the Board of Economic Advisors officially estimating and the Budget & Control Board formally certifying that revenues will result in a deficit in excess of the combined reserves in the Capital Reserve Fund and the General Reserve Fund, and in order to avoid or minimize a reduction in the agency's personnel force, agency heads for institutions of higher education may institute employee furlough programs of not more than twenty working days in the fiscal year in which the deficit is projected to occur.  The furlough must be inclusive of all employees regardless of source of funds, place of work, or tenure status, and must include employees in classified positions and unclassified positions as well as agency heads.  Scheduling of furlough days, or portions of days, shall be at the discretion of the agency head.   During this furlough, affected employees shall be entitled to participate in the same state benefits as otherwise available to them except for receiving their salaries.  As to those benefits which require employer and employee contributions, including but not limited to contributions to the South Carolina Retirement System or the optional retirement program, the institutions of higher education will be responsible for making both employer and employee contributions during the time of the furlough; and as to those benefits which require only employee contributions, the employee remains solely responsible for making those contributions.  Placement of an employee on furlough under this provision does not constitute a grievance or appeal under the State Employee Grievance Act.
     5A.27.      (CHE: Flexibility)  The Commission on Higher Education working with the Office of State Budget is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  The Commission shall exempt all LIFE, Palmetto Fellows and Need Based scholarships, Greenville University Center bond appropriations, and Southern Regional Education Board scholarships and fees from the base reduction as established in this ACT.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5B - H06 - HIGHER EDUCATION TUITION GRANTS COMMISSION

     5B.1.      (HETG: Flexibility)  The Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5C - H09 - THE CITADEL

     5C.1.      (CIT: Flexibility)  The Citadel, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Citadel's mission, the Citadel is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Citadel is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Citadel.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Citadel is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Citadel's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Citadel is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Citadel is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5D - H12 - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY - EDUCATIONAL & GENERAL

     5D.1.      (CU: Travel Advances and Subsistence Expenses) Clemson University may advance travel and subsistence expense monies to its employees for the financing of ordinary and necessary travel required in the conducting of the business of the institution. Clemson University may develop and publish rules and regulations pertaining to the advancing of travel expenses.  All advances for travel and subsistence monies shall be repaid within 30 days after the end of the trip.
     5D.2.      (CU: Flexibility)  Clemson University, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, Clemson University is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  Clemson University is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, Clemson University is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  Clemson University is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5E - H15 - UNIVERSITY OF CHARLESTON

     5E.1.      (UC: Flexibility)  University of Charleston, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, the University of Charleston is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  University of Charleston is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the University of Charleston is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The University of Charleston is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5F - H17 - COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

     5F.1.      (CCU: Flexibility)  Coastal Carolina University, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, Coastal Carolina University is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  Coastal Carolina University is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, Coastal Carolina University is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  Coastal Carolina University is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5G - H18 - FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY

     5G.1.      (FMU: Flexibility)  Francis Marion University, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, Francis Marion University is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  Francis Marion University is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, Francis Marion University is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  Francis Marion University is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5H - H21 - LANDER UNIVERSITY

     5H.1.      (LU: Flexibility)  Lander University, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, Lander University is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  Lander University is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Lander University is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  Lander University is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5J - H24 - SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

     5J.1.      (SCSU: Flexibility)  South Carolina State University, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, South Carolina State University is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  South Carolina State University is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, South Carolina State University is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  South Carolina State University is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5K - H45 - UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

     5K.1.      (USC: Palmetto Poison Control Center)  Of the funds appropriated or authorized herein, the University of South Carolina shall expend at least $150,000 on the Palmetto Poison Control Center.
     5K.2.      (USC: Confederate Relic Room Rent)  Rent may be charged by the University of South Carolina to the Confederate Relic Room, for the use of space occupied as of June 30, 1992, in accordance with procedures established by the Budget and Control Board.
     5K.3.      (USC: Indirect Cost Recovery Waiver for Summer Food Service Program)  The University of South Carolina is granted partial waiver of the remittance of indirect cost recoveries for the Summer Food Service Program supported by the Federal Department of Agriculture through the Department of Social Services.  The waiver may not exceed the amount of direct administrative cost for the program.
     5K.4.      (USC: School Improvement Council)  Of the funds appropriated to the University of South Carolina Columbia Campus, $100,000 shall be used for the School Improvement Council.
     5K.5.      (USC: Flexibility)  The University of South Carolina, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, the University of South Carolina is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The University of South Carolina is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the University of South Carolina is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The University of South Carolina is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5L - H47 - WINTHROP UNIVERSITY

     5L.1.      (WIN: Capacity Utilization Tuition Policy)  As existing capacity allows, Winthrop University may offer graduate-level in-state tuition to residents of the member counties of the Carolinas Partnership for Economic Development, so long as no new section of any scheduled class is required to be opened to accommodate such students and no qualified South Carolina graduate student will lose a position in a class due to a North Carolina student.
     5L.2.      (WIN: Flexibility)  Winthrop University, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, Winthrop University is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  Winthrop University is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, Winthrop University is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  Winthrop University is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 5M - H54 - MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

     5M.1.      (MUSC: Family Practice Residency System)  Statewide family practice residency system funds appropriated for faculty salaries, teaching services, and consultant fees may only be expended when the above activities are accomplished for educational purposes in the family practice centers.  Authorization is hereby granted to the Medical University of South Carolina to expend such funds in hospital-based clinical settings apart from the consortium hospital, when such settings are determined by the President of the Medical University of South Carolina with approval of the Board of the Medical University to provide appropriate educational experience and opportunities to the family practice residents and these funds shall not be transferred to any other program.
     5M.2.      (MUSC: Diabetes Center of Excellence)  Of the funds appropriated to the Medical University of South Carolina, $396,000 shall be used for a Diabetes Center of Excellence.
     5M.3.      (MUSC: Realign Appropriations)  In consultation with the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, the Medical University of South Carolina is authorized to realign its Fiscal Year 2000-2001 appropriations into a revised structure to reflect actual program operations.
     5M.4.      (MUSC: Palmetto Initiative for Excellence)  Funds appropriated herein to the SC Healthcare Recruitment and Retention Center for the Palmetto Initiative for Excellence shall be used as match funds to promote diversity within the administrative health services workforce in South Carolina.  Funds are to be used to stimulate the development of  post-graduate fellowships, undergraduate internships and mentoring programs.
     5M.4.      (MUSC: Flexibility)  The Medical University of South Carolina, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, the Medical University of South Carolina is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees. The Medical University of South Carolina is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Medical University of South Carolina is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Medical University of South Carolina is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 5N - H59 - STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL & COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION

     5N.1.      (TEC: Real Property Acquisition)  Before any local technical education area commission may acquire any real property, the approval of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education and the State Budget and Control Board and the Joint Bond Review Committee shall be obtained.
     5N.2.      (TEC: Training of New & Expanding Industry)  Notwithstanding the amounts appropriated in this section for "Special Schools", it is the intent of the General Assembly that the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education expend whatever available funds as are necessary to provide direct training for new and expanding business or industry.  In the event expenditures are above the appropriation, the appropriation in this section for "Special Schools" shall be appropriately adjusted, if and only if, revenues exceed projections and the Budget and Control Board approves the adjustment.
     5N.3.      (TEC: Training of New & Expanded Industry Carry Forward)  In addition to the funds appropriated in this section, any of the funds appropriated under this section for the prior fiscal year which are not expended during that fiscal year may be carried forward and expended for direct training of new and expanding industry in the current fiscal year.
     5N.4.      (TEC: Training of New & Expanded Industry - Payments of Prior Year Expenditures)  The State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education may reimburse business and industry for prior year training costs billed to the agency after fiscal year closing with the concurrence of the Comptroller General.
     5N.5.      (TEC: NC/GA Reciprocal) The South Carolina Technical Colleges may offer in-state tuition to the bordering North Carolina and Georgia communities when a negotiated reciprocal agreement is in effect with the two-year colleges in these neighboring regions or when students from these out-of-state communities are employed by South Carolina employers who pay South Carolina taxes.
     5N.6.      (TEC: Professionally Licensed Training)  No state funds, appropriated pursuant to this section, may be used to offer new courses for preparing students to stand a state professional licensing examination for Cosmetology in order that they be professionally licensed under the licensing requirements administered by the Department of Labor, Licensing or Regulation, in a county where there is available two (2) or more public and/or private funded schools offering such training.
     5N.7.      (TEC: Flexibility)  The State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Board's mission, the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Board is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Board.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Board is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Board's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education  is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 6 - H67 - EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION COMMISSION

     6.1.      (ETV: Grants/Contributions Carry Forward)  The Educational Television Commission shall be permitted to carry forward any funds derived from grant awards or designated contributions and any state funds necessary to match such funds, provided that these funds be expended for the programs which they were originally designated.
     6.2.      (ETV: School Reception Equipment Purchase)  Of the funds appropriated to ETV for School Services, $183,000 must be used exclusively for school reception equipment supplies and maintenance.
     6.3.      (ETV: New Facility Equipment Purchases & Renovations)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Commission, with approval by the Budget and Control Board, is allowed to sell or lease its facilities, equipment, programs, publications, and other program related materials, and funds received therefrom may be used for equipment purchases and renovations of the new facility.
     6.4.      (ETV: Digital Satellite)  The state's digital satellite video transmission system will support public and higher education, enhance the statewide delivery of health care services, improve public service, and assist state agencies with statewide personnel training.  To facilitate the achievement of these objectives, there is created a Video Resources Oversight Council composed of representatives of the South Carolina Educational Television Commission, the State Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, the Human Services Coordinating Council, and the Budget and Control Board's Division of Budget and Analyses, Office of Information Technology Policy and Management.
     6.5.      (ETV: School Technology Fund Carry Forward)  Funds transferred for the K-12 school technology initiative may be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year to be used for the same purpose the funds were transferred.
     6.6.      (ETV: Meals During Emergency Situations)  DELETED
     6.7.      (ETV: Flexibility)  Educational Television Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, ETV is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, ETV is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, Educational Television Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  Educational Television Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 7 - H73 - DEPARTMENT OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

     7.1.      (VR: Production Contracts Revenue)  All revenues derived from production contracts earned by the handicapped trainees of the Evaluation and Training Facilities (Workshops) may be retained by the State Agency of Vocational Rehabilitation and used in the facilities for Client Wages and any other production costs; and further, any excess funds derived from these production contracts be used for other operating expenses and/or permanent improvements of these facilities.
     7.2.      (VR: Reallotment Funds)  To maximize utilization of federal funding and prevent the loss of such funding to other states in the Basic Service Program, the State Agency of Vocational Rehabilitation be allowed to budget reallotment and other funds received in excess of original projections in following State fiscal years.
     7.3.      (VR: Basic Support Program Reconciliation)  The General Assembly hereby directs the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to complete a reconciliation of the cost to operate the Basic Support program related to the combination of State and Federal funds available following the close of each Federal fiscal year.  Such reconciliation shall begin with the Federal fiscal year ending September 30, 1989.  Federal funds participation for that period shall be applied at the maximum allowable percentage and the level of those funds on hand which have resulted from the over participation of State funds shall be remitted to the General Fund within 120 days following the close of the Federal fiscal year.  This reconciliation and subsequent remission to the General Fund shall be reviewed by the State Auditor to ensure that appropriate Federal/State percentages are applied.  It is the intent of the General Assembly that Federal/State percentages budgeted and appropriated shall in no way be construed as authorization for the Department to retain the Federal funds involved.
     7.4.      (VR: User/Service Fees)  Any revenues generated from user fees or service fees charged to the general public or other parties ineligible for the Department's services may be retained to offset costs associated with the related activities so as to not affect the level of service for regular agency clients.
     7.5.      (VR: Meal Ticket Revenue)  All revenues generated from sale of meal tickets may be retained by the agency and expended for supplies to operate the agency's food service programs or cafeteria.
     7.6.      (VR: Basic Services Program - Educational Scholarships)  For those persons with disabilities who are eligible for and are receiving services under an approved plan of the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department (consistent with the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, as amended) tuition costs at state supported institutions (four year, technical or trade schools) will not increase beyond the 1998 tuition rate, will be provided, or will be waived by the respective institution after the utilization of any other federal or state student aid for which the student is eligible.  Persons eligible for this tuition reduction or sponsorship must meet all academic requirements of the particular institution and be eligible for State need-based scholarships as defined in Title 59, Chapter 142 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
     7.7.      (VR: Client Services)  The Vocational Rehabilitation Department and the Commission for the Blind are directed to work together to identify opportunities to better coordinate and refer eligible clients for services available from either agency.  The two agencies shall jointly submit a report to the Chairmen of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee by December 2001 on the progress of the two agencies in improving client access to all services for which they are eligible.
     7.8.      (VR: Flexibility)  The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 8 - J02 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

     8.1.      (DHHS: Recoupment/Restricted Fund)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall recoup all refunds and identified program overpayments and all such overpayments shall be recouped in accordance with established collection policy.  Further, the Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to maintain a restricted fund, on deposit with the State Treasurer, to be used to pay for liabilities and improvements related to enhancing accountability for future audits.  The restricted fund will derive from prior year program refunds.  The restricted fund shall not exceed one percent of the total appropriation authorization for the current year.  Amounts in excess of one percent will be remitted to the General Fund.
     8.2.      (DHHS: Long Term Care Facility Reimbursement Rate)  The Department, in calculating a reimbursement rate for long term care facility providers, shall obtain for each contract period an inflation factor, developed by the Budget and Control Board, Division of Budget and Analyses.  Data obtained from Medicaid cost reporting records applicable to long term care providers will be supplied to the Budget and Control Board,  Division of Budget and Analyses.  A composite index, developed by the Budget and Control Board, Division of Budget and Analyses will be used to reflect the respective costs of the components of the Medicaid program expenditures in computing the maximum inflation factor to be used in long term care contractual arrangements involving reimbursement of providers.  The Division of Budget and Analyses of the Budget and Control Board shall update the composite index so as to have the index available for each contract renewal.
     The Department may apply the inflation factor in calculating the reimbursement rate for the new contract period from zero percent (0%) up to the inflation factor developed by the Division of Budget and Analyses.
     8.3.       (DHHS: Medical Assistance Audit Program Remittance)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall remit to the General Fund an amount representing fifty percent (allowable Federal Financial Participation) of the cost of the Medical Assistance Audit Program as established in the State Auditor's Office of the Budget and Control Board Section 63E.  Such amount shall also include appropriated salary adjustments and employer contributions allocable to the Medical Assistance Audit Program.  Such remittance to the General Fund shall be made monthly and based on invoices as provided by the State Auditor's Office of the Budget and Control Board.
     8.4.      (DHHS: Medicaid Income Limitation)  The income limitation for the Medicaid Program shall continue to be three hundred percent of the SSI single payment maximum.
     8.5.      (DHHS: Third Party Liability Collection)  The Department of Health and Human Services is allowed to fund the net costs of any Third Party Liability and Drug Rebate collection efforts from the monies collected in that effort.
     8.6.      (DHHS: Medicaid State Plan)  Where the Medicaid State Plan is altered to cover services that previously were provided by 100% state funds, the Department can bill other agencies for the state share of services provided through Medicaid.  The Department will keep a record of all services affected and submit periodic reports to the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees.
     8.7.      (DHHS: Medically Indigent Assistance Fund)  The Department is authorized to expend disproportionate share funds to all eligible hospitals with the condition that all audit exceptions through the receipt and expenditures of these funds are the liability of the hospital receiving the funds.
     8.8.      (DHHS: Admin. Days/Swing Beds Reduction Prohibition)  Funds appropriated herein for hospital administrative days and swing beds shall not be reduced in the event the agency cuts programs and the services they provide.
     8.9.      (DHHS: Nursing Home Sanctions)  The Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to establish an interest bearing Restricted Fund with the State Treasurer, to deposit fines collected as a result of nursing home sanctions.  The Department may use these funds consistent with the provision of Section 44-6-470.
     8.10.      (DHHS: Reimbursement Formula Changes)  To the extent the Department can increase Medicaid federal matching funds through changes in reimbursement formulas for other state providers, the Department, with the permission of the state providers, is authorized to retain these funds in an earmarked account on deposit with the State Treasurer and use these funds to cover unanticipated health and human services expenditures.  The Department should not hold any other state provider liable for disallowances resulting from these changes.  Any funds realized as a result of this proviso shall be reported as part of the following year budget process.
     8.11.      (DHHS: Managed Care) The Insurance Law of South Carolina and the regulations promulgated thereunder shall not apply to partially capitated, primary care providers, insofar as such groups or individuals are defined by and agree to provide health care services under South Carolina's Medicaid Managed Care Program.
     8.12.      (DHHS: Child Care and Development Block Grant)  The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) shall use the funds appropriated to provide matching funds for the new Child Care and Development Block Grant.  DHHS, in coordination with the Department of Social Services, shall use these child care funds to support the state's welfare reform program (Family Independence Act of 1995) and to provide temporary child care services to other low income working families.
     8.13.      (DHHS: Community Residential Care Optional State Supplementation)  From the appropriation made herein for Community Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs), the Department will supplement the income of individuals who reside in those licensed community residential care facilities that have signed an approved Optional State Supplementation (OSS) Facility Participation Agreement with the Department.  Individuals who reside in those community residential care facilities with approved Optional State Supplementation (OSS) Participation Agreements must also qualify as aged, blind or disabled under the definitions of Public Law 92-603, U.S. Code, or who would qualify except for income limitations or residence in a community residential care facility reclassified as a public institution by the Social Security Administration.
     For the period of the current fiscal year, the Department will, based on availability of funds, supplement the income of the above defined group up to a maximum of $848.00 per/month and the community residential care facilities are authorized to charge a maximum fee of $811.00 per/month for the defined group.  Each individual in the defined group is allowed a $37.00 per/month personal needs allowance.  DHHS will devise a payment system which will reflect a daily occupancy and will issue a single check to each facility participating in the OSS program. If The increase to Personal Needs Allowance for residents of community residential care facilities, if the federal government grants a cost of living increase to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients, to will be effective in January, . the The Department will increase the residential care payment by the amount of the cost of living increase minus $2.00 per recipient for an increase in the Personal Needs Allowance.  This increase to the Personal Needs Allowance applies to all OSS recipients regardless of whether they receive Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income.  The maximum amount of payment a facility can charge will be increased by the same amount as the cost of living increase, less $2.00.
     The Department shall establish the maximum number of Optional Supplement Requests that can be funded and will develop a waiting list based on present and future applications received from each county.  Each facility that participates in the Optional State Supplementation Program must submit a notarized operating cost report.  The cost information will include all income and operating costs for the facility.  The Department will develop a time schedule for reports to be submitted.  Facilities failing to submit costs information and adhere to the time schedule will not be eligible to continue to receive payment for OSS Residents. Cost information received by the Department will be consolidated and submitted to the Senate Finance Committee and the Ways and Means Committee annually.  All services rendered to a Community Residential Care Facility resident must be in compliance with state health licensing laws and regulations.
     8.14.      (DHHS: Medical Home for Clients)  The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) shall establish a program to encourage physicians to establish a "medical home" for Medicaid clients.  This program is intended to provide continuity of care for Medicaid clients, increase access to primary care services for Medicaid clients and ensure increased and continued participation in the Medicaid program by physicians who render primary care services.  The DHHS shall have the responsibility to define a "medical home" and have signed agreements with physicians willing to meet the requirements of providing a "medical home."  Physicians signing agreements to become medical homes for Medicaid will receive enhanced reimbursement to be defined by DHHS.  Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (Rocs) must meet the requirements set forth for a "medical home" in order to continue to receive cost based reimbursement from DHHS.
     8.15.      (DHHS: State Match Funding Formula)  Of the state funds appropriated under "Distribution to Subdivisions", the first allocation by the Department shall be for the provision of required State matching funds according to the Department's formula for distributing Older Americans Act funds, based on the official United States census data for 1990.  The balance of this item, but not to exceed five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) shall be distributed equally to the planning and service areas of the State.  In the event State appropriations are reduced, reductions to the planning and service areas shall be based on amounts distributed in accordance with the previous requirements.
     8.16.      (DHHS: Registration Fees)  The Department is authorized to receive and expend registration fees for educational, training, and certification programs.
     8.17.      (DHHS: Division on Aging Transfer)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, effective July 1, 1997, the duties, functions and responsibilities of the Division on Aging in the Office of the Governor are transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services as the Office on Aging.  The director of the Department must employ a deputy director to be the administrator for the office.
     8.18.      (DHHS: Working Disabled)  From the funds appropriated herein, the Department is directed to provide Medicaid benefits during the current year to working disabled individuals whose family income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level and who would be considered to be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits except for their earned income.
     8.19.      (DHHS: Residential Care Pilot Project)  The Department shall establish a pilot project to determine the appropriateness and feasibility of providing care to dementia patients, including Alzheimer's patients, in residential care facilities that meet nursing home level of care criteria.  In order to fund the appropriate level of care, the Department shall develop, if feasible, a methodology to provide Medicaid services to these patients.  State matching funds must be identified from the existing state funding provided to the Optional Supplement Program.  DHHS must report on the progress and findings of this pilot project to the House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and the Governor by March 15th of each year.
     8.20.      (DHHS: Chiropractic Services)  From the funds appropriated herein, the Department is directed to provide coverage for medically necessary chiropractic services for Medicaid eligible recipients.
     8.21.      (DHHS: Long Term Care System) The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Health and Environmental Control shall, in coordination with other appropriate agencies and organizations, develop a system of services which provides a continuum of long term care services for elderly individuals and their families.  The system shall integrate available funding streams, design a common intake system, incorporate recipient directed care and voucher options to the extent possible, expand the current continuum to better address all levels of care needed and develop an eligibility/access system.  The agencies will identify any changes necessary in the certificate of need rules which will better support this system by lowering cost and increasing access.  The system shall include a process to routinely assess the system of care focusing on quality, access, outcomes and efficiency.  The agencies shall report annually to the Governor, to the Senate Finance Committee and to the House Ways and Means Committee no later than January 15th on this system.
     8.22.      (DHHS: Generic Drugs)  With respect to prescriptions reimbursed through the South Carolina Medicaid Program, Medicaid recipients for whom the pharmaceuticals are intended are deemed to have consented to substitution of a less costly equivalent generic product which will result in a cost savings to the South Carolina Medicaid program. Therefore, individual patient consent for substitution as required in S.C. Code of Laws 40-43-86 (H) (6) shall not be required.
     8.23.      (DHHS: Medically Fragile Children's Programs)  Children's Hospitals in South Carolina are authorized to be the only providers for the State of South Carolina for the Medically Fragile Children's Programs as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services.
     8.24.      (DHHS: Rehabilitative Therapy Services Fund)  There is established the Rehabilitative Therapy Services Fund for the payment to private providers for Medicaid eligible children.  The Services include physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as audiological services, that are provided by private providers to Medicaid eligible children.  The Fund consists of state matching funds provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Department of Education and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs as provided in Fiscal Year 1996-97, based on Medicaid expenditures to private providers and direct service staff of Rehabilitative Therapy Services for that fiscal year.  If additional funds are required, each agency's share of the additional funds will be determined in accordance with a methodology to be designed and agreed upon by the agency directors.
     8.25.      (DHHS: Children's Dental Care) The Department of Health & Human Services shall develop and implement a plan to increase patient access and participation of dental providers in caring for the needs of Medicaid-eligible children.  The Department is directed to implement a reimbursement schedule that shall be based on the 75th percentile of the current usual and customary rate schedule and on the funds appropriated to the dental program.
     A medical management code shall be implemented which will allow dentists to bill for extra time which may be required to render services to Medicaid eligible children under 21 who present with disabilities and/or special health care needs.
     8.26.      (DHHS: DAODAS Prior Authorization Program)  The Department of Health & Human Services is to continue to provide state matching funds up to $200,000 for the support of the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) prior authorization program for alcohol and drug abuse services for FY 2000.  Prior to receiving subsequent year funding, DAODAS must provide documentation that the system is cost effective and supportive of a continuum of services that will increase the linkage between inpatient services and necessary follow-up services in the DAODAS system that improve client outcomes.
     8.27.      (DHHS: Pharmaceutical Point of Sale Automated Statewide System)  By January 2, 2001, the department must implement a pharmaceutical point of sale system that provides comprehensive, statewide data on pharmaceutical sales.
     8.28.      (DHHS:      Community Long Term Care) Not less than $18,517,282 must be provided by the department for services and programs provided under Community Long Term Care.
     8.29.      (DHHS: Primary Care Reimbursement)  The Department shall develop and implement a plan to increase patient access  and participation of primary care providers in caring for the needs of Medicaid-eligible children.  Beginning January 1, 2001, the department is directed to implement a reimbursement schedule that shall be based on the 65th percentile of the current usual and customary rate schedule and on the funds appropriated to the physicians program.
     8.30.      (DHHS: Pediatric Sub-Specialists)  Beginning January 1, 2001, the The monies appropriated for pediatric physician sub-specialists shall only be available to a physician who: a) in his/her medical practice, has at least 85% of their patients who are children 18 years or younger; b) practices in the following sub-specialties: Adolescent Medicine, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/Nutrition, Genetics, Hematology/Oncology, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Neurology, Neurological Surgery, Opthamology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Psychiatry, Pulmonology, Rheumatology, Surgery, Urology and such other pediatric sub-specialty areas as may be determined by the Department, after consultation with the Children's Hospital Collaborative; and c) is affiliated through appointment, privileges or other contractual arrangement for services with a Children's Hospital/healthcare system which meets criteria for institutional or associate membership established by the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) or which is affiliated with a NACHRI qualified institution.
     8.31.      (DHHS: Hypertension Control Program)  Of the funds appropriated from the Tobacco Settlement agreement, $125,000 shall be transferred to the Medical University of South Carolina for the Hypertension Control program.
     8.32.      (DHHS: Maxillofacial Prosthodontics)  Of the funds appropriated from the Tobacco Settlement agreement, $125,000 shall be transferred to the Medical University of South Carolina for the Maxillofacial Prosthodontics program.
     8.33.      (DHHS: Medicaid Eligibility/Promissory Note) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided below, any promissory note received by a Medicaid applicant or recipient or the spouse of a Medicaid applicant or recipient, after the enactment of this section, in exchange for assets which if retained by the applicant or recipient or his spouse would cause the applicant or recipient to be ineligible for Medicaid benefits, shall for Medicaid eligibility purposes be deemed to be fully negotiable under  the laws of the State of South Carolina; regardless of provisions in the note purporting to limit or restrict the instrument's negotiability.  The foregoing shall not apply if the Note in question comports with the following terms:
     1.      The note imposes a reasonable rate of interest;
     2.      The note requires all accrued interest to be paid on a monthly basis; and
     3.      The monthly income generated by the note, when added to the monthly income of the holder of the note, determined on the date of the Note, does not exceed the Statewide Average Nursing Home Private Pay Rate as used by the South Carolina Medicaid program in applying the provisions of 42 USC 1396p(c).
     For the purposes of this provision, the instrument shall be deemed to impose a reasonable rate of interest, if the interest rate is greater than or equal to the Applicable Federal Rate as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of any successor provision thereto and the regulations thereunder for the month the note is created.
     8.34.      (DHHS: Fraud and Abuse Collections)  The Department of Health and Human Services may offset the administrative costs associated with controlling fraud and abuse against the collections resulting from those efforts.
     8.35.      (DHHS: Fraud and Abuse Plan)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a written fraud and abuse plan and comprehensive policies and procedures for the Program Integrity Division.
     8.36.      (DHHS: Prescription Cost Savings)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall annually report cost savings that result from the automated point-of-sale, prospective drug utilization review system.
     8.37.      (DHHS: Medicaid Growth)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall initiate a study with other state agencies that use Medicaid funds to examine ways to slow down the growth in Medicaid expenditures. A report on this study shall be submitted to the Governor, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee by the beginning of the 2002 Legislative Session.
     8.38.      (DHHS: Maximizing State Medicaid Matching Funds)  The Department of Health and Human Services is directed to review all state agency budgets for the purpose of identifying General Fund expenditures for existing Medicaid eligible services which are not currently being matched.  Furthermore, the Department is authorized, after approval of the Budget and Control Board, to cause the transfer of any state appropriated funds so identified by the Department to be used for the following programs:
                 DHHS - Medicaid Replace Non-recurring - $10,525,000;
                 DHHS - Shortfall Replacement - $22,500,000;
                 DHHS - Pediatric Sub-Specialist Reimbursement - $1,675,000;
                 DHHS - Primary Care Reimbursement - $7,233,065;
                 DHHS - Hospitals- Replace Non-Recurring - $3,259,778;
                 DHHS - Nursing Home COLA - $4,748,000;
                 DHHS - Nursing Home Beds - $1,000,000;
                 DHHS - Maxillofacial Prosthodontics (MUSC) - $250,000;
                 Total   - $51,190,843.
     The Department shall report to the Budget and Control Board any instances where state agencies are not cooperating with the Department in providing budgetary and expenditure information necessary in the accomplishment of the objectives of this proviso. The Department shall report monthly to the Board on its progress in complying with this provision to include the agencies being reviewed and the state funds for which Medicaid matching funds may be recouped. The Office of State Budget is directed to assist the Department in transferring identified funds to the agency for the purposes as identified above.
     The Department of Health and Human Services must not reduce the base budgets nor reduce the Medicaid rate of  reimbursement to state agencies, school districts and local subdivisions in carrying out the provisions of this section.  Any savings identified by the Department shall be one-time for the current fiscal year.
     With the approval of the Budget and Control, the Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Department of Juvenile Justice, may reclassify juveniles convicted of non-violent crimes for the purposes of qualifying for Medicaid eligible services.
     Any other savings identified must be used to offset the costs of the Medicaid Program of the Department of Health and Human Services; however, additional administrative cost incurred by state agencies, school districts, and local subdivisions in order to comply with this proviso shall be funded by the Department of Health and Human Services.
     8.39.      (DHHS: Transfer $1.5 million to General Fund)  For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001 and ending June 30, 2002, the Department must transfer $1,500,000 from the funds in Subfund 3035, Operating Revenue, to the General Fund of the State.  Any restrictions concerning specific utilization of these funds are lifted for the specified fiscal year.
     8.40.      (DHHS: Monthly Prescription Limit)  The Department must limit the quantity of Medicaid prescriptions to a maximum of a month's supply (34 days supply) while maintaining the current monthly limit (for adults) at four prescriptions per month. A physician-driven override of the four prescription monthly limit would be implemented for any adult patient: 1) with a life threatening illness or 2) in a terminal stage of any illness.
     8.41.      (DHHS: Mandatory Generic Substitution)  The Department must require prior authorization of any prescribed brand name drug for which a less costly equivalent generic product, which will result in a cost savings to the South Carolina Medicaid program, is available.  Through prior authorization, Medicaid recipients who are unable to take a generic product due to a physician-documented medical problem or a treatment failure may receive a brand name product.
     8.42.      (DHHS: Proton Pump Inhibitor Extended Therapies)  The Department must require prior authorization of all proton pump inhibitor medications used for the treatment or symptomatic relief of various gastric disorder including gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pathological hypersecretory conditions beyond eight weeks of therapy in conformity with FDA (Federal Drug Administration) labeling.  Continuation beyond eight weeks would only be approved where the patient is diagnosed with a pathological hypersecretory condition, or erosive esophagitis, or remains symptomatic with histamine H2 antagonist step down therapy.
     8.43.      (DHHS: Selective COX-2 Inhibitor Therapies)  The Department must require prior authorization of all selective COX-2 inhibitor medications.  In conformity with FDA (Federal Drug Administration) labeling, such drugs would only be covered for diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, where the patient has met specified prescribing protocols and criteria.
     8.44.      (DHHS: Flexibility)  The Department of Health and Human Services, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Health and Human Services is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Health and Human Services is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 9 - J04 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

     9.1.      (DHEC: County Health Departments Funding)  Out of the appropriation provided in this section for "Public Health Districts", the sum of $25,000 shall be distributed to the county health departments by the Commissioner, with the approval of the Board of Department of Health and Environmental Control, for the following purposes:
     1.      To insure the provision of a reasonably adequate public health program in each county.
     2.      To provide funds to combat special health problems that may exist in certain counties.
     3.      To establish and maintain demonstration projects in improved public health methods in one or more counties in the promotion of better public health service throughout the State.
     4.      To encourage and promote local participation in financial support of the county health departments.
     5.      To meet emergency situations which may arise in local areas.
     6.      To fit funds available to amounts budgeted when small differences occur.
     The provisions of this proviso shall not supersede or suspend the provisions of Section 13-7-30 of the 1976 Code.
     9.2.      (DHEC: County Special Projects)  Counties may continue to fund special projects in conjunction with the County Health Departments.  Salaries for county special project employees, including merit increases and fringe benefits, shall be totally funded by the county(s) involved.  County special project employees shall not be under the state merit system or state compensation plan and they shall receive their compensation directly from the county(s).
     9.3.      (DHEC: County Health Units)  Federal funds made available to the Department of Health and Environmental Control for the allocation to the counties of the State for operation of county health units be allotted on a basis approved by the Board of the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the amount of State funds appropriated herein for "Public Health Districts", except for salary increases, shall be allocated on a basis such that no county budget shall receive less than the amount received in the prior fiscal year.
     9.4.      (DHEC: Camp Burnt Gin)  Private donations or contributions for capital improvements at Camp Burnt Gin shall be deposited in a restricted account and carried forward until sufficient amounts are available for such improvements.  Any expenditures from the account must first be approved by the Budget and Control Board and the Joint Bond Review Committee.
     9.5.      (DHEC: Children's Rehabilitative Services)  The Children's Rehabilitative Services shall be required to utilize any available financial resources including insurance benefits and/or governmental assistance programs, to which the child may otherwise be entitled in providing and/or arranging for medical care and related services to physically handicapped children eligible for such services, as a prerequisite to the child receiving such services.
     9.6.      (DHEC: Cancer/Hemophilia)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this act, the funds appropriated herein for prevention, detection and surveillance of cancer as well as providing for cancer treatment services $1,168,409 and the hemophilia assistance program, $566,477 shall not be transferred to other programs within the agency and when instructed by the Budget and Control Board or the General Assembly to reduce funds within the department by a certain percentage, the Department may not act unilaterally to reduce the funds for any cancer treatment program and hemophilia assistance program provided for herein greater than such stipulated percentage.
     9.7.      (DHEC: Speech & Hearing)  The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall utilize so much of the funds appropriated in this section as may be necessary to continue the Speech and Hearing programs.
     9.8.      (DHEC: Local Health Departments)  As of July 1, 1981, the counties Counties of the state will be relieved of contribution requirements for salary, fringe benefits and travel reimbursement to local health departments.  The amount of $5,430,697 is appropriated for county health department salaries, fringe benefits and travel.  These funds and other state funds appropriated for county health units may, based upon need, be utilized in either salary or travel categories.  Each county shall provide all other operating expenses of the local health department in an amount at least equal to that appropriated for operations for each county in Fiscal Year 1981.  In the event any county makes uniform reductions in appropriations to all agencies or departments for maintenance and operations, exclusive of salaries and fringe benefits, a like reduction shall be made in funds appropriated for the operating expenses of the local health department.
     9.9.      (DHEC: Insurance Refunds)  The Department of Health and Environmental Control is authorized to budget and expend monies resulting from insurance refunds for prior year operations for case services in the following programs: Health Promotion, Preventive Health Services, and Maternal and Child Care.
     9.10.      (DHEC: Emergency Medical Services)  Funds appropriated herein for Emergency Medical Services, shall be allocated for the purpose of improving and upgrading the EMS system throughout the state.  The monies allocated to the Counties are for the purpose of improving or upgrading the local EMS system through the licensed ambulance services, the monies allocated to the EMS Regional Councils are for the administration of training programs and technical assistance to local EMS organizations and county systems.  All additional funds are to be allocated as follows:  to the counties at the ratio of 81% of the additional funds appropriated herein, to the EMS Regions at a ratio of 12% of the additional funds appropriated herein and to the state EMS Office at the ratio of 7% of the additional funds appropriated herein.  The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall develop criteria and guidelines and administer the system to make allocations to each region and county within the state, based on demonstrated need and local match.  Funds appropriated, $2,555,195, to Emergency Medical Services shall not be transferred to other programs within the Department's budget.  In addition, when instructed by the Budget and Control Board or the General Assembly to reduce funds by a certain percentage, the Department may not reduce the funds appropriated for EMS Regional Councils or Aid to Counties greater than such stipulated percentage.
     9.11.      (DHEC: Rape Crisis Centers)  Of the amounts appropriated in Primary Care-Case Services, $651,107 shall be used for rape crisis centers around the state.  Distribution of funds shall be based on DHEC Rape Crisis services standards and expenditures monitored by DHEC.
     9.12.      (DHEC: Sickle Cell Blood Sample Analysis)  $16,000 is appropriated in Maternal and Child Care for the Sickle Cell Program for Blood Sample Analysis and shall be used by the Department to analyze blood samples submitted by the four existing regional programs - Region I, Barksdale Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation in Spartanburg; Region II, Clark Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation in Columbia; Region III, Committee on Better Racial Assurance Hemoglobinopathy Program in Charleston; and the Orangeburg Area Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.
     9.13.      (DHEC: Sickle Cell Programs)  $1,375,000 is appropriated for Sickle Cell program services and shall be apportioned as follows:
     (1)      67% is to be divided equitably between the existing Community Based Sickle Cell Programs located in Spartanburg, Columbia, Orangeburg and Charleston; and
     (2)      33% is for the Community Based Sickle Cell Program at DHEC.
     The funds shall be used for providing prevention programs, educational programs, testing, counseling and newborn screening.  The balance of the total appropriation must be used for Sickle Cell Services operated by Children's Rehabilitative Services of DHEC.  The funds appropriated to the community based sickle cell centers shall be reduced to reflect any percent reduction assigned to the Department of Health and Environmental Control by the Budget and Control Board; provided, however, that the Department may not act unilaterally to reduce the funds for the Sickle Cell program greater than such stipulated percentage.  The Department shall not be required to undertake any treatment, medical management or health care follow-up for any person with sickle cell disease identified through any neonatal testing program, beyond the level of services supported by funds now or subsequently appropriated for such services.  No funds appropriated for ongoing or newly established sickle cell services may be diverted to other budget categories within the DHEC budget.
     9.14.      (DHEC: Genetic Services)  The sum of $222,390 appearing under the Maternal and Child Care Section of this Act shall be appropriated to and administered by the Department of Health and Environmental Control for the purpose of providing appropriate genetic services to medically needy and underserved persons.  Such funds shall be used by the Department to administer the program and to contract with appropriate providers of genetic services.  Such services will include genetic screening, laboratory testing, counseling, and other services as may be deemed beneficial by the Department, and these funds shall be divided equally among the three Regional Genetic Centers of South Carolina, composed of units from the Medical University of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and the Greenwood Genetic Center.
     9.15.      (DHEC: Revenue Carry Forward Authorization)  The Department of Health & Environmental Control is hereby authorized to collect, expend and carry forward revenues in the following programs: Sale of Goods (confiscated goods, arm patches, etc.), sale of meals at Camp Burnt Gin, sale of publications, brochures, photo copies and certificate forms, including but not limited to, pet rabies vaccination certificate books, sale of listings and labels, sale of State Code and Supplements, sale of films and slides, sale of maps, sale of items to be recycled, including used motor oil and batteries, etc., and collection of registration fees for non-DHEC employees.
     9.16.      (DHEC: Pharmacist Permits) The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall be exempted from the requirements of Section 40-43-83 of the 1976 Code of Laws, as amended, as it relates to the requirement that all facilities distributing or dispensing prescription drugs must be permitted by the Board of Pharmacy and the requirement that each pharmacy shall have a pharmacist-in-charge.  Each DHEC Health District shall be required to have a permit to distribute or dispense prescription drugs.  Further, the Department shall be exempted from the requirements of Section 40-43-86 of the 1976 Code of Laws, as amended, as it relates to the requirement that a pharmacist may not serve as pharmacist-in-charge unless he is physically present in the pharmacy and the requirement that a pharmacist may not serve as a pharmacist-in- charge for more than one pharmacy at a time, so that one pharmacist-in-charge may be designated by the Department for more that one district.
     9.17.      (DHEC: Safe Drinking Water Act)  In order to comply with the provisions of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Department is authorized to collect a fee from each public water system. The fee must be based upon the number of taps through which the system provides water to its customers.  The fees collected must be returned to the department for the purposes of implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act Regulatory Program including engineering plan review, compliance inspections, and enforcement; and for providing technical assistance and monitoring and laboratory analytical services for the public water systems of the State.  The fee shall be as follows:

COMMUNITY AND NON-TRANSIENT NON-COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS

Fee =      Program Administration Component + Distribution Monitoring Component + Source Monitoring Component

                Fee =      $10.26 x (# Taps Up To 10) + $6.84 x (# Taps From 11 To 25) + $5.47 x ( # Taps From 26 To 50) + $4.10 x (# Taps From 51 To 100) + $2.74 x (# Taps From 101 To 500) + $2.05 x (# Taps From 501 To 1,000) + $1.37 x (# Taps From 1,001 To 5,000) + $1.03 x (# Taps From 5,001 To 10,000) + $0.65 x (# Taps From 10,001 To 15,000) + $0.34 x (# Taps From 15,001 To 25,000) + $0.22 x (# Taps From 25,001 To 50,000) + $0.13 x (# Taps From 50,001 To 100,000) + $0.09 x (# Taps Greater Than 100,000)

            + $158 (Systems Serving Up To 100 Taps); Or, $450 (Systems Serving 101 To 1,000 Taps);Or, $2,250 (Systems Serving 1,001 To 15,000 Taps); Or, $4500 (Systems Serving Greater Than 15,000 Taps)

            + [($203 x (#GW Sources)) + ($405 x (#SW Sources))] [Up To 25 Taps]; Or, [($324 x (#GW Sources)) + ($648 x (#SW Sources))] [From 26 To 100 Taps]; Or, [($810 x (#GW Sources)) + ($1620 x (#SW Sources))] [Greater Than 100 Taps]; Or, [Maximum $5,000]
                SYSTEM SIZE                                                            PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
(NUMBER OF TAPS)                                    (BASE AMOUNT + RATE PER TAP)
                                                     BASE                              RATE PER TAP

     1      To      10      $      0      $      10.26      First      10      Taps
     11      To      25      $      103      $      6.84      Taps      11      to      25
     26      To      50      $      205      $      5.47      Taps      26      to      50
     51      To      100      $      342      $      4.10      Taps      51      to      100
     101      To      500      $      547      $      2.74      Taps      101      to      500
     501      To      1,000      $      1,642      $      2.05      Taps      501      to      1,000
     1,001      To      5,000      $      2,668      $      1.37      Taps      1,001      to      5,000
     5,001      To      10,000      $      8,140      $      1.03      Taps      5,001      to      10,000
     10,001      To      15,000      $      13,270      $      0.65      Taps      10,001      to      15,000
     15,001      To      25,000      $      16,476      $      0.34      Taps      15,001      to      25,000
     25,001      To      50,000      $      19,896      $      0.22      Taps      25,001      to      50,000
     50,001      To      100,000      $      25,240      $      0.13      Taps      50,001      to      100,000
     100,001      And Above            $      31,652      $            Over      100,000

     SYSTEM SIZE                  DISTRIBUTING      SOURCE MONITORING
(NUMBER OF TAPS)      MONITORING            (RATE PER SOURCE)
                                                           (FIXED RATE)            GROUNDWATER            SURFACE WATER

     1      To      10      $      158            $       203            $      405
     11      To      25      $      158            $       203            $      405
     26      To      50      $      158            $       324            $      648
     51      To      100      $      158            $       324            $      648
     101      To      500      $      450            $       810            $      1,620
     501      To      1,000      $      450            $       810            $      1,620
     1,001      To      5,000      $      2,250            $       810            $      1,620
     5,001      To      10,000      $      2,250            $       810            $      1,620
     10,001      To      15,000      $      2,250            $       810            $      1,620
     15,001      To      25,000      $      4,500            $       810            $      1,620
     25,001      To      50,000      $      4,500            $       810            $      1,620
     50,001      To      100,000      $      4,500            $       810            $      1,620
     100,001      And      Above      $      4,500            $       810            $      1,620
OTHER PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS
     Transient Non-Community Systems:                                                      Fee      =      $225
     Systems Serving More Than 1 Tap But Less
           Than 15 Taps and Serving Less Than 25 People:                  Fee      =      $135
     Systems Serving 1 Tap and Serving Less Than
           25 People:                                                                                                            Fee      =      $ 90
     Vending Machines:                                                                                          Fee      =      $ 45

     For the purposes of this fee schedule, tap is defined as a service connection, the point at which water is delivered to the consumer (building, dwelling, commercial establishment, camping space, industry, etc.) from a distribution system, whether metered or not and regardless of whether there is a user charge for consumption of the water.
     The Department shall submit an annual report to the Senate Finance Committee, House Ways & Means Committee, South Carolina Section American Water Works Association and the Municipal Association detailing activities funded from safe drinking water fees.  The report shall include the amount of fees collected from each waterworks and the listing of expenditures from those fees.  The expenditures shall be accompanied by a list of benefits the waterworks receive from the State as a result of the fees.  In providing monitoring and laboratory analytical services, DHEC will consider least cost alternatives including contracting with private laboratories when appropriate. DHEC shall include all applicable direct and indirect costs in developing cost comparisons with private laboratories.
     Penalties:
     All fees remaining unpaid thirty (30) days after billing will be issued a late notice with no penalty due, however, it will contain advisement of penalty for non-payment after sixty (60) days.  Fees remaining unpaid after sixty days will be assessed a ten percent (10%) penalty.  Fees remaining unpaid at the end of ninety (90) days will be assessed a twenty-five percent (25%) penalty in addition to the sixty day penalty. The Department may waive any or all of the assessed penalties in extenuating circumstances.  The sum of both penalties may not exceed five thousand dollars.  Persons delinquent under this paragraph will be notified by the Department by certified mail at their last known address.
     All returned checks will be subject to a returned check fee as outlined in the DHEC Administrative Policy and Procedures Manual.  This penalty will be in addition to those outlined above.
     No monitoring will be conducted on systems with fees unpaid at the end of ninety (90) days.
     9.18.      (DHEC: Medicaid Nursing Home Bed Days)  Pursuant to Section 44-7-84(A) of the 1976 Code, the maximum number of Medicaid patient days for which the Department of Health and Environmental Control is authorized to issue Medicaid nursing home permits is 4,452,015.
     9.19.      (DHEC: Septic Tank Inspection Fees)  The Department shall charge a septic tank inspection fee of $60.00.  This fee shall be paid prior to the evaluation of any site for which an application for a septic tank permit has been made.
     9.20.      (DHEC: Health Licensing Fee)  Funds resulting from an increase in the Health Licensing Fee Schedule shall be retained by the Department to fund increased responsibilities of the health licensing programs.  All fees remaining unpaid thirty (30) days after billing will be issued a late notice with no penalty due, however, it will contain advisement of penalty for non-payment after sixty (60) days.  Fees remaining unpaid after sixty days will be assessed a ten percent (10%) penalty.  Fees remaining unpaid at the end of ninety (90) days will be assessed a twenty-five percent (25%) penalty in addition to the sixty day penalty.   The Department may waive any or all of the assessed penalties in extenuating circumstances, as long as it is with public knowledge.
     9.21.      (DHEC: Medical & Dental Loan Program)  Notwithstanding other provisions of law, unobligated funds in the Medical & Dental Loan program may be expended for other health service programs.
     9.22.      (DHEC: Infectious Waste Contingency Fund)  The Department of Health and Environmental Control is authorized to use not more than $75,000 from the Infectious Waste Contingency Fund per year for personnel and operating expenses to implement the Infectious Waste Act.
     9.23.      (DHEC: Nursing Home Medicaid Bed Day Permit)  Beginning July 1, 1993, when When transfer of a Medicaid patient from a nursing home is necessary due to violations of state or federal law or Medicaid certification requirements, the Medicaid patient day permit shall be transferred with the patient to the receiving nursing home.  The receiving facility shall apply to permanently retain the Medicaid patient day permit within sixty days of receipt of the patient.
     9.24.      (DHEC: Mineral Sets Revenue)  The Department is authorized to charge a reasonable fee for mineral sets.  Funds generated from the sale of mineral sets may be retained by the Department in a revolving account with a maximum carry forward of $2,000 and must be expended for mineral set supplies and related mining and reclamation educational products.
     9.25.      (DHEC: Spoil Easement Areas Revenue)  The Department is authorized to collect, retain and expend funds received from the sale of and/or third party use of spoil easement areas, for the purpose of meeting the State of South Carolina's responsibility for providing adequate spoil easement areas for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in South Carolina.  Any unexpended balance on June 30, of the prior fiscal year would be carried forward into the next fiscal year and expended for the same purposes.
     9.26.      (DHEC: Performance Bond Forfeiture Revenue Carry Forward)  The Department is authorized to retain and expend revenue derived from forfeiture of performance bonds to cover the cost of restoring damaged critical areas.  Any unexpended balance on June 30, of the prior fiscal year would be carried forward into the next fiscal year and expended for the same purposes.
     9.27.      (DHEC: Special Permits)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law or Rule and Regulation where the State of South Carolina is exposed to compensation requirements of the Constitutions, the Department is hereby authorized to issue special permits pursuant to Section 48-39-290(D) for habitable structures not to be larger than 5,000 square feet of heated space.
     9.28.      (DHEC: Permit Application)  Permit Application fees collected pursuant to Section 48-39-145 of the 1976 Code must be retained by the department and used to establish the Coastal Resources Access Fund to be administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.  The office shall make matching grants from the fund on a 50/50 basis to local governments in the South Carolina Coastal Zone for projects which enhance the public's use and enjoyment of coastal resources.
     9.29.      (DHEC: Per Visit Rate)  The SC DHEC is authorized to compensate non-permanent, part-time employees on a fixed rate per visit basis.  Compensation on a fixed rate per visit may be paid to employees for whom the Department receives per visit reimbursement from other sources.  These individuals will provide direct patient care in a home environment.  The per visit rate may vary based on the discipline providing the care and the geographical location of services rendered.  Management may pay exempt or non-exempt employees as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act only when they are needed to work.  Individuals employed in this category may exceed twelve months, but are not eligible for State benefits except for the option of contributing to the State Retirement System.
     9.30.      (DHEC: Allocation Patient Days)  The Department will allocate additional Medicaid patient days authorized above the previous fiscal year's level based on the percentage of the additional requested Medicaid patient days and a percentage of the need indicated by the Community Long Term Care waiting list in priority order: (1) to those nursing homes currently holding a Medicaid nursing home permit; (2) to those nursing homes that are currently licensed, but do not participate in the Medicaid program; (3) to those nursing homes that have been approved under the Certificate of Need program.
     9.31.      (DHEC: Certificate of Public Advantage)  Notwithstanding Regulation 61-31, Health Care Cooperative Agreements and other provisions of law, should the Department of Health and Environmental Control issue a Certificate of Public Advantage, the applicant will pay to the Department, an annual monitoring fee to cover the actual cost of audits and monitoring.  This fee shall be used by the Department in whatever manner solely for the purpose of monitoring Certificates of Public Advantage as set forth in Section 44-7-570(A).
     9.32.      (DHEC: Beach Restoration Projects)  Appropriations for Beach Restoration Projects which are certified by the Department as excess to the final State share of project costs shall be allocated by the Department to other beach restoration projects on a priority basis in accordance with R.30-20.
     9.33.      (DHEC: Osteoporosis Education)  If funds are available and received from the Legislature to the Osteoporosis Fund, the Department is directed to provide these funds for implementation of programs consistent with the provisions of the Osteoporosis Prevention, Treatment and Education Act of 1997 (Act No. A79).
     9.34.      (DHEC: Colonial Pipeline Settlement)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds recovered for losses or damages to natural resources by the State as settlement for the Colonial Pipeline spill into the Reedy River shall be deposited to the Mitigation Trust Fund and used for the acquisition, restoration, enhancement, or management of property for mitigation for adverse impacts to natural resources in the area(s) of the Reedy River where the losses or damages occurred.  When the restoration is complete, any excess funds will be remitted to the Mitigation Trust Fund.  If funds from the settlement are not adequate, then additional funds from the Mitigation Trust Fund may be used to complete such restoration.
     9.35.      (DHEC: Nursing Home Compliance Notification)  Based on reports from the Department of Health and Human Services pertaining to Medicaid nursing home patient day utilization, the Department will notify every six months the nursing homes that are out of compliance with their Medicaid Nursing Home Permit.  The notification will be sent to nursing homes for information only and does not relieve the nursing home of its compliance responsibility.
     9.36.      (DHEC: Allocation of Indirect Cost and Recoveries)  The Department shall continue to deposit in the General Fund all Indirect Cost Recoveries derived from State General Funds participating in the calculation of the approved Indirect Cost Rate.  Further administration cost funded with other funds used in the Indirect Cost calculation shall, based on their percentage, be retained by the Agency to support the remaining administrative costs of the Agency.
     9.37.      (DHEC: School Health Study) The department is directed to review the current staffing of health personnel and health services offered and provided in the state's public schools.  After a thorough study of the existing programs, the Department shall report on the outcome of the study to the Governor and Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees no later than July 1, 2001.
     9.38.      (DHEC: Coastal Management)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Department may allocate up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) from carry forward funds to the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.  This distribution must be used for storm water permitting and regulation.
     9.39.      (DHEC: Closing the Gap Grants)  DELETED
     9.40.      (DHEC: Abstinence Education Contract)  The agency under contract with the State of South Carolina as of December 2000 and funded with federal and state matching funds under the provisions of Title V, Section 510, must continue to be under contract at the same funding level, for the same purposes for the current fiscal year.
     9.41.      (DHEC: TMDL)  Provided, no funds shall be expended to establish and submit a formal TMDL to US EPA for point source discharges to water bodies classified by the agency as impaired for fecal coliform and dissolved oxygen under Section 303(D) of the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended, and for which the agency has proposed an initial or revised TMDL until:
           (1)      A detailed scientific and technical review is completed by the agency, US EPA, USGS, and the technical consultants for the NPDES permit holders of any water quality model utilized by the agency to establish the loading limits to waters of the State and a finding is made and concurred in that the model is accurate and appropriate for its intended uses and purposes.
           (2)      A detailed scientific and technical assessment is completed by the agency of the loading contribution from the non point sources in the watershed of the waterbody into which the NPDES permit holders discharge.
           (3)      A detailed plan is developed by the agency that allows for a reduction in overall loading of the impaired waterbody by a reduction of either the point source or non point sources in order to realize cost effective water quality improvements.
           (4)      A scientific assessment is completed which concludes that any reduction in the limits imposed on a NPDES permit holder is cost effective in reducing the loading to the impaired waterbody and that such reduction in permit limits shall result in a demonstrable improvement in water quality.
     9.42.      (DHEC: Transfer $4 million to General Fund)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001 and ending June 30, 2002, the Department must transfer $4,000,000 from funds authorized under the following sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, to the General Fund of the State: Section 48-2-10, Environmental Fee Fund; Sections 44-96-176 (L), 44-96-170 (P), 44-96-170 (R) Waste Tire Fund; and Sections 44-96-180 (W) (1), 44-96-160 (W) (2) Petroleum Fund.  Any restrictions concerning specific utilization of these funds are lifted for the specified fiscal year.
     9.43.      (DHEC: Flexibility)  The Department of Health and Environmental Control, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Health and Environmental Control is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Health and Environmental Control is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Health and Environmental Control is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Health and Environmental Control is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 10 - J12 - DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

     10.1.      (DMH: Medicare Revenue)  All Federal Funds received by the Department of Mental Health from patients' Medicare benefits shall be considered as patient fees under the provision of Act No. 1276 of the 1970 Acts (provision for the issuance of bonds to be repaid from patient fees) except that the Department shall remit to the General Fund of the State $290,963 from such funds to support the appropriation for administrative costs of the collection of Medicare benefits.  The Department shall retain and expend up to $3 million of all Medicare Revenue earned prior to July 1, of the prior fiscal year, but received in the current fiscal year from cost recovery efforts, all additional prior earnings shall be remitted to the General Fund, except that the cost and fees of identifying and collecting such additional Medicare Revenue to which the Department is entitled may be paid from funds actually collected from such efforts.
     10.2.      (DMH: Paying Patient Account)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law and in addition to other payments provided in Part I of this Act, the Department of Mental Health is hereby directed during the current fiscal year to remit to the General Fund of the State the amount of $3,800,000 to be paid from the surplus funds in the paying patient account which has been previously designated for capital improvements and debt service under the provisions of Act 1276 of 1970.  It is the intent of the General Assembly to assist the Department to reduce and eventually eliminate this obligation to the General Fund.
     10.3.      (DMH: Patient Fee Account) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law and in addition to other payments provided in Part I of this Act, the Department of Mental Health is hereby authorized during the current fiscal year, to provide the funds budgeted herein for $6,214,911 for Departmental operations, $500,000 for the Georgetown Choppee School Health Clinic during FY 2000-2001, $400,000 for the Continuum of Care, $50,000 for the Alliance for the Mentally Ill, $250,000 for S.C. SHARE Self Help Association Regarding Emotions, $50,000 for Palmetto Pathways, $50,000 for New Day Clubhouse and up to $685,000 for day-to-day operations at the Campbell Nursing Home, from the Patient Fee Account which has been previously designated for capital improvements and debt service under provisions of Act 1276 of 1970.  The Department of Mental Health is authorized to fund the cost of Medicare Part B premiums from its Patient Fee Account up to $150,000.  The South Carolina Alliance for the Mentally Ill shall provide an itemized budget before the receipt of funds and quarterly financial statements to the Department of Mental Health.  The South Carolina Self-Help Association Regarding Emotions shall provide an itemized budget before the receipt of funds and quarterly financial statements to the Department of Mental Health.  DMH is authorized to use unobligated Patient Paying Fee Account funds for community transition programs.  The funds made available shall be utilized consistently with the Transition Leadership Council's definition of severely mentally ill children and adults.  The Department shall report their use of these funds to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee. This amendment is made notwithstanding other obligations currently set forth in this proviso.
     10.4.      (DMH: Institution Generated Funds)  The Department of Mental Health is authorized to retain and expend institution generated funds which are budgeted.
     10.5.      (DMH: Transfer of Patients to DDSN)  DMH is authorized to transfer to the Department of Disabilities & Special Needs, state appropriations to cover the state match related to expenditures initiated as a result of the transfer of appropriate patients from DMH to the Department of Disabilities & Special Needs.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law and in addition to other payments as authorized in this Act, DMH is also authorized to utilize up to $500,000 from the Patient Fee Account to help defray costs of these transferees.
     10.6.      (DMH: Sale of Property Revenue)  After receiving approval from the Budget and Control Board for the sale of property, the Department may retain revenues associated with the sale of property titled to or utilized by the Department and may expend these funds on capital improvements approved by the Joint Bond Review Committee and the Budget and Control Board.  Property titled to the Department or to the Board of Regents in the Central Columbia Campus may not be transferred to another entity without the approval of the Commission on Mental Health.
     10.7.      (DMH: Department Owned Housing Rental)  The Department of Mental Health may charge other than fair market value for rental of department-owned housing when such rentals assist in the recruitment and training of mental health professionals.
     10.8.      (DMH: Practice Plan)  Employees of the Department affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, who hold faculty appointments in the School, may participate in the School's Practice Plan provided that participation not take place during regular working hours.  Funds generated by such participants shall be handled in accordance with University policies governing Practice Plan funds.
     10.9.      (DMH: Sexual Predator Program)  The Department shall establish a new maintain a budget program to be titled the "Sexual Predator Act."  Funds appropriated and positions authorized for programs related to this Act shall be shown as separate line items in this program.  These funds may be used to reimburse the Department for expenses associated with the program in the prior fiscal year 1998-99, but cannot otherwise be transferred to other programs.
     10.10.      (DMH: Project COPE Models)  With $390,000 increased appropriations provided for FY 2000, the Department shall use $195,000 each to establish two new programs modeled after Project COPE for family assistance, education and additional respite services for Alzheimers clients.
     10.11.      (DMH: Jt. Study with Dept. of Corrections)  A joint committee shall be established by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections to study the ongoing needs of mentally ill inmates, including sexual predators, and develop an in-depth plan to address programmatic, budgetary and capital building needs.  This committee's membership will be comprised of the following individuals and groups:  the Director of the Department of Mental Health or his designee, the Director of the Department of Corrections or his designee, the Chairman of the USC School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry or his designee, the Chairman of the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Psychiatry or his designee and three appointees each from the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.  House and Senate appointees must be drawn from the following constituent advocacy groups:  a representative of the South Carolina Mental Health Association, a representative of Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, a representative of the South Carolina Self-Help Association Regarding Emotions, a representative of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of South Carolina, a representative of the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network and a representative of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.  The committee will be co-chaired by the Directors of Mental Health and Corrections, or their designees.  The committee will provide their report to the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees by October 15, 2000.
     10.12.      (DMH: Flexibility)  The Department of Mental Health, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Mental Health is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Mental Health is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Mental Health is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Mental Health is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 11 - J16 - DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

     11.1.      (DDSN: Work Activity Programs)  All revenues derived from production contracts earned by mentally retarded trainees in Work Activity Programs be retained by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities & Special Needs and carried forward as necessary into the following fiscal year to be used for other operating expenses and/or permanent improvements of these Work Activity Programs.
     11.2.      (DDSN: Sale of Excess Real Property)  The Department is authorized to retain revenues associated with the sale of excess Department-owned real property and may expend these funds to purchase land and construct community residences to serve the mentally retarded.  In the construction of new facilities, the Department shall follow all the policies and procedures of the Budget and Control Board and the Joint Bond Review Committee.
     11.3.      (DDSN: Prenatal Diagnosis)  Revenues not to exceed $126,000 from client fees, credited to the debt service fund and not required to meet the Department's debt service requirement, may be expended only in the current fiscal year to promote expanded prenatal diagnosis of mental retardation and related defects by the Greenwood Genetic Center.
     11.4.      (DDSN: Medicaid Funded Contract Settlements)  The Department is authorized to carry forward and retain settlements under Medicaid-funded contracts.
     11.5.      (DDSN: Medicare Reimbursements)  The Department may continue to budget Medicare reimbursements to cover operating expenses of the program providing such services.
     11.6.      (DDSN: Departmental Generated Revenue)  The Department is authorized to continue to expend Departmental generated revenues that are authorized in the budget.
     11.7.      (DDSN: Patient Day Fee)  The Department may exclude Medicaid revenues from the Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded's patient day fee from indirect cost recovery payments.
     11.8.      (DDSN: Transfer of Capital/Property)  The Department may transfer capital to include property and buildings to local DNS providers with Budget and Control Board approval.
     11.9.      (DDSN: Flexibility)  The Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs  is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Disabilities and Special Needs is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 12 - J20 - DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES

     12.1.      (DAODAS: School Intervention Activity)  $1,149,204 of the amount appropriated as "Total Distribution to Subdivisions" is intended to be used for the School Intervention activity and none of this sum shall be used by the Department for the employment of personnel, except that funds may be used to employ one supervisory coordinator for this program.
     12.2.      (DAODAS: Training & Conference Revenue) The Department may charge fees for training events and conferences.  The revenues from such events shall be retained by the Department to increase education and professional development initiatives.
     12.3.      (DAODAS: Chemical Dependency Programs-The Bridge)  The Department shall use the non-recurring funding provided in the current fiscal year to reduce the recidivism rate of juvenile offenders through a transitional treatment program for addictions.  The ability of parents of juvenile offenders to pay for services rendered on a sliding fee scale will be assessed based on federal poverty guidelines. The Department shall report to the House Ways and Means Committee on the amount of fees collected from these families or offenders as part of the evaluation of this program.  The families who cannot pay for services will be required to volunteer for duties as needed by the county agencies providing services at a minimum of four hours per week.
     12.4.      (DAODAS: Flexibility)  The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 13 - L04 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

     13.1.      (DSS: Fee Retention)  The Department of Social Services shall recoup all refunds and identified program overpayments and all such overpayments shall be recouped in accordance with established collection policy.  Funds of $800,000 collected under the Child Support Enforcement Program (Title IV D) which are State Funds shall be remitted to the State Treasurer and credited to the General Fund of the State.  All state funds above $800,000 shall be retained by the Department to fund Self-Sufficiency and Family Preservation and Support initiatives.
     13.2.      (DSS: Recovered State Funds)  The Department shall withhold a portion of the State Funds recovered, under the IV-D Program, for credit to the General Fund in order to allow full participation in the Federal "set off"  program offered through the Internal Revenue Service, the withholding of unemployment insurance benefits through the South Carolina Employment Security Commission and reimbursement for expenditures related to blood testing.  Such funds may not be expended for any other purpose.  The Department of Social Services be allowed to utilize the State share of Federally required application fees, collected from Non-TANF clients, in the administration of the Child Support Enforcement Program.  Such funds may not be expended for any other purpose.  However, this shall not include Child Support Enforcement Program incentives paid to the program from Federal Funds to encourage and reward cost effective performance. Such incentives are to be reinvested in the program to increase collections of support at the State and County levels in a manner consistent with federal laws and regulations governing such incentive payments.  The Department shall not use Clerk of Court incentive funds to replace agency operating funds.  Such funds shall be remitted to the appropriate state governmental entity to further child support collection efforts.
     13.3.      (DSS: Foster Children Burial)  The expenditure of funds allocated for burials of foster children shall not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars per burial.
     13.4.      (DSS: Assistance Payments Client List)  The names of persons benefiting from assistance payments under the several programs of the Department of Social Services shall be available to other state agencies, if not in conflict with federal regulations.
     13.5.      (DSS: Employee Supplement)  No county shall supplement the salary of any DSS employee.
     13.6.      (DSS: Battered Spouse Funds)  Appropriations included in Subprogram II E entitled Battered Spouse shall be allocated through contractual agreement to providers of this service.  These appropriations may also be used for public awareness and contracted services for victims of this social problem including the abused and children accompanying the abused.  Such funds may not be expended for any other purpose nor be reduced by any amount greater than that stipulated by the Budget and Control Board or the General Assembly for the agency as a whole.
     13.7.      (DSS: Court Examiner Service Exemption)  In order to prevent the loss of Federal Funds to the State, employees of the Department of Social Services whose salaries are paid in full or in part from Federal Funds will be exempt from serving as court examiners.
     13.8.      (DSS: Accounts Receivable Procedures)  The Department of Social Services will establish, and collect accounts receivable in accordance with appropriate and applicable Federal regulations.
     13.9.      (DSS: TANF Advance Funds)  The Department of Social Services is authorized to advance sufficient funds during each fiscal year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Assistance Payments general fund appropriations to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Assistance Payments federal account only for the purpose of allowing a sufficient cash flow in the federal account.  The advance must be refunded no later than April of the same fiscal year.  Upon the advance of funds as provided herein, the Comptroller General is authorized to process the July voucher for the funding of benefit checks.
     13.10.      (DSS: Fee Schedule)  The Department of Social Services shall be allowed to charge fees and accept donations, grants, and bequests for social services provided under their direct responsibility on the basis of a fee schedule approved by the Budget and Control Board.  The fees collected shall be utilized by the Department of Social Services to further develop and administer these program efforts.
     13.11.      (DSS: Mentally Disabled Supplement)  From the appropriation made herein for General Assistance, the Department may elect to supplement the income of individuals who reside in foster homes or supported independent living arrangements certified by the Department of Mental Health and who qualify as mentally disabled under the definitions of Public Law 92-603, U.S. Code, or who would qualify except for income limitations with the supplement being at the same rate as for other individuals who qualify for General Assistance. The Department shall contract with the Department of Mental Health to ensure that the payments of General Assistance to persons who would not otherwise qualify except for this proviso shall be transferred to the Department from the appropriations made to the Department of Mental Health.
     13.12.      (DSS: Electronic Benefits Transfer System)  The funds appropriated herein for the Electronic Benefits Transfer System Project (EBT) shall be used for the development, start-up, and evaluation of the system. The Department of Social Services is authorized to proceed with planning for the expansion of the use of the EBT system for other government benefits delivery, beginning with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The agency shall submit a status report on the implementation of the system to the members of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees by July 1, of the current fiscal year.
     13.13.      (DSS: Food Stamp Fraud)  The state portion of funds recouped from the collection of recipient claims in the TANF and Food Stamp programs shall be retained by the Department.  A portion of these funds shall be distributed to local county offices for emergency and program operations.
     13.14.      (DSS: TANF - Immunizations Certificates)  The Department shall require all TANF applicants and/or recipients to provide proof of age appropriate immunizations for children.  If such immunizations have not been administered, the Department shall assist in referring applicants to appropriate county health departments to obtain the immunizations.
     13.15.      (DSS: Fees for Court Witness in Child Welfare Services)  Effective July 1, 1994, any monies appropriated for the payment of court testimony in either abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, or judicial review cases arising under Section 20-7-480, et. seq. of the SC Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, and adult protective service cases under Section 43-35-10(9), et. seq. of the SC Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, shall only be paid in accordance with DSS policy which shall include limits on awards and procedures for payment, in due consideration of the Agency budgetary limitations and specific funds allocated for such purposes.  Provided further that DSS shall pay up to a maximum hourly rate to Licensed Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, Ministerial Counseling, Family and Marriage Counselors of $60 for counseling and $60 for expert witness fees, to include travel time and DSS shall pay up to a maximum hourly rate to Physicians of $125 for expert witness fees, to include travel time.
     13.16.      (DSS: Foster Care Fingerprint Reviews)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 20-7-1640, of the SC Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, the Department is authorized to pay from funds appropriated in this section the costs of Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint reviews for foster care families recruited, selected and licensed by the Department.
     13.17.      (DSS: County Directors' Pay)  With respect to the amounts allocated to the Department of Social Services for Employee Pay Increase in 63C.9 of this Act, the Department of Social Services is authorized to allot funds for pay increases to individual County Directors and Regional Directors in classified positions without uniformity.  Pay increases for DSS County Directors and Regional Directors shall be administered in accordance with the guidelines established by the Budget and Control Board for Executive Compensation System and other non-academic unclassified employees.  Any employees subject to the provisions of this paragraph shall not be eligible for any other compensation increases provided in 63C.9 of this Act.
     13.18.      (DSS: Use of Funds Authorization)  Department Investigative Units shall be authorized to receive and expend funds awarded to these Units as a result of a donation, contribution, prize, grant, and/or court order.  These funds shall be retained by the Department on behalf of the Investigative Units and deposited in a separate, special account and shall be carried forward from year to year and withdrawn and expended as needed to fulfill the purposes and conditions of the donation, contribution, prize, grant, and/or court order, if specified, and if not specified, as may be directed by the Director of the Department of Social Services.  These accounts shall not be used to supplant operating funds in the current or future budgets.  The agency shall report to the Senate Finance Committee and Ways and Means Committee by January 30 of the current fiscal year on the amount of funds received and how expended.
     13.19.      (DSS: Prevent Welfare Reform Duplication of Services)  The intent of the General Assembly is that the Department of Social Services not duplicate services available at the Employment Security Commission and other state agencies.  All state agencies are directed to cooperate with DSS as it implements the Family Independence Act of 1995.  Monies appropriated for the purpose of implementing the Family Independence Act of 1995, and used to hire persons or procure services for employment training purposes, shall be reported to the Governor to ensure duplication of services does not occur.
     13.20.      (DSS: Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention)   The Department must allocate $10,500,000 of the 1997-98 surplus federal TANF program funds to the County Grants Fund for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiatives, to be equally distributed pursuant to Section 44-122-30(A) over a three-year period.  In any year in which the total number of active welfare cases in June of the year exceeds by ten percent or more the average number of active welfare cases in June of the previous year, no TANF funds will be distributed to the County Grants Fund.  Distribution of funds shall begin in FY 1998-99 in accord with Title 44, Chapter 122 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina as amended by Part II, Section 47 of Act 419 of 1998.  Provided, further, that $200,000 of the funds shall be allocated to the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy annually, to provide technical assistance to counties to help in maintaining effective pregnancy prevention programs.
     13.21.      (DSS: C. R. Neal Learning Center)  The Department shall allocate $200,000 to the C. R. Neal Learning Center located in Richland County.
     13.22.      (DSS: Use of Funds Authorization)  Unless specifically directed by the General Assembly, when DSS is directed to provide funds to a not-for-profit or 501(c)(3) organization, that organization must use the funds to serve persons who are eligible for services in one or more DSS programs.
     13.23.      (DSS: Grant Authority) The Department of Social Services is authorized to make grants to community-based not-for-profit organizations for local projects that further the objectives of DSS programs.  The Department shall develop policies and procedures and may promulgate regulations to assure compliance with state and federal requirements associated with the funds used for the grants and to assure fairness and accountability in the award and administration of these grants.  The Department shall require a match from all grant recipients.
     13.24.      (DSS: Employee Adoption Assistance Program)  The State Department of Social Services shall implement the Employee Adoption Assistance Program in order to assist state employees with the costs of adoption.  The agency must develop policies and procedures concerning how this program shall be implemented and promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.
     13.25.      (DSS: Flexibility)  The Department of Social Services, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Social Services is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Social Services is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Social Services is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Social Services is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 14 - L24 - COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

     14.1.      (BLIND: Matching Federal Funds)  For the current fiscal year the amount appropriated in this section under Program II for Rehabilitative Services is conditioned upon matching by federal funds to the maximum amount available under the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
     14.2.      (BLIND: Horticulture Revenue)  Revenues derived from the production of horticulture products, braille and packaging/assembly of manufacturing goods by clients of the Adult Adjustment and Training Center may be retained by the Commission and used in the facility for client payments and other production costs.
     14.3.      (BLIND: Funds for Prevention of Blindness in Older Individuals)  In the event that federal grant funding is obtained to continue the current grant for programs for the prevention of blindness in older individuals, the Commission is authorized to use the $178,363 in new funds appropriated for that purpose for building maintenance.
     14.4.      (BLIND: Use of Funds)  The Commission for Blind is authorized to use unrestricted funds donated to the agency and any surplus state appropriations, to clear old negative grant balances that have been reflected in its accounts prior to 1991.
     14.5.      (BLIND: USC-Spartanburg Visual Impairment Master of Education Program)  Of the funds appropriated to the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, $50,000 shall be used to fund the Master of Education Program In Visual Impairment at the University of  South Carolina- Spartanburg.
     14.6.      (BLIND: Flexibility)  The Commission for the Blind, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Commission for the Blind is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Commission for the Blind is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Commission for the Blind is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Commission for the Blind is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 15 - H79 - DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES & HISTORY

     15.1.      (AH: Use of Proceeds)  The proceeds of facilities rentals, gift shop operations, training sessions, sales of publications, reproductions of documents, repair of documents, research fees, handling charges, and the proceeds of sales of National Register of Historic Places certificates and plaques by the Archives Department shall be deposited in a special account in the State Treasury, and may be used by this department to cover the cost of facility operations and maintenance, gift shop inventory, additional training sessions, publication, reproduction expenses, repair expenses, and National Register of Historic Places certificates and plaques, and selected Historic Preservation Grants.
     15.2.      (AH: Nat'l. Historic Preservation Program)  The funds earned from the United States Department of Interior by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for administering the National Historic Preservation Program in this State, with the exception of the appropriate amount of indirect cost reimbursement to the General Fund, must be deposited in a special account in the State Treasury, to be used by this department for a Historic Preservation Grants program that will assist historic properties throughout South Carolina.
     15.3.      (AH: Disposal of Materials)  Upon prior approval of the Commission, the agency may remove certain record and non-record materials from its collections by gift to another public or nonprofit institution or by sale at public auction.  This is a supplemental form of disposition beyond that recognized in the Public Records Act for the retention, copying, and destruction of public records; and it pertains only to those accessioned Archives materials having a market value and which duplicate existing archival material, fall outside the scope of the Archives collection policy, or have no further possible research value.  All funds realized through sale by public auction shall be placed in a special account to be used for improved access to and preservation of the state archives collections.  The Commission shall report annually to the Budget and Control Board regarding such dispositions.
     15.4.      (AH: Flexibility)  The Department of Archives and History, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Archives and History is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Archives and History is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Archives and History is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Archives and History is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 17 - H87 - STATE LIBRARY

     17.1.      (LIB: Aid to Counties Libraries Allotment)  The amount appropriated in this section for "Aid to County Libraries" shall be allotted to each county on a per capita basis according to the official United States Census for 1990, as aid to the County Library.  No county shall be allocated less than $40,000 under this provision.  State Aid Regulations (75-1, Section A (1)) dealing with salary supplements are waived pending revisions of the regulations concerning the use of the minimum grant.  To receive this aid, local library support shall not be less than the amount actually expended for library operations from local sources in the second preceding year.
     17.2.      (LIB: Exempt Across-the-Board Reduction)  In the calculation of any across-the-board cut mandated by the Budget and Control Board or General Assembly, the amount which the State Library pays to General Services for the retirement of General Revenue Bonds shall be excluded from the State Library's base budget.
     17.3.      (LIB: Information Service Fees)  The State Library may charge a fee for costs associated with information delivery and retain such funds to offset the costs of maintaining, promoting and improving information delivery services.
     17.4.      (LIB: Continuing Education Fees) The State Library may charge a fee for costs associated with continuing education and retain such funds to offset the costs of providing continuing education opportunities.
     17.5.      (LIB: Teacher DISCUS Access)  SC public school teachers may access DISCUS either at school or at home.
     17.6.      (LIB: Flexibility)  The State Library, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the State Library's mission, the State Library is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The State Library is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the State Library.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the State Library is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the State Library's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the State Library is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The State Library is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 18 - H91 - ARTS COMMISSION

     18.1.      (ARTS: Professional Artists Contract)  Where practicable, all professional artists employed by the Arts Commission in the fields of music, theater, dance, literature, musical arts, craft, media arts and environmental arts shall be hired on a contractual basis as independent contractors.  Where such a contractual arrangement is not feasible employees in these fields may be unclassified, however, the approval of their salaries shall be in accord with the provisions of Section 72.24 of this Act.
     18.2.      (ARTS: Special Revolving Account)  Any income derived from Arts Commission sponsored arts events or by gift, contributions, or bequest now in possession of the Arts Commission including any federal or other funds balance remaining at the end of the prior fiscal year, shall be retained by the Commission and placed in a special revolving account for the Commission to use solely for the purpose of supporting the programs provided herein.  Any such funds shall be subject to the review procedures as set forth in Act 651 of 1978.
     18.3.      (ARTS: Grant Funds Equitable Disbursement)  The Commission shall make every effort to disburse state and federal grant funds to counties in the most equitable manner possible.  Counties that have demonstrated initiative in seeking support and developing arts programs are to be given consideration when funds are disbursed.
     18.4.      (ARTS: Partial Indirect Cost Waiver)  The Commission is allowed to apply a 15% indirect cost rate for continuing federal grants for which they must compete.  The Commission shall apply the full approved negotiated rate to the Basic State Grant and any new grants received by the Commission.
     18.5.      (ARTS: Grants Program)  Of the funds appropriated for Grantmaking, $100,000 shall be allocated to the Newberry Opera Company.
     18.6.      (ARTS: Flexibility)  The Arts Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Arts Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Arts Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Arts Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Arts Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 19 - H95 - STATE MUSEUM

     19.1.      (MUSM: Duplicate Materials)  The Commission may give (away) natural history materials in its possession for educational purposes, such materials being less than museum quality or duplicative of materials owned by the Museum Commission.
     19.2.      (MUSM: Removal From Collections)  The Commission may remove objects from its museum collections by gift to another public or nonprofit institution, by trade with another public or nonprofit institution, by public sale, by transfer to the Commission's education, exhibit, or study collections or to its operating property inventory; or as a last resort, by intentional destruction on the condition that the objects so removed meet with one or more of the following criteria:  (1) they fall outside the scope of the S. C. Museum Commission's collections as defined in the Collection Policy dated January 20, 1993, (2) they are unsuitable for exhibition or research, (3) they are inferior duplicates of other objects in the collection, or (4) they are forgeries or were acquired on the basis of false information; funds from the sale of such objects will be placed in a special revolving account for the Commission to use solely for the purpose of purchasing objects for the collections of the State Museum.
     19.3.      (MUSM: Museum Store)  The Museum Commission shall establish and administer a museum store in the State Museum.  This store may produce, acquire, and sell merchandise relating to historical, scientific, and cultural sources.  All profits received from the sale of such merchandise shall be retained by the Museum Commission in a restricted fund to be carried forward into the following fiscal year. These funds may be used for store operations, publications, acquisitions, educational programs, exhibit production and general operating expenses provided that the expenditures for such expenses are approved by the General Assembly in the annual Appropriation Act.
     19.4.      (MUSM: Traveling Exhibits Fees)  The Museum Commission may rent or sell exhibits and exhibit components and the Commission may retain such funds and use them to offset the cost of developing, maintaining, promoting, and improving the changing exhibit program and to support general operations, provided that the expenditures for such expenses are approved by the General Assembly in the annual Appropriation Act.  Any unexpended revenue from these sources may be carried forward into the current fiscal year to be expended for the same purposes.
     19.5.      (MUSM: Retention of Revenue)  The Museum Commission may retain revenue received from admissions, program fees, facility rentals, professional services, donations and other miscellaneous operating income and may expend such revenue for general operating expenses provided that such expenditures are approved by the General Assembly in the annual appropriations act.  Any unexpended revenue from these sources may be carried forward into the current fiscal year to be expended for the same purposes.
     19.6.      (MUSM: Across-the-Board Cut Exemption)  In the calculation of any across-the-board cut mandated by the Budget and Control Board or General Assembly, the amount of the Museum's rent which the Commission pays to General Services for the retirement of General Revenue Bonds shall be excluded from the Museum's base budget.
     19.7.      (MUSM: School Tour Fee Prohibition)  The Commission may not charge admission fees to groups of children from South Carolina who have made reservations that are touring the museum as part of a school function.
     19.8.      (MUSM: Dining Area Rent)  Of the space currently vacant in the Columbia Mills Building, space large enough for the Museum to have dining space for school-aged children shall be provided to the State Museum at no cost.
     19.9.      (MUSM: Foundation Office Rent)  Appropriate office and administrative space for the South Carolina Museum Foundation Chief Executive Officer and staff may be provided by the Museum Commission without rent reimbursement.
     19.10.      (MUSM: Observatory, Planetarium, Theater Funding)  DELETED
     19.11.      (MUSM: Admissions Tax Exemption)   The State Museum is exempt from remitting Admissions Tax to the Department of Revenue on the admission fees it collects.  An amount equivalent to the tax-five percent of total admissions revenue-shall be earmarked in the museum's budget for the purpose of promoting and marketing the museum.
     19.12.      (MUSM: Flexibility)  The Museum Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Museum Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Museum Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Museum Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Museum Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 20 - L32 - HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

     20.1.      (HFDA: Federal Rental Assistance Administrative Fee Carry Forward)  All federal rental assistance administrative fees shall be carried forward to the current fiscal year for use by the Authority in the administration of the federal programs under contract with the Authority.  No State funds are to be used in the administration of these programs.
     20.2.      (HFDA: Program Expenses Carry Forward)  For the prior fiscal year monies withdrawn from the Authority's various bond-financed trust indentures and resolutions, which monies are deposited with the State Treasurer to pay program expenses, may be carried forward by the Authority into the current fiscal year.

SECTION 21 - P12 - FORESTRY COMMISSION

     21.1.      (FC: Grant Funds Carry Forward)  The S.C. Forestry Commission is authorized to use unexpended federal grant funds in the current year to pay for expenditures incurred in the prior year.
     21.2.      (FC: Retention of Emergency Expenditure Refunds)  The South Carolina Forestry Commission is authorized to retain all funds received as reimbursement of expenditures from other state or federal agencies when personnel and equipment are mobilized due to an emergency.
     21.3.      (FC: Retention of Surplus Funds from Myrtle Beach Trust Land Fund)  To the extent that "trust lands" for the South Carolina Forestry Commission sold at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base produce funds in excess of amounts necessary to replace lands transferred from the Commission to the United States Air Force, $8,278,000 of the excess is appropriated for the following purposes and in the order of priority based on the availability of funding as provided in this paragraph.
           1)      Forestry Inventory  $500,000
           2)      Headquarters Roof  $80,000
           3)      Headquarters HVAC System  $198,000
           4)      Land Acquisition to Support Forestry Commission Strategic Plans Educational Goals  $4,000,000.
           5)      Field Facility Improvements  $1,280,000.
           6)      Containerized Seedlings-Greenhouse Expansion  $100,000.
           7)      Forestry Commission Strategic Plan Implementation  $700,000
           8)      Environmental Education Program - Expansion  $550,000
           9)      Columbia Headquarters Consolidation  $690,000      Any remaining funds must be retained by the development authority to be expended as authorized in Chapter 12, Title 31, the "Federal Defense Facilities Redevelopment Law".  Any funds not expended in the current fiscal year may be carried over to subsequent fiscal years.
     21.4.      (FC: Flexibility)  The Forestry Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Forestry Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Forestry Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Forestry Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Forestry Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 22 - P16 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

     22.1.      (AGRI: Market Bulletin)  The Market Bulletin shall be mailed only to those persons who request it in writing and a record of each request shall be maintained by the Department.  The Department shall biennially purge the subscription list through use of a coupon printed in the Bulletin.  Provided further, that notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Agriculture is authorized to charge a yearly subscription rate of $10.00 to each person requesting the Bulletin and may charge up to $5.00 per classified advertisement printed in the Bulletin.  The funds collected pursuant to this provision shall be retained by the Department to defray the costs of publication and related incidental expenses.
     22.2.      (AGRI: Fruit/Vegetable Inspectors Subsistence)  A daily subsistence allowance of up to $30.00 may be allowed for temporarily employed fruits and vegetables inspectors from funds generated by fruits and vegetables inspection fees and budgeted under Other funds in Program IV Marketing Services, E. Inspection Services, in lieu of reimbursements for meals and lodging expense.
     22.3.      (AGRI: Commodity Boards Expenditures)  Expenditures made for the various Commodity Boards (as budgeted under Other funds in Program IV.C.  Marketing Services: Commodity Boards) are exempt from regulations under the Procurement Act of 1981.
     22.4.      (AGRI: Flexibility)  The Department of Agriculture, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Agriculture is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Agriculture is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Agriculture is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Agriculture is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 23 - P20 - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY - PSA

     23.1.      (CU-PSA: Revenue Credited to General Fund)  All revenues derived from the Regulatory and Public Service Division covered in this section must be remitted to the credit of the General Fund.
     23.2.      (CU-PSA: Pesticide Revenue)  The first $140,000 in revenue from pesticide registration fees must be retained by Regulatory and Public Service Programs to apply to expenses of centralizing its personnel and relocating its laboratories from the Poole Agricultural Center. All revenues collected from pesticide registration fees in excess of $140,000 and up to $50,000 of revenues collected from Structural Pest Control Businesses for Business licensing must be retained by Regulatory and Public Service Programs to carry out provisions of the S.C. Pesticide Control Act as amended and pursuant to regulations related to this Act.
     23.3.      (CU-PSA: Phytosanitary Certificates)  Revenues collected from the issuance of Phytosanitary certificates shall be retained by the Division of Regulatory and Public Service for the purpose of carrying out Phytosanitary inspections.
     23.4.      (CU-PSA: Witness Fee)  The Public Service Activities of Clemson University are hereby authorized to charge a witness fee of $100.00 per hour up to $400.00 per day for each employee testifying as an expert witness in civil matters which do not involve the State as a party in interest.  This fee shall be charged in addition to any court prescribed payment due as compensation or reimbursement for judicial appearances and deposited into a designated revenue account.
     23.5.            (CU-PSA: Nursery/Nursery Dealer Registration Fee)  The Division of Regulatory and Public Service Programs is authorized to retain up to $92,000 of revenue collected from the issuance of Nursery/Nursery Dealer Fees for the purpose of carrying out nursery/nursery dealer inspections.  Revenue collected from this fee above $92,000 shall be deposited into the General Fund.
     23.6.      (CU-PSA: Fee Increase)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning FY 2001-2002, the Division of Regulatory and Public Service is authorized to increase the fertilizer, lime, and soil amendments registration fees; pesticide licensing fees; seed certification fees; and fertilizer inspection fees not to exceed twice the amount of the fee schedules set in FY 2000-2001.  The Division shall retain any revenue above the amount remitted to the General Fund or State Treasurer in FY 2000-2001.
     23.7.      (CU-PSA: Flexibility)  Clemson University-PSA, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, Clemson University-PSA is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  Clemson University-PSA is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Clemson University-PSA is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  Clemson University-PSA is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 23A - P21 - SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY-PSA

     23A.1.      (SCSU-PSA: Flexibility)  South Carolina State University-PSA, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the University's mission, South Carolina State University-PSA is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  South Carolina State University-PSA is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the University.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the University is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the University's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, South Carolina State University-PSA is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  South Carolina State University-PSA is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 24 - P24 - DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

     24.1.      (DNR: County Funds)  Funds belonging to each of the counties of the State, now on hand or hereafter accruing to the counties, shall be expended on approval of a majority of the respective county delegation, including the resident senator or senators, if any.  An annual accounting for all such funds and expenditures shall be furnished by the Department to each member of each county delegation; it being the intent of the General Assembly that the appropriations made in this section are conditioned upon compliance with this requirement.  In addition to the annual accounting required above, the Department shall make a proposal for expenditures of such funds in the succeeding fiscal year in each county to the members of the respective county legislative delegation, including the resident senator or senators, if any; and upon approval thereby shall proceed with the use of such funds in compliance with the finalized and approved plan as approved by each legislative delegation.  If no plan is approved, the expenditure of such funds is to be administered as determined by the various legislative delegations.
     24.2.      (DNR: County Game Funds/Equipment Purchase)  Any equipment purchased by the Department from county game funds on approval of a majority of a county delegation, including the resident senator or senators, if any, shall remain in that county upon the request of a majority of the respective county delegation, including the resident senator or senators, if any, and if sold by the Department, the proceeds of such sale shall be credited to such county game fund.  Expenditures from the County Game Fund and the Water Recreation Resource Fund which have the approval of the county delegation shall be exempt from the provisions of Act 651 of 1978, as amended.
     24.3.      (DNR: Armed Forces Fishing/Hunting License)  Any member of the armed forces of the United States who is a resident of South Carolina stationed outside of the state, shall upon presentation of his official furlough or leave papers, be allowed to fish or hunt without purchasing a fishing or hunting license.
     24.4.      (DNR: Publications Revenue)  For the current fiscal year all revenue generated from the sale of the 'South Carolina Wildlife' magazine, its by-products and other publications, shall be retained by the Department and used to support the production of same in order to allow the magazine to become self-sustaining.
     24.5.      (DNR: Casual Sales Tax Collection) The Department of Natural Resources shall continue to collect the casual sales tax as contained in the contractual agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Department of Natural Resources and the State Treasurer is authorized to reimburse the Department on a quarterly basis for the actual cost of collecting the casual sales tax and such reimbursement shall be paid from revenues generated by the casual sales tax.
     24.6.      (DNR: Temporary Transfer of Conservation Officers)  Without expending additional personal service funds, conservation officers may be temporarily transferred for a period not to exceed six months, to counties requiring additional law enforcement manpower.  When a conservation officer is transferred under the authority of this provision, any county game funds which are expended for the acquisition of supplies and equipment must be expended from the game fund of the county to which the officer is transferred.
     24.7.      (DNR: Proportionate Funding)  Each of South Carolina's 46 Soil and Water Conservation Districts shall receive a proportionate share of funding set aside for Aid to Conservation Districts up to $8,000 per district for general assistance to the district's program.  Available funding above $8,000 for each district will be apportioned by the Department of Natural Resources based upon local needs and priorities as determined by the Board.  No district shall receive any funds under this provision unless the county or counties wherein the district is located shall have appropriated no less than three hundred dollars to the district from county funds for the same purposes.
     24.8.      (DNR: Carry Forward - Contract for Goods & Services)  If any funds accumulated by the Department of Natural Resources Geology Program,  under contract for the provision of goods and services not covered by the Department's appropriated funds, are not expended during the preceding fiscal years, such funds may be carried forward and expended for the costs associated with the provision of such goods and services.
     24.9.      (DNR: Revenue Carry Forward)  The Department may collect, expend and carry forward revenues derived from the sale of goods and services in order to support aerial photography, map services, climatology data and geological services.  The Department shall annually report to the Senate Finance and Ways and Means Committees the amount of revenue generated from the sale of these goods and services.
     24.10.      (DNR: Clothing Allowance)  The Department of Natural Resources is hereby authorized to provide Natural Resource Enforcement Officers on special assignment with an annual clothing allowance (on a prorata basis) not to exceed $600 per officer for required clothing used in the line of duty.
     24.11.      (DNR: Commissioned Officers' Physicals)  The Department is authorized to pay for the cost of physical examinations for department personnel who are required to receive such physical examinations prior to receiving a law enforcement commission.
     24.12.      (DNR: Interest - License Fees)  Interest earned by the State Treasurer on all hunting and fishing license fees collected by the Department of Natural Resources must be credited to and expended by the Department for the protection, promotion, propagation, and management of fish and wildlife, and the enforcement of related laws.
     24.13.      (DNR: Transfer to ECOS)  The Department of Natural Resources is directed to permanently transfer $78,665 and one FTE to the Governor's Office of Executive Control of State, Section 56A.
     24.14.      (DNR: Flexibility)  The Department of Natural Resources, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Natural Resources is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Natural Resources is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Natural Resources is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 25 - P26 - SEA GRANT CONSORTIUM

     25.1.      (SGC: Publications Revenue)  Funds generated by the sale of pamphlets, books, and other printed materials, the production of which has been supported by non-state funding,  may be deposited in a special account by the Consortium and utilized as Other Funds for the purchase of additional pamphlets, books, and other printed materials for distribution to the public.
     25.2.      (SGC: Flexibility)  The Sea Grant Consortium, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Consortium's mission, the Sea Grant Consortium is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Consortium is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Consortium.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Sea Grant Consortium is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Consortium's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Sea Grant Consortium is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Sea Grant Consortium is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 26 - P28 - DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

     26.1.      (PRT: Canadian Day)  The Department when expending the $85,000 appropriation herein contained for a Canadian Promotion shall designate one day of such promotion as "Canadian Day" and notwithstanding any other provision of law, all Canadians shall be allowed admittance to state parks and use of park camping facilities on Canadian Day free of charge.
     26.2.      (PRT: Boyleston House Gift/Souvenir Shop Revenue)  Any monies derived from the Gift/Souvenir Shop at the Boyleston House must be used for the continuing operation of same.
     26.3.      (PRT: Publications Revenue)  The Department is authorized to charge a fee for the cost of vacation guides, research reports, educational conferences, technical planning assistance, technical drawings, and mailing lists.  The fee shall offset the actual cost of producing or providing such items and revenue in an amount necessary to offset actual cost shall be retained in a restricted account.  Any revenue generated above the actual cost shall be remitted to the General Fund of the State.
     26.4.      (PRT: Scholarship Program)  The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to establish a scholarship program with Clemson University, South Carolina State University, Sumter Technical College, Trident Technical College, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Technical College of the Low Country, and other South Carolina institutions of higher education for the purpose of assisting students majoring in park-related fields such as park management, interpretation or conservation relative to potential future employment with the State Parks Division.
     26.5.      (PRT: Adjustments to State Parks Funding)  The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism shall increase camping and other overnight lodging rates ten percent (10%) in all state parks and may establish a per-person entrance fee at all parks not managed to specifically meet the needs of the local community.  The established fee would be two dollars ($2) per person at coastal parks and one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per person at inland parks.  Children age 15 and under would be admitted free.
     26.6.      (PRT: Morris Island Lighthouse) The five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) previously appropriated to the Department for the Morris Island Lighthouse must be carried forward and used for the preservation and restoration of the Morris Island Lighthouse.  If, for any reason, the lighthouse becomes the property of the State, then all funds appropriated for the lighthouse shall be made available to the State agency that assumes the responsibility of maintaining the lighthouse.
     26.7.      (PRT: U.S. Youth Games)  Of the funds provided to the Department, twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) shall be provided to the U.S. Youth Games.
     26.8.      (PRT: Tourism and Promotion)  From the funds appropriated in Program II.A for Regional Promotion Contributions , the Department must distribute seventy five thousand dollars ($75,000) to the Waccamaw Council of Governments.  The Department shall retain fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for tourism related research in the Horry-Georgetown region.
     26.9.      (PRT: Recreation Land Trust Fund)  The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is authorized to retain any funds generated from the sale of state park property and to use these funds for the Recreation Land Trust Fund, which is a state funded grant program for the acquisition of land, land improvements and infrastructure improvements for the purpose of public recreation.
     26.10.      (PRT: Flexibility)  The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 27 - P32 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

     27.1.      (CMRC: Development - Publications Revenue)  The proceeds from the sale of publications may be retained in the agency's printing, binding, and advertising account to offset increased costs.
     27.2.      (CMRC: Development - Enterprise Development Inc. Contract)  The Division of State Development may contract with Enterprise Development, Inc. of South Carolina to provide and perform the following functions:
           1.      State Enterprise Development Strategy to include:
                     a)      Technical/management assistance to emerging businesses;
                     b)      Risk capital development for emerging businesses;
                     c)      Incubator system (emphasis on industry and university-linked incubators) to nurture high growth business ventures;
                     d)      Strategic marketing to emerging businesses;
                     e)      Regional enterprise development coordination.
           2.      Comprehensive approach to technology transfer to include all industries.
           3.      Educational environment for entrepreneurial development.
           4.      Statewide business information center.
     These contractual services may be funded through the transfer of up to $550,000 of budgetary monies from the Division of State Development.  The corporation, as a condition of receiving the contract, must provide in its charter that the Chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, or their designees, are ex-officio members of the corporate board.
     27.3.      (CMRC: Economic Dev. Coordinating Council - SCIP Carry Forward)  From the amount set aside in 12-27-1270, the Council is authorized to use up to $60,000 to continue to contract with the Division of State Development for the development of the South Carolina Infrastructure-Economic Development Planning Project (SCIP) utilizing Geographic Information Systems, GIS and actual operating expenses of the Council's staff operations, as approved by Council.  Any balance on June 30 of the prior fiscal year may be carried forward and expended for the same purposes in the current fiscal year.
     27.4.      (CMRC: Savannah Valley - Carry Forward)  The Division of Savannah Valley Development is hereby authorized to carry forward unexpended funds, regardless of their origin, for the authorized purposes of the Development as specified in its legislation.
     27.5.      (CMRC: Aeronautics - Civil Air Patrol)  The funds appropriated in this section under program VII.T "Civil Air Patrol" shall be expended by the Civil Air Patrol so as to discharge the State's obligations in conjunction with the Civil Air Patrol as outlined in the SARDA Plan, the S. C. Operational Radiological Emergency Response Plan, and assist County and local authorities and other State agencies insofar as permitted by the regulations governing the Civil Air Patrol.  All expenditures for equipment and services shall be in accordance with State fiscal policies.
     27.6.      (CMRC: Aeronautics - Reimbursement for Services Carry Forward)  The Division of Aeronautics may retain and expend reimbursements derived from charges to other government agencies for service and supplies for operating purposes and that a reserve not to exceed $300,000 may be carried forward to the current fiscal year for the replacement of time limit aircraft components.
     27.7.      (CMRC: Aeronautics - Air Force Office Space Rental) Revenue received for rental of office space to the U.S. Air Force may be retained and expended to cover the cost of building operations.
     27.8.      (CMRC: Aeronautics - Cost of Utilities)  The Division of Aeronautics shall not pay for all or any portion of the cost of utilities at any airport or facility except for buildings occupied by the Division of Aeronautics.
     27.9.      (CMRC: Aeronautics - Funding Sequence)  All General Aviation Airports will receive funding prior to the four air carrier airports (i.e. Columbia, Charleston, Greenville-Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach Jetport) as these qualify for special funding under the DOT/FAA appropriations based on enplanements in South Carolina.  This policy may be waived to provide matching State funds for critical FAA safety or capacity projects at air carrier airports.
     27.10.      (CMRC: Aeronautics - Hangar/Parking Facilities)  The Division of Aeronautics will provide hangar/parking facilities for government owned and/or operated aircraft on a first come basis.  The funds collected are to be deposited to the General Fund, up to the amount remitted for FY 2000-2001.  Any additional monies collected shall be retained by the Division for the purpose of hangar and parking facility maintenance.  The Hangar Fee Schedule shall be as follows: determined by the Division and shall not exceed local average market rates.
     Single Engine            -            $  50.00 per month
     Twin Engine            -            $  75.00 per month
     Jet/Turboprop            -            $100.00 per month
     Helicopter                  -            $  75.00 per month
Permanent parking/tie down space will be provided at the rate of $20.00 per month for single engine aircraft, or $30.00 per month for twin engine aircraft.  Personnel from the agencies owning and/or operating aircraft will be responsible for ground movement of their aircraft.
     27.11.      (CMRC: Aeronautics - Airport Development)  Any line item appropriation for airports shall be disbursed for eligible airport development items as approved by the Division.
     27.12.      (CMRC: Aeronautics - Clothing Allowance)  The Division of Aeronautics is hereby authorized to provide pilots with an annual clothing allowance (on a pro rata basis) not to exceed $400 per pilot for required clothing used in the performance of their primary duty.
     27.13.      (CMRC: Contributions Carry Forward)  The Department of Commerce is authorized to carry forward unexpended contributions received from member agencies of the Economic Development Coordinating Council to be used for operating expenses and to offset contributions in the current fiscal year.
     27.14.      (CMRC: Grant Funds Carry Forward)  Any unexpended balance on June 30, of the prior fiscal year, for Matching National Grant Funds, may be carried forward to the current fiscal year and used for matching committed and/or unanticipated grant funds.
     27.15.      (CMRC: Carry Forward Sale of Aircraft Proceeds)  The Department of Commerce may carry forward proceeds from the sale of aircraft to be used for replacement aircraft.
     27.16.      (CMRC: Railroad Commission - Maritime Exchange)  The Railroad Commission may make a grant to the Maritime Association of Charleston in the amount of $100,000 to be used to establish a maritime exchange system.
     27.17.      (CMRC: Charleston Marine Firefighting Program)  The Charleston Marine Firefighting Program shall be appropriated $100,000 through the Department of Commerce for the Charleston County Hazardous Materials Office.
     27.18.      (CMRC: Aviation Grants)  The funds appropriated for Aviation Grants, in this bill or any bill supplemental thereto, shall be credited to the State Aviation Fund within the Division of Aeronautics of the Department of Commerce for the following purposes:
           (1) to allow the maximization of grant funds available through the Federal Aviation Administration for capital improvement projects; this does not include administration or operational projects; and/or
           (2) for maintenance projects of general aviation airports.
     Sponsors of publicly owned airports for public use are eligible to receive grants pursuant to this provision, but the airport must have a current development plan that meets the planning requirements of the National Plan of Integrated Airports Systems.
     The Secretary of Commerce shall promulgate regulations establishing the grants program that, at a minimum, address: (1) priorities among improvements qualifying for grants; (2) an airport selection process to ensure an equitable distribution of funds among eligible airports; and (3) the criteria for distribution of funds among eligible airports.
     Enabling airport sponsors to meet basic Federal Aviation Administration safety guidelines for obstruction clearance must be a major factor in the priority guidelines established by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to this provision.  The Secretary also shall have discretion consistent with Section 55-5-170 to establish a program to grant Aviation Fund dollars for these purposes at the ratio of eighty percent from the fund to twenty percent from the local airport sponsor, or any ratio with a smaller relative contribution from the fund.
     A report on the expenditure of these funds shall be submitted to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     27.19.      (CMRC: Coordinating Council Funds)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, from the amount set aside pursuant to Section 12-28-2910 of the 1976 Code, the Council is authorized to expend funds which were not obligated or committed as of July 1 of the current fiscal year only for the purposes of water/sewer projects, road construction/improvement projects, and for site preparation necessary for the construction or expansion of an industry or business facility.  Site preparation is defined as surveying; environmental and geo-technical study and mitigation; clearing; filling; and grading.
     27.20.      (CMRC: Economic Development Coordinating Council - Administrative Expenses)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Council: (1) may retain up to five percent of the revenue received by the State Rural Infrastructure Fund for the purposes of meeting administrative, reporting, establishment of grant guidelines, review of grant applications, and other statutory obligations; and (2) may increase the application fee for qualification for the Enterprise Zone Program from two thousand to four thousand dollars of which $500 will be shared with the Department of Revenue and establish an annual renewal fee of $500 to be shared equally with the Department of Revenue for the purposes of meeting administrative, data collection, credit analysis, cost-benefit analysis, reporting, and other statutory obligations.
     27.21.      (CMRC: Flexibility)  The Department of Commerce, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Commerce is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Commerce is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Commerce is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Commerce is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 30 - B04 - JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

     30.1.      (JUD: Prohibit County Salary Supplements)  County salary supplements of Judicial Department personnel shall be prohibited.
     30.2.      (JUD: County Offices For Judges)  Every county shall provide for each circuit and family judge residing therein an office with all utilities including a private telephone, and shall provide the same for Supreme Court Justices and Judges of the Court of Appeals upon their request.
     30.3.      (JUD: Commitments to Treatment Facilities)  The appropriation for continued implementation of Article 7, Chapter 17, of Title 44 of the 1976 Code, Chapter 24 of Title 44 of the 1976 Code, and Chapter 52 of Title 44 of the 1976 Code, relating to commitments, admissions and discharges to mental health facilities, or treatment facility for the purpose of alcohol and drug abuse treatment, shall be expended for the compensation of court appointed private examiners, guardians ad litem, and attorneys for proposed patients, and related costs arising from the filing, service and copying of legal papers and the transcription of hearings or testimony.  Court appointed private examiners, guardians ad litem and attorneys shall be paid at such rates or schedules as are jointly determined to be reasonable by the South Carolina Association of Probate Judges, the State Court Administrator and the South Carolina Department of Mental Health with the approval of the Attorney General.  The Judicial Department shall notify the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways & Means Committee of any fee adjustment or change in schedule before implementation.
     30.4.      (JUD: Judicial Commitment)  Except as otherwise provided in Section 72.6, no money appropriated pursuant to Item VI, Judicial Commitment shall be used to compensate any state employees appointed by the court as examiners, guardians ad litem or attorneys nor shall such funds be used in payment to any State agency for providing such services by their employees.
     30.5.      (JUD: Judicial Expense Allowance)  Each Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Family Court Judge and Circuit Court Judge and any retired judge who receives payment for performing full-time judicial duties pursuant to Section 9-8-120 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, shall receive five hundred dollars per month as expense allowance.
     30.6.      (JUD: Special Judge Compensation)  In the payment of funds from "Contractual Services," and "Administrative Fund," that no Special Judge shall be paid for more than a two week term within a fiscal year except that this restriction will not apply in case of an ongoing trial.
     30.7.      (JUD: Advance Sheet Revenues Deposit)  The Judicial Department must deposit in the General Fund of the State during the current fiscal year, all advance sheet revenues, including any carried forward balance from prior years.
     30.8.      (JUD: BPI/Merit)  Judicial employees shall receive base and average merit pay in the same percentages as such pay are granted to classified state employees.
     30.9.      (JUD: Supreme Court Bar Admissions Carry Forward)  Any funds collected or carried forward from Supreme Court Bar Admissions in excess of the amount required to be remitted to the General Fund may be carried forward and expended in the current fiscal year for the benefit of the Bar Admissions unit.
     30.10.      (JUD: Travel Reimbursement)  State employees of the Judicial Department traveling on official state business must be reimbursed in accordance with Section 72.36(J) of this Act.
     30.11.      (JUD: Judges' Salaries)  To provide for 3% salary increases, $490,626 is appropriated for the Judges of the Court of Appeals, the Circuit Court and the Family Court.
     30.12.      (JUD: Interpreters)  The funds appropriated in this Section for "Interpreters" shall be used to offset costs associated with interpreters appointed in judicial proceedings under Sections 17-1-50, 15-27-155, and 15-27-15.  The selection, use, and reimbursement of interpreters shall be determined under such guidelines as may be established by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, provided that interpretive services for hearing impaired persons shall be obtained through contract with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind.  The Judicial Department shall reimburse the School for Deaf and the Blind for actual costs associated with the provision of deaf interpreters under such terms and conditions as are required by State law and regulation.
     30.13.      (JUD: Information Technology Carry Forward)  Unexpended funds previously appropriated to the Judicial Department from the Capital Reserve Fund may be carried forward and expended for review and development of Judicial Department information technology.
     30.14.      (JUD: Pilot Drug Treatment Court Program)  DELETED
     30.15.      (JUD: Reimbursement Receipt Deposit)  Amounts received as payment for reproducing, printing, and distributing copies of court rules and other Department documents shall be retained for use by the Department.
     30.16.      (JUD: Surplus Property Disposal)  Technology equipment that has been declared surplus may be donated directly to counties for use in court-related activities.
     30.17.      (JUD: Other Operating Funds Transfer)  Of the Other Operating funds appropriated to the Judicial Department, $13,940 shall be used by the Department for information technology purposes; $7,500 shall be transferred to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission for operating expenses of the Commission; $164,250 shall be transferred to the Prosecution Coordination Commission for operating expenses of the Commission; and $164,250 shall be transferred to the Office of Indigent Defense for operating expenses of the Office.
     30.18.      (JUD: Flexibility)  The Judicial Department, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Judicial Department is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Judicial Department is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Judicial Department is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Judicial Department is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 31 - B06 - SENTENCING GUIDELINES COMMISSION

     31.1.      (SGC: Flexibility)  The Sentencing Guidelines Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Sentencing Guidelines Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Sentencing Guidelines Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Sentencing Guidelines Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Sentencing Guidelines Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 32 - E20 - ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE

     32.1.      (AG: Collection of Debts, Claims or Obligations)  The Attorney General is hereby authorized to contract for the collection of debts, claims or obligations due to the State, or any of its departments or institutions.
     32.2.      (AG: Hiring of Attorneys)  No department or agency of the State Government shall hire any classified or temporary attorney as an employee except upon the written approval of the Attorney General and at a compensation approved by him.  All such attorneys shall at all times be under the supervision and control of the Attorney General except as otherwise provided by law unless obtaining prior approval by the Budget and Control Board.
     32.3.      (AG: Engage Attorney on Fee Basis)  No department or agency of the State Government shall engage on a fee basis any attorney at law except upon the written approval of the Attorney General and upon such fee as shall be approved by him.  This shall not apply to the employment of attorneys in special cases in inferior courts where the fee to be paid does not exceed two hundred fifty ($250.00) dollars or exceptions approved by the Budget and Control Board.
     32.4.      (AG: State Grand Jurors Subsistence)  Jurors of the state grand jury shall receive daily subsistence expense equal to the maximum allowable by regulation of the Internal Revenue Code for the Columbia area when summoned or serving and be paid the same per diem and mileage as are members of state boards, commissions, and committees.
     32.5.      (AG: Litigation Expense)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Office of the Attorney General may obtain reimbursement for its costs in representing the State in criminal proceedings and in representing the State and its officers and agencies in civil and administrative proceedings.  These costs may include, but are not limited to, travel expenditures, depositions, printing, transcripts, and personnel costs.  Reimbursement of these costs may be obtained by the Office of the Attorney General from the budget of an agency or officer that it is representing or from funds generally appropriated for legal expenses with the approval of the Budget and Control Board.
     32.6.      (AG: Elder and Vulnerable Adults Abuse Reports)  The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Adult Protection Services Program shall forward to the Attorney General's Office reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elders or vulnerable adults as defined pursuant to the Omnibus Adult Protection Act.  The Attorney General and these investigative entities shall enter into memoranda of understanding to determine which reports shall be sent to the Attorney General's Office, the time frame to be met and any other process needed to meet the requirements of this proviso.
     32.7.      (AG: Sexually Violent Predator Act Filing Fees)  The State of South Carolina, or a person or entity acting on behalf of the State of South Carolina, is not required to pay filing fees in proceedings brought under Chapter 48 of Title 44, the Sexually Violent Predator Act.
     32.8.      (AG: Complex Criminal Litigation-Palmetto Exile Prosecutions)  Notwithstanding the maximum amount allowed in the Complex Criminal Litigation Fund pursuant to Sections 14-1-206, 14-1-207, and 14-1-208 of the 1976 Code, for the current fiscal year an additional $77,500 may be retained in the fund and used by the Attorney General for the expenses of prosecutions under the Palmetto Exile Project, and such prosecutions are deemed complex criminal litigation for purposes of determining the uses to which the revenue of the fund may be applied.
     32.9.      (AG: Flexibility)  The Attorney General's Office, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the Attorney General's Office is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Attorney General's Office is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Attorney General's Office is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Attorney General's Office is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 33 - E21 - PROSECUTION COORDINATION COMMISSION

     33.1.      (PCC: Solicitor Salary)  The amount appropriated in this section for salaries of Solicitors shall be paid to each full-time Solicitor.
     33.2.      (PCC: Solicitor Expense Allowance)  Each solicitor shall receive five hundred dollars ($500.00) per month as expense allowance.
     33.3.      (PCC: Judicial Circuits State Support)  The amount appropriated and authorized in this section for Judicial Circuits (16) State Support may, upon approval of the Commission, be used to fund necessary administrative and personnel costs of the Commission and other expenditures approved by the Commission, not to exceed 5% of the appropriation, and the balance thereafter remaining shall be apportioned among the circuits on a per capita basis and based upon the official census of 1990.  Payment shall be made as soon after the beginning of the first and third quarter as practical.  Of the amount appropriated and authorized in this section, $175,000 must be used to fund a pilot program for Community Advocacy and $53,528 must be used for a State Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator.
     33.4.      (PCC: Solicitor Carry Forward)  Any unexpended balance on June 30, of the prior fiscal year, may be carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the operation of the Solicitor's office relating to operational expenses.
     33.5.      (PCC: Solicitor's Office - County Funding Level)  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the amounts appropriated for solicitors' offices shall be in addition to any amounts presently being provided by the county for these services and may not be used to supplant funding already allocated for such services without any additional charges.
     33.6.      (PCC: Serious Offenses Funding)  It is the intent of the General Assembly that more than 50% of the funds for Judicial Circuits-State Support which exceeds the amount appropriated by the General Assembly in FY 1995-96, must be utilized for the expeditious disposition of "most serious offenses" and "serious offenses" as defined by S.C. Code Section 17-25-45.
     33.7.      (PCC: Indigent Defense Transfer)  Of the Other Operating funds appropriated to the Prosecution Coordination Commission, $24,000 shall be transferred to the Office of Indigent Defense for operating expenses of the Office.
     33.8.      (PCC: Flexibility)  The Prosecution Coordination Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Prosecution Coordination Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Prosecution Coordination Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Prosecution Coordination Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Prosecution Coordination Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 34 - E22 - OFFICE OF APPELLATE DEFENSE

     34.1.      (OAD: Flexibility)  The Office of Appellate Defense, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the Office of Appellate Defense is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Office of Appellate Defense is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Office of Appellate Defense is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Office of Appellate Defense is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 35 - E23 - COMMISSION ON INDIGENT DEFENSE

     35.1.      (INDEF: Defense of Indigents Formula)  The amount appropriated in this section for "Defense of Indigents" shall be apportioned among counties in accord with Section 17-3-70, 1976 Code, but on a per capita basis and based upon the official United States Census for 1990.  The level of contribution of each county as of July 1, 1992, must be maintained.  No county shall be permitted to contribute less money than the amount the county contributed as of July 1, 1992.  Within the amount of money established for indigent defense services, the State shall set aside $2,750,000 (Death Penalty Trial Fund) annually exclusively for use of the defense in capital cases pursuant to Section 16-3-26 of the 1976 Code, and for the expenses of the operation of the Commission on Indigent Defense.  The State also shall set aside $1,500,000 annually to pay fees and expenses of private counsel appointed in non-capital cases pursuant to Section 17-3-50 (Conflict Fund).  Of the funds generated from the fees imposed under Sections 14-1-206(C)(4), 14-1-207(C)(6) and 14-1-208(C)(6) and the application fee provided in Section 17-3-30(B), on a monthly basis, 50% must be deposited into the Death Penalty Trial Fund, 15% must be deposited into the Conflict Fund until each of these funds has received the required level of deposit, and the remaining funds each month must be apportioned among the counties' public defender offices pursuant to Section 17-3-70.  When either the Death Penalty Trial Fund or the Conflict Fund has been fully funded, the monthly revenue being set aside for that fund will be directed to the other fund until it is completely funded.  Upon complete funding of both the Death Penalty Trial Fund and the Conflict Fund, all revenue collected pursuant to Sections 14-1-206(C)(4), 14-1-207(C)(6), 14-1-208(C)(6), and 17-3-30(B) must be apportioned among the counties' public defender offices pursuant to Section 17-3-70.  At the end of each fiscal year, any funds remaining in the Conflict Fund shall be treated as provided in Section 17-3-330(B).  At the end of each fiscal year any leftover funds shall carryover to the next fiscal year.  All applications for the payment of fees and expenses in capital cases shall be applied for from the Death Penalty Trial Fund which shall be administered by the Commission on Indigent Defense.  All applications for the payment of fees and expenses of private counsel or expenses of public defenders pursuant to Section 17-3-50 shall be applied for from the Conflict Fund administered by the Office of Indigent Defense.
     35.2.      (INDEF: State Employee Compensation Prohibited)  Except as otherwise provided in Section 72.6, no money appropriated pursuant to Defense of Indigents shall be used to compensate any state employees appointed by the court as examiners, guardians ad litem or attorneys nor shall such funds be used in payment to any State agency for providing such services by their employees.
     35.3.      (INDEF: Appellate Conflict Fund)  The purpose of this fund is to provide money to pay attorneys for representing indigent defendants on appellate review when the Office of Appellate Defense is unable to do so.  Funds designated for appellate use in conflict cases shall be administered by the Office of Indigent Defense.  The Office of Appellate Defense must first determine that it is unable to provide representation.  Funds appropriated shall be divided into 12 equal amounts, no more than one part (or 1/12 of the total) of which may be paid out in any one month period except as designated below, provided, however, that funds designated for a particular month's payments which are unused in that month may be carried forward into the next month and paid out in that month along with that month's funds.  First priority for payment is to use these funds to pay attorneys fees in capital appeals and in capital Post Conviction Relief cases.  These cases will be paid first during any one month, and if insufficient funds are available to competently satisfy any obligation payable during that month, funds may be advanced from the following month or months, to pay capital appeal fees.  Once capital appeals are paid, remaining funds designated for that month may be used to pay non-capital appeals.  Fees shall be $40 per hour for out of court work and $60 for in court work, with a maximum of $3,500 per case for non-capital appeals.  Fees shall be $50 per hour for out of court work and $75 per hour for in court work in capital appeals with a maximum of $10,000 per capital appeal.  The appropriate appellate court shall review and approve vouchers for payment for appellate conflict cases.  The Office of Appellate Defense shall continue to provide printing and other support functions currently provided from their resources.  On June 30 of each year, the Office of Indigent Defense shall review all outstanding obligations in this fund.  Any unspent and unobligated money shall be used to pay outstanding vouchers in the Death Penalty Trial Fund or the Conflict Fund, provided the designated fund has become exhausted during the year.
     35.4.      (INDEF: Post Conviction Relief Payments)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the court shall order payment of all fees and costs in non capital Post Conviction Relief cases from funds appropriated to the Office of Indigent Defense for the defense of indigents in non capital Post Conviction Relief cases. Any attorney appointed shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed forty dollars per hour for time expended out of court and sixty dollars per hour for time expended in court. In court payments shall be made only for the time actually spent before the court. Compensation and costs shall not exceed one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars in any single case and shall be paid from funds appropriated to the Office of Indigent Defense for the defense of indigents represented by court-appointed, private counsel, in non capital Post Conviction Relief cases.  The Commission on Indigent Defense must conduct a study to determine if competent, effective representation could more economically be obtained by contracting with private attorneys to perform representation in these cases or if a special unit located within the Commission on Indigent Defense would be more effective.  The Commission on Indigent Defense must make a report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee of the study.
     35.5.      (INDEF: Civil Court Appointments) The funds appropriated under "Civil Court Appointments" shall be used for Civil Court Appointments including Termination of Parental Rights, Abuse and Neglect, Probate Court Commitments, Sexually Violent Predator Act, and Post Conviction Relief (PCR) to reimburse court appointed private attorneys.
     A portion of the funds appropriated under "Civil Court Appointments" shall be used for "Termination of Parental Rights" cases and "Abuse and Neglect" cases  to reimburse private attorneys who are appointed by the Family Court to represent guardians ad litem, children, or parents under the provisions of S.C. Code Sections 20-7-110 et seq., 20-7-1570 et seq., 20-7-1695 (A)(2) et seq., 20-7-600 et seq. and 20-7-8705 (4)(a) et seq.  When private counsel is appointed pursuant to these provisions, counsel shall be reimbursed a reasonable fee to be determined on the basis of forty dollars per hour.  Reimbursement shall not exceed one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars for any case under which such private attorney is appointed.  Reimbursement in excess of the hourly rate and limit set forth herein is authorized only if the court certifies, in a written order with specific findings of fact, that reimbursement in excess of the rates or limit is necessary to provide reimbursement adequate to ensure effective assistance of counsel and reimbursement in excess of the limit is appropriate because the services provided were reasonably and necessarily incurred.  Payments shall be made from funds appropriated for this purpose from the Commission of Indigent Defense.
     A portion of the funds appropriated under "Civil Court Appointments" shall be used for "Probate Court Commitment" cases to reimburse private attorneys who are appointed by the Probate Court to represent indigent persons.  When private counsel is appointed pursuant to these provisions, counsel shall be reimbursed a reasonable fee to be determined on the basis of forty dollars per hour.
     A portion of the funds appropriated under "Civil Court Appointments" shall be used for "Sexual Violent Predator" cases to reimburse private attorneys who are appointed by the Circuit Court pursuant to Sections 44-48-10, et seq, to represent indigent persons and for the fees of necessary expert witnesses.  When private counsel is appointed pursuant to these provisions, counsel shall be reimbursed a reasonable fee to be determined on the basis of forty dollars per hour.  Payment shall be made from funds appropriated for this purpose from the Commission of Indigent Defense.
     If on June 30 of each year the Commission on Indigent Defense determines that the funds appropriated for Civil Court Appointments have not been exhausted but that other funds administered by the Commission on Indigent Defense are exhausted, the Commission may transfer available funds to the exhausted fund(s) and pay any outstanding vouchers to the extent possible.
     35.6.      (INDEF: Guardian Ad Litem Appointments)  The Commission on Indigent Defense working with the Guardian ad Litem's Office of the Division of Children's Services, may allocate a portion of the funds provided for Civil Court Appointments for payments to individual Guardian ad Litem programs.  The Commission shall take into consideration case loads, populations, needs, etc., of the individual offices, to determine an amount needed to provide effective representation of the children concerned.  In determining if any amount should be allocated, the Commission must take into account the total funds appropriated and weigh this sum against the other demands and obligations of the Civil Appointments Fund.  The Commission on Indigent Defense shall report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee any payments to individual Guardian ad Litem programs from funds provided from the Civil Appointment Fund.
     35.7.      (INDEF: Realign Budget)  In consultation with the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, the Commission on Indigent Defense is authorized to realign its Fiscal Year 2000-2001 appropriations into a revised structure to reflect actual program operations.
     35.8.      (INDEF: Appellate Transcript Fund)  In the event that the funds allocated for the Appellate Transcript Fund are insufficient to honor the obligations against that fund, the Commission on Indigent Defense must pay these obligations from the Death Penalty Trial Fund to the extent possible.  On June 30 of each fiscal year, the Commission shall examine the number of claims remaining outstanding against the Fund, and shall transfer any surplus funds remaining into the Death Penalty Trial Fund.
     35.9.      (INDEF: County Contributions)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the Fiscal Year 2001-2002, no county shall reduce its contribution to the local Defender Corporation below the amount provided for such organization on July 1, 2001.
     35.10.      (INDEF: Flexibility)  The Commission on Indigent Defense, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Commission on Indigent Defense is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Commission on Indigent Defense is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Commission on Indigent Defense is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Commission on Indigent Defense is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 36 - K05 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

     36.1.      (DPS: Special Events Traffic Control) The Highway Patrol must not charge any fee associated with special events for maintaining traffic control and ensuring safety on South Carolina public roads and highways unless approved by the General Assembly.  Nothing shall prohibit the Treasury of the State from accepting voluntary payment of fees from private or public entities to defray the actual expenses incurred for services provided by the Department of Public Safety.
     36.2.      (DPS: Miscellaneous Revenue)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, revenue received from the sale of meals to employees, sale of student locks and materials, sale of legal manuals and other publications, postal reimbursement, third party Commercial Driver License testing, photo copying, sale of miscellaneous refuse and recyclable materials, tuition from military breathalyzer courses, coin operated telephones, revenue from E-911 and Coroner training, revenue from psychological screening, private college tuition, and revenue from canteen operations and building management services, revenue from regional and national marketing of the "Crime-to-Court" and other Department of Public Safety and E.T.V. series shall be retained by the Department and expended in budgeted operations for food services, expansion of the Department's E.T.V. program, professional training, fees and dues, clothing allowance and other related services or programs as the Director of the Department of Public Safety may deem necessary.
     The Department of Public Safety shall report annually to the General Assembly the amount of miscellaneous revenue retained and carried forward.
     36.3.      (DPS: Federal, Other Flow Through Funds)  In order to complete projects begun in a prior fiscal year, the Department of Public Safety is authorized to expend Federal and Earmarked Funds in the current fiscal year for expenditures incurred in the prior fiscal year.
     36.4.      (DPS: Publish County DMV Local Telephone Number)  From the funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 36 to the Department of Public Safety, it is the intent of the General Assembly that the Division of Motor Vehicles in each county should have a local telephone number that is published.
     36.5.      (DPS: Cost Recovery Fee/Sale of Photos or Digitized Images)  The Department of Public Safety may collect processing fees and fees to recover the costs of the production, purchase, handling and mailing of documents, publications, records and data sets.  The amount charged by the Department of Public Safety for any fees collected pursuant to this proviso may not exceed the rates that the Department charged as of February 1, 2001.  The Department of Public Safety may not sell, provide or otherwise furnish to private parties, copies of photographs, whether digitized or not, taken for the purpose of a driver's license or personal identification card.  Photographs and digitized images from a driver's license or personal identification card are not considered public records.  Funds derived from these sources shall be retained by the Department.
     36.6.      (DPS: License Fees)  Notwithstanding any provision of Title 56 of the 1976 Code relating to the disposition of revenues, all revenues derived under Title 56 credited to the Department of Public Safety must be credited to the General Fund of the state, except for those fees collected to recover the costs of the production, purchase, handling and mailing of documents, publications, records and data sets, those fees collected under Sections 56-5-2951 and 56-1-286 for supplying and maintaining video cameras in law enforcement vehicles used for traffic enforcement and the issuance of the alcohol restricted license and such funds shall be retained by the agency.
     36.7.      (DPS: Motor Carrier Registration Fees)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, administration and enforcement of Articles 3 and 5, of Chapter 23 of Title 58, shall be funded from the motor carrier registration fees collected by the Department that previously were collected by the Public Service Commission.  Additionally, the Department is authorized to expend the motor carrier registration fees to build or renovate weigh stations.  All unexpended funds from prior years collected under this proviso may be retained and carried forward by the Department for the same purposes.
     36.8.      (DPS: Witness Fee)  The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to charge a witness fee of $100.00 per hour, up to $400.00 per day for each Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) member testifying in civil matters which do not involve the State as a party in interest.  This fee shall be charged in addition to any court prescribed payment due as compensation or reimbursement for judicial appearances and deposited into a designated revenue account.
     36.9.      (DPS: Commissioned Officers' Physicals)  The Department is authorized to pay for the cost of physical examinations for department personnel who are required to receive such physical examinations prior to or after receiving a law enforcement commission.
     36.10.      (DPS: Sale of License Information)  Pursuant to Chapter 3, Title 56, Article 4 of the 1976 Code, the Department of Public Safety shall use revenues generated from the sale of certain information relating to motor vehicle records to fund computer needs and modernization/improvement of the Division of Motor Vehicles.
         36.11.      (DPS: Transfer Funds-Computer Needs)  The Department of Public Safety may transfer $8,000,000 from earmarked fund accounts, excluding the CJA Fund account, to fund the computer needs of the Department.
     36.12.      (DPS: Prohibit Sale of Social Security Numbers)  The Department of Public Safety may not sell, provide or otherwise furnish social security numbers in its records to private parties.
     36.13.      (DPS: Implementation of Project Phoenix)  The Department of Public Safety has the authority to validate, modify and reformat DMV files as necessary to fully implement Project Phoenix.  The Department may waive any penalties inadvertently assessed as a result of this effort.
     36.14.      (DPS: Retention of Emergency Expenditure Refunds)  The Department of Public Safety is authorized to collect, expend, retain and carry forward all funds received from other state or federal agencies in the current fiscal year as reimbursement of expenditures incurred in the current or prior fiscal year when personnel and equipment are mobilized and expenses incurred due to an emergency.
     36.15.      (DPS: Retention of Private Detective Fees)  The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to receive, expend, retain and carry forward all funds transmitted from SLED.  These funds charged and collected by SLED are additional license and registration fees for private detective businesses, private security businesses, including employees of these businesses, and companies which provide private security on their own premises and are transmitted to the Department of Public Safety by SLED for the purpose of providing additional security in the Capitol Complex area.
     36.16.      (DPS: Expedited Documents and Records Upon Request)  The Department of Public Safety may collect a fee, not to exceed $20 per document, to expedite documents and records upon request.  The documents or records will be available within 72 hours of receipt of the request.  Funds derived from these sources shall be retained by the Department for use in the Division of Motor Vehicles.
     36.17.      (DPS: Meals in Emergency Operations)  The Department of Public Safety may provide meals to employees of the Department who are not permitted to leave assigned duty stations and are required to work during deployment, emergency simulation exercises and when the Governor declares a state of emergency.
     36.18.      (DPS: Transfer to ECOS)  The Department of Public Safety is directed to permanently transfer $103,880 and one FTE to the Governor's Office of Executive Control of State, Section 56A.
     36.19.      (DPS: Flexibility)  The Department of Public Safety, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Public Safety is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Public Safety is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Public Safety is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Public Safety is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 37 - N04 - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

     37.1.      (CORR: Clothes/Transportation Upon Discharge)  Whenever an inmate shall be discharged from the Department of Corrections, the State Board of Corrections thereof shall furnish such inmate with a suit of common clothes, if deemed necessary, and transportation from the Department of Corrections to his home, if his home be within this State, or to the County from which he was sentenced if his home be without this State.
     37.2.      (CORR: Farm Program)  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the proceeds from the sale of all excess agricultural products produced by the Farm Program of the South Carolina Department of Corrections shall be retained by that agency to be utilized in the expansion and modernization of the program.
     37.3.      (CORR: Sale of Products)  In addition to sales currently authorized by statute, all articles or products produced by the Department of Corrections may be sold on the open market; those articles or products not provided for by statute, are sold and distributed through wholesalers and jobbers within this State.
     37.4.      (CORR: Habilitation Unit for Developmentally Disabled)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the excess revenue generated by the Adult Work Activity Center be returned to the Department of Corrections to be utilized in the expansion and modernization of the Habilitation Unit for the Developmentally Disabled.
     37.5.      (CORR: Canteen Operations)  Revenue derived wholly from the Canteen operations within the Department of Corrections on behalf of the inmate population, may be retained and expended by the Department for the continuation of the operation of said Canteens and the welfare of the inmate population.  The Canteen operation is to be treated as an enterprise fund within the Department of Corrections and is not to be subsidized by State Appropriated Funds.
     37.6.      (CORR: Contract for Services)  Upon initiation by the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and upon prior approval by the Budget and Control Board, the Department of Corrections may contract for any and all services, but such services must (1) demonstrate reasonably comparable, cost-effectiveness to traditional methods of construction, (2) result in long-term operational cost-savings, (3) result in the provision of a new facility of sufficient bed, program, and support space more expeditiously than traditional methods, and (4) be subject to the year-to-year appropriation process of the General Assembly and state procurement procedures.
     37.7.      (CORR: Contract Performance Funded Literacy Instruction)  Of funds appropriated for the Palmetto Unified School District Contractual Services, $75,000 must be used for contracting with private sector education providers for performance-funded literacy instruction.  Contractors would be paid only for student progress on quantifiable performance measurements.
     37.8.      (CORR: E.H. Cooper Trust Fund)  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Commissioner Director of the Department of Corrections, at his discretion, may utilize interest generated is authorized to expend monies from the fund created by interest which accrued to the E.H. Cooper Trust Fund and was retained by the Department of Corrections in prior years.  The Commissioner Director may use these funds for special projects benefiting the general welfare of all inmates in the custody of the Board Department of Corrections.
     37.9.      (CORR: Instructional Salaries)  The certified instructional personnel of the Department of Corrections shall receive a percentage increase in their annual salary for the current fiscal year equal to the percentage allocated to the instructional personnel throughout the State.
     37.10.      (CORR: Funding Through State Criminal Assistance Program)  All funds received by the State from the United States Department of Justice, State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, for care and custody of illegal aliens housed in the state correctional facilities shall be retained by the South Carolina Department of Corrections to offset incurred expenses.
     37.11.      (CORR: Surplus Farm Produce)  The Department of Corrections shall be authorized to sell surplus farm produce, with any funds generated to be utilized by the Department to offset costs of the farming operation.
     37.12.      (CORR: Remedial Education Funding)  A criminal offender committed to the custody of the Department of Corrections, who has been evaluated to function at less than an eighth grade educational level, or less than the equivalent of an eighth grade educational level, may be required by Department officials to enroll and actively participate in academic education programs.  Funds appropriated to the Department of Corrections for educational programs shall be prioritized to assure such remedial services are provided.
     37.13.      (CORR: Tire Retreading Program Restriction)  The tire retreading program at the Lieber Correctional Institution shall be limited to the marketing and sale of retreads to state governmental entities.
     37.14.      (CORR: Site Selection)  In determining the site for the construction of new correctional facilities in the state, the Department of Corrections shall give more weight to factors such as preference to locating such facility in a county based upon the factors of: economically depressed areas; and areas with high unemployment rates; county population as of July 1, 1998, of 16,500 or less; county land area of 395 square miles or less; county resident population of 41.9 per square mile as of July 1, 1998; county whose County Council and other local governing entities have endorsed the location of such a facility within that County; county which has a 1999 Median Family Income of $29,700 or less; and county which does not have an existing state or federal correctional facility.  The consideration of these factors shall be done in conjunction with the General Assembly and the Department of Commerce.  Any such neglect to consider these factors in the prescribed way will result in beginning the site selection process for the new facility again.
     37.15.      (CORR: Social Security Administration Funding)  All funds received by the S.C. Department of Corrections from the Social Security Administration under Section 1611 (e)(1)(I) of the Social Security Act, which provides payment for information regarding incarcerated Social Security Insurance recipients, shall be retained by the S.C. Department of Corrections and credited to the E.H. Cooper Trust Fund for the care and custody of inmates housed in the state correctional facilities.
     37.16.      (CORR: Reward for Information)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Director of the Department of Corrections may award up to five hundred dollars ($500) for information leading to the capture of each escaped convict.  Funds to support such awards shall be generated from monies or things of value used as money found in the unlawful possession of a prisoner and confiscated as contraband by the Department of Corrections.
     37.17.      (CORR: Pre-Release Programs)  The Department of Corrections shall study the current pre-release programs offered by the Department to develop and implement a plan to improve the pre-release programs.  The Department shall consider public and private sector programs when developing the plan.  The agency shall use up to $150,000 of carry forward funds to implement the plan.  A progress report shall be submitted to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee by December 31, 2000.
     37.18.      (CORR: Sale of Timber)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law the Department of Corrections is hereby authorized to sell mature trees and other timber suitable for commercial purposes from lands owned by the Department of Corrections.  Prior to such sales, the Director shall consult with the state Forester to determine the economic and environmental feasibility of and obtain approval for such sales.  Funds derived from timber sales shall be utilized by the Department of Corrections to maintain and expand the agricultural program, subject to the approval of the Budget and Control Board.
     37.19.      (CORR: Television)  The department shall not expend appropriated funds for cable-television, satellite television, or similar multi-channel television systems in any correctional institution except for use in educational or instructional programs.
     37.20.      (CORR: Ban on Speculative Construction)  An individual, corporation, partnership, association, or other private organization or entity may not construct a private correctional facility in the state unless authorized by the Department of Corrections.  An individual, corporation, partnership, association, or other private organization or entity may not own a private correctional facility in the state.
     37.21.      (CORR: Delete One FTE)  The Department of Corrections is directed to permanently delete one FTE assigned to the Governor's Office of Executive Control of State.
     37.22.      (CORR: Medical Expenses)  The Department of Corrections shall be authorized to charge inmates a nominal fee for any medical treatment or consultation provided at the request of or initiated by the inmate.  Inmates shall not be charged for psychological or mental health visits.
     37.23.      (CORR: Teacher Salaries)  Any teacher employed by the Palmetto Unified School District on or after July 1, 2001, shall not be entitled to salary supplement based upon the average school supplement pay scales.  Salary supplements may be provided at the discretion of the Director of the Department of Corrections based upon available funding.
     37.24.      (CORR: Purchase of Prison Industry Goods)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the sale price of prison industry produced goods to the Department of Corrections shall be computed based upon the costs of material and inmate labor only.
     37.25.      (CORR: Prison Industry Funds)  The Director of the Department of Corrections, at his discretion, is hereby authorized to utilize prison industry funds for projects or services benefiting the general welfare of the inmate population.
     37.26.      (CORR: Sale of Horticultural Products)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the proceeds from the sale of horticultural products by the Department of Corrections shall be retained by the agency to fund services benefiting the general welfare of all inmates.
     37.27.      (CORR: Victim Assistance Wage Deductions)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, of monies generated by inmates engaged in work at paid employment in the community, the Director of the Department of Corrections shall deduct the following from the gross wages of the prisoner:
           a)       ten percent must be placed on deposit with the State Treasurer for credit to a special account to support victim assistance programs established pursuant to the "Victims of Crime Act of 1984," Public Law 98-473, Title II, Chapter XIV, Section 1404; and
           b)       ten percent must be retained by the Department to support services provided by the Department to victims of the incarcerated population.
     Such deductions shall apply only if restitution to a particular victim or victims has not been ordered by the court or if court-ordered restitution to a particular victim or victims has been satisfied.  Otherwise restitution must be satisfied before any deductions for victim assistance programs are incurred.
     37.28.      (CORR: Reimbursements for Expenditures)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Department of Corrections may retain for general operating purposes any reimbursement of funds for expenditure expenses incurred in any previous year but not received prior to the closure of current fiscal year records.
     37.29.      (CORR: Sale of Real Property)  Funds generated from the sale of real property owned by the Department of Corrections shall be retained by the Department to offset renovation and maintenance capital expenditures.
     37.30.      (CORR: Flexibility)  The Department of Corrections, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Corrections is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Corrections is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Corrections is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Corrections is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 38 - N08 - DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE AND PARDON SERVICES

     38.1.      (DPPP: Hearing Fee)  The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall receive a hearing fee under a plan approved by the Budget and Control Board.
     38.2.      (DPPP: Electronic Monitoring Fee Assessment)  Every person placed on electronic monitoring shall be assessed a fee to be determined by the Department in accordance with SC Code Section24-21-80, so long as he remains in the electronic monitoring program.  The payment of the fee must be a condition of supervision of any program administered by the Department and a delinquency of two months or more in making payments may operate as a revocation.  All fees generated by this assessment shall be retained by the department to support the electronic monitoring program and carried forward for the same purpose.
     38.3.      (DPPP: Alston Wilkes Society)  The Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services shall contract with any willing competitive provider, which may include but is not limited to the Alston Wilkes Society in the amount of $150,000 to provide temporary housing for offenders serving the conditions of supervision.  The Department shall provide $100,000 in additional funds to the Alston Wilkes Society for facility maintenance and support.
     38.4.      (DPPP: DACOR Administrative Fee)  The Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services is authorized to retain and expend collection fees authorized in Section 24-21-490(B) of the 1976 S.C. Code of Laws for the purpose of collecting and distributing restitution.  All unexpended funds at year end may be retained and carried forward by the Department to be used for the same purpose.
     38.5.      (DPPP: Duty Clothing)  The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services is authorized to issue duty clothing for the use of Department employees.
     38.6.      (DPPP: Law Enforcement Retiree Weapons)  DELETED
     38.7.      (DPPP: Meals in Emergency Operations)  Meals may be provided to state employees who are not permitted to leave duty stations and are required to work during deployments, actual emergencies, emergency simulation exercises and when the Governor declares a state of emergency.
     38.8.      (DPPP: Offender-Related Record Information)  The Department is authorized to collect a fee for providing offender-related record information and for providing responses to freedom of information requests.  The fee will be based on the staff time required to compile the information and the costs of supplies, photocopying and postage.  The Department must continue to remit fee proceeds to the General Fund.  Fee proceeds in excess of $6,000 may be retained by the Department to offset associated costs and be carried forward from one fiscal year to another.  Further, the Department may accept unconditional gifts of money or personal property.
     38.9.      (DPPP: Sale of Equipment)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all revenue generated by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services from the sale of various equipment in excess of $3,500, less the cost of disposition incurred by the B&C Board, Division of Operations, may be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the purpose of purchasing like items.
     38.10.      (DPPP: Restitution Center Beds)  Effective July 1, 2001, S.C. Code Section 17-25-324(C), which requires a minimum number of restitution center beds, is suspended until such time that appropriate funding is provided.
     38.11.      (DPPP: Flexibility)  The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 39 - N12 - DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

     39.1.      (DJJ: Meal Ticket Revenue)  The revenue generated from sale of meal tickets by the Department of Juvenile Justice shall be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year by the agency and expended for the operation of the agency's cafeterias and food service programs.
     39.2.      (DJJ: Interstate Compact/Juvenile Restitution Programs Revenue)  The revenue returned to the Interstate Compact Program and the revenue returned from the Juvenile Restitution Program shall be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year by the Agency and expended for the Operation of the respective program areas.
     39.3.      (DJJ: Educational Funds Audit)  Notwithstanding the provisions of the Education Finance Act, the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice shall have its educational funds audited by the Office of the State Auditor pursuant to a schedule established by the State Auditor, and said audit shall be sufficient to satisfy the timetable for audits required in Regulation 43175.
     39.4.      (DJJ: Children's Projects Revenue)  Funds generated from the projects undertaken by children under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice may be retained by the Department and utilized for the benefit of those children.  Such funds may be carried forward into the following fiscal year.
     39.5.      (DJJ: Revenues Generated)  All revenues generated from USDA federal grants, the Education Finance Act (EFA), the Education Improvement Act (EIA), the Detention Center, and Medicaid federal funding may be retained, carried forward into current fiscal year, and expended by the Department of Juvenile Justice, in accordance with applicable regulations, for the costs associated with these programs.
     39.6.      (DJJ: Instructional Salaries)  The certified instructional personnel of the Department of Juvenile Justice shall receive a percentage increase in their annual salary for the current fiscal year equal to the percentage allocated to the instructional personnel throughout the State.
     39.7.      (DJJ: Juvenile Justice Parole Board Compensation)  The Department is authorized to pay the Juvenile Justice Parole Board member up to $200 per day for services rendered to the agency in the performance of their official duties.  The total amount of agency funds which can be utilized in this manner cannot exceed $48,000 per year.
     39.8.      (DJJ: Detention Per Diem Costs)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, local governments utilizing the juvenile detention services provided by the Department of Juvenile Justice must pay the Department a per diem cost of thirty-five dollars a day per child.  The Department may apply the remainder of the funds generated by this item, if any, to operational or capital expenses associated with regional evaluation centers.
     39.9.      (DJJ: Credit Towards Sentence)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Juvenile Justice is authorized to reduce the confinement of a juvenile committed to the custody of DJJ for a determinate sentence not to exceed ninety days pursuant to agency policy.  The total reduction of the sentence cannot exceed fifty percent (50%) of the determinate sentence ordered by a family court judge.
     39.10.      (DJJ: Status Offenders)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall provide community services, including intake screenings, referral counseling and probation services, and institutional services only to children referred to the agency for a violation of law that is a criminal offense.
     39.11.      (DJJ: Federal Juvenile Justice Funds)  The Department of Juvenile Justice is the state agency responsible for the administration of juvenile justice and should receive a portion of those federal funds directed to juvenile justice issues and programs.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Public Safety shall direct a minimum of 25% of all funds received by the Department of Public Safety from the United States Justice Department through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
     39.12.      (DJJ: Arbitration Program)  The Department of Juvenile Justice, the Attorney General and the South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination shall collaborate and report to the House Ways and Means, Criminal Justice Subcommittee and Senate Finance, Criminal Justice Subcommittee by August 31, 2001.  This report shall contain recommendations combining the Youth Mentor Program and the Arbitration Program for implementation by the circuit solicitors to divert nonviolent offenders.  This report shall make recommendations as to the most efficient and effective use of those funds appropriated by the General Assembly for the Youth Mentor Act.
     39.13.      (DJJ: Detention Placement Authority)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Juvenile Justice is authorized to place juveniles presented to or ordered detained in any detention facility it operates in any alternative detention facilities, programs, or placements, it operates or with which it contracts, to include, staff secure residential facilities, adult surveillance or shadowing programs, electronic detention monitoring or house arrest.
     39.14.      (DJJ: Community Evaluations)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall establish criteria for, and shall have the authority to place non-violent or non-criminal juvenile offenders referred or temporarily committed for evaluation to the Department, or to any of its secure evaluation centers, in any staff secure residential facility it operates or contracts with, under any adult surveillance or shadowing program it operates or contracts with, or under house arrest/confinement while conducting any evaluation ordered by the Family Court.
     39.15.      (DJJ: Flexibility)  The Department of Juvenile Justice, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Juvenile Justice is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Juvenile Justice is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Juvenile Justice is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Juvenile Justice is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 40 - L36 - HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION

     40.1.      (HAC: Sale of Publication)  All revenue derived from the sale of `The Blueprint' may be retained and expended for the purpose of conducting future Human Affairs Forums.
     40.2.      (HAC: Human Affairs Forum Carry Forward)  Revenue derived from donations and registration fees received for attendance at the Human Affairs Forum may be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the purpose of conducting future Human Affairs Forums.
     40.3.      (HAC: Training Revenue)  The Human Affairs Commission may recoup and retain expenses incurred while providing training and technical assistance; reimbursement derived may be used for general operations during the fiscal year.  Charges may not exceed the cost of the program.
     40.4.      (HAC: Flexibility)  The Human Affairs Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Human Affairs Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Human Affairs Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to ahlow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Human Affairs Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Human Affairs Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 41 - L46 - COMMISSION ON MINORITY AFFAIRS

     41.1.      (CMA: Private Contributions and Sponsorship)  Monies derived from private sources for agency research, forums, training and institutes may be retained and expended by the Commission for the said purpose.  Any remaining balance may be carried forward and expended for the same purpose.
     41.2.      (CMA: Carry Forward Registration Fees)  Revenue derived from registration fees received from training and institutes may be retained and carried forward for the purpose of conducting future training and institutes.
     41.3.      (CMA: Carry Forward Grant Awards)  Revenues pooled from public and private sources for the purpose of awarding grants to address problems in the minority community may be retained and carried forward by the Commission.
     41.4.      (CMA: Flexibility)  The Commission on Minority Affairs, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Commission on Minority Affairs is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Commission on Minority Affairs is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Commission on Minority Affairs is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Commission on Minority Affairs is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 42 - R04 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

     42.1.      (PSC: Assessment Certification)  The Public Service Commission shall certify to the Department of Revenue the amounts to be assessed to cover appropriations in this section as follows: (1) the amount applicable to the assessment on public utility, telephone utility, radio common carrier and electric utility companies as provided for by Section 58-3-100, Code of Laws of 1976, (2) the amount to be assessed against gas utility companies as provided for in Section 58-5-940, Code of Laws of 1976, (3) the amount to be assessed against electric light and power companies as provided for in Sections 58-3-100 and 58-27-50, Code of Laws of 1976, and (4) the amount to be covered by revenue from motor transport fees as provided for by Section 58-23-630, and other fees as set forth in Section 58-3-100, Code of Laws of 1976.  The amount to be assessed against railroad companies shall consist of all expenses related to the operations of the Railway subprogram of the Agency's Transportation Division, to include the related distribution of salary increments and employer contributions not reflected in the related subprogram of this Act as set forth in Section 58-3-100, Code of Laws of 1976.
     42.2.      (PSC: Indirect Cost)  The assessment certification prepared for the Department of Revenue shall include an allocation of indirect cost as approved by the Budget and Control Board representing the Public Service Commission's proportionate share of the cost of central State government.
     42.3.      (PSC: Transportation Fee Refund)  The Transportation Department of the Public Service Commission is hereby authorized to make refunds of fees which were erroneously collected.
     42.4.      (PSC: Attorneys Appointment)  The three four attorneys provided for in this section under Program I "Administration" shall be appointed by the Commission with the approval of the Attorney General and be assigned to the Commission.
     42.5.      (PSC: Maximum Salary Limit)  The salaries of the chairman and the commissioners as provided in this section shall not be construed as limiting the maximum salary which may be paid to other employees of the Public Service Commission.
     42.6.      (PSC: Technology Access for the Functionally Impaired)  The State of South Carolina is engaged in making its governments' information technology accessible to, and useable by, South Carolinians with functional impairments who desire such access and use.  As part of this ongoing endeavor, this proviso institutes the following South Carolina Access to Information Technology Project for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.
     The School for the Deaf and Blind (School) and the Budget and Control Board's Office of Information Resources (OIR) shall constitute the SC Access to Information Technology Partnership in order to study, and provide on a pilot basis, information technology access to South Carolinians with functional impairments.  A member of the House appointed by the Speaker, a member of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate, and directors or their designees, of the School, OIR, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Public Service Commission, State Library, and Center for Disability Resources shall form the South Carolina Access to Information Technology Coordinating Committee, and shall elect one of its members chairman.  The Committee will determine necessary and appropriate studies and pilot projects to conduct concerning the access to information technology of South Carolinians with functional impairments.  The Partnership shall consult, cooperate and coordinate with the Assistive Technology Advisory Council, the Commission for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and such other organizations and individuals as the Committee deems appropriate.  Any state agency so consulted shall cooperate fully with the Committee.  The Partnership's studies shall include determining the applicable and relevant federal laws, regulations, and standards, their meaning, implications and impact for state agencies, and what is necessary for compliance.
     The Partnership's projects shall include review and participation in some of the activities for assistive technology or access to electronic information being conducted by the State Library, the Center for Disability Resources and the Information Resources Council, and other libraries, state and local agencies, and private organizations.  Its specific projects shall include establishing, or helping to establish, five or more centers for access to information technology for persons with function impairments, one or more centers in each of the Spartanburg-Greenville, Columbia-Lexington, and Charleston metropolitan areas, and one center in two or more geographically dispersed rural areas with relatively high per capita incidence of persons with functional impairments.
     The Partnership shall seek to meet relevant standards in establishing these centers, but the primary consideration shall be providing South Carolinians with functional impairments such access to the state's information technology, and the information it makes available to the public through that technology, as assistive technology development suggests.
     Funds are appropriated for the Partnership/Committee study and project operating expenses in the amount of $300,000, from the Dual Party Relay Service Operating Fund, which the Public Service Commission is authorized and directed to expend for the Partnership's purpose as requested by the Committee, including training, purchasing goods and services, and entering into agreements, as are relevant to the Partnership's studies and projects, and are authorized by the Committee.
     The Committee will report to the General Assembly on the status and outcome of the Partnership's studies and projects by January 1, 2001, the report shall include the Committee's determination of the relevant standards and probable fiscal impact of the state government compliance.

SECTION 43 - R08 - WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION

     43.1.      (WCC: Physicians & Surgeons Schedule of Fees Revenue)  All revenue earned from the sale of the Commission's publication Schedule of Fees for Physicians and Surgeons shall be retained by the agency to be used for the printing and distribution of subsequent revised editions of the schedule.
     43.2.      (WCC: Educational Seminar Revenue)  Beginning in FY 94-95, all revenue earned from educational seminars shall be retained by the agency to be used for the printing of educational materials and other expenses related to conducting the seminar.
     43.3.      (WCC: Flexibility)  The Workers' Compensation Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Workers' Compensation Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Workers' Compensation Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Workers' Compensation Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Workers' Compensation Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 44 - R12 - STATE ACCIDENT FUND

     44.1.      (SAF: Educational Seminar Revenue)  The State Accident Fund is authorized to set and collect fees for educational seminars. All revenue earned from educational seminars shall be retained by the agency and used for supplies, materials, and other expenses relating to the seminars.

SECTION 47 - R20 - DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

     47.1.      (INS: Examiners Travel/Subsistence Reimbursement)  Notwithstanding the limitations in this Act as to amounts payable or reimbursable for lodging, meals, and travel, the Department of Insurance is authorized to reimburse Department examiners in accordance with guidelines established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners only when the State is reimbursed by an insurance company for the travel and subsistence expenses of Insurance Department examiners pursuant to S. C. Code Section 38-13-10, 1976.
     47.2.      (INS: Reimbursement Carry Forward)  Reimbursements received for Data Processing Services, Revenue, Miscellaneous Revenue and Sale of Listings and Labels shall be retained for use by the Department.  These funds may be carried forward in the current fiscal year. The Department of Insurance is authorized to pay the annual dues, not to exceed $5,000 for the South Carolina Senate and the South Carolina House of Representatives for membership in the National Council of Insurance Legislators from funds collected under this proviso.
     47.3.      (INS: Flexibility)  The Department of Insurance, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Insurance is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Insurance is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Insurance is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Insurance is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 48 - R23 - BOARD OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

     48.1.      (FI: Supervisory Fees)  The Board of Financial Institutions shall fix supervisory fees of banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions on a scale which, together with fees collected by the Consumer Finance Division will fully cover the total funds expended under this section.

SECTION 49 - R28 - DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

     49.1.      (CA: Consumer Protection Code Violations Revenue)  Funds, paid to the Department in settlement of cases involving violations of the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code and other statutes enforced by the Department be retained and expended within the agency's budget to help offset the costs of investigating, prosecuting, and the administrative costs associated with these violations, may be carried forward and expended for the same purposes in the current fiscal year.
     49.2.      (CA: Student Athlete/Agents Registration)  Funds received by the Department of Consumer Affairs pursuant to registrations under Chapter 102 of Title 59 of the 1976 Code may be retained by the Department for its enforcement duties relating to athlete agents and student athletes under that chapter.
     49.3.      (CA: Expert Witness/Assistance Carry Forward)  Unexpended encumbered appropriated funds for the Consumer Advocacy expert witness/assistance program (under Section 37-6-603) may be carried forward into the next fiscal year to meet contractual obligations existing at June 30, and not paid by July 31.
     49.4.      (CA: Flexibility)  The Department of Consumer Affairs, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Consumer Affairs is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Consumer Affairs is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Consumer Affairs is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Consumer Affairs is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 50 - R36 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATIONS

     50.1.      (LLR: Fire Marshal - Authorization to Charge Fees for Training)  The Fire Academy may charge participants a fee to cover the cost of education, training programs and operations.  The revenue generated may be applied to the cost of operations, and any unexpended balance may be carried forward to the current fiscal year and utilized for the same purposes.
     50.2.      (LLR: Real Estate - Research & Education Projects)  All funds authorized, in this section, for Research and Education projects shall be funded wholly, out of the Real Estate Commission authorized allocation of five dollars from each annual renewal fee.  All funds authorized in this section, for Research and Educational projects shall be expended for the purpose designated.
     50.3.      (LLR: Real Estate - News Publication)  The South Carolina Real Estate News, published at least quarterly by the Real Estate Commission, shall be exempt from Section 11-25-690, SC Code of Laws, (1976, as amended).
     50.4.      (LLR: Real Estate - Special Account)  Revenue in the Real Estate Appraisal Registry account shall not be subject to fiscal year limitations and shall carry forward each fiscal year for the designated purpose.
     50.5.      (LLR: POLA - 110%, Other Funds)  The Professional and Occupational Offices in Program II.F. Professional and Occupational Licensing must remit annually an amount equal to 10% of the expenditures to the General Fund.  The Contractor's Licensing Board must remit all revenues above their expenditures to the General Fund, except $100,000 which must be allocated to the College of Engineering at Clemson University for research pertaining to the construction industry.  The revenue remitted by the Contractor's Licensing Board to the General Fund includes the 10%.
     50.6.      (LLR: Fire Marshal Fallen Firefighters Memorial)  The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations - Division of the State Fire Marshal is authorized to accept gifts or grants of services, properties or monies from individuals or public and private organizations to honor South Carolina firefighters who have died in the line of duty.  All excess monies collected to erect a memorial are to be placed in a fund for upkeep and maintenance.  Any later contributions are to be used for upkeep and maintenance.
     50.7.      (LLR: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) - Consultant Pharmacist) Emergency Medical Services licensed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control shall be exempted from permit fees and the requirement of Section 40-43-86 (C) of the 1976 Code of Laws, as amended, that a consultant pharmacist be responsible for the duties as stated in this chapter at the permit holder's location, so as to allow either the Medical Director or a consultant pharmacist to be responsible and accountable for the duties of the consultant pharmacist as provided in Section 40-43-86 (C).
     50.8.      (LLR: Flexibility)  The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 51 - R60 - EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION

     51.1.      (ESC: Salary Level)  The salaries of the Chairman, the Commissioners, and the Agency Director of the Employment Security Commission shall be no less than that agreed to by the United States Department of Labor.
     51.2.      (ESC: SCOICC User Fee Carry Forward) All user fees collected by the S.C.  Occupational Information Coordinating Committee through the Employment Security Commission may be retained by the SCOICC to be used for the exclusive purpose of operating the S.C. Occupational Information System.  All user fees not expended in the prior fiscal year may be carried forward for use in the current fiscal year.
     51.3.      (ESC: JTPA WIA and WtW Prior Year Payments)  The Employment Security Commission shall be allowed to pay Job Training Partnership Act Workforce Investment Act and Welfare-to-Work prior year obligations with current year funds.
     51.4.      (ESC: Consortium Contracts: Training-Development Sessions and Media Services)  All earmarked funds collected for the LMI - Training-Development Sessions; the ALMIS LMI Training Institute; Media Services and Program Contracts through the South Carolina Employment Security Commission may be retained by the agency to be used for the exclusive purpose of operating these programs.  All funds not expended in the prior fiscal year may be carried forward for use in the current fiscal year.
     51.5.      (ESC: Welfare-to-Work Earmarked Funds)  All earmarked funds collected by SCESC in order to operate and match the Welfare-to-Work Grant Funds may be retained by the agency to be used for the exclusive purpose of operating this program.  All funds not expended in the prior fiscal year may be carried forward for use in the current fiscal year.
     51.6.      (ESC: Flexibility)  The Employment Security Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Employment Security Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Employment Security Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Employment Security Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Employment Security Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 53 - X50 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

     53.1.      (DOT: Expenditure Authority Limitation) The Department of Transportation is hereby authorized to expend all cash balances brought forward from the previous year and all income including all Federal Funds, unexpended General Funds and proceeds from bond sales accruing to the Department of Transportation, but in no case shall the expenditures of the Department of Transportation exceed the amount of cash balances brought forward from the preceding year plus the amount of all income including Federal Funds, General Funds and proceeds from bond sales.
     53.2.      (DOT: Special Fund Authorization)  The Department of Transportation with the approval of the State Treasurer, is hereby authorized to set up with the State Treasurer such special funds out of the Department of Transportation funds as may be deemed advisable for proper accounting purposes.
     53.3.      (DOT: Secure Bonds & Insurance)  The Department of Transportation is hereby authorized to secure bonds and insurance covering such activities of the Department as may be deemed proper and advisable, due consideration being given to the security offered and the service of claims.
     53.4.      (DOT: Statewide Cost Allocation Plan)  The Department of Transportation shall pay into the General Fund of the State the sum of $4,939,965 as its proportionate share of the cost of Administration of central service agencies as follows:
     Statewide Cost Allocation Plan:
     Collection of Highway Revenue                                    $3,067,429
     Central Service Agency Recoveries                               1,872,536
           Total Remittance                                                                  $4,939,965
     53.5.      (DOT: Benefits)  Employees of the Department of Transportation shall receive equal compensation increases, health insurance benefits and employee bonuses provided in this Act for employees of the State generally.  The amount will be funded from Department of Transportation funding sources.
     53.6.      (DOT: Document Fees)  The Department of Transportation is hereby authorized to establish an appropriate schedule of fees to be charged for copies of records, lists, bidder's proposals, plans, maps, etc. based upon approximate actual costs and handling costs of producing such copies, lists, bidder's proposals, plans, maps, etc.
     53.7.      (DOT: Commissions Per Diem, Subsistence, Mileage)  Members of the Department of Transportation Commission shall receive such per diem, subsistence and mileage for each official meeting as is provided by law for members of boards, commissions and committees.
     53.8.      (DOT: Contract Mass Transit System)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Transportation is hereby authorized to directly contract mass transit funds with any private operator of a mass transit system to provide service to the general public; provided, that a plan of service has been established and approved by the local general purpose government which has jurisdiction for the area to be served, and approved by the Department, the Transportation Commission and the federal government.
     53.9.      (DOT: Relax Design/Construction Standards Authority)  In recognition of budgetary restraints, the Department of Transportation, its Commission, officers and employees, are herewith granted the discretionary authority to relax design and construction standards for the current fiscal year, with respect to highway projects in the secondary State highway system, and the exercise of such discretionary authority to relax design and construction standards shall not give rise to any liability on the part of the Department, its Commission, officers and employees.
     53.10.      (DOT: Coordinate Transportation Funding and Resources)  The Department of Transportation shall continue to carry out and enhance the coordination planning and demonstration process for public transportation funding and resources established during the prior fiscal year.  Progress reports shall be submitted to the General Assembly at two intervals using the fiscal year--an interim progress report no later than January 15, 2000 2002, and a follow-up report of progress and plans for the upcoming year no later than May 15, 2000 2002.  The intent of this proviso is to improve access and delivery of transportation services, especially in rural areas.  In planning and developing mechanisms for increasing coordination of funding streams and resources at both the state and local levels, the Department of Transportation shall work with each agency that provides funding for transportation and assure input in the process from major local providers of transportation services to the public, including current providers of coordinated public service.
     Any agency, local government or other entity, including non-profit organizations, using state funds or state-administered federal funds for the purpose of transporting private citizens on a regular basis, 1) must provide input and information as requested by the Department of Transportation in a timely manner and in a format specified by the Department of Transportation in order to update data on transportation resources for planning purposes and; 2) show evidence of progress toward the development of or participation in a coordination plan.  The Department of Corrections, the Department of Education, school districts and institutions of higher education are exempt from the requirements of this section.  No transportation funds may be provided to any entity not in compliance with the requirements of this section.
     53.11.      (DOT: Payroll Deduction for Uniform Rental) The Department of Transportation, upon the written request of an employee, shall make deduction from the employee's compensation for payments for work related uniform rental.
     53.12.      (DOT: Financial Status Reports)  The Department of Transportation must provide to each Metropolitan Planning Organization and Regional Council of Government, as appropriate, a quarterly financial status report of approved highway projects to include authorized project financial obligations and to date project expenditures and percent of completion.
     53.13.      (DOT: Coordinate Weigh Station Finding and Resources)  The Department of Transportation shall develop a plan to enhance the weigh station construction and planning for South Carolina's roads during the next 10-year period, beginning January 1, 2001.  The plan shall be developed in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety for enforcement purposes.  DOT shall submit the plan to the General Assembly no later than January 15, 2001.  Thereafter, annual reports shall be made to the General Assembly no later than January 15 detailing the Departments compliance with the goals of the plan.  The intent of this proviso is to support the economic vitality of South Carolina by directly facilitating an effective vehicle weight enforcement program to protect the investment of state funds or state-administered federal funds in the construction and maintenance of South Carolina's roads.
     53.14.      (DOT: Flexibility)  The Department of Transportation, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Transportation is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Transportation is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Transportation is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Transportation is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 53B - Y14 - STATE PORTS AUTHORITY

     53B.1.      (SPA: Charleston Cooper River Bridge Project)  During FY 2001-2002, the State Ports Authority shall, from other general fund or operating fund surplus available and any funds appropriated to the Authority in prior fiscal years and left unexpended as of July 1, 2001, pay five million dollars to continue the Charleston Cooper River Bridge Project.

SECTION 54 - A99 - LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

     54.1.      (LEG: Legislative Employee Designations)  The positions included in this section designated (P) shall denote a permanent employee and the salary is an annual rate.  The positions designated (T) shall denote a temporary employee and the salary is for a period of six months to be paid at that rate only while the General Assembly is in session.  The positions designated as (Interim) shall denote a temporary employee and the salary is for a period of six months to be paid at that rate while the General Assembly is not in session.  The positions designated (PTT) shall denote part-time temporary employees on a twelve months basis.  The positions designated (PPT) shall denote permanent part-time employees retained for full-time work on a six months basis or the duration of the legislative session.
     54.2.      (LEG: House Employee Reimbursement)  The Speaker of the House is authorized to reimburse travel and other expenses incurred by employees of the House of Representatives for official business in accord with current rules and regulations.
     54.3.      (LEG: Approved Accounts Expenditure)  The clerks of the two Houses and the Legislative Council are authorized to issue their warrants on Approved Accounts for necessary extra clerical or other services upon approval of the Speaker of the House or Lieutenant Governor, respectively.
     54.4.      (LEG: Legislative Employee BPI/Merit)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, legislative employees designated (P) or (PPT) shall receive base pay and average merit pay in the same manner as such pay is granted to classified state employees.  For purposes of this proviso, "legislative employees" does not include employees of the House of Representatives.
     54.5.      (LEG: House Employees Salary Adjustments)  Necessary temporary or permanent research assistants for the House of Representatives shall be paid from Approved Accounts of the House upon approval of the Speaker with the advice and consent of the Chairman of the standing committees.  The Speaker may adjust salary levels of employees of the House, to be paid for from funds carried forward from the Research Assistant Accounts.
     54.6.      (LEG: Interim Expenses Allowance)  The Chairman of the Standing House and Senate Committees shall each be allowed the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars for expenses during the interim, between sessions of the General Assembly, to be paid from the House or Senate approved accounts, with each body paying the expense allowance of the chairman in its membership.
     54.7.      (LEG: Subsistence/Travel Regulations)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law:
           a.       Members of the General Assembly shall receive subsistence expense equal to the maximum allowable by regulation of the Internal Revenue Code, for the Columbia area for each legislative day that the respective body is in session and in any other instance in which a member is allowed subsistence expense.  However, the subsistence expense received by the members of the General Assembly is not to exceed the subsistence expense level established by the IRS as of January 1, 2001.  No member of the General Assembly except those present are eligible for subsistence on that day. Legislative day is defined as those days commencing on the regular annual convening day of the General Assembly and continuing through the day of adjournment sine die, excluding Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
           b.       Standing Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives are authorized to continue work during the interim; however, House members must receive advanced approval by the Speaker of the House or Standing Committee Chairman to meet.  If such advanced approval is not received, the House members shall not be paid the per diem authorized in this provision.  When certified by the Speaker of the House or Standing Committee Chairman, the members serving on such Committees shall receive a subsistence as provided in item "a." above, mileage at the rate provided for by law, and the regular per diem established in this Act for members of boards, commissions, and committees while attending scheduled meetings.  Members may elect to receive actual expenses incurred for lodging and meals in lieu of the allowable subsistence expense.  The funds for allowances specified in this proviso shall be paid to the members of the Senate or House of Representatives from the Approved Accounts of the respective body except as otherwise may be provided.
           c.       Joint Study Committees created pursuant to Acts and Resolutions of the General Assembly are authorized to continue work during the interim to secure such information and complete such investigations as may be assigned to the respective Committees; however, House members must receive advanced approval by the Speaker of the House or Standing Committee Chairman to meet.  If such advanced approval is not received, the House members of the Joint Study Committee shall not be paid the per diem authorized in this provision.  When certified by the Speaker or the House or Standing Committee Chairman, the members appointed to such Committees shall receive a subsistence as provided in item "a." above, mileage at the rate provided for by law and the regular per diem established in this Act for members of boards, commissions, and committees while attending scheduled meetings.  Members may elect to receive actual expenses incurred for lodging and meals in lieu of the allowable subsistence expense.  The allowances specified in this proviso shall be paid from funds appropriated to the respective Committees for such purposes, or from Approved Accounts of the respective body of the General Assembly if no funds have been appropriated to such a Committee for these purposes.
           d.       Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives when traveling on official State business shall be allowed a subsistence as provided in item "a." above, transportation expenses as provided for by law and the regular per diem established in this Act for members of boards, commissions, and committees upon approval of the appropriate Chairman.  When traveling on official business of the Senate or the House of Representatives not directly associated with a Committee of the General Assembly, members shall be paid the same allowance upon approval of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  In either instance, the members may elect to receive actual expenses incurred for lodging and meals in lieu of the allowable subsistence expense.  The funds for the allowances specified in this proviso shall be paid from the Approved Accounts of the Senate or the House of Representatives or from the appropriate account of the agency, board, commission, task force or committee upon which the member serves.
           e.       Members of the House of Representatives shall not be reimbursed for per diem or travel in connection with any function held outside of the regular session of the General Assembly unless prior approval has been received from the Speaker of the House.
           f.      Notwithstanding the provisions contained herein and in proviso 72.36 (Travel - Subsistence Expenses & Mileage), mileage reimbursement and per diem for members of the General Assembly shall not exceed the level authorized by the IRS as of January 1, 2001.
     54.8.      (LEG: Expense/Compensation Vouchers)  All vouchers for the payment of the expenses and/or compensation of committees of the General Assembly shall be prepared by the Clerks of the two Houses.
     54.9.      (LEG: Senate Voucher Approval)  All payroll vouchers disbursement vouchers, and interdepartmental transfers of the Senate shall only require the approval of the Clerk of the Senate.
     54.10.       (LEG: Supplies Approval)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all supplies for the Senate shall be purchased only upon the authority of the Clerk of the Senate and all supplies for the House of Representatives shall be purchased only upon the authority of the Clerk of the House.
     54.11.       (LEG: Telephone Service)  The Clerks of the Senate and the House, with the approval of the Senate Operations and Management Committee and the Speaker of the House, respectively, shall cause to be installed such telephone service as may be appropriate for use of the membership and presiding officer of each legislative body.
     54.12.       (LEG: Research Directors Appointment)  The Speaker of the House shall appoint the Executive Director of Research.  The Speaker, with the advice and consent of the individual committee chairman, shall appoint the Director of Research for each standing committee.
     54.13.       (LEG: House Pages)  One hundred forty-four Pages shall be appointed as provided in the House Rules and they shall be available for any necessary service to the House of Representatives.
     54.14.       (LEG: Sergeant-At-Arms & Director of Security Duties)  The duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms and Director of Security of the respective Houses and/or Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms shall be those provided by the Code, the Rules of the respective Houses, those designated by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate or the Speaker of the House, the security of personnel and property of the respective Houses, and in addition the Sergeant-at-Arms and Director of Security of the respective Houses and/or Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms shall meet and escort visitors in and about their respective bodies and shall, during the hours of duty, be dressed in a distinctive manner so as to be easily identified as Sergeant-at-Arms and Director of Security of the respective Houses.
     54.15.       (LEG: Leg. Council Employment/Salary Adjustments)  The Legislative Council is authorized to employ additional stenographic or other help between sessions as the Council may deem necessary, at such salary or salaries as the Council may set, to be paid from Approved Accounts.  Notwithstanding any limitation or other provision of law to the contrary, the Legislative Council may adjust salaries for Legislative Council personnel.  Any adjustments made must be paid from funds appropriated for the Council or from the funds appropriated to the Council under Section 54C for this purpose, or both.
     54.16. (LEG: Leg. Information Systems Management)  The Legislative Information Systems shall be under the direction and management of a council composed of the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Chairman of Senate Finance Committee, Chairman of House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
     54.17.       (LEG: Legislative Printing Management)  The Office of Legislative Printing and Information Technology Resources shall operate under the supervision and administrative direction of the Clerks of the respective Houses.
     54.18.       (LEG: State House Renovation)  Any improvements and additions to the State House must be recommended or approved by the State House Committee of the General Assembly, and that bidding, executing, and carrying out of contracts shall be in accord with standing regulations and procedures for any other work of the same type applicable to agencies and institutions of State government.
     54.19.       (LEG: Senate Research Personnel Compensation)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Senate Research personnel other than Directors of Research and the committee research staff shall be paid from funds appropriated for Senate Research at the direction of the Clerk of the Senate.
     54.20.       (LEG: Legislative Council Availability)  Personnel employed under the provisions of Subsection 54C of this section for Legislative Research shall be available upon request of the Committee Chairman to work with the standing or interim committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
     54.21.       (LEG: Contract for Services)  The Standing Committees of the Senate may, upon approval of the President Pro Tempore, contract with state agencies and other entities for such projects, programs, and services as may be necessary to the work of the respective committees. Any such projects, programs or services shall be paid from funds appropriated for contractual services.
     54.22.       (LEG: Jt. Leg. Committee Operational Authorization)  Only the Joint Legislative Committees for which funding is provided herein are authorized to continue operating during the current fiscal year under the same laws, resolutions, rules or regulations which provided for their operations during the prior fiscal year.
     54.23.       (LEG: Legislative Carry Forward)  In addition to the funds appropriated in this section, the funds appropriated under Sections 54A, 54B, 54C and 54D for the prior fiscal year which are not expended during that fiscal year may be carried forward to be expended for the same purposes in the current fiscal year.
     54.24.       (LEG: Senate Expenditures/O&M Committee)  Notwithstanding any limitation or other provisions of law to the contrary, funds expended by the Senate for salary adjustments, professional fees and dues and necessary expenses, supplies, and equipment for Senate employees, must be paid from funds appropriated to the Senate Operations and Management Committee and funds available in approved accounts of the Senate, and shall be authorized and allocated in such manner as determined by the Senate Operations and Management Committee.
     54.25.       (LEG: Nurses)  The State shall provide to the nurses under Subsection 54A of this section the same leave time and basic health and accident insurance coverage as is provided other state employees pursuant to law.  All of the amount provided in 54A for nurses shall be utilized for the specified purpose.
     54.26.       (LEG: Dues)  The funds provided herein for the Council of State Governments and the National Conference of State Legislatures are appropriated to be paid as dues to the respective organizations and these funds shall not be transferred to any other program.
     54.27.       (LEG: Copy of Act to Counties)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Clerk of the House is required to send only one copy of each Act to the Clerk of the Court of the various counties.
     54.28.       (LEG: In-District Compensation)  All members of the General Assembly shall receive an in district compensation of $1,000 per month effective January 1, 1995.
     54.29.      (LEG: Additional House Support Personnel)  The funds provided for Legislative/Constituent Services are appropriated for the purpose of providing additional support personnel to assist House members who are not already being furnished with direct legislative assistance in the conduct of their Legislative responsibilities.  This amount shall be used for staffing requirements where necessary for part time personnel.  The additional personnel may be used only in compliance with 8-13-1346(A) of the South Carolina Code of Laws.  At a member's request, the House Operations and Management Committee may use any unexpended portion of a member's allotment to purchase equipment for a member's office.  The amount herein appropriated for additional support personnel shall be allocated to eligible members as follows:  For fiscal years beginning in even years, an eligible member is allowed an allocation of $1,000 beginning July 1.  An additional $2,000 allotment is allowed when the eligible member's election to the upcoming General Assembly is certified or at the time the member is unopposed for the general election, whichever occurs first.  A member elected to a full term in the House of Representatives, who did not serve in the General Assembly preceding the election, is allowed an allocation of $2,000 from the time the member's election is certified until the end of the then current fiscal year.  For fiscal years beginning in odd years, eligible members are allowed an allocation of $3,000.  Provided however, for Fiscal Year 2001-02, eligible members are allowed an allocation of $1,500.  Whenever a member is elected to fill an unexpired term, the allotment must be prorated on a monthly basis.  The amounts provided above as allotments for members are provided for an aide's compensation, exclusive of employer contributions.  Each member may choose to expend his allocation for an individual legislative aide or may choose to combine his allocation with allocations of other House members for a legislative aide to assist each of the members contributing to the expense of that aide.
     54.30.       (LEG: Per Diem)  No per diem may be paid to any person from more than one source for any one calendar day.
     54.31.       (LEG: House Postage)  The Speaker of the House is authorized to approve no more than $600 per member per fiscal year for postage.
     54.32.       (LEG: Legislative Dual Employment)  Each committee and joint legislative committee provide a list to the members of the General Assembly of all employees who hold dual positions of state employment.
     54.33.       (LEG: Legislative Council Proofreaders)  The Director of the Legislative Council is authorized to have the staff proofreaders work one month before and one month after the session.
     54.34.       (LEG: Study Committee - Education)  A joint study committee, consisting of three members of the House Ways and Means Committee appointed by the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, one member of the House Education and Public Works Committee appointed by the Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, three members of the Senate Finance Committee appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, one member of the Senate Education Committee appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and three members appointed by the Governor, shall study formula funding in education programs.  The Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee shall convene the initial meeting of the study committee.  The formulas to be studied include those utilized in Education Finance Act programs, the determination of the Southeastern average teacher pay, and the funding of institutions of post-secondary education.  The State Board of Education, the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, the Commission on Higher Education and any institution of post-secondary education or school district must provide the committee such information as the committee requests.  The first priority for committee study is the Education Finance Act including, but not limited to, the base student cost, the index of taxpaying ability including specifically the impact of the emergence of totally self-reliant school districts upon the formula and the annual inflation factor.  The expenses of the legislative members of the study committee shall be paid from the approved accounts of their respective bodies.  The expenses of the gubernatorial appointees shall be absorbed within the Governor's office.
     54.35.       (LEG: House/Senate Staff Outside Employment)  Full-time employees of the House of Representatives and the Senate are prohibited from outside employment during normal working hours, except with the permission of an employee's department head, and annual leave must be taken for any approved outside employment.
     54.36.       (LEG: Guardian Ad Litem Pgm. Technology Equipment)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or agency regulation, requirement or policy to the contrary, the Guardian Ad Litem Program is authorized to procure necessary technology equipment under the provisions and procedures set forth in Chapter 35 of Title 11 of the 1976 Code as amended.
     54.37.       (LEG: Leg. Council Combined Position)  The Director of the Legislative Council, with the approval of the Council, is authorized to combine two or more stenographic, clerical, technical assistant, or administrative assistant positions into one with a job description for the combined position to be approved by the Council, with a compensation level also approved by the Council.  The appropriations or any portion thereof for the positions combined into one may be used to fund the combined position.
     54.38.       (LEG: Sales Tax on Copies of Legislation)  No sales tax is required to be charged or paid on copies of or access to legislation or other informational documents provided to the general public or any other person by a legislative agency when a charge for these copies is made reflecting the agency's cost thereof.  Funds received as revenue from the sale of materials or as reimbursements for the cost of providing certain supplies or services or refunds must be remitted to the State Treasurer as collected, but in no event later than twelve (12) working days from the date of the receipt of any such funds.
     54.39.       (LEG: House Postage/Telephone Allocation)  Any member of the House who has not used all of his annual allocation for postage or all of his annual allocation for telephone expenses may use the remaining funds in one category in the other category during that year.
     54.40.       (LEG: House Personnel BPI/Merit/Bonus Compensation)  Notwithstanding any limitation or other provisions of law to the contrary, the Speaker shall authorize and allocate any base pay increase, merit pay or bonus among House staff in the manner that the Speaker determines after consultation with the Operations and Management Committee and the Chairmen of the standing committees of the House.
     54.41.       (LEG: General Assembly Exemption)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, or any limitation or provision contained in this act, each branch of the General Assembly is exempt from any provision which requires the approval of the Budget and Control Board or any other executive branch agency for the expenditure, management or transfer of any authorized appropriations.
     54.42.       (LEG: Prohibit General Assembly Compensation - Felony Conviction)  No member of the General Assembly who has been convicted of a felony under state or federal law or who has pled guilty or nolo contendere to these offenses may receive compensation or reimbursable expenses provided for members of the General Assembly in this act.  However, this item does not apply to a person who has been pardoned under state or federal law of the disqualifying felony.
     54.43.       (LEG: Joint Legislative Committee on Aging Expenses)  Members of the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging shall receive mileage, per diem and subsistence as provided by law for members of boards, committees and commissions.  Members of the committee who are Senators shall have their expenses paid by the Senate, and members of the House shall have their expenses paid by the House of Representatives.  Committee members who are appointed by the Governor shall have their expenses paid from funds appropriated to the Governor.
     54.44.      (LEG: Teacher Certificate/Recertification Staff Exemption)  Legislative employees may have made available to them, $100 to pay toward teacher recertification or may request and be granted an exemption from Section 2-1-120 which shall be extended to include staff of the General Assembly.
     54.45.      (LEG: Carry Forward for National Speaker's Conference)  Unspent funds originally donated to defray the costs of South Carolina serving host state for the 1998 Southern Legislative Conference may be carried forward and used to pay the expense of hosting the 2001 National Speaker's Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.
     54.46.      (LEG: Merge LIS & LPITR)  Effective July 1, 2001, the Office of Legislative Information Systems (LIS) is hereby merged with Legislative Printing and Information Technology Resource (LPITR).  As soon as practical before August 1, 2001, all personnel, equipment, supplies, appropriations, carry forward funds and all other assets and resources of LIS are transferred to LPITR with the exception of one FTE (position and salary) which shall be transferred to the House of Representatives.  The merged entities shall be known as Legislative Printing, Information and Technology Systems (LPITS).  The director of LPITS shall be appointed with the concurrence of the Clerk of the Senate and the Clerk of the House.  LPITS shall operate under the supervision and administrative direction of both the Clerk of the Senate and the Clerk of the House.  LPITS shall perform the functions of the former LIS and LPITR.
     54.47.            (LEG: Shorten Legislative Session)  The regular annual session of the General Assembly for Fiscal Year 2001-2002 shall adjourn sine die not later than 5:00 p.m. on the second Thursday in May, 2002.  If the House of Representatives fails to give third reading to the annual General Appropriations Bill by March first, the date of sine die adjournment is extended by one statewide day for each statewide day after March first that the House of Representative fails to give the bill third reading.  The session may also be extended by concurrent resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of both the Senate and House of Representatives.  During the time between 5:00 p.m. on the second Thursday in May and the extended sine die adjournment date, no legislation or other business may be considered except the General Appropriations Bill and any matters approved for consideration by a concurrent resolution adopted by two-thirds vote in both houses.
     54.48.            (LEG: House Funds)  Funds in the amount of $180,000 appropriated to the House of Representatives by Act 447 of 1998 may be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the purpose of covering expenses of the House's programs and operations.
     54.59.           (LEG: Flexibility)  The Legislative Department, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Legislative Department is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Legislative Department is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Legislative Department is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Legislative Department is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 55 - C05 - ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION

     55.1.      (ALJ: Copying Costs Revenue Deposit)  The Administrative Law Judge Division shall retain and expend, for the same purpose for which it is generated, all revenue received during the current fiscal year as payment for printing and distributing copies of court rules and other agency documents.
     55.2.      (ALJ: County Office Space for Judges)  Every county shall provide for each Administrative Law Judge residing therein, upon their request, an office within the existing physical facilities if space is available, to include all utilities and a private telephone.  The request shall only be made provided that the judge's residence is not within fifty miles of the official headquarters of the agency by which the Administrative Law Judge is employed.
     55.3.      (ALJ: Filing Fees)  Each request for a contested case hearing, notice of appeal, or request for injunctive relief before the Division must be accompanied by a filing fee equal to that charged in circuit court for filing a summons and complaint.  This fee must be retained by the Division in order to help defray the costs of the proceedings.  If the presiding administrative law judge determines at the conclusion of the proceeding that the case was without merit, he may order, in his sole discretion, an additional fee to be assessed against the moving party in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars.
     55.4.      (ALJ: Restricting Inmate Administrative Appeals)  An administrative law judge of the Division shall preside over all hearings of appeals from only those final decisions of the Department of Corrections involving major disciplinary proceedings involving the loss of good time credits exceeding one-hundred and twenty (120) days; the calculation of sentence related credits, excluding the forfeiture of credits upon the recommendation of circuit court pursuant to Sections 24-27-200 and 210; and the calculation of a sentence.  Review by an administrative law judge of final decisions in the above matters shall be done in the same manner prescribed in Section 1-23-380(A) for circuit court review of final agency decisions, with the presiding administrative law judge exercising the same authority as the circuit court; provided, however, that a party aggrieved by a final decision of an administrative law judge in such a case is entitled to judicial review of that decision by the circuit court under the provisions of 1-23-380(A) and pursuant to Section 1-23-610(C).  Inmates shall have no right to appeal decisions of the Department of Corrections to the Administrative Law Judge Division involving any other matter.  The Administrative Law Judge Division shall not hear appeals from any inmate of the Department of Corrections, except as provided above, nor hear appeals from any inmate or other person supervised by the Department of Juvenile Justice or the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, nor hear appeals concerning the final decisions of the Board of Paroles and Pardons concerning the denial or revocation of parole or any form of community supervision.
     55.5.      (ALJ: Flexibility)  The Administrative Law Judge Division, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Division's mission, the Administrative Law Judge Division is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Division is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Division.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Administrative Law Judge Division is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Division's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Administrative Law Judge Division is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Administrative Law Judge Division is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 56DD - D21 - GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

     56DD.1.      (GOV: OEPP - Grant Funds Carry Forward)  Any unexpended balance on June 30, of the prior fiscal year, in 56C of this Section "Implementing Federal Programs" may be carried forward to the current fiscal year and used for matching committed and/or unanticipated Grant Funds.
     56DD.2.      (GOV: OEPP - Mining Council Carry Forward)  Any unexpended balance on June 30, of the prior fiscal year of funds, not to exceed $2,000, appropriated under Section 56C I Special Items: Mining Council may be carried forward and expended for this same purpose in the current fiscal year.
     56DD.3.      (GOV: OEPP - Developmental Disabilities Program)  The South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Program of the Office of the Governor, Office of Executive Policy and Programs is authorized to provide aid to sub-grantees for projects and services to benefit persons with developmental disabilities.  The intent of this provision is not to duplicate other State Agency programs which are considered the legal and programmatic mandate of existing State agencies, but rather to fill gaps that exist in the state service delivery system related to his target population as identified and addressed in the Developmental Disabilities State Plan.
     56DD.4.      (GOV: OEPP - Development Disabilities Case Coordination System)  $112,559, less any pro rata share adjustment of any mandated base budget reduction, of the sums appropriated under OEPP, Allocations to Other State Agencies must be for the South Carolina Development Disabilities Case Coordination System.
     56DD.5.      (GOV: OEPP - CCRS Evaluations & Placements)  The amount appropriated in this Section under Special Items Children's Case Resolution System for Private Placement of Handicapped School-Age Children must be used for expenses incurred in the evaluation of children referred to the CCRS to facilitate appropriate placement and to pay up to forty percent when placement is made in-state and up to thirty percent when placement must be made out-of-state of the excess cost of private placement over and above one per pupil share of state and local funds generated by the Education Finance Act, and the one per pupil share of applicable federal funds; provided it has been established that all other possible public placements are exhausted or inappropriate.  The balance of funding responsibility necessary to provide the child with services must be determined by the Children's Case Resolution System (CCRS) and apportioned among the appropriate public agencies on the basis of the reasons for the private placement.  When the amount appropriated in this section is exhausted, the funding responsibility must be apportioned according to the procedures of the CCRS.
     56DD.6.      (GOV: SLED - Special Account Carry Forward)  Funds awarded to the State Law Enforcement Division by either court order or from donations or contributions shall be deposited in a special account with the State Treasurer, and shall be carried forward from year to year, and withdrawn from the Treasurer as needed to fulfill the purposes and conditions of the said order, donations or contributions, if specified, and if not specified, as may be directed by the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division.  Funds expended from the special account must be annually reported by October 1st to the Senate Finance Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.
     56DD.7.      (GOV: SLED - Computer/Communications Center Carry Forward)  Revenue generated from the operation of the Division's criminal justice computer/communications center and not expended during the prior fiscal year may be carried forward and expended for the same purpose during the current fiscal year.
     56DD.8.      (GOV: SLED - Criminal Record Search Fee)  (1)  The State Law Enforcement Division shall charge and collect a fee of $25 for each criminal record search conducted pursuant to Regulations contained in Chapter 73, Article 3, Subarticle 1 of the Code of State Regulations.  These fees must be remitted to the General Fund.  SLED is appropriated three million dollars from the General Fund of the State to offset the reduction in revenues resulting from this transfer.  Revenues collected from the United States Department of Justice as reimbursement for services must be retained, carried forward, and used for continued agency operations.  The sale or dissemination of the criminal history record database maintained by the State Law Enforcement Division is prohibited.  The individual sale of individual criminal history records by SLED is not affected.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, criminal history record information, including arrest history, may be disseminated in accordance with regulations regardless of whether a corresponding judicial finding or disposition is part of the record.  The Board of Economic Advisors shall conduct an analysis/study report annually to review fees and make recommendations for fee changes.  This study is due January 15 of each year and must be forwarded to the Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.
           (2)      The fee allowed under paragraph (1) is fixed at eight dollars if the criminal record search is conducted for a charitable organization, a bona fide mentor, or for the use of a charitable organization.  The Division shall develop forms on which a mentor or charitable organization shall certify that the criminal record search is conducted for the use and benefit of the charitable organization or mentor.  For purposes of this subparagraph, the phrase 'charitable organization' means:
                       (a)      an organization which has been determined to be exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
                       (b)      a bona fide church, including an institution such as a synagogue or mosque;
                       (c)      or volunteers of a local Recreation Commission; or
                       (d)      an organization which has filed a statement of registration or exemption under the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, Chapter 56, Title 33 of the 1976 Code."
     56DD.9.      (GOV: SLED - Revenue Carry Forward)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all revenue generated by SLED from the sale of vehicles, various equipment, gasoline and insurance claims during the prior fiscal year may be retained carried forward and expended for the purpose of purchasing like items.
     56DD.10.  (GOV: SLED - Agents Operations Carry Forward)  Any unexpended balance on June 30, of the prior fiscal year, in subsection 56B of the Section "Agents Operations" may be carried forward and expended for the same purpose in the current fiscal year.
     56DD.11.  (GOV: OEPP - CCRS Significant Fiscal Impact)  In accordance with Section 20-7-5240 (e) of the 1976 Code, "significant fiscal impact" in the current fiscal year shall be defined for each designated agency as the greater of (1) funds appropriated by the General Assembly for the current fiscal year on cases referred to, decided or placed through the Children's Case Resolution System or (2) that agency's assigned shares in the current fiscal year of five cases decided by the Children's Case Resolution System.
     56DD.12.  (GOV: SLED - Match for Federal Grants Carry Forward)  State appropriations to SLED that are required to provide match for federal grant programs in the prior fiscal year may be carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the same purpose as originally appropriated.
     56DD.13.  (GOV: SLED-Night Telephone Operators Accommodations)  The State Law Enforcement Division is hereby authorized to provide accommodations/utility service without any charge to night telephone operators.
     56DD.14.  (GOV: SLED - Clothing Allowance)  The State Law Enforcement Division is hereby authorized to provide agents and criminalists with an annual clothing allowance (on a pro rata basis) not to exceed $600 per agent/criminalist for required clothing used in the line of duty.
     56DD.15.  (GOV: SLED - Witness Fee)  The State Law Enforcement Division is hereby authorized to charge a witness fee of $130.00 per hour up to $1,000 per day for each criminalist testifying in civil matters which do not involve the State as a part in interest.  This fee shall be charged in addition to any court prescribed payment due as compensation or reimbursement for judicial appearances and deposited into a designated revenue account.
     56DD.16.  (GOV: Governor's Office Budget)  All other provisions of law notwithstanding, the Office of Executive Policy and Programs section, the Executive Control of State section and Mansion and Grounds section shall be treated as a single budget section for the purpose of transfers and budget reconciliation.
     56DD.17.  (GOV: Victim Advocate Policy Committee)  The policy committee appointed pursuant to Section 79.3 of the 1988-89 General Appropriations Act is hereby continued for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of the guidelines developed by it, making such revisions as appear appropriate, assisting and advising the director in development and revision of forms, information and criteria used to evaluate compliance with the guidelines by victim advocate programs in solicitor's offices.
     The information gathered from these programs shall be aggregated by the director into the annual report of the agency which is submitted to the Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.
     56DD.18.  (GOV: Victim Assistance Programs)  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the amounts appropriated in this section for victim assistance programs in solicitors' offices shall be in addition to any amounts presently being provided by the county for these services and may not be used to supplant funding already allocated for such services.  Any reduction by any county in funding for victim assistance programs in solicitors' offices shall result in a corresponding decrease of state funds provided to the solicitors' office in that county for victim assistance services.  Each solicitor's office shall submit an annual financial and programmatic report which describes the use of these funds.  The report shall be submitted to the Governor, the Attorney General, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee on October 1, for the preceding fiscal year.
     56DD.19.  (GOV: Establish Victim/Witness Program)  The funds appropriated in this section for Victim/Witness Program must be equally divided among the judicial circuits, less any adjustments made for budget reductions.  The funds for each circuit must be distributed to the solicitor's office of that circuit and only used by the solicitor for the purpose of establishing a Victim/Witness Program in the circuit which shall provide, but not be limited to, the following services:
           (1)      Make available to victims/witnesses information concerning their cases from filing in general sessions court through disposition.
           (2)      Keep the victim/witness informed of his rights and support his right to protection from intimidation.
           (3)      Inform victims/witnesses of and make appropriate referrals to available services such as medical, social, counseling, and victims' compensation services.
           (4)      Assist in the preparation of victims/witnesses for court.
           (5)      Provide assistance and support to the families or survivors of victims where appropriate.
           (6)      Provide any other necessary support services to victims/witnesses such as contact with employers or creditors.
           (7)      Promote public awareness of the program and services available for crime victims.
     The funds may not be used for other victim-related services until the above functions are provided in an adequate manner.
     56DD.20.  (GOV: Victim/Witness Program Formula Distribution)  If funds in the South Carolina Victims' Compensation Fund exceed the amount required to operate the State Office of Victims Assistance and pay claims of crime victims the first $650,000 of such excess must be used for Victim/Witness Programs by distribution to Judicial Circuits based on a formula and criteria developed by the Policy Committee, and otherwise subject to requirements of Section 56DD.18 and 56DD.20.
     56DD.21.  (GOV: Physical Abuse Examinations)  Of the funds appropriated in this section for Victims' Rights, up to $60,000 may be expended for physical abuse examinations.
     56DD.22.  (GOV: Veterans' Affairs-Aid to Counties)  In the allocation of the appropriation in this section as adjusted for "Aid to Counties--Operation of County Office," each county shall receive an effective annual amount equal to 100% of the amount allocated to it for the prior fiscal year plus an amount equivalent to base pay increases for state employees, less any adjustments made for budget reductions.
     56DD.23.  (GOV: Continuum of Care - Carry Forward)  The Division of Continuum of Care may carry forward funds appropriated herein to continue services.
     56DD.24.  (GOV: Division of Women - Donations & Contributions)  The Division of Women is authorized to accept donations and contributions to provide services as authorized by state law.  Such funds are to be deposited in a special account with the State Treasurer and shall be carried forward from year to year, and withdrawn from the Treasurer as needed to fulfill the purposes and conditions of the said donations or contributions, if specified, and if not specified, as may be approved by the Division of Women.  State appropriations will not supplement those services funded by donations or contributions.
     56DD.25.  (GOV: Division of Women - Revenue Carry Forward)  The Division of Women may retain funds received from luncheon fees and souvenir sales for general operating expenses.  Any unexpended revenue from these sources may be carried forward into the current fiscal year to be expended for the same purposes.
     56DD.26.  (GOV: Foster Care - Reduction in Funds Separation)  In recognition of the fact that the funds appropriated for the Division of Foster Care contain both funds appropriated for use by the Division Review System and "pass through" funds designated for use by the South Carolina Protection and Advocacy for the Handicapped, any reduction in funds appropriated for either shall be calculated based upon the separate funds for the respective entities rather than based upon the combined budget of the two organizations.
     56DD.27.  (GOV: Foster Care - Private Foster Care Reviews)  The Division of Foster Care is authorized to restructure its programs, including but not limited to, suspending reviews of children privately placed in private foster care and/or changing the location of reviews of children in public foster care, to maintain continuous operations within existing resources as dictated by recent budget reductions.  These decisions must be based upon the availability of existing funds.  This provision supersedes any previous statutory or regulatory mandate.
     56DD.28.  (GOV: Foster Care - Medicaid Eligible Children)  It is the intent of the General Assembly to ensure that placements of emotionally disturbed Medicaid eligible individuals under the age of twenty-one in residential therapeutic treatment are appropriate and that the level of care provided each child is offered in the least restrictive environment appropriate to meet the child's treatment needs.  The statutory powers and functions of the Division of Foster Care are expanded to develop, implement, and manage a quality assurance review system under contract with the Department of Health and Human Services.  This paragraph supersedes any previous statutory or regulatory mandate.
     56DD.29.  (GOV: OEPP - Federal, Other Flow Through Funds) In order to complete projects begun in a prior fiscal year, the Governor's Office is authorized to expend Federal and Earmarked Funds in the current fiscal year for expenses incurred in the prior fiscal year.
     56DD.30.  (GOV: SLED - Concealed Weapon Permit)  The State Law Enforcement Division shall collect, retain and carry forward all fees associated with the Concealed Weapon Permit program.
     56DD.31.  (GOV: Div. on Veteran's Affairs - Veteran's Roster)  The funds appropriated to the Division of Veteran's Affairs as "Special Item-Veteran's Roster" must be used in accordance with Part II, Section 73 of Act 164 of 1993, for the preparation, printing, and publication of a complete roster of all South Carolina soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and all other military personnel who entered the services of the United States in the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, and Operation Desert Storm.
     56DD.32.  (GOV: SLED - Vehicle Theft Unit)  The funds expended for the operation of the Vehicle Theft Unit authorized in item 4 of Section 56B of Part IA may be used to inspect a junkyard, scrap metal processing facility, salvage yard, repair shop, licensed business buying, selling, displaying, or trading new and used motor vehicles or parts of motor vehicles, parking lots, and public garages, or a person dealing with salvaged motor vehicles or parts of them.
     The physical inspection must be conducted while an employee or owner is present and must be for the purpose of locating stolen motor vehicles or investigating titling or registration of motor vehicles wrecked or dismantled.
     56DD.33.  (GOV: SLED - Commissioned Officers' Physicals)  The Department is authorized to pay for the cost of physical examinations for department personnel who are required to receive such physical examinations prior to receiving a law enforcement commission.
     56DD.34.  (GOV: Children's, Families and Health Committee)  The Ad Hoc Children's, Families and Health Committee established by the Governor shall study the access to and adequacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of preventive oral health care services provided to the citizens of South Carolina who do not have regular access to such care including citizens in rural communities, the elderly, nursing home patients, underprivileged children and disadvantaged segments of the general public.  The Committee's report shall be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor on or before January 15, 2000 2002.
     56DD.35. (GOV: SLED - Detective/Security Fee)  The State Law Enforcement Division is hereby authorized to charge and collect additional license and registration fees for private detective businesses, private security businesses, including employees of these businesses, and companies which provide private security on their own premises.  The funds generated will be transmitted to the Department of Public Safety and used for the purpose of providing additional security in the Capitol Complex area.
     56DD.36.      (GOV: SLED - Per Se)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Law Enforcement Division shall not be required to implement the compulsory testimony provisions of the Illegal Per Se statutes until such time as the General Assembly is able to adequately fund the program or by June 30, 2003, whichever comes first and until personnel are properly trained for the courtroom testimony.
     56DD.37.      (GOV: SLED - Meals in Emergency Operations)  The State Law Enforcement Division may provide meals to employees of SLED who are not permitted to leave assigned duty stations and are required to work during deployment, emergency simulation exercises and when the Governor declares a state of emergency.
     56DD.38.      (GOV: OEPP - Transfer Victims Assistance Funds)  Of the general funds appropriated to the Governor's Office of Executive Policy and Programs for Victims' Assistance, $604,749 must be transferred to the General Fund.
     56DD.39.      (GOV: OEPP - Victims' Assistance Network)  The Governor's Office of Executive Policy and Programs is directed to transfer $67,032 of the funds carried forward from the prior fiscal year in the Victims' Compensation Fund, to the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network for the purposes as provided in Section 16-3-1410(F) of the 1976 Code.
     56DD.40.      (GOV: OEPP - Victims' Assistance Funds Transfer) The Governor's Office of Executive Policy and Programs is directed to utilize $525,000 of the funds carried forward from the prior fiscal year in the Victims' Compensation Fund for the Victim/Witness Programs as provided for in provisos 56DD.18, 56DD.19 and 56DD.20 as contained herein.
     56DD.41.      (GOV: OEPP - Transfer to DJJ)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Governor's Office of Executive Policy and Programs is directed to transfer $5,418,680 of the funds carried forward from the prior fiscal year in the Victims' Compensation Fund to the Department of Juvenile Justice, which shall use the funds for the Northeast Center.
     56DD.42.      (GOV: OEPP - World Trade Center)  Of the Litter Control Program funds carried forward from the prior fiscal year, the Governor's Office of Executive Policy and Programs is directed to transfer $100,000 to the Department of Commerce for the World Trade Center.
     56DD.43.      (GOV: Flexibility)  The Governor's Office, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the Governor's Office is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Governor's Office is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Governor's Office is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Governor's Office is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 57 - E04 - LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

     57.1.      (LG: Flexibility)  The Lieutenant Governor's Office, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the Lieutenant Governor's Office is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Lieutenant Governor's Office is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Lieutenant Governor's Office is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Lieutenant Governor's Office is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 58 - E08 - SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE

     58.1.      (SS: Records Fee/Computer & Telephone Equipment)  The Secretary of State may establish and collect fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records.  Such records shall be furnished at the lowest possible cost to the person requesting the records.  The Agency may retain these funds for the purposes of purchasing and maintaining computer and telephone facsimile equipment and rent.  The Agency may charge a reasonable hourly rate for making records available to the public and require a reasonable deposit of such costs prior to searching for or making copies of the records.
     58.2.      (SS: Insufficient Check Recovery Fines/Retention and Carry Forward)  The Secretary of State may establish, collect and retain fines to recover the costs associated with the collection of dishonored checks returned to this Agency due to insufficient funds.  Such funds shall be retained and expended by this Agency in accordance with this purpose and any unused amount shall be carried forward.
     58.3.      (SS: Charitable Funds Solicitation - Fire Dept/Rescue Squads)  A fire department or rescue squad conducting or intending to conduct a professional solicitation of charitable funds may comply with the registration and fee requirements of Chapter 56, Title 33 of the 1976 Code if the local governing body having jurisdiction over that department or squad and other departments or squads in its area singly registers the multiple departments or squads annually and pays a single annual registration fee to the Secretary of State of fifty dollars pursuant to Section 33-56-30.  The single annual registration and fee payment of fifty dollars effectively registers all fire departments and rescue squads within the jurisdiction of the local governing body.
     58.4.      (SS: UCC Filing Fees)  For filings during the current fiscal year an additional fee equal to two dollars is added to the eight dollar and ten dollar UCC filing fees imposed pursuant to Sections 36-9-403, 36-9-404, 36-9-405 and 36-9-406 of the 1976 Code.  This additional fee is in addition to and not in lieu of any other fees required to be added to these eight and ten dollar fees.  Revenues of this additional fee, not to exceed $112,000, may be retained by the Secretary of State for purposes of UCC administration.  If during the current fiscal year a legislative enactment permanently increasing the UCC filing fees affected by this paragraph becomes effective and these fees are raised to at least ten and twelve dollars respectively, then the additional fee imposed pursuant to this paragraph lapses when the new fees become effective.  Whether resulting from the additional fee imposed by this paragraph or from permanently increased fees causing this additional fee to lapse, the Secretary of State may nevertheless retain filing fee revenues in the amount and for the purposes provided in this paragraph.
     58.5.      (SS: Flexibility)  The Secretary of State's Office, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the Secretary of State's Office is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Secretary of State's Office is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Secretary of State's Office is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Secretary of State's Office is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 59 - E12 - COMPTROLLER GENERAL'S OFFICE

     59.1.      (CG: Signature Authorization)  The Comptroller General is hereby authorized to designate certain employees to sign, in his stead, warrants drawn against the State Treasurer and the State Treasurer is hereby authorized to accept such signatures when notified by the Comptroller General.  This provision shall in no way relieve the Comptroller General of responsibility.
     59.2.      (CG: GAAP Implementation & Refinement)  It is the intent of the General Assembly to oversee the conversion of the financial statements issued for the State of South Carolina and these financial statements shall be in conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) by the earliest possible date.  To this end, the Comptroller General is directed, as the State Accounting Officer, to proceed with the implementation and refinement of the Statewide Accounting and Reporting System (STARS) so as to develop a reporting system that will result in the preparation of the official financial reports for the State of South Carolina by the State Accounting Officer in conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).  The Comptroller General, as the State Accounting Officer, is given full power and authority to issue accounting policy directives to State agencies in order to comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  The Comptroller General is also given full authority to conduct surveys, acquire consulting services, and implement new procedures required to fully implement Generally Accepted Accounting Principles under the oversight of the General Assembly.
     59.3.      (CG: Out-of-State Promotional Activities Expenses)  The Comptroller General may approve warrants for the payment of expenses for out-of-state promotional activities only when, in his opinion, such expenses are related to economic development in South Carolina.
     59.4.      (CG: Payroll Deduction Processing Fee)  There shall be a fee for processing payroll deductions, not to exceed 5 cents, for insurance plans, credit unions, deferred compensation plans and professional associations per deduction per pay day.  Proceeds shall be remitted to the General Fund of the State.  This fee shall not be applied to charitable deductions.
     59.5.      (CG: Lump Sum Agencies GAAP Implementation)  The Comptroller General's Office, in conjunction with lump sum agencies, is hereby directed to implement appropriate accounting procedures to consolidate accounts where necessary for proper accounting and thereby facilitate financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
     59.6.      (CG: GASB #34 Compliance)  Provided that funding for GASB Statement #34 shall be carried forward until implementation is complete.
     59.7.      (CG: Non-Profit Funds Report)  For Fiscal Year 2001-02, the Comptroller General is authorized to suspend compilation and issuance of the below referenced report on public or private funds provided to non-profit institutions and their grantees and subgrantees.
     The Comptroller General is directed to compile a report on public or private funds provided through state agencies, departments, institutions and divisions, to non-profit organizations and their grantees and subgrantees.  All state agencies, departments, institutions and divisions shall report to the Comptroller General such funding, whether state, federal or other.  For purposes of this proviso, the phrase 'non-profit organization' means:  (a) an organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; or (b)  an organization which has filed a statement of registration or exemption under the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, Chapter 56, Title 33 of the 1976 Code.
     The report shall include, but is not limited to, a list of the specific entities receiving funds, the amount received, a detailed description of the source of funds, whether state, federal or other, such as grants, donations, fees, etc., the purpose for which the funds are provided and a detailed expenditure of such funds.
     A report shall be submitted to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee by October 1st.
     59.8.      (CG: GASB #34 Implementation)  The Comptroller General's Office is authorized to transfer appropriations between accounts as necessary to assure adequate funding for South Carolina's required implementation of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board's (GASB) Statement #34.
     59.9.      (CG: Special Revenue Funds Transfer)  The Comptroller General upon the closing of the books for fiscal year 2000-01, shall transfer to the General Fund for FY 2001-02, $14,901,071 from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated "Special Revenue Funds."  The Comptroller General shall determine the amount to be transferred from each agency on a pro-rata basis of the total amount of  funds in these accounts at the close of the books for FY 2000-01.  Colleges, universities and technical colleges are exempted from this provision.
     59.10.      (CG: Flexibility)  The Comptroller General's Office, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the Comptroller General's Office is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Comptroller General's Office is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Comptroller General's Office is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Comptroller General's Office is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 60 - E16 - TREASURER'S OFFICE, STATE

     60.1.      (TREAS: Nat'l. Forest Fund - Local Govt. Compliance)  In order to conform to federal requirements local governments receiving distributions of National Forest Fund revenues are required to report annually to the State Treasurer indicating compliance with authorized purposes.
     60.2.      (TREAS: STARS Approval)  Decisions relating to the Statewide Accounting and Reporting System (STARS) which involve the State Treasurer's Banking Operations and other functions of the State Treasurer's Office shall require the approval of the State Treasurer.
     60.3.      (TREAS: Investments)  The State Treasurer may pool funds from accounts for investment purposes and may invest all monies in the same types of investments as set forth in Sections 11-9-660.
     60.4.      (TREAS: General Reserve Fund Transfer)  The State Treasurer's Office is authorized to transfer $2,545,350 $2,285,711 of General Funds to the General Reserve Fund on July 1, 2000 2001 to comply with Article III, Section 36 of the Constitution.
     60.5.      (TREAS: Management Fees)  The State Treasurer is authorized to charge a fee for the operating and management costs associated with the Local Government Investment Pool, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and the Tuition Prepayment Program and is further authorized to retain and expend the fees to provide these services.  The fees assessed may not exceed the cost of the provision of such services.
     60.6.      (TREAS: Flexibility)  The State Treasurer's Office, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the State Treasurer's Office is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the State Treasurer's Office is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the State Treasurer's Office is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The State Treasurer's Office is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 61 - E24 - ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE

     61.1.      (ADJ: Tuition Assistance Program)  Funds received from students who failed to enroll or withdraw from programs under the Tuition Assistance Program may be deposited in the Tuition Assistance Program Appropriation Account and expended for the same purpose as the original appropriation.
     61.2.      (ADJ: Unit Maintenance Funds)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds appropriated as unit maintenance funds shall be distributed to the various National Guard units at the direction of the Adjutant General.
     61.3.      (ADJ: Revenue Collections)  All revenues collected by National Guard units from county and city appropriations, vending machines, rental of armories, court martial fines, federal reimbursements to armories for telephone expenses, and other collections be retained and expended in its budgeted operations.
     61.4.      (ADJ: Rental Fee for Election Purposes)  The maximum fee that an armory may charge for the use of its premises for election purposes shall be the cost of providing custodial services, utilities and maintenance.
     61.5.      (ADJ: Parking Lot Revenues)  Notwithstanding other provisions of this Act, as a security measure for the State Military Department's headquarters building and grounds, the Adjutant General may control and contractually lease the headquarters' building parking facilities, during events at the University of South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium, to a state chartered and federally recognized 501(c)(4) tax exempt agency employees' association who may then sub-lease individual parking spaces.  Such a contract must require the employees association to obtain liability insurance against wrongful death or injury.  The contract must clearly hold the Adjutant General's Office, its officers, and the State of South Carolina harmless from any liability resulting from the use of the parking lot when rented by the employees association.  In addition, the contract must specify that the State of South Carolina's Military Department shall receive no less than thirty-three percent of the gross profits from the sub-leasing of the parking spaces.  The contract must allow the State to audit the employees association's funds.  Funds at the Adjutant General's Office derived wholly from the rental of Adjutant General's headquarters' parking lot may be retained at the Adjutant General's Office, but may not be used for employee perquisites.
     61.6.      (ADJ: State Guard Uniforms)  Any element of the Militia of this State may be uniformed in such surplus uniforms as may be made available to this State, except that the insignia of the United States shall be removed and for it shall be substituted distinctive insignia of the State of South Carolina.
     61.7.      (ADJ: Armory Rental Program)  The Adjutant General is authorized to develop and implement an armory rental program to recoup costs associated with the use of armories by state agencies or other non-Guard organizations.  The rental program must be uniform in its application to the maximum extent possible.  Funds generated by this program may be retained and expended for armory maintenance and operations.
     61.8.      (ADJ: Meals in Emergency Operations Centers)  The cost of meals may be provided to state employees who are required to work at the State Emergency Operations Centers during actual emergencies and emergency simulation exercises when they are not permitted to leave their stations.
     61.9.      (ADJ: Educational Seminar Revenue)  All revenue earned from educational seminars shall be retained by the agency to be used for the printing of materials and other expenses related to conducting the seminars.  The balance of funds shall be reported annually to the General Assembly.
     61.10.      (ADJ: Retention of Lease Property Revenue)  The Adjutant General is authorized to lease the property formerly referred to as the Combined Support Maintenance S and can retain revenue collected from this lease program. Funds generated by this program may be retained and expended for maintenance, renovation and construction of armories armory properties covered under the Federal Installation Stationing Plan (FISP) as authorized by the Adjutant General or Deputy Adjutant General for State Operations.  The Office of the Adjutant General shall provide a report which includes, but is not limited to, revenue collected, retained and expended, to include a descriptive purpose for which these funds were expended.  The report shall be provided to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee on or by October 1st.
     61.11.      (ADJ: Billeting and Dining Facility Operations)  All revenues collected by the Billeting and Dining Facility operations at the R. L. McCrady Training Center shall be retained and expended in their budgeted operations.  Expenditures from these funds shall be determined by the Billeting Committee for Billeting operations and the Deputy Adjutant General for State Operations for the Dining Facility operation  The Office of the Adjutant General shall provide a report on these funds which includes, but is not limited to, revenue collected, retained and expended, to include a descriptive purpose for which the funds were expended.  The report shall be provided to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee on or by October 1st.
     61.12.      (AG: Flexibility)  The Adjutant General's Office, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the Adjutant General's Office is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Adjutant General's Office is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Adjutant General's Office is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Adjutant General's Office is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.
SECTION 62 - E28 - ELECTION COMMISSION

     62.1.      (ELECT: County Registration Board and County Election Commission Compensation)  The amounts appropriated in this section for "County Registration Board Members and County Election Commissioners," shall be disbursed annually to the County Treasurer at the rate of $1,500 for each member, not to exceed $12,500 per county.  The County Treasurer shall use these funds only for the compensation of County Registration Board Members and County Election Commissioners.  Any funds not used for this purpose shall be returned to the State Treasurer.  These funds are exempted from mandated budget reductions.  In addition, in the calculation of any across the board agency base reductions mandated by the Budget and Control Board or the General Assembly, the amount of funds appropriated for compensation of County Registration Board Members and County Election Commissioners shall be excluded from the agency's base budget.
     62.2.      (ELECT: Elections Managers & Clerks Per Diem) Managers and clerks of state and county elections shall receive a per diem of $50.00; but managers shall not be paid for more than two days for any election and clerks for not more than three days for any election. The Commission may adjust the per diem of $50.00 for the managers and clerks of the statewide election to a higher level only to the extent that the appropriation for the statewide election is sufficient to bear the added cost of increasing the per diem and the cost of the statewide election.  Three additional managers per county may be appointed to assist county registration boards with the absentee/fail safe voting process prior to statewide elections.  Managers assisting the registration board in the absentee/fail safe process may receive a per diem of $50.00 for not more than three days.
     62.3.      (ELECT: Board of State Canvassers Compensation)  $100.00 additional compensation per day may be paid to each member of the Board of State Canvassers up to a total of 15 days that may be required for hearings held by the members of the Board of State Canvassers.
     62.4.            (ELECT: Sale of Lists Revenue Carry Forward)  Any revenue generated from the sale of election lists may be retained and expended by the South Carolina Election Commission to reimburse the State Budget and Control Board, Division of Operations, for the printing of such lists and to pay expenses of postage and shipment of these lists to electors who purchase them.  After such reimbursement has been made an amount, not to exceed $220,000 $400,000, shall be used for non-recurring expenses in conjunction with Act 248 of 1991, the Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act and in conjunction with extraordinary special election and legal costs and costs for upgrading the Statewide Voter Registration System.  Any balance in the Sale of Lists Account on June 30, of the prior fiscal year may be carried forward and expended for the same purposes during the current fiscal year.
     62.5.      (ELECT: Budget Reduction Exemption)  Funds appropriated for non-recurring general and primary election expenses are exempted from mandated across the board reductions.  In addition, in the calculation of any across the board agency base reductions mandated by the Budget and Control Board or the General Assembly, the amount of funds appropriated for non-recurring primary and general election expenses shall be excluded from the agency's base budget.
     62.6.      (ELECT: Primary Election Carry Forward)  Filing Fees received from candidates filing to run in statewide or special primary elections may be retained and expended by the State Election Commission to pay for the conduct of primary elections.  Any balance in the filing fee accounts on June 30, of the prior fiscal year may be carried forward and expended for the same purposes during the current fiscal year.  In addition, any balance in the Primary Election Accounts on June 30, of the prior fiscal year may be carried forward and expended for the same purposes during the current fiscal year. Up to $300,000 in primary carry forward funds, if practicable, may be used to aid counties in the purchase of Automated Count Voting Equipment on a 50/50 matching basis with the State paying 50% of the base price of the equipment and the counties paying 50% plus taxes and shipping.
     62.7.      (ELECT: Automated Voting Systems Carry Forward)  Funds provided to the agency as state match for purchasing automated voting systems shall be carried forward to be expended for the same purposes in the current fiscal year.
     62.8.      (ELECT: Training & Certification Program)  All members and staff of County Boards of Voter Registration and County Election Commissions will receive a common curriculum to include core courses on the duties and responsibilities of county registration boards and county election commissions and electives to promote quality service and professional development.  Up to $35,000 of revenue generated by charging a fee to attend these courses may be retained and expended by the South Carolina Election Commission to help cover the cost of providing the training.  Any balance in the training and certification account on June 30, of the prior fiscal year may be carried forward and expended for the same purpose during the current fiscal year.
     62.9.      (ELECT: General Election Carry Forward)  Any remaining funds may be carried forward and used to help defray the costs of conducting subsequent General Elections and to aid counties in the purchase of Automated Count Voting Systems on a 50/50 match basis with the State paying 50% of the base price of the equipment and the counties paying 50% plus taxes and shipping.
     62.10.      (ELECT: Training Notification)  The State Election Commission must notify the respective legislative delegation, or other recommending authority, of the progress made by each county registration board member, each member of a combined election and registration commission and each county election commission member toward completion of the training and certification program required by Sections 7-5-10, 7-5-35 and 7-13-70 of the 1976 Code no later than February 15 of each even-numbered year.  Members who fail to complete the program as required, or who fail to make satisfactory progress toward certification must be removed.
     62.11.      (ELECT: Flexibility)  The Election Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the Election Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Election Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Election Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Election Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 63A - F05 - BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, DIVISION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

     63A.1.       (BCB/DED: BA - Civil Contingent Fund - Disbursements)  Warrant requisitions for the disbursement of funds appropriated in this Section shall be approved by the respective division heads.  The Civil Contingent Fund, appropriated in Subsection 63A of this Section shall be expended only upon unanimous approval of the State Budget and Control Board, and upon warrant requisitions signed as directed by the State Budget and Control Board, to meet emergency and contingent expense of the State Government.  None of the Civil Contingent Fund shall be used to increase the salary of any State employee.
     63A.2.       (BCB/DED: BA - Total Quality Management)  It is the intent of the General Assembly to adequately train the State's work force to enable agencies to achieve their missions and to serve their customers.  The Executive Director of the Budget and Control Board will be responsible for coordinating the quality training effort for state government agency heads, managers, and employees for the purpose of strategic planning, leadership skills, team facilitator, supervision and customer service training.  All employees initially undergoing Total Quality Management training will receive a common curriculum, to include the philosophy, teamwork training and problem solving techniques of Total Quality Management.  As the training functions progress, organizational plans for using the Total Quality Management process will be drawn up and reviewed with agency heads, with action teams subsequently being formed for improvements.  Recognition of all progress made will be consistently given.  Funds shall be used to identify state agencies that are in direct contact with the public and provide training that will ensure employees courteously and effectively meet taxpayers' needs.  The funds provided for quality training shall not be transferred to any other program or used for any other purpose.  Funds allocated for this purpose not expended in the prior fiscal year may be carried forward to be expended in the current fiscal year.  The State Director of Total Quality Management is responsible for the development of a Quality Program based on criteria used for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.  State agency heads should ensure that groups formed to develop solutions to administrative and managerial problems will be selected to secure appropriate employee involvement and trained fully in quality improvement tools and techniques.  The Budget and Control Board shall conduct a performance study to determine the progress made towards the training of the State's work force and compliance with this provision and report to the General Assembly by January 15, 1999.  Measurements of performance for the requirements of this provision must be included in the Budget and Control Board's Annual Accountability Report.
     63A.3.       (BCB/DED: BA - Brandenburg Coordination Committee)  Of the $50,000 appropriated in this section for the Brandenburg Coordination Committee, funds are to be spent in support of cultural, educational, agricultural,  scientific, governmental or business exchanges and agreements between South Carolina and the sister state of Brandenburg, Germany and related German interests.  The Executive Director of the Budget and Control Board will submit an annual report to the Governor, the Chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways & Means Committee detailing such activities.
     63A.4.       (BCB/DED: BA - Accounting System Analysis-Interagency Study Committee)  In consultation with the Governor, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, the Executive Director of the Budget and Control Board is authorized to appoint interagency study committees to explore innovative solutions to administrative or managerial problems which are deemed to be system-wide in their impact.  The committees will be fully trained in quality management problem-solving techniques and strategies.  Funds appropriated for purposes of fostering innovation in the Fiscal Year 1993-94 Supplemental Appropriation for the Office of Executive Director, Budget and Control Board, Accounting System Analysis which are unexpended in the preceding fiscal year may be carried forward to be used in the current fiscal year for the same purpose.
     63A.5.       (BCB/DED: BA - Computer Services Consolidation) It is the intent of the General Assembly to consolidate management of computing services and computer support services under the Budget and Control Board.  The Executive Director of the Budget and Control Board shall develop a long-term strategic plan to accomplish this consolidation and to centralize all State Data Centers.  The Executive Director of the Budget and Control Board, in consultation with the Governor, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, is authorized to implement the Data Center Consolidation Plan as presented to and approved by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee on January 15, 1997.  The plan is structured in phases with   a final implementation date no later than July 2001.  All agencies affected by this plan are required to comply with the directives and mandates inherent in this planning document and must transfer any needed fixed assets, staff and associated FTEs to the Budget and Control Board at such time as they are requested.  The Legislature, Judiciary, higher education institutions and technical education institutions are exempt from this proviso.  The Board will report annually on the implementation of the plan to the Governor and the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees.  The report will address all revisions to the Data Center Consolidation Plan dated January 1997, and all transfers of fixed assets, staff and associated FTEs from state agencies to the Budget and Control Board.  The report must include, but is not limited to, any capital projects as well as revised cost/savings analyses of the single new data center compared to the previous nonconsolidated system structure.
     63A.6.       (BCB/DED: BA - EFA Litigation Carry Forward)  Any unexpended balance from the funds authorized and/or appropriated for EFA litigation in previous fiscal years shall be carried forward to be expended in the same manner and for the same purposes in the current fiscal year.
     63A.7.       (BCB/DED: OIS - Liability Insurance-PRT/LLR)  The Budget and Control Board through the Insurance Reserve Fund (IRF) is authorized, within its discretion, to expend any funds required to resolve the judgments entered by the state court in Knoke v. PRT, Mike and Mary Steinke, Estate of Steinke and Linda Nash Given and Estate of Nash v. LLR.  The IRF's authority pursuant to this section extends to any funds expended which will be in excess of the IRF's liability coverage applicable to these actions.  Should the IRF determine to expend any funds pursuant to this section to resolve the judgments, the IRF must be reimbursed from the General Fund for all funds so expended to include any monies expended pursuant to this section together with a reasonable interest as determined by the State Treasurer.
     63A.8.       (BCB/DED: Budget & Control Board Regulations)  All regulations promulgated by the Budget and Control Board, and all divisions thereof, shall be submitted to the General Assembly in accordance with Act No. 176 of 1977, as amended.
     63A.9.       (BCB/DED: Flexibility)  The Budget and Control Board, Division of Executive Director, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Division's mission, the Division of Executive Director is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Division is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Division.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Division of Executive Director is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Division's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Division of Executive Director is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Division of Executive Director is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 63B - F07 - BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, DIVISION OF OPERATIONS

     63B.1.       (BCB/DO: OGS - Procurement of Art Objects)  Before any governmental body, with the exception of the South Carolina Museum Commission, as defined under the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code procures any art objects such as paintings, antiques, sculptures, or similar objects above $1,000, the head of the Purchasing Agency shall prepare a written determination specifying the need for such objects and benefits to the State.  The South Carolina Arts Commission shall review such determination for approval prior to any acquisition.
     63B.2.       (BCB/DO: OGS - Real Property - Sale/Leaseback/ Repurchase Revenue Account)  In order to ensure the stability of any sale/leaseback and repurchase option agreement entered into by the State for any piece of real property, the Budget and Control Board is directed to establish a separate and distinct account for the deposit of the net proceeds of the sale or net annual charges derived from any such property.  Any funds held in such separate and distinct accounts shall only be used for the purpose of repurchasing the property and/or the establishment of a reserve fund as outlined in the contract documents for the property, until such time as the Agreements on the property are fulfilled.  It is the intention of the General Assembly to appropriate sufficient funds on an annual basis to enable the Budget and Control Board to meet the required lease payments and other necessary expenditures associated with any sale/leaseback agreement involving real property.
     63B.3.       (BCB/DO: OGS - Fleet Management Program)  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Division of Operations establish a cost allocation plan to recover the cost of operating the comprehensive statewide Fleet Management Program.  The Division shall collect, retain and carry forward funds to ensure continuous administration of the program.
     63B.4.       (BCB/DO: OGS - State House Operation & Maintenance Account)  Of the funds appropriated in the Budget and Control Board - General Services, $957,339 must be set aside in a separate account for the operation and maintenance of the State House.  The Budget and Control Board shall report annually to the State House Committee on the amount expended from this fund.
     63B.5.       (BCB/DO: OIR-Sale of Information Study)  From the funds available to the Office of Information Resources of the Budget and Control Board, Division of Operations, this office is directed to conduct a study on information sold by state agencies.  The study shall include the type of information sold, to whom the information is sold and the amount(s) paid for such information.  A report on the findings of the study shall be submitted to every member of the General Assembly by September 15, 1999.  The Office of Information Resources will update this information on an annual basis and will include documentation of information provided by agencies without charge.  The Office will report to the General Assembly its findings.  To facilitate this process, each state agency will forward the information for the last fiscal year to the Office of Information Resources by July 31 of each year.
     63B.6.       (BCB/DO: OGS - Construct Educational Office Building)  The Budget and Control Board, in accordance with authority granted in S.C. Code of Laws Section 11-1-110, shall work with the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education to construct an office building adequate in size to accommodate the current office space requirements of these agencies.  Funding for the debt service obligation for this building shall come from rental revenues as required.
     63B.7.            (BCB/DO: OIS-Health Plan Reserve)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Health Plan is only required to seek a twenty-two day reserve fund by the end of calendar year 2001.
     63B.8.            (BCB/DO: OIS-State Health Insurance Plan Cost Savings Advisory Study Committee)  The Executive Director  of the Budget and Control Board shall convene a study committee to evaluate any possible cost savings methodologies which could be employed in the State Health Insurance Program.  The committee should be representative of all key stakeholders in the plan.  Recommendations shall be reported by November 1, 2001, to the Budget and Control Board for its consideration.
     63B.9.       (BCB/DO: OIR - Wireless Communications Tower)  The Budget and Control Board ("the Board") is directed to coordinate tower and antenna operations within South Carolina state government to maximize the use of the State's wireless communications infrastructure and to support a statewide public safety communication system.  The Board is authorized to (1) review and approve all new or renewed leases and contractual agreements regarding antenna placement on state owned communications towers and state owned buildings, (2) coordinate all new communications tower construction on state owned property, (3) enter into agreements with private entities to promote and market to government and non-government users excess capacity on the State's wireless communications infrastructure, (4) generate revenue by leasing, licensing, or selling to the public and private sectors, in compliance with State and federal law, excess capacity on the State's wireless communications infrastructure, and (5) construct new communications assets on any appropriate state owned property for the purpose of generating revenue pursuant to this proviso.  All revenue from antenna and tower space contracts or leases, existing prior to the effective date of this proviso, or renewals for this same space, must be reported to the Board, but such revenue shall be retained by the owning agency.  All  revenue from new tower and antenna leases and contracts entered into after the effective date of this proviso must be remitted to a separate fund established by the Board.  This fund shall be retained and carried over from year to year and shall be used to create and support a statewide public safety communications system.  Agencies owning tower and antenna assets will be allowed to recover from this fund expenses associated with implementing this proviso.  The Board will establish a process to ensure that state and local government needs are considered in implementing this proviso.  The Board shall create an annual report detailing all revenue collected and disbursed pursuant to this proviso.  This report shall also include a summary of each state agency's overall antenna and tower revenues, whether such revenue is retained by the individual agency or remitted to the fund established by this proviso.   This report shall be compiled on a fiscal year basis and made available to the South Carolina General Assembly on October 1 of each year.
     63B.10.      (BCB/DO: OIS-Senior Prescription Drug Program) Funds appropriated for the Senior Prescription Program may be carried forward.
     63B.11.      (BCB/DO: OIS-State Health Plan Date)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1-11-710(A)(2) of the 1976 Code, the State Budget and Control Board shall approve, by August 15 of the current fiscal year, a plan of benefits, eligibility and employer, employee, retiree and dependent contributions for the next calendar year for the State Health Plan.
     63B.12.      (BCB/DO: Flexibility)  The Budget and Control Board, Division of Operations, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Division's mission, the Division of Operations is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Division is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Division.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Division of Operations is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Division's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Division of Operations is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Division of Operations is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 63C - F09 - BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, DIVISION OF BUDGET & ANALYSES

     63C.1.       (BCB/DBA: OHR - Compensation - Agency Head Salary) Notwithstanding any other provision of law in the event of an agency head vacancy, the governing board of the agency or the Governor, must have the prior favorable recommendation of the Agency Head Salary Commission to set, discuss or offer a salary for the agency head at a rate that exceeds the minimum of the range established by the Agency Head Salary Commission.  The Budget & Control Board shall have final approval authority for agency head salaries.  Boards and Commissions of newly created agencies shall not offer a salary to a prospective agency head until a salary range has been established and the salary approved by the Agency Head Salary Commission.  The funding for such purpose should come from resources within the agency.  The Budget & Control Board shall contract every four years for a study of agency head compensation during the current year.  The cost of the study must be shared by the participating agencies.  The Agency Head Salary Commission shall recommend to the Budget & Control Board salary increases for agency heads.  No agency head shall be paid less than the minimum of the salary pay range nor receive an increase that would have the effect of raising the salary above the maximum of the pay range.  Funding must be provided for an amount equivalent to the pay increase for all classified employees.  Any remaining increases recommended by the Agency Head Salary Commission shall be funded from the individual agency budget.  All increases shall be effective on or after January 1, of the current fiscal year.
     In the event of a Technical College President vacancy, the appointing authority must have prior favorable recommendation of the Agency Head Salary Commission to set, discuss or offer a salary for Technical College Presidents at a rate that exceeds the midpoint of the salary range.  The Budget & Control Board shall have final approval authority for these salaries.
     63C.2.       (BCB/DBA: OHR - Compensation - Reporting of Supplemental Salaries)  No supplement shall be paid to an agency's employee unless the agency head or designated official of the employing agency has approved the conditions and amount of salary supplement.  Any compensation, excluding travel reimbursement, from an affiliated public charity, foundation, clinical faculty practice plan, or other public source or any supplement from a private source to the salary appropriated for a state employee and fixed by the State must be reported by the employing agency to the Division of Budget and Analyses of the Budget and Control Board.  The report must include the amount, source, and any condition of the supplement.  The employing agency must report this information on or before August 31 of each year and must include the total amount and source of the salary supplement received by the employee during the preceding fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). The Office of Human Resources of the B&C Board shall formulate policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the reporting provisions of this proviso.
     63C.3.       (BCB/DBA: OHR - Vacancy Report/Appropriations for Compensation/Quarterly Allocations)  In providing in this Act for compensation of state employees, the General Assembly recognizes that a continuing minimum number of position vacancies among state agencies is inevitable and that the full amount appropriated for employee compensation will not likely be required.  In order to provide for efficient administration and use of such appropriations, the Budget and Control Board is authorized to require such periodic reports from agencies as will reflect actual compensation requirements during the course of the year and to allot to agencies on a quarterly basis such amounts of appropriations for compensation as may be necessary to meet actual requirements only.
     63C.4.       (BCB/DBA: OHR - Compensation - Increase Eligibility)  Statewide elected officials, constitutional officers, temporary positions, whether full or part-time, and agency heads, shall not be eligible for any compensation increases as provided in this Act unless otherwise specified in this Act.
     63C.5.       (BCB/DBA: BEA - Membership, Compensation, Duties)  Notwithstanding the provisions of 11-9-820 of the 1976 Code, the Board of Economic Advisors shall consist of the following members:
           (1)      one member, appointed by the Governor, who shall serve as chairman and shall receive the sum of $10,000 annually;
           (2)      one member appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee who shall receive the sum of $8,000 annually;
           (3)      one member appointed by the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives who shall receive the sum of $8,000 annually;
           (4)      Director of the Department of Revenue, ex officio with no voting rights.
     The appointed members shall serve at the pleasure of their appointors.  The Chairman of the Board of Economic Advisors shall report directly to the Budget and Control Board to establish policy governing economic trend analysis.  The Board of Economic Advisors shall provide for its staffing and administrative support from funds appropriated by the General Assembly.
     The Executive Director of the Budget and Control Board shall assist the Governor, Chairman of the Board of Economic Advisors, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives in providing an effective system for compiling and maintaining current and reliable economic data.  The Board of Economic Advisors is considered a public body under the provisions of Section 30-4-20(a) of the 1976 Code.  The Board of Economic Advisors may establish an advisory board to assist in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.  All state agencies, departments, institutions and divisions shall provide such information and data as the board may require.
     The Department of Commerce shall provide to the Board of Economic Advisors by November tenth the public document prepared pursuant to Section 12-10-100(C) of the 1976 Code itemizing each revitalization agreement concluded during the prior calendar year.  The Department of Revenue shall provide to the Board of Economic Advisors by November tenth a report of the amount of each tax credit claimed in the previous tax year pursuant to Title 12 of the 1976 Code.  The report must individually list the total amount claimed and the number of filings for each tax credit.  The Department of Revenue must also provide to the Board of Economic Advisors by November tenth magnetic tapes containing data from all state individual and corporate income tax filings, excluding any confidential identifying information, from the previous tax year.
     63C.6.       (BCB/DBA: BEA - Mid-Year Budget Reductions & Restricting the Rate of Expenditures)  Any appropriations made herein or by special act now or hereafter, are hereby declared to be maximum, conditional and proportionate,  the purpose being to authorize expenditures not to exceed the amounts named herein, if necessary, but only in the event the aggregate revenues available during the period for which the appropriations are made are sufficient to pay them in full.  The State Budget and Control Board is directed to survey the progress of the collection of revenue and the expenditure of funds by all agencies, departments and institutions.  If the Budget and Control Board determines that a year-end aggregate deficit may occur by virtue of a projected shortfall in anticipated revenues, it shall utilize such funds as may be available and required to be used to avoid a year end deficit and thereafter take such action as necessary to restrict the rate of expenditure of all agencies consistent with the provisions of this section.  No institution, activity, program, item, special appropriation, or allocation for which the General Assembly has provided funding in any part of this Act shall be discontinued, deleted, or deferred by the Budget and Control Board.  Any reduction of rate of expenditure by the Board, under authority of this Act, shall be applied as uniformly as may be practicable except that no reduction shall be applied to funds encumbered by a written contract with an agency not connected with the State Government.  Appropriations for programs related to the education of students in kindergarten through twelfth grade including instructional materials, transportation, State aid to school districts and implementation of the Education Accountability Act of 1998 and the First Steps to School Readiness programs are exempt from any such reduction.  This exemption extends to those appropriations directly related to educational activities for such students at the School for the Deaf and Blind, John de la Howe School, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, the Governor's School for Science and Math, the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Correction's Palmetto Unified School District.  The Board may also exempt from any mid-year reduction an agency's base budget where the Board has officially recognized an agency operating deficit.  No such reduction shall be ordered by the State Budget and Control Board while the General Assembly is in session without first reporting such necessity to the General Assembly and the General Assembly has taken no action to prevent the reduction within five fifteen statewide session days of formal written notification.
     As far as practicable all departments, institutions, and agencies of the State are hereby directed to budget and allocate appropriations as quarterly allocation so as to provide for operation on uniform standards throughout the fiscal year and in order to avoid an operating deficit for the fiscal year.  It should be recognized that academic year calendars of state institutions will affect the uniformity of the receipt and distribution of funds during the years.  The Comptroller General or the Office of State Budget shall make such reports to the Budget and Control Board as they deem advisable on any agency which is expending authorized appropriations at a rate which predicts or projects a general fund deficit for the agency.  The Budget and Control Board is authorized and directed to require any such agency, institutions or department to file a quarterly allocations plan and is further authorized to restrict the rate of expenditures of the agency, institution or department if the Board determines that a deficit may occur.  It is the responsibility of any such agency to develop a plan, in consultation with the Budget and Control Board, that eliminates or reduces a deficit.  Should the Budget and Control Board make a finding that the cause of and likelihood of a deficit is unavoidable due to factors which are wholly outside of an agency's control, then the Board may determine that the recognition of an agency deficit is appropriate and shall notify the General Assembly of such action or the presiding officer of the House and Senate if the General Assembly is not in session.  Upon receipt of such notification from the Budget and Control Board, the General Assembly may authorize supplemental appropriations from any surplus revenues which existed at the close of the previous fiscal year.  If the General Assembly fails to take action, then the finding of the Budget and Control Board shall stand, and the actual deficit at close of the fiscal year shall be reduced as necessary from surplus revenues or surplus funds available at the close of the fiscal year in which the deficit occurs and from funds available in the Capital Reserve Fund and General Reserve Fund, as required by the Constitution.  If the Budget and Control Board finds that the likelihood and cause of a deficit is the result of agency management, then the bond of State officials responsible for management of the agency involved shall be held liable therefor and the Board shall notify the Agency Head Salary Commission of such finding.  In the case of a finding that a projected deficit is the result of the management of the agency, the Budget and Control Board shall take immediate steps to curtail agency expenditures in such a manner so as to bring expenditures in line with authorized appropriations and avoid a year end operating deficit.
     63C.7.       (BCB/DBA: OHR - Compensation Increase - Appropriated Funds Ratio) Appropriated funds may be used for compensation increases for classified and unclassified employees and agency heads only in the same ratio that the employee's base salary is paid from appropriated sources.
     63C.8.       (BCB/DBA: OHR - Vacant Positions)  In the event that any permanent position in an agency remains vacant for more than one year the position may be deleted by the Budget and Control Board.
     For Fiscal Year 2001-02, the Budget and Control Board is authorized to suspend the requirement of this provision.
     63C.9.       (BCB/DBA: OHR - Employee Pay) The amounts appropriated to the Budget and Control Board for Employee Pay Increases must be allocated by the Board to the various state agencies to provide for employee pay increases in accordance with the following plan:
     1.      With respect to classified and non judge judicial classified employees, effective on the first pay date that occurs on or after July 1 of the current fiscal year, the compensation of all classified employees shall be increased by 2.5% 1.5%.
     In addition, the Budget and Control Board shall distribute funds appropriated for a merit increase so as to provide for an average 1% merit increase for classified and non judge judicial classified employees, effective on the beginning of the pay period coincident with or immediately following the employee's performance review date.  The amount of the merit increase shall be based on the most recent Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) evaluation and shall be determined based on a plan developed by the agency director.  An employee may file a grievance if the employee receives less than "meets performance" on the employee performance review or is denied a merit increase based on performance.
     2.      With respect to unclassified and non judge judicial unclassified employees or unclassified executive compensation system employees not elsewhere covered in this Act, effective on the first pay date that occurs on or after July 1 of the current fiscal year, each agency is authorized to allot the total funds for compensation increases among individual employees without uniformity.  The funds provided for compensation increases for any employees subject to the provisions of this paragraph are based on an annual average 3% 2% increase.  All of the salaries are subject to the provisions of Section 72.29 of Part IB of this Act and Office of Human Resources' approval must be obtained before any employees subject to the provisions of this paragraph may be granted an annual pay increase in excess of the guidelines established by the Budget & Control Board.  Any employee subject to the provisions of this paragraph shall not be eligible for compensation increases provided in paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 5, or 6 or 7.
     3.      With respect to agency heads covered by the Agency Head Salary Commission, the Agency Head Salary Commission shall recommend to the Budget and Control Board salary increases for agency heads.  Agency head increases shall be effective on the first pay date that occurs on or after January 1 of the current fiscal year.  No agency head shall be paid less than the minimum of the pay increase range nor receive a salary increase that would have the effect of raising the salary above the maximum of the pay range.
     4.      Effective on the first pay date that occurs on or after July 1 of the current fiscal year, agency heads not covered by the Agency Head Salary Commission, shall receive an annualized base pay increase of 3% 2%.
     5.      With respect to local health care providers, the funds provided for compensation increases shall be based on an annual average 2.5% 2% increase, effective on the first pay date that occurs on or after July 1 of the current fiscal year.
     6.      Effective on the first pay date that occurs on or after July 1 of the current fiscal year, the Chief Justice and other judicial officers shall receive an annualized base pay increase of 2%.
     63C.10.      (BCB/DBA: CRR - Artifacts Disposition)  No artifacts owned by the State in the permanent collections of the Confederate Relic Room shall be permanently removed or disposed of except by a Concurrent Resolution of the General Assembly.
     63C.11.      (BCB/DBA: CRR - Confederate Relic Room Location)  Notwithstanding Act 313 of 1919 and Section 59-117-60, Code of Laws of 1976, the War Memorial Building erected at the corner of Sumter and Pendleton Streets in the City of Columbia shall continue to be used by the Confederate Relic Room and the custody and control of the building shall be forthwith transferred to the South Carolina Budget and Control Board.
     63C.12.      (BCB/DBA: CRR - Research/Copy Fee)  The Confederate Relic Room is authorized to collect, retain and expend fees from research and photographic processing requests and from the sale of promotional items.
     63C.13.      (BCB/DBA: CRR - Appointment of Director)  The Director of the Confederate Relic Room shall be appointed, after consultation with the South Carolina Division Commander of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and the President of the South Carolina Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, by the Executive Director of the South Carolina Budget and Control Board and shall serve at his pleasure.
     63C.14.      (BCB/DBA: CRR - Donations)  The Confederate Relic Room is authorized to receive donations of funds, artifacts and admission fees and to expend these donations and fees for the restoration, preservation, acquisition and display of the collection to supplement state monies appropriated for such purposes.
     63C.15.      (BCB/DBA: CRR - Confederate Museum Relocation)  It is the intent of the General Assembly that, as soon as space becomes available, the Confederate Museum shall relocate to the Columbia Mills Building where it will be retained as a separate and distinct facility, under the State Budget and Control Board.
     63C.16.      (BCB/DBA: Higher Education Salary Limit Exemption)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-11-165 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, as amended, higher education technical colleges, colleges and universities shall be exempt from the requirement that the salaries of employees shall not exceed ninety-five percent of the midpoint of the agency head salary range or the agency head actual salary, whichever is greater.
     63C.17.      (BCB/DBA: ORS-State Boundary Mapping)  Funds appropriated in Part IA, Section 63C of this act for State Boundary Mapping shall not be used for county boundary determination.  The funds shall be used only for the State Boundary resolution between South and North Carolina.
     63C.18.      (BCB/DBA: OHR - Holidays)  Notwithstanding S.C. Code Section 53-5-20, and due to the December 25, 1999, holiday being observed on a Friday, December 24, 1999, the Governor is hereby authorized to declare Thursday, December 23, 1999, as the Christmas Eve holiday for state government employees.  In addition, notwithstanding S.C. Code Section 53-5-30, the New Year's Day Holiday that would be observed on December 31, 1999, shall hereby be observed on January 3, 2000.
     63C.19.      (BCB/DBA: ORS - Medicaid Program Analysis)  From the funds appropriated to the Office of Research and Statistics, the Budget and Control Board shall provide members of the State Legislature with periodic reports and analysis of the economic benefits and costs of the State Medicaid program.  This analysis shall include, but is not limited to, a review of: 1) the actual and projected number of eligibles and recipients for each of the qualifying groups; 2) the actual and projected costs of providing services to each of the qualifying groups and reimbursement rates to the providers; 3) the benefits and scope of services provided to Medicaid recipients as compared to other states; 4) the compliance of the state Medicaid program with federal and state rules, regulations and laws governing the Medicaid program; and 5) the identification of cost savings opportunities through the use of technologies, managed care and other management techniques to achieve quality and efficiency in the Medicaid program.  The Office of Research and Statistics, shall at least annually, publish a report on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the financial integrity and stability of the State Medicaid program. The Department of Health and Human Services must provide to the staff of the Office of Research and Statistics all financial and statistical data, excluding any confidential identifying information, regarding the Medicaid program.
     63C.20.      (BCB/DBA: OHR - Incentives Study)  DELETED
     63C.21.      (BCB/DBA: OHR - Hazardous Weather Emergency Leave)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, when the Governor declares a state of emergency for the State or any portion of the State, he can provide State employees with leave with pay for absences from work due to the state of emergency for hazardous weather of up to five days for each declaration of a state of emergency.
     63C.22.      (BCB/DBA: OHR - Salary Study)  The State Budget and Control Board's Division of Budget and Analyses shall contract to conduct a salary review of all constitutional officers and all members of the South Carolina General Assembly.  The review must include such analysis as may be needed to assess current salary levels and cost of living adjustments.  A report, including appropriate recommendations, must be submitted to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee by January 15, 2002.
     63C.23.      (BCB/DBA: OHR - Freeze Agency Head Salaries)  Notwithstanding the provisions of 63C.1 (Compensation-Agency Head Salary) and 63C.9 (Employee Pay) contained herein, during Fiscal Year 2001-02 agency heads are prohibited from receiving a pay increase.
     63C.24.      (BCB/DBA: Flexibility)  The Budget and Control Board, Division of Budget and Analyses, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Division's mission, the Division of Budget and Analyses is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Division is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Division.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Division of Budget and Analyses is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Division's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Division of Budget and Analyses is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Division of Budget and Analyses is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 63D - F11 - BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, DIVISION OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

     63D.1.       (BCB/DRD: OLG - Carry Forward - BCB Grant Program, Special Projects & EPA Grant Match Funds)  Funds appropriated under Section 63D, Division of Regional Development, "Aid to Entities":  Budget and Control Board Grant Program Funds, Special Projects and EPA Grant Match Funds which are not expended in the prior fiscal year may be carried forward to be expended in the current fiscal year. Of the Grant Funds appropriated under the Division of Regional Development, $400,000 may be used for operating costs of the Division in order to enhance the technical assistance capabilities of the Office of Local Government.
     63D.2.       (BCB/DRD: OLG - Carry Forward - State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund)  If any funds accumulated by the Budget and Control Board, Division of Regional Development from loan fees are not expended during the preceding fiscal years, such funds may be carried forward and expended for the costs associated with conducting the State Revolving Fund programs for wastewater or drinking water.
     63D.3.       (BCB/DRD: OLG - State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund)  In the event that any state funds remain after fully matching federal grants for the State Revolving Funds under the Clean Water Act or Safe Drinking Water Act, such funds may be deposited into the South Carolina Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund established pursuant to Section 11-40-50.
     63D.4.       (BCB/DRD: OLG - Carry Forward - BCB Infrastructure Grant Fund)  Funds appropriated in the Fiscal Year 1993-94 Supplemental Appropriation for the Office of Local Government, Division of Operations, Infrastructure Grant Revolving Fund which are unexpended in the preceding fiscal year may be carried forward to be used in the current fiscal year for the same purpose of funding infrastructure projects in economically distressed areas as provided for in Section 41-43-180 of the 1976 Code.
     63D.5.       (BCB/DRD: Transfer to ECOS)  The Budget and Control Board, Division of Regional Development is directed to permanently transfer $44,346 and one-half FTE to the Governor's Office of Executive Control of State, Section 56A.
     63D.6.       (BCB/DRD: Flexibility)  The Budget and Control Board, Division of Regional Development, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Division's mission, the Division of Regional Development is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Division is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Division.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Division of Regional Development is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Division's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Division of Regional Development is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Division of Regional Development is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 63E - F27 - BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE

     63E.1.       (BCB/AUD: Access of Records)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the purposes of carrying out his duties, the State Auditor and his assistants or designees shall have access to all records and facilities of every state agency during normal operating hours.  Furthermore, the State Auditor and his assistants or designees shall have access to all relevant records and facilities of any private organization which is appropriated state monies, relating to the management and expenditures of such funds, during the organization's normal operating hours.  In the performance of his official duties, the State Auditor and his assistants or designees are subject to the statutory provisions and penalties regarding the confidentiality of records of the respective agency, or organization, under review.  All audit working papers and memoranda of the State Auditor, with the exception of final audit reports, are confidential and not subject to public disclosure.
     63E.2.       (BCB/AUD: Audit Timeframes)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Auditor may examine less often than annually agencies, departments, commissions and divisions provided that every such agency, department, commission or division shall be examined no less often than every third year.
     63E.3.       (BCB/AUD: Contracts for State Audits)  In the event qualified personnel cannot be hired during the current fiscal year, any unused personal service funds in Subsection 63E, may be used to contract private firms to perform audits as prescribed by the State Auditor.
     63E.4.       (BCB/AUD: Fraud Hot Line)  The State Auditor is directed to maintain a Fraud Hot Line, and provide statewide toll free telephone service for use by citizens of this State to report incidences of waste, fraud, misuse, and abuse of state funds.  The State Auditor is further directed to advertise the Fraud Hot Line in an appropriate manner.
     63E.5.       (BCB/AUD: Medical Assistance Audit)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall remit to the General Fund an amount representing fifty percent (allowable Federal Financial Participation) of the cost of the Medical Assistance Audit as established in the State Auditor's Office of the Budget and Control Board Section 63E such amount to also include appropriated salary adjustments and employer contributions allowable to this program.  Such remittance to the General Fund shall be made monthly and based on invoices as provided by the State Auditor's Office of the Budget and Control Board.
     63E.6.      (BCB/AUD: Flexibility)  The Budget and Control Board, State Auditor's Office, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Office's mission, the State Auditor's Office is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Office is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Office.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the State Auditor's Office is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Office's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the State Auditor's Office is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The State Auditor's Office is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 63F - F29 - BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, RETIREMENT DIVISION

     63F.1.       (BCB/RET: Retirement Benefits Limits Increase)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except as provided below, retirees and beneficiaries under the State Retirement Systems receiving Medicaid (Title XIX) sponsored nursing home care as of June 30, of the prior fiscal year shall receive no increase in retirement benefits during the current fiscal year.  However, a retired employee affected by the above prohibition may receive the scheduled increase if he is discharged from the nursing home and does not require admission to a hospital or nursing home within six months.  The Department of Health & Human Services, the Department of Social Services, and the State Retirement Systems must share the information needed to implement this proviso.
     63F.2.       (BCB/RET: Retirement Contributions - Monthly Transfers)  Notwithstanding the amounts appropriated in Subsection 63F of this Section as "State Employer Contributions," the State Treasurer and Comptroller General are hereby authorized and directed to transfer from the General Fund of the State to the proper Retirement System Accounts, month by month, during the current fiscal year, such funds as are necessary to comply with the terms of the Retirement Act as amended, with respect to contributions by the State of South Carolina to the Retirement System.
     63F.3.       (BCB/RET: TERI)  (A) Notwithstanding Section 9-1-2210(A) of the 1976 Code, TERI participation is allowed only upon the mutual consent of the employee and employer.
     (B)      In addition to the requirements of Section 9-1-2210(C) of the 1976 Code, an employer shall pay to the South Carolina Retirement System the employer contribution for active members prescribed by law for the program participant, regardless of whether the program participant is in a temporary or part-time position.
     (C)      Notwithstanding Section 9-1-2210(I) program participants first participating in the TERI program after June 30, 2001, are not paid for any annual leave when they terminate from the TERI Program.  These program participants, however, shall accrue and are allowed to use sick and annual leave while participating in TERI.
     (D)      The provisions of Section 9-1-2210(H) are suspended.
     (E)      Persons first participating in TERI after June 30, 2001, are exempt from the provisions of Article 5, Chapter 17, Title 8 of the 1976 Code, the State Employee Grievance Procedure.
     63F.4.       (BCB/RET: LEORI)        (A) An active contributing member who is eligible for service retirement under Chapter 11, Title 9 of the 1976 Code, the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System and complies with the requirements of this article may participate in the Law Enforcement Officer Retention Incentive Program (program) when offered such an employment program by an employer participating in the system.  This eligibility occurs upon mutual agreement of the employee and employer.  A member participating in this program retires for the purposes of the system, and the member's normal retirement benefit is calculated on the basis of the member's average final compensation and service credit at the time the program period begins.  A member is ineligible to participate in the program after receiving a normal retirement benefit from the system.  The program participant shall agree to continue employment with an employer or employers participating in the system for a specified program period, but the total program period regardless of the number of employers may not exceed five years from the time the program begins.  A break in service while participating in the program ends the program for the participant.  The member shall notify the system of the length of the program period before the beginning of the program period and of any change in employer while in the program. Participation in the program does not guarantee employment for the specified program period.
     (B)      During the specified program period, receipt of the member's normal retirement benefit is deferred.  The member's deferred monthly benefit must be placed in the system's trust fund on behalf of the member.  No interest is paid on the member's deferred monthly benefit placed in the system's trust fund during the specified program period.
     (C)      During the specified program period, the employer shall pay to the system the employer contribution for active members prescribed by law with respect to any program participant it employs, regardless of whether the program participant is a full-time or part-time employee, or in a temporary or permanent position.  If an employer who is obligated to the system pursuant to this subsection fails to pay the amount due, as determined by the system, the amount must be deducted from any funds payable to the employer by the State.
     (D)      A program participant is retired from the retirement system as of the beginning of the program period.  A program participant makes no further employee contributions to the system, accrues no service credit during the program period, and is not eligible to receive group life insurance benefits or disability retirement benefits.  Accrued annual leave and sick leave used in any manner in the calculation of the program participant's retirement benefit is deducted from the amount of such leave accrued by the participant, and the balance, if any, transfers to the program employment in accordance with the employer's leave policies.  A program employee accrues leave as a regular employee.  The participants shall not be paid for any annual leave when they terminate from the program.  These program participants shall, however, accrue and be allowed to use sick and annual leave while participating in the program.
     (E)      A program participant is not subject to the earnings limitation imposed by this law on reemployed retirees during the specified program period.
     (F)      Upon termination of employment either during or at the end of the program period, the member must receive the balance in the member's program account by electing either:
                 (1)      a lump-sum distribution, paying appropriate taxes; or
                 (2)      to the extent permitted under law, a tax sheltered rollover into an eligible plan.
     The member also must receive the previously determined normal retirement benefits based upon the member's average final compensation and service credit at the time the program period began, plus any applicable cost of living increases declared during the program period.  The program participant thereafter is subject to the earnings limitation of Section 9-11-90(4)(a) of the 1976 Code.
     (G)      If a program participant dies during the specified program period, the member's designated beneficiary must receive the balance in the member's program account by electing either:
                 (1)      a lump-sum distribution, paying appropriate taxes; or
                 (2)      to the extent permitted under law, a tax sheltered rollover into an eligible plan.
     (H)      A member is not eligible to participate in the program if the member has previously participated in and received a benefit under this program or any other state retirement system.
     (I)      Persons participating in programs established by this paragraph are exempt from the provisions of Article 5, Chapter 17, Title 8 of the 1976 Code, the South Carolina Employee Grievance Procedure.

SECTION 63G - F30 - BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

     63G.1.       (BCB/EB: Benefits - Proportionate Payment)  It is the intent of the General Assembly that any agency of the State Government whose operations are covered by funds from other than General Fund Appropriations shall pay from such other sources a proportionate share of the employer costs of retirement, social security, workmen's compensation insurance, unemployment compensation insurance, health and other insurance for active and retired employees, and any other employer contribution provided by the State for the agency's employees.
     63G.2.       (BCB/EB: Unemployment Compensation Account)  Unemployment Compensation premiums collected from state agencies will be deposited into a separate account and used to pay Unemployment Compensation benefits to eligible employees of the State.  Premiums will be based on experience ratings provided by private consultants and the Budget and Control Board.  The Unemployment Compensation Funds' contribution level must be reviewed no less than biennially to ensure that premiums are commensurate with the cost of operating the Unemployment Compensation Fund.  All interest earned on this account must be retained by the Unemployment Compensation Fund and used to offset costs.
     63G.3.       (BCB/EB: Unemployment Compensation Insurance Claims)  Notwithstanding the amounts appropriated in Subsection 63G of this Section as "Unemployment Compensation Insurance" to cover unemployment benefit claims paid to employees of the State Government who are entitled under Federal Law, the State Treasurer and the Comptroller General are hereby authorized and directed to pay from the General Fund of the State to the South Carolina Employment Security Commission such funds as are necessary to cover actual benefit claims paid during the current fiscal year which exceed the amounts paid in for this purpose by the various agencies, departments and institutions subject to unemployment compensation claims.  The Employment Security Commission shall certify quarterly to the Budget and Control Board the State's liability for such benefit claims actually paid to claimants who were employees of the State of South Carolina and entitled under Federal law.  The amount so certified shall be remitted to the Employment Security Commission.
     63G.4.       (BCB/EB: Workers' Compensation Insurance Claims)  Notwithstanding the amounts appropriated in Subsection 63G of this Section as "Workers' Compensation Insurance" to cover Workers' Compensation benefit claims paid to employees of the State Government who are entitled under State Law, the State Treasurer and the Comptroller General are hereby authorized and directed to pay from the General Fund of the State to the State Accident Fund such funds as are necessary to cover actual benefit claims paid and expenses relating to the operations of the agency during the current fiscal year which exceed the amounts paid in for this purpose by the various agencies, departments, and institutions.  The State Accident Fund shall certify quarterly to the Budget and Control Board the State's liability for such benefit claims actually paid to claimants who are employees of the State of South Carolina and entitled under State Law.  The amount so certified shall be remitted to the State Accident Fund.
     63G.5. (BCB/EB: Deferred Compensation)  To the extent funds are appropriated, the State shall make contributions to deferred compensation plan accounts on behalf of permanent, full-time State employees who were employed and earned less than $20,000 per year as of July 1, 2000, in an amount and under the terms and conditions prescribed for such contributions by the State Budget and Control Board, without such employees making contributions to the deferred compensation plan.
     63G.6.      (BCB/EB: Flexibility)  The Budget and Control Board, Employee Benefits, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Employee Benefits' mission, the Budget and Control Board is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Board is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Employee Benefits.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Budget and Control Board is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Employee Benefits' base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Budget and Control Board is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Budget and Control Board is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 63H - F31 - BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, CAPITAL RESERVE FUND

     63H.1.       (BCB/CRF: Deficit Projected - Use of CRF)  If the Board of Economic Advisors revenue forecast to the Budget and Control Board at any time during the current fiscal year projects that revenues for the current fiscal year will be less than appropriated expenditures for this year, the Budget and Control Board in mandating necessary cuts during the current fiscal year to eliminate the projected deficit must first reduce to the extent necessary the appropriation herein contained to the Capital Reserve Fund, prior to mandating any cuts in operating appropriations.

SECTION 64 - R44 - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

     64.1.      (DOR: Cost Recovery Fee)  The Department of Revenue may collect fees to recover the costs of the production, purchase, handling and mailing of documents, publications, records and data sets, and such funds shall be retained by the Agency.
     64.2.      (DOR: Subpoenaed Employee Expense Reimbursement)  If any employee of the Department of Revenue is subpoenaed to testify during litigation not involving the Department of Revenue, the party subpoenaing the employee(s) to testify shall reimburse the State for expenses incurred by the employee(s) requested to testify.  Expenses shall include but are not limited to the cost of materials and the average daily salary of the employee or employees.
     64.3.      (DOR: Bingo Revenue)  As to revenue derived from the provisions of Chapter 21, Title 12, which is collected from bingo, the Department of Revenue may withhold from the General Fund portion of this revenue the actual costs of Bingo audit activity and of criminal record checks pursuant to the evaluation of applications for bingo licenses.
     64.4.      (DOR: Court Order Funds Carry Forward)  Funds awarded to the Department of Revenue by court order shall be retained in a special account and shall be carried forward from year to year, and expended as needed to accomplish the purposes and conditions of said order if specified, and if not specified, as may be directed by the Director of the Department of Revenue.
     64.5.      (DOR: Assessor Training)  Pursuant to the enforcement of South Carolina Code Section 12-37-110, the Property Division of the The Department of Revenue may charge participants a fee to cover the cost of pertinent education and training programs.  The revenue generated may be applied to the cost of the related operation, and any unexpended balance may be carried forward to subsequent fiscal periods and utilized for the same purpose.
     64.6.      (DOR: Professional Designation or License Cost)  Whenever a professional designation or license is a legislatively mandated requirement for employment by the Department of Revenue, the Department shall be responsible for the annual cost to maintain that required designation or license and provide for examination cost associated with such designation or license if not outside his/her normal duties.
     64.7.      (DOR: Tax Education Program)  Pursuant to taxpayer educational activities stipulated and authorized by SC Code Section 12-58-40, the Department of Revenue may charge participants a fee to recover the related direct costs.  The revenue generated from this may be applied to said cost, and any unexpended balance may be carried forward to subsequent fiscal periods and used for the stated purpose.
     64.8.      (DOR: Credit Card Payment of Delinquent Taxes)  The Department shall have the authority to accept, on terms and conditions to be established by the Department in regulations and rulings, payment of delinquent taxes by credit cards.  Such authority shall include a determination not to accept such payments or to permit payment only for certain classes of delinquent taxes to be specified by the Department.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Treasurer may enter into contracts on behalf of the Department whereby the Department may accept credit card payment of delinquent taxes.  The Department may withhold the actual cost of processing credit card payments from deposits of the tax types corresponding to the related delinquent payments, and may treat these withholdings as reimbursements of the associated expenditures.
     64.9.      (DOR: Enforcement-Confiscated Alcoholic Beverage Revenue)  The Department of Revenue is directed to maintain adequate records accounting for the receipt of funds from the sale of confiscated alcoholic beverages.  Such revenue shall be deposited to the credit of the General Fund of the State after deducting the cost of confiscation and sale.
     64.10.      (DOR: Collection Fees)  The Department may charge and retain a reasonable fee for any collection effort made on a governmental entity's behalf under Section 12-4-580(B) of the 1976 Code of Laws.  The Department may expend the funds so retained and may carry the funds forward from one fiscal year to the next.
     64.11.      (DOR: Federal Refund Offset Program)  The Department may incur and pay the expense of the fee required at Internal Revenue Code 6402(e)(6), as may be required to effectuate the Federal Refund Offset Program, and this fee must be paid upon certificate of the Department by drawing upon funds from the same tax type set off.
     64.12.      (DOR: Administrative Fees)  The Department of Revenue may impose a thirty-five dollar fee for the issuance of each certificate of compliance and informal nonbonding letter concerning eligibility for infrastructure credits against the license tax.  This fee must be retained and expended for use in budgeted operations.
     64.13.      (DOR: Debt Setoff Program)  The Internal Revenue Service is exempt from state notice requirements related to debt setoff and is bound by the provisions contained in Title 26 of the United States Code.
     64.14.      (DOR: Transfer to ECOS)  The Department of Revenue is directed to permanently transfer $81,759 and one FTE to the Governor's Office of Executive Control of State, Section 56A.
     64.15.      (DOR: Flexibility)  The Department of Revenue, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Department's mission, the Department of Revenue is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Department is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Department.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Department of Revenue is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Department's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Department of Revenue is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Department of Revenue is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 65 - R52 - STATE ETHICS COMMISSION

     65.1.      (SEC: Flexibility)  The State Ethics Commission, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Commission's mission, the State Ethics Commission is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Commission is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Commission.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the State Ethics Commission is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Commission's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the State Ethics Commission is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The State Ethics Commission is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 66 - S60 - PROCUREMENT REVIEW PANEL

     66.1.      (PRP: Filing Fee)  Requests for administrative review before the South Carolina Procurement Review Panel (Panel) shall be accompanied by a filing fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00), payable to the SC Procurement Review Panel.  The Panel is authorized to charge the party requesting an administrative review under South Carolin` Code Sections 11-35-4210(6), 11-35-4220(5), 11-35-4230(6) and/or 11-35-4410(4).  The funds generated by the filing fee shall be retained by the Panel and carried forward to be used for the operations of the agency.  Withdrawal of an appeal will result in the filing fee being forfeited to the agency.  If a party desiring to file an appeal is unable to pay the filing fee because of a hardship, the party shall submit a notarized affidavit to such effect.  If after reviewing the affidavit &Nbsp;the agency determines that such hardship exists, the filing fee shall be waived.
     66.2.      (PRP: Flexibility)  The Procurement Review Panel, working with the Office of State Budget, is directed to spread the base reduction as established in this Act and to adjust the base budget accordingly.  Before reductions are made to programs or to special line items critical to the Panel's mission, the Procurement Review Panel is encouraged to reduce general operating expenses, which shall include but is not limited to, travel, training, procurement and the hiring of temporary and contractual employees.  The Panel is encouraged to only fill vacant positions which are critical to the mission and operation of the Panel.
     Notwithstanding any provisos contained in this section which specifically direct the expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds, the Procurement Review Panel is authorized to reduce such expenditure, transfer or appropriation of funds up to the percentage of the reduction assessed to the Panel's base budget.
     In addition, in order to provide maximum flexibility in absorbing the General Fund base reduction mandated in this Act and to allow for the orderly transition of the downsizing of state government, the Procurement Review Panel is authorized for FY 2001-02 to spend from agency earmarked subfund accounts designated as "special revenue funds" as defined in the Comptroller General's records, an amount equal to the General Fund base reduction for FY 2001-02, to maintain critical programs previously funded with General Fund appropriations.  The Procurement Review Panel is responsible for making certain that the earned "special revenue funds" used for this purpose do not exceed the General Fund base appropriation reduction.  Any increase in spending authorization for these purposes must receive the prior approval of the Office of State Budget and must be reported to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
     The Comptroller General is authorized to implement the procedures necessary to comply with this directive.
     This provision is provided notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting the use of earned revenue.  
     Notwithstanding proviso 72.14 (Transfers of Appropriations), appropriation transfers may exceed twenty percent of the program budget upon approval of the Budget and Control Board.

SECTION 67 - V04 - DEBT SERVICE

     67.1.      (DS: Excess Debt Service Funds Carry Forward)  Excess debt service funds from the prior fiscal year (including Catawba Indian Settlement funds) may be carried forward and expended for debt service purposes in the current fiscal year.

SECTION 69A - X12 - AID TO SUBDIVISIONS, COMPTROLLER GENERAL

     69A.1.      (AS-CG: Salary Supplements)  Of the amount appropriated in this section for clerks of court, probate judges, and county sheriffs, $4,725 shall be distributed by the Comptroller General to each county treasurer, which shall be used as a $1,575 salary supplement for each clerk of court, probate judge, and county sheriff.  The amounts appropriated in this section for registers of deeds shall be distributed by the Comptroller General to the appropriate county treasurer, which shall be used as a $1,575 salary supplement for registers of deeds.  The State shall pay $16,649 on the salary of each county auditor and county treasurer in addition to any amounts presently being provided by the county for these positions.  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the amount appropriated by the county for these positions shall not be reduced as a result of the appropriation and that such appropriation shall not disqualify each county auditor and each county treasurer for salary increases that they might otherwise receive from county funds in the future.  These salaries shall be paid in accordance with the schedule and method of payment established for state employees.
     69A.2.            (AS-CG: Residential Exemption Reimbursement) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12-37-251(B)(1) of the 1976 Code, the amount credited to Trust Fund for Tax Relief for the reimbursement required pursuant to Section 12-37-251(B)(2) of the 1976 Code, is the amount so credited in the prior fiscal year.

SECTION 69B - X22 - AID TO SUBDIVISIONS, STATE TREASURER

     69B.1.      (AS-TREAS: State Aid to Subdivisions Distribution)  Provided that the results of the 2000 Census Dress Rehearsal conducted in 1998 by the U.S. Bureau of Census shall not be used in the distribution of the State Aid to Subdivisions as required in Section 6-27-40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.  This was a trial census for the 2000 census in a limited number of counties and has a 9.4% undercount according to the Bureau of the Census.
     69B.2.      (AS-TREAS: State Aid to Subdivisions Distribution) Amounts appropriated to the Local Government Fund in Section 69B, Part IA of this act must be used to make the current fiscal year 2000-2001, July, October, January, and April distribution to counties and municipalities required pursuant to Chapter 27, Title 6 of the 1976 Code, the State Aid to Subdivisions Act.
     69B.3.      (AS-TREAS: Reduce Aid to Subdivisions Funding)  DELETED
SECTION 72 - X90 - GENERAL AND TEMPORARY

     72.1.      (GP: Revenues, Deposits Credited to General Fund) For the current fiscal year, except as hereinafter specifically provided, all general state revenues derived from taxation, licenses, fees, or from any other source whatsoever, and all institutional and departmental revenues or collections, including income from taxes, licenses, fees, the sale of commodities and services, and income derived from any other departmental or institutional source of activity, must be remitted to the State Treasurer at least once each week, when practical, and must be credited, unless otherwise directed by law, to the General Fund of the State.  Each institution, department or agency, in remitting such income to the State Treasurer, shall attach with each such remittance a report or statement, showing in detail the sources itemized according to standard budget classification from which such income was derived, and shall, at the same time, forward a copy of such report or statement to the Comptroller General and the State Budget and Control Board.  In order to facilitate the immediate deposit of collections, refunds of such collections by the State institutions where properly approved by the authorities of same, may be made in accordance with directions from the State Comptroller General and State Treasurer.  General Fund appropriations herein made for the support of the public school system of the State must be greater than or equal to the revenues derived from the General Retail Sales Tax, the Soft Drinks Tax, and the State's portion of the Alcoholic Liquors Tax and Cable Television Fees as forecasted in the General Fund revenue estimate of the Board of Economic Advisors as accounted for in Section 71 of this Act.  Appropriations in this Act for the support of the public school system shall include the following:
           Department of Education;
           State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education;
           Educational Television Commission;
           Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School;
           School for the Deaf and the Blind;
           John de la Howe School;
           Debt Service on Capital Improvement Bonds Applicable to
           Above Agencies;
           Debt Service on School Bonds.
           Other School Purposes.
     Nothing contained herein shall be construed as diminishing the educational funding requirements of this section.
     72.2.      (GP: Use of Funds)  It is the intent of the General Assembly to appropriate all State funds and to authorize and/or appropriate the use of all Federal and other funds for the operations of State agencies and institutions for the current fiscal year.  Transfers of funds may be approved by the Budget and Control Board under its authority or by the agency as set forth herein in Section 72.14.  Any agency which requests or transfers personal service funds must indicate on the transfer document whether or not a reduction in force is involved.  To the extent practicable, all agencies and institutions having Federal or other funds available for the financing of their operation shall expend such funds in accordance with the intent of this Act.  The authorization to spend Federal and other funds shall be decreased to the extent that receipts from these sources do not meet the estimates as reflected in each Section of this Act; and any increase shall be authorized through the review process as set forth in Act 651 of 1978 as amended.
     72.3.      (GP: Appropriations From Funds)  Subject to the terms and conditions of this act, the sums of money set forth in this Part, if so much is necessary, are appropriated from the general fund of the state, the education improvement act fund, the highways and public transportation fund, and other applicable funds, to meet the ordinary expenses of the state government for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 2001-2002, and for other purposes specifically designated.
     72.4.      (GP: Fiscal Year Definitions)  For purposes of the appropriations made by this Part, "current fiscal year" means the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2000 2001 and ending June 30, 2001 2002, and "prior fiscal year" means the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1999 2000, and ending June 30, 2000 2001.
     72.5.      (GP: Descriptive Proviso Titles)  Descriptive proviso titles listed in this Act are for purposes of identification only and are not to be considered part of the official text.
     72.6.      (GP: Judicial & Involuntary Commitment, Defense of Indigents)  It is the responsibility of all agencies, departments and institutions of state government, to provide at no cost and as a part of the regular services of the agency, department or institutions such services as are necessary to carry out the provisions of Chapter 52 of Title 44 (Involuntary Commitment), Article 7, Chapter 17 of Title 44 of the 1976 Code (Judicial Commitment), Chapter 3 of Title 17 of the 1976 Code (Defense of Indigents), and Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 16 of the 1976 Code (Death Penalty), as amended, upon request of the Judicial Department and/or the appropriate court.  To this end, state agencies are directed to furnish to the Judicial Department a list of their employees who are competent to serve as court examiners. The Judicial Department shall forward a copy of this list to the appropriate courts, and the courts shall utilize the services of such state employees whenever feasible.  State employees shall receive no additional compensation for performing such services.  For the purpose of interpreting this section, employees of the Medical University of South Carolina and individuals serving an internship or residency as an academic requirement or employees who are not full-time state employees and who are not performing duties as state employees are not considered state employees.
     72.7.      (GP: Case Service Billing Payments Prior Year)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, agencies appropriated case services funds who routinely receive prior year case service billings after the old fiscal year has been officially closed are authorized to pay these case service obligations with current funds.  This authorization does not apply to billings on hand that have been through a timely agency payment approval process when the old fiscal year closes.
     72.8.      (GP: Credit Cards for Goods & Services)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Treasurer may enter into contracts whereby the agency or institution may accept credit cards as payment for goods or services provided.
     72.9.      (GP: Warrant Requisitions, Deposits)  The expenditure of money appropriated in this Act shall be by warrant requisitions directed to the Comptroller General.  Upon receipt of the requisition, accompanied by invoices or other satisfactory evidence of the propriety of the payment, and itemized according to standard budget classifications, the Comptroller General shall issue his warrant on the State Treasurer to the payee designated in the requisition.  No requisitions for warrants shall be processed for any amounts less than one dollar.  Upon approval and designation by the State Budget and Control Board, state institutions may requisition funds in favor of their own treasurer, itemized only to the extent of the purpose of the appropriation as expressed in this Act, and may deposit such funds in the name of the institution, in such bank or banking institutions as shall be designated by the State Treasurer, and disburse same by check to meet the purposes of the appropriation, but strict account shall be kept of all such expenditures according to standard budget classifications.  All money shall be drawn only when actually owing and due.  The Comptroller General shall establish rules and regulations for the uniform reimbursement, remittance and transfers of funds to the General Fund of the State required by law.
     72.10.       (GP: Federal Program Expenses, Lag Time)  After July 1, of the current fiscal year, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, Department of Mental Health, Department of Disabilities & Special Needs, Department of Social Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Division on Aging, Division of Foster Care, Department of Corrections, and Department of Juvenile Justice may expend if necessary, state appropriated funds for the current fiscal year to cover fourth quarter Federal Programs expenses incurred in the prior fiscal year necessitated by the time lag of federal reimbursement.
     72.11.       (GP: Federal Funds, Donations, Deposited in State Treasury)  All Federal Funds received shall be deposited in the State Treasury, if not in conflict with Federal regulations, and withdrawn therefrom as needed, in the same manner as that provided for the disbursement of state funds.  If it shall be determined that federal funds are not available for, or cannot be appropriately used in connection with, all or any part of any activity or program for which state funds are specifically appropriated in this Act to match Federal funds, the appropriated funds may not be expended and shall be returned to the General Fund, except upon specific written approval of the Budget and Control Board.  Donations or contributions from sources other than the Federal Government, for use by any state agency, shall be deposited in the State Treasury, but in special accounts, and shall be withdrawn from the treasury as needed to fulfill the purposes and conditions of the said donations, or contributions, if specified, and, if not specified, as may be directed by the proper authorities of the department.  The expenditure of funds by agencies of the State Government from sources other than General Fund appropriations shall be subject to the same limitations and provisions of law applicable to the expenditure of appropriated funds with respect to salaries, wages or other compensation, travel expense, and other allowance or benefits for employees.
     72.12.       (GP: Fee Increases)  (A)  No state agency, department, board, committee, commission, or authority, may increase an existing fee for performing any duty, responsibility, or function unless the fee for performing the particular duty, responsibility, or function is authorized by statutory law and set by regulation except as provided in this paragraph.
     (B)      This paragraph does not apply to:
           (1)      state-supported governmental health care facilities;
           (2)      state-supported schools, colleges, and universities;
           (3)      educational, entertainment, recreational, cultural, and training programs;
           (4)      the State Board of Financial Institutions;
           (5)      sales by state agencies of goods or tangible products produced for or by these agencies;
           (6)      charges by state agencies for room and board provided on state-owned property;
           (7)      application fees for recreational activities sponsored by state agencies and conducted on a draw or lottery basis;
           (8)      court fees or fines levied in a judicial or adjudicatory proceeding;
           (9)      the South Carolina Public Service Authority or the South Carolina Ports Authority.
     (C)      This paragraph does not prohibit a state agency, department, board, committee, or commission from increasing fees for services provided to other state agencies, departments, boards, committees, commissions, political subdivisions, or fees for health care and laboratory services regardless of whether the fee is set by statute.
     (D)      Statutory law for purposes of this paragraph does not include regulations promulgated pursuant to the State Administrative Procedures Act.
     72.13.       (GP: State Institutions - Revenues & Income) The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, the Medical University of S. C. (including the Medical University Hospital), The Citadel, Winthrop University, S. C. State University, Francis Marion University, University of Charleston, Lander University, Coastal Carolina University and the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School shall remit all revenues and income, collected at the respective institutions, to the State Treasurer according to the terms of Section 72.1 of this Act, but all such revenues or income so collected, except fees received as regular term tuition, matriculation, and registration, shall be carried in a special continuing account by the State Treasurer, to the credit of the respective institutions, and may be requisitioned by said institutions, in the manner prescribed in Section 72.9 of this Act, and expended to fulfill the purpose for which such fees or income were levied, but no part of such income shall be used for permanent improvements without the express written approval of the State Budget and Control Board and the Joint Legislative Capital Bond Review Committee; and it is further required that no such fee or income shall be charged in excess of the amount that is necessary to supply the service, or fulfill the purpose for which such fee or income was charged.  Notwithstanding other provisions of this act, funds at State Institutions of Higher Learning derived wholly from athletic or other student contests, from the activities of student organizations, and from the operations of canteens and bookstores, and from approved Private Practice plans at institutions and affiliated agencies may be retained at the institution and expended by the respective institutions only in accord with policies established by the institution's Board of Trustees. Such funds shall be audited annually by the State but the provisions of this Act concerning unclassified personnel compensation, travel, equipment purchases and other purchasing regulations shall not apply to the use of these funds.
     72.14.       (GP: Transfers of Appropriations)  Agencies and institutions shall be authorized to transfer appropriations within programs and within the agency with notification to the Division of Budget and Analyses and Comptroller General.  No such transfer may exceed twenty percent of the program budget.  Upon request, details of such transfers may be provided to members of the General Assembly on an agency by agency basis.  Transfers of appropriations from personal service accounts to other operating accounts or from other operating accounts to personal service accounts may be restricted to any established standard level set by the Budget and Control Board upon formal approval by a majority of the members of the Budget and Control Board.
     72.15.       (GP: Bank Procedures - State Treasury A Bank)  In any instances where Federal laws or regulations, relating to funds allotted to State Government agencies, include requirements relating to banking procedures, the State Treasury shall be deemed to meet the definition of a bank.
     72.16.       (GP: Federal Funds - DHEC, DSS, DHHS - Disallowances)  Amounts appropriated to the Department of Health and Environmental Control, Department of Social Services and Department of Health and Human Services may be expended to cover program operations of prior fiscal years where adjustment of such prior years are necessary under federal regulations or audit exceptions.  All disallowances or notices of disallowances by any federal agency of any costs claimed by these agencies shall be submitted to the State Auditor, the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, within five days of receipt of such actions.
     72.17.       (GP: Family Foster Care Payments)  The Department of Social Services shall furnish as Family Foster Care payments for individual foster children under their sponsorship:
           ages            0      -      5            $332      per month
           ages            6      -      12      $359      per month
           ages            13      +            $425      per month
     These specified amounts are for the basic needs of the foster children.  Basic needs within this proviso are identified as food (at home and away), clothing, housing, transportation, education and other costs as defined in the U.S.  Department of Agriculture study of "Annual Cost of Raising a Child to Age Eighteen".  Further, each agency shall identify and justify, as another line item, all material and/or services, in excess of those basic needs listed above, which were a direct result of a professional agency evaluation of clientele need.  Legitimate medical care in excess of Medicaid reimbursement or such care not recognized by Medicaid may be considered as special needs if approved by the sponsoring/responsible agency and shall be reimbursed by the sponsoring agency in the same manner of reimbursing other special needs of foster children.
     72.18.       (GP: Fixed Student Fees)  During the current fiscal year, student fees at the State institutions of higher learning shall be fixed by the respective Boards of Trustees as follows:
           (1)      Fees applicable to student housing, dining halls, student health service, parking facility, laundries and all other personal subsistence expenses shall be sufficient to fully cover the total direct operating and capital expenses of providing such facilities and services over their expected useful life except those operating or capital expenses related to the removal of asbestos.
           (2)      Student Activity Fees may be fixed at such rates as the respective Boards shall deem reasonable and necessary.
     72.19.       (GP: Tech Educ. Colleges Student Activity Fees)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, funds at Technical Education Colleges derived wholly from the activities of student organizations and from the operations of canteens and bookstores may be retained by the college and expended only in accord with policies established by the respective college's Area Commission and approved by the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education.
     72.20.       (GP: Educational Fee Waivers)  Senior colleges, universities and technical colleges may offer educational fee waivers to no more than two percent of the undergraduate student body.
     72.21.       (GP: Client Masterfile System)  The General Assembly finds that the operation of health and human services may be enhanced by coordination and integration of client information by establishing the Client Masterfile System.
     In order to assist in the development and maintenance of this System certain client information shall be delivered to the Budget and Control Board, Office of Research and Statistics by the following agencies: Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Commission for the Blind, Division for the Review of Foster Care of Children, Department of Education, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, Division of Veterans' Affairs, John de la Howe School, Department of Mental Health, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, School for the Deaf and the Blind, Department of Social Services, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Guardian ad Litem Program, Division of Continuum of Care, Educational Television, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, Department of Corrections, Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and the State Housing Finance and Development Authority.
     These agencies and departments shall collect and provide client data in a format to be recommended by the Office of Research and Statistics of the Budget and Control Board and approved by the Governor for the Client Masterfile System, and for development and use of a uniform client application database for statistical purposes and for improving human services delivery systems for South Carolinians.
     For purposes of this sub-section, the State, rather than an individual agency, will be the owner of the data.  All individual client information submitted by participating agencies or departments will be regarded as confidential; the information collected may not be released, under any circumstances, to entities or individuals outside the Client Masterfile System, or client application database unless release is made of statistical information so that no individual client may be identified.  Authority to release data to entities outside the Client Masterfile System or client application database that identifies specific agencies, programs and services will reside with the individual agencies.  For the purposes of this sub-section only, all State laws, regulations, or any rule of any State agency, department, board, or commission having the effect or force of law that prohibits or is inconsistent with any provision of this sub-section is hereby declared inapplicable to this subsection.  Each agency or department shall be required to take all steps reasonably necessary to effectuate the waiver of federal rules, regulations, or statutes or the elimination of other factors that interfere with collection or use of data by the Client Masterfile System or client application database.  Those steps shall include but not be limited to, the seeking of federal legislation, the negotiation of agreements between the State and any federal agency or board, the application for the waiver of any federal rule, regulation or statute, and the seeking of client's permission to share data.
     72.22.       (GP: Employer Contributions Cost of Agencies)  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the amount so provided to each agency or institution for employee benefits shall be sufficient to pay the employer contribution costs of that agency.  The Budget and Control Board is directed to devise a plan for the expenditure of the funds appropriated for employer contributions and may require transfers of funds within an agency or institution if it becomes evident that the employer contribution costs will exceed the funds available for that purpose.
     72.23.       (GP: Dual Employment)  Any employee who is approved for dual employment must be paid in a timely manner.  The secondary agency is required to make payment of funds approved for and earned under dual employment within forty-five days of the beginning of the employment.
     72.24.       (GP: Payroll Schedule & Compensation Restrictions) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, all appropriations for compensation of State Employees shall be paid in twice-monthly installments to the person holding such position.  In order to provide a regular and permanent schedule for payment of employees, it is hereby established that the payroll period shall begin on June 2, of the prior fiscal year with the first pay period ending on June 16, of the prior fiscal year.  The payroll period shall continue thereafter on a twice-monthly schedule as established by the Budget and Control Board.  It is the intent of the General Assembly that this schedule, thus established,  will continue from one fiscal year to another without interruption, on a twice monthly basis.  The Budget and Control Board is authorized to approve any changes to this schedule where circumstances are deemed justifiable.
     The appropriated salaries for specified positions shall mean the maximum compensation for such position, except as specifically provided in other provisions of this act, and in any case where the head of any department can secure the services for a particular position or work at a lower rate than the salary specified in this Act, authority for so doing is hereby given.
     No employee of any state department or institution shall be paid any compensation from any other department of the state government except those approved under the provisions of Regulation 19-702.09 of the 1976 Code, as amended, and no employee of any department or institution shall be paid travel expenses by any other department or institution without approval of the agency by which he is regularly employed.  The Comptroller General shall report, after June thirtieth of each year, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee the names of all employees receiving dual compensation and the amounts received.  The report shall list information under the employing (primary) agency, as well as in the current format which lists employees under the requesting (secondary) agency.
     The provisions of Regulation 19-707.02 and Section 8-5-10 of the 1976 Code, as amended, shall not apply to employees hired for 120 days or less.
     72.25.       (GP: Discrimination Policy)  It is the policy of the State of South Carolina to recruit, hire, train, and promote employees without discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion or physical disability.  This policy is to apply to all levels and phases of personnel within state government, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, layoffs, recalls from layoffs, and educational, social, or recreational programs.  It is the policy of the State to take affirmative action to remove the disparate effects of past discrimination, if any, because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion or physical disability.
     Each state agency shall submit to the State Human Affairs Commission employment and filled vacancy data by race and sex by October 31, of each year.
     In accordance with Section 1-13-110 of the South Carolina Code of Laws of 1976, as amended, the Human Affairs Commission shall submit a report on the status of State Agencies' Affirmative Action Plans and Programs to the General Assembly by February 1 each year. This report shall contain the total number of persons employed in each job group, by race and sex, at the end of the preceding reporting period, a breakdown by race and sex of those hired or promoted from within the agency during the reporting period, and an indication of whether affirmative action goals were achieved.  For each job group referenced in the Human Affairs report, where the hiring of personnel does not reflect the percentage goals established in the agency's affirmative action plan for the year in question, the State agency shall submit a detailed explanation to the Human Affairs Commission by February 15, explaining why goals were not achieved.
     The Human Affairs Commission shall review the explanations and notify the Budget and Control Board of any agency not in satisfactory compliance with meeting its stated goals.
     The Budget and Control Board shall notify any agency not in compliance that their request for additional appropriations for the current appropriation cycle, may not be processed until such time as the Budget and Control Board, after consultation with the Human Affairs Commission, is satisfied that the agency is making a good faith effort to comply with its affirmative action plan, and that the compliance must be accomplished within a reasonable length of time to be determined by the mission and circumstances of the agency.  This requirement shall not affect additional appropriation requests for public assistance payments or aid to entities.  This section does not apply to those agencies that have been exempted from the reporting requirements of the Human Affairs Commission.
     72.26.       (GP: Residency Preference)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a vacancy occurs in a state agency, other than institutions of higher education, or when an agency acts to fill a new position, the agency shall give preference to residents of this State, if the two are equally qualified for the vacancy or new position.
     72.27.       (GP: Temporary Grant Funded or Time Limited Funded Positions)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law or this Act, state agencies and institutions may, at their discretion, hire employees to fill temporary grant positions specified in federal grants, public charity grants, private foundation grants, research grants and positions with time limited funding approved or authorized by the appropriate state authority in accordance with the following provisions:
     A.            Only those funds authorized within the approved federal grant, public charity grant, private foundation grant,  research grant, or time limited funds for a specified project, or grant generated revenue can be used to pay the salaries and/or benefits of temporary employees hired under this provision.
     B.            Temporary grant or time limited positions, employees, and the conditions of their employment shall be reported in accordance with provisions developed by the Division of Budget and Analyses of the Budget and Control Board.
     C.            Positions established under this provision must be limited to and must not exist beyond the duration of the time limited project or grant or any subsequent renewal of it; however, at the discretion of the public institutions of higher education, including the technical colleges and schools, grant generated revenue may be used to fund continued employment between the expiration of one grant and the subsequent renewal of the same or similar grant.  When the grant, time limited project or any subsequent renewal ends, temporary grant or time limited project employees must be terminated and their positions will cease to exist.  Temporary grant or time limited project employees will be exempt from the provisions of Sections 8-17-310 through 8-17-380 of the 1976 Code, as amended.  State agencies and institutions must terminate all temporary grant or time limited project positions at any time funding is terminated or is insufficient to continue payments under the conditions of the grant or time limited project.
     D.            Temporary grant or time limited project employees may be eligible for benefits, excluding permanent or probationary employment status, not to exceed those benefits available to permanent state employees provided that such funds are available within the grant or time limited project or that the use of grant generated revenue is deemed appropriate by the agency or institution.
     E.            Temporary grant or time limited project employees shall be deemed to be employed at will.  The use of grant generated revenue shall not alter the at will employment relationship of temporary grant or time limited project employees.  The temporary grant or time limited project employee shall not be entitled to any compensation beyond the date of termination, other than for such part of the grant or time limited project that has been performed.
     F.            Discretionary determinations by a state agency or institution as to whether to hire an employee pursuant to this proviso are final and not subject to administrative or judicial appeal.
     72.28.       (GP: Personal Service Reconciliation, FTEs)  The General Assembly expresses its continuing concern over the control of the number of personnel employed by the State of South Carolina.  This concern is evidenced in the 1980 Public Employment Report of the United States Bureau of Census.  It is further declared to be the intent of the General Assembly to continue to take positive steps to reduce the number of personnel employed in the future, without unduly hampering the legitimate functions of state government.
     In order to obtain the necessary control over the number of employees, the Budget and Control Board is hereby directed to maintain close supervision over the number of state employees, and to require specifically the following:
           1.      That no state agency exceed the total authorized number of full-time equivalent positions and those funded from State sources as provided in each section of this Act except by majority vote of the Budget and Control Board.
           2.      That the Division of Budget and Analyses shall maintain and make, as necessary, periodic adjustments thereto, an official record of the total number of authorized full-time equivalent positions by agency for State and Total funding sources.
                 (a)      That within thirty (30) days of the passage of the Appropriation Act or by August 1, whichever comes later, each agency of the State must have established on the Budget and Control Board records all positions authorized in the Act.  After that date, the Board shall delete any non-established positions immediately from the official record of authorized full-time equivalent positions.  No positions shall be established by the Board in excess of the total number authorized in the Board record of authorized full-time equivalent positions.  Each agency may, upon notification to the Budget and Control Board, change the funding source of State FTE positions established on the Budget and Control Board records as necessary to expend federal and other sources of personal service funds in an effort to conserve or stay within the state appropriated personal service funds.  Each agency may, upon notification to the Budget and Control Board, transfer FTEs between programs as needed to accomplish the agency mission.  No agency shall change funding sources that will cause the agency to exceed the authorized number of state or total full-time equivalent positions.
                 (b)      By September 30, the Board shall prepare a personal service detail, by agency, which shows each position established for the fiscal year and the amount of funds required, by source of funds, to support the position for the fiscal year at a funding level of 100% and the Board shall then reconcile each agency's personal service detail with the agency's personal service appropriation as contained in the Act adjusted for any pay increases, and any other factors necessary to reflect the agency's personal service funding level.  The Board shall provide a copy of each agency's personal service reconciliation to the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees.
                 (c)      Any position which is shown by the reconciliation to be unfunded or significantly underfunded may be deleted at the direction of the Budget and Control Board .
                 (d)      Full-time equivalent (FTE) positions shall be determined under the following guidelines:
                 1.      The annual work hours for each FTE shall be the agency's full-time standard annual work hours.
                 2.      The State FTE shall be derived by multiplying the state percentage of budgeted funds for each position by the FTE for that position.
                 3.      All institutions of higher education shall use a value of 0.75 FTE for each position determined to be full-time faculty with a duration of nine (9) months.
     The FTE method of accounting shall be utilized for all authorized positions.
           3.      That the number of positions authorized in this Act shall be reduced in the following circumstances:
                 (a)      Upon request by an agency.
                 (b)      When anticipated federal funds are not made available.
                 (c)      When the Budget and Control Board, through study or analysis, becomes aware of any unjustifiable excess of positions in any state agency.
           4.      The Budget and Control Board shall annually reconcile personal service funds with full-time employee count to determine unfunded positions which will be eliminated no later than January 15 of the current fiscal year unless specifically exempted elsewhere in this act or by the State Budget and Control Board.  The State Budget and Control Board must report the full-time employee count and unfunded position status to the Senate Finance Committee and the Ways and Means Committee by February 1 of the current fiscal year.
           5.      That no new permanent positions in state government shall be funded by appropriations in acts supplemental to this Act but temporary positions may be so funded.
           6.      The provisions of this section shall not apply to personnel exempt from the State Classification and Compensation Plan under Item I of Section 8-11-260 of the 1976 Code.
     The Governor, in making his appropriation recommendations to the Ways and Means Committee, must provide that the level of personal service appropriation recommended for each agency is at least 97% of the funds required to meet 100% of the funds needed for the full-time equivalents positions recommended by the Governor (exclusive of new positions).
     The requirements of subitem 2(c) and subitem 4 contained in this provision are suspended for Fiscal Year 2001-02.
     72.29.       (GP: Allowance for Residences & Compensation Restrictions)  That salaries paid to officers and employees of the State, including its several boards, commissions, and institutions shall be in full for all services rendered, and no perquisites of office or of employment shall be allowed in addition thereto, but such perquisites, commodities, services or other benefits shall be charged for at the prevailing local value and without the purpose or effect of increasing the compensation of said officer or employee.  The charge for these items may be payroll deducted at the discretion of the Comptroller General or the chief financial officer at each agency maintaining its own payroll system.  This shall not apply to the Governor's Mansion, nor for department-owned housing used for recruitment and training of Mental Health Professionals, nor to guards at any of the State's penal institutions and nurses and attendants at the Department of Mental Health, and the Department of Disabilities & Special Needs, and registered nurses providing clinical care at the MUSC Medical Center, nor to the Superintendent and staff of John de la Howe School, nor to the cottage parents and staff of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, nor to full-time or part-time staff who work after regular working hours in the SLED Communications Center or Maintenance Area, nor to the Residence Dormitory Director and the Assistant Residence Director adult staff at the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics who are required to stay on campus by the institution because of job requirements or program participation.  The Presidents of those State institutions of higher learning authorized to provide on-campus residential facilities for students may be permitted to occupy residences on the grounds of such institutions without charge.
     Any state institution of higher learning may provide a housing allowance to the President in lieu of a residential facility, the amount to be approved by the Budget and Control Board.
     That the following may be permitted to occupy residences owned by the respective Departments without charge:  the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections, the Director of the Department of Mental Health, the Farm Director, Farm Managers, and Specialists employed at the Wateree River Correctional Institution, Walden Correctional Institution, MacDougall Youth Correctional Center, and Givens Youth Correctional Center; the S. C. State Commission of Forestry fire tower operators, forestry aides, and caretaker at central headquarters; the Department of Natural Resources' Game Management Personnel, Fish Hatchery Superintendents, Lake Superintendent, and Fort Johnson Superintendent; the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism field personnel in the State Parks Division; Director of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School; President of the School for the Deaf and the Blind; houseparents for the Commission for the Blind; S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control personnel at the State Park Health Facility and Camp Burnt Gin; Residence Life Coordinators at Lander University; Residence Life Directors at Winthrop University; Clemson University's Head Football Coach;  the Department of Disabilities & Special Needs' physicians and other professionals at Whitten Center, Clemson University Off-Campus Agricultural Staff and Housing Area Coordinators; and University of South Carolina's Manager of Bell Camp Facility, Housing Maintenance Night Supervisors, Residence Life Directors, temporary and transition employees, and emergency medical personnel.  Except in the case of elected officials, the fair market rental value of any residence furnished to a State Employee shall be reported by the State Agency furnishing the residence to the Agency Head Salary Commission, and the Division of Budget and Analyses by October 1, of each fiscal year.
     All salaries paid by departments and institutions shall be in accord with a uniform classification and compensation plan, approved by the Budget and Control Board, applicable to all personnel of the State Government whose compensation is not specifically fixed in this act. Such plan shall include all employees regardless of the source of funds from which payment for personal service is drawn.  The Division of Budget and Analyses of the Budget and Control Board is authorized to approve temporary salary adjustments for classified and unclassified employees who perform temporary duties which are limited by time and/or funds.  When approved, a temporary salary adjustment shall not be added to an employee's base salary and shall end when the duties are completed and/or the funds expire.  Academic personnel of the institutions of higher learning and other individual or group of positions that cannot practically be covered by the plan may be excluded therefrom but their compensations as approved by the Division of Budget and Analyses shall, nevertheless, be subject to review by the Budget and Control Board.  Salary appropriations for employees fixed in this Act shall be in full for all services rendered, and no supplements from other sources shall be permitted or approved by the State Budget and Control Board.  With the exception of travel and subsistence, legislative study committees shall not compensate any person who is otherwise employed as a full-time state employee.  Salaries of the heads of all agencies of the State Government shall be specifically fixed in this Act and no salary shall be paid any agency head whose salary is not so fixed.  Commuter mileage on non-exempt state vehicles shall be considered as income and reported by the Comptroller General in accordance with IRS regulations.  As long as there is no impact on appropriated funds, state agencies and institutions shall be allowed to spend public funds and/or other funds for designated employee award programs which shall have written criteria approved by the agency governing board or commission.  For purposes of this section, monetary awards, if any, shall not be considered a part of an employee's base salary, a salary supplement, or a perquisite of employment.  The names of all employees receiving monetary awards and the amounts received shall be reported annually to the South Carolina Division of Budget and Analyses.
     In the case of lodging furnished by certain higher education institutions to employees, the prevailing local rate does not apply if the institution meets the exceptions for inadequate rent described in the current Internal Revenue Code Section 119(d)(2).  To meet the exception, rental rates must equal the lesser of five percent of the appraised value of the qualified campus lodging, or the average of the rentals paid by individuals (other than employees or students of the educational institution) during the calendar year for lodging provided by the educational institution which is comparable to the qualified campus lodging provided to the employee, over the rent paid by the employee for the qualified campus lodging during the calendar year.  The appraised value shall be determined as of the close of the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, or, in the case of a rental period not greater than one year, at any time during the calendar year in which the period begins.
     72.30.       (GP: MUSC Hospital Services Rates)  The Board of the Medical University of South Carolina shall provide hospital services to state employees and officials of state government at a rate not to exceed the payment rates to hospitals provided by the employee's insurance program(s).  Private physician fees, psychiatry, and all dental are not included.
     72.31.       (GP: Universities & Colleges - Allowance for Presidents)  Presidents of the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina, The Citadel, Winthrop University, South Carolina State University, Francis Marion University, University of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University and Lander University must not be paid a fixed allowance for personal expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their official duties.  Reimbursements may be made to the Presidents from funds available to their respective institutions for any personal expenses incurred provided that all requests for reimbursement are supported by properly documented vouchers processed through the normal accounting procedures of the institutions.
     72.32.       (GP: Replacement of Personal Property)  The Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Corrections, Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, Department of Mental Health, Department of Disabilities & Special Needs, Continuum of Care, Department of Social Services and School for the Deaf and the Blind may replace the personal property of an employee which has been damaged or destroyed by a client while in custody of the agency.  The replacement of personal property may be made only if the loss has resulted from actions by the employee deemed to be appropriate and in the line of duty by the agency head and if the damaged or destroyed item is found by the agency head to be reasonable in value, and necessary for the employee to carry out the functions and duties of his employment.  Replacement of damaged or destroyed items shall not exceed $250 per item, per incident.  Each agency must have guidelines to insure the reasonableness of the replacement payments.
     72.33.       (GP: Business Expense Reimbursement)  Agency heads and Deputy Commissioners or Deputy Directors designated by Agency heads may receive reimbursements for business expenses incurred while performing their official duties, provided that receipts are presented when seeking reimbursement and justification is submitted to document the time, place, and purpose of the expense as well as the names of the individuals involved.  The Budget and Control Board shall promulgate regulations governing these expenses.
     72.34.       (GP: Per Diem)  The per diem allowance of all boards, commissions and committees shall be at the rate of Thirty-five ($35) Dollars per day.  No full-time officer or employee of the State shall draw any per diem allowance for service on such boards, commissions or committees.
     72.35.       (GP: Travel Spouse of Governor & Lt. Governor)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the spouses of the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of the State are authorized to receive reimbursement of actual expenses when accompanying the Governor or the Lieutenant Governor on official state business.
     72.36.       (GP: Travel - Subsistence Expenses & Mileage)  Travel and subsistence expenses, whether paid from State appropriated, Federal, local or other funds, shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
     A.            Unless otherwise provided in paragraphs B through H of this section, all employees of the State of South Carolina or any agency thereof including employees and members of the governing bodies of each technical education center college while traveling on the business of the State shall, upon presentation of a paid receipt, be allowed reimbursement for actual expenses incurred for lodging.  Agencies may contract with lodging facilities to pay on behalf of an employee.  Failure to maintain proper control of direct payments for lodging may result in the revocation of the agency's authority by the Comptroller General or the State Auditor.  The employee shall also be reimbursed for the actual expenses incurred in the obtaining of meals except that such costs shall not exceed ($25) per day within the State of South Carolina.  For travel outside of South Carolina the maximum daily reimbursement for meals shall not exceed ($32).  Agencies may contract with food or dining facilities to pay for meals on behalf of employees in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Budget and Control Board.  It shall be the responsibility of the agency head to monitor the charges for lodging which might be claimed by his employees in order to determine that such charges are reasonable, taking into consideration location, purpose of travel or other extenuating circumstances.  The provisions of this item shall not apply to Section 42-3-40 of the 1976 Code.
     B.            That employees of the State, when traveling outside the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico upon promotional business for the State of South Carolina shall be entitled to actual expenses for both food and lodging.
     C.            The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller General, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Adjutant General, Superintendent of Education and the Commissioner of Agriculture shall be reimbursed actual expenses for subsistence.
     D.            Non-legislative members of committees appointed pursuant to Acts and Resolutions of the General Assembly whose membership consists solely of members of the General Assembly or members of the General Assembly and other personnel who are not employees of the State of South Carolina shall be allowed subsistence expenses of $35 per day while traveling on official business.  Members of such committees may opt to receive actual expenses incurred for lodging and actual expenses incurred in the obtaining of meals in lieu of the allowable subsistence expense.
     E.            Members of the State Boards, Commissions, or Committees whose duties are not full-time and who are paid on a per diem basis, shall be allowed reimbursement for actual expenses incurred at the rates provided in Paragraph A and I of this Section while away from their places of residence on official business of the State.  One person accompanying a handicapped member of a State Board, Commission, or Committee on official business of the State shall be allowed the same reimbursement for actual expenses incurred at the rates provided in Paragraph A through I of this Section.
     F.            No subsistence reimbursement shall be allowed to a Justice of the Supreme Court or Judge of the Court of Appeals while traveling in the county of his official residence.  When traveling on official business of said court within 50 miles outside the county of his official residence, a Supreme Court Justice and a Judge of the Court of Appeals shall be allowed subsistence expenses in the amount of $35 per day plus such mileage allowance for travel as is provided for other employees of the State.  When traveling on official business of said Court 50 or more miles outside the county of his official residence, each Justice and Judge of the Court of Appeals shall be allowed subsistence expenses in the amount as provided in this Act for members of the General Assembly plus such mileage allowance for travel as is provided for other employees of the State.  The Chief Justice, or such other person as he designates, while attending the Conference of Chief Justices and one member of the Supreme Court while attending the National Convention of Appellate Court Judges, and three Circuit Judges while attending the National Convention of State Trial Judges shall be allowed actual subsistence and travel expenses.
     Upon approval of the Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justices, Judges of the Court of Appeals, Circuit Judges, and Family Court Judges shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred for all other official business requiring out-of-state expenses at the rate provided in paragraph A of this section.
     G.            No subsistence reimbursements are allowed to a Circuit Judge, a Family Court Judge, or an Administrative Law Judge while holding court within the county in which he resides.  While holding court or on other official business outside the county,  within fifty miles of his residence, a Circuit Court Judge, Family Court Judge, or an Administrative Law Judge is entitled to a subsistence allowance in the amount of $35 per day plus such mileage allowance for travel as is provided for other employees of the State.  While holding court or on other official business at a location fifty miles or more from his residence, a Circuit Court, Family Court or Administrative Law Judge is entitled to a subsistence allowance in the amount as provided in this Act for members of the General Assembly plus such mileage allowance for travel as is provided for other employees of the State.
     H.            Any retired Justice, Circuit Court Judge or Family Court Judge or Master-in-Equity appointed by the Supreme Court to serve as a Special Circuit Judge, Family Court Judge, Appeals Court Judge, or Acting Associate Justice shall serve without pay but shall receive the same allowance for subsistence, expenses, and mileage as provided in Part I for Circuit Court Judges.
     I.            No expense shall be allowed an employee either at his place of residence or at the official headquarters of the agency by which he is employed except as provided in paragraph E, of this section.  When an employee is assigned to work a particular territory or district, and such territory or district and his official headquarters are in different localities or sections of the State, expenses may be allowed for the necessary travel to his official headquarters.  The members of the Workers' Compensation Commission, Public Service Commission and the Employment Security Commission may be reimbursed at the regular mileage rate of one round trip each week from their respective homes to Columbia.  No subsistence reimbursement shall be allowed to a member of the Workers' Compensation Commission, Public Service Commission or the Employment Security Commission while traveling in the county of his official residence.  When traveling on official business of the Commission within 50 miles outside the county of his official residence, a member of the Workers' Compensation Commission, Public Service Commission or the Employment Security Commission shall be allowed subsistence expenses in the amount of $35 per day.  When traveling on official business of the Commission 50 or more miles outside the county of his official residence, each member shall be allowed a subsistence allowance in the amount as provided in this act for members of the General Assembly.  When out-of-state, members of the Workers' Compensation Commission, Public Service Commission and the Employment Security Commission may claim the established amount of per diem, as stated in the General Appropriation Act, or actual expenses as deemed reasonable by the Comptroller General.
     J.            When an employee of the State shall use his or her personal automobile in traveling on necessary official business, a charge to equal the standard business mileage rate as established by the Internal Revenue Service will be allowed for the use of such automobile and the employee shall bear the expense of supplies and upkeep thereof.  However, the standard business mileage rate used in this calculation is not to exceed the rate established by the IRS as of January 1, 2001.  Whenever State provided motor pool vehicles are reasonably available and their use is practical and an employee of the State shall request for his own benefit to use his or her personal vehicle in traveling on necessary official business, a charge of 4 cents per mile less than the standard business mileage rate as established by the Internal Revenue Service will be allocated for the use of such vehicle and the employee shall bear the expense of supplies and upkeep thereof.  However, the standard business mileage rate used in this calculation is not to exceed the rate established by the IRS as of January 1, 2001.  When such travel is by a State-owned automobile, the State shall bear the expense of supplies and upkeep thereof but no mileage will be allowed.  Agencies and employees are directed to use State fueling facilities to the maximum extent possible, when such use is cost beneficial to the State.  When using commercial fueling facilities, operators of State-owned vehicles are directed to use self-service pumps.  In traveling on the business of the State, employees are required to use the most economical mode of transportation, due consideration being given to urgency, schedules and like factors.
     Mileage between an employee's home and his/her place of employment is not subject to reimbursement.  However, when an employee leaves on a business trip directly from his/her home, and does not go by the employee's headquarters, the employee shall be eligible for reimbursement for actual mileage beginning at his/her residence.
     K.            That a State agency may advance travel and subsistence expense monies to employees of that agency for the financing of ordinary and necessary travel required in the conducting of the business of the agency.  The Budget and Control Board is directed to develop and publish rules and regulations pertaining to the advancing of travel expenses and no State agency shall make such advances except under the rules and regulations as published.  All advances for travel and subsistence monies shall be repaid to the agency within thirty (30) days after the end of the trip or by July 15, whichever comes first.
     L.            That the State institutions of higher learning are authorized to reimburse reasonable relocation expenses for new employees when such reimbursements are considered by the agency head to be essential to successful recruitment of professionally competent staff members.
     M.      The State Budget and Control Board is authorized to promulgate and publish rules and regulations governing travel and subsistence payments.
     N.            No state funds may be used to purchase first class airline tickets.
     72.37.       (GP: State Port Authority Funds - Rent)  Any funds derived by the State Port Authority from the rental, lease or sale of any of its facilities shall be expended for the benefit of the particular Port where such facilities are located.
     72.38.       (GP: Rental Charges, Collections State Offices)  The Budget and Control Board is hereby directed to assess and collect a rental charge from all departments and agencies of the State Government occupying Budget and Control Board space in State-controlled office buildings.  The amount charged each department or agency shall be calculated on a square foot, or other equitable basis of measurement, and at such rates as will yield sufficient total annual revenue to cover the annual principal and interest due or anticipated on the Capital Improvement Obligations for projects administered or planned by the Office of General Services, and maintenance and operation costs of and Control Board-controlled office buildings under the supervision of the Office of General Services.  The amount so collected shall be deposited in a special account and shall be expended only for payment on Capital Improvement Obligations and maintenance and operations costs of the buildings under the supervision of the Office of General Services.
     All departments and agencies against which rental charges are assessed and whose operations are financed in whole or in part by Federal and/or other non-appropriated funds are directed to apportion the payment of such charges equitably among all such funds, so that each shall bear its proportionate share.
     72.39.       (GP: Organizations Receiving State Appropriations Report)  Each organization receiving a contribution in this Act shall render to the state agency making the contribution by November 1 of the fiscal year in which funds are received, an accounting of how the State funds will be spent, a copy of the adopted budget for the current year, and also a copy of the organization's most recent operating financial statement.  The funds appropriated in this Act for contributions shall not be expended until the required financial statements are filed with the appropriate state agency.  No funds in this Act shall be disbursed to organizations or purposes which practice discrimination against persons by virtue of race, creed, color or national origin.  The State Auditor shall review and audit, if necessary, the financial structure and activities of each organization receiving contributions in this Act and make a report to the General Assembly of such review and/or audit, when requested to do so by the Budget and Control Board.
     72.40.       (GP: Information Technology - Report of Requested Increases)  The Budget and Control Board, through the Division of Budget and Analyses, is authorized and directed to identify all requested increases for information technology for Agencies, Institutions or Departments, with the exception of colleges, universities and technical institutions, compile the requests into one report, evaluate the requests and forward the evaluation to the Governor, the Chairman of Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee.
     72.41.       (GP: Printing Costs Disclosure on State Publications)  All agencies using appropriated funds shall print on the last page of all bound publications the following information:
           (1)      Total Printing Cost
           (2)      Total Number of Documents Printed
           (3)      Cost Per Unit
     The President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, Legislative Printing and Information Technology Resource Legislative Printing, Information and Technology Systems, the Presidents of each institution of higher education, and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education may exempt from this requirement, documents published by their respective agencies.  Agency publications which are produced for resale are also exempt from this requirement.
     Publications of public relations nature, produced by Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and the Division of State Development are exempt from this requirement.
     72.42.       (GP: State Owned Aircraft - Maintenance Logs)  Each agency having in its custody one or more aircraft shall maintain a continuing log on all flights, which shall be open for public inspection.  Any and all aircraft owned or operated by agencies of the State Government shall be used only for official business.  The Division of Aeronautics and other agencies owning and operating aircraft may furnish transportation to the Governor, Constitutional Officers, members of the General Assembly, members of state boards, commissions, and agencies and their invitees for official business only; no member of the General Assembly, no member of a state board, commission or committee, and no state official shall use any aircraft of the Division of Aeronautics unless the member or official files within forty-eight hours after the time of departure of the flight with the Division of Aeronautics a sworn statement certifying and describing the official nature of his trip; and no member of the General Assembly, no member of a state board, commission or committee, and no state official shall be furnished air transportation by a state agency other than the Division of Aeronautics unless such agency prepares and maintains in its files a sworn statement from the highest ranking official of the agency certifying that the member's or state official's trip was in conjunction with the official business of the agency.  Official business shall not include routine transportation to and from meetings of the General Assembly or committee meetings for which mileage is authorized.
     All logs shall be signed by the parties using the flight and the signatures shall be maintained as part of the permanent record of any agency. All passengers shall be listed on the flight log by their legal name; passengers flying with an appropriate official of SLED or the Division of State Development whose confidentiality must, in the opinion of SLED or the Division, be protected shall be listed in writing on the flight log as "Confidential Passenger SLED or the Division of State Development (strike one)" and the appropriate official of SLED or the Division shall certify to the agency operating the aircraft the necessity for such confidentiality.
     Violation of the above provisions of this section is prima facie evidence of a violation of Section 8-13-410(1) of the 1976 Code and shall subject a violating member of the General Assembly to the ethics procedure of his appropriate house and shall subject a violating member of a state board, commission or committee, or a state official to the applicable ethics procedure relating to them as provided by law.  The above provisions do not apply to aircraft of the Division of Aeronautics when used by the Medical University of South Carolina, nor to aircraft of the athletic department or the educational foundations of any state-supported institution of higher education.
     Aircraft owned by agencies of state government shall not be leased to individuals for their personal use.
     72.43.       (GP: Carry Forward)  Each agency is authorized to carry forward unspent general fund appropriations from the prior fiscal year into the current fiscal year, up to a maximum of ten percent of its original general fund appropriations less any appropriation reductions for the current fiscal year.  Agencies shall not withhold services in order to carry forward general funds.
     This provision shall be suspended if necessary to avoid a fiscal year-end general fund deficit.  For purposes of this proviso, the amount of the general fund surplus/deficit must be considered after all appropriations from the Capital Reserve Fund have been allowed and before any transfers from the General Reserve.  The amount of general funds needed to avoid a year-end deficit shall be reduced proportionately from each agency's carry-forward amount.
     Agencies which have separate general fund carry-forward authority must exclude the amount carried forward by such separate authority from their base for purposes of calculating the ten percent carry forward authorized herein.  Any funds that are carried forward as a result of this provision are not considered part of the base of appropriations for any succeeding years.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, state agencies and institutions are allowed to spend carry-forward monies from the previous fiscal year so as to provide selected employees a one-time lump sum bonus, not to exceed one thousand dollars, based on objective guidelines established by the Budget and Control Board.  In lieu of paying the bonus to the employee, the employer may make a discretionary nonelective contribution to the employee's 401(k) account with the Deferred Compensation Commission.  This payment is not a part of the employee's base salary and is not earnable compensation for purposes of employee and employer contributions to respective retirement systems.
     72.44.            (GP: Publication List for General Assembly)  With the exception of the Governor's Executive Budget and related documents and telephone directories, and notwithstanding any other requirement, mandate, or provision of this act to the contrary, no agency, department, or entity of state government shall provide the General Assembly with hard copies of a publication whether or not the publication, report, or other document is required to be furnished to the General Assembly by law, and a publication only may be provided to a member of the General Assembly if the member requests the publication.  Nothing herein prevents the agency or department from transmitting such publications to the Office of Legislative Printing and Information Technology Resources (LPITR) Legislative Printing, Information and Technology Systems by electronic medium in such format and form and in accordance with such technical standards as may be established by LPITR LPITS.  LPITR LPITS may make any such information transmitted available through its network.  Any report governed by the requirements of this proviso may be published in hard copy form if authorized by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
     72.45.       (GP: Regulatory Audit)  Each agency shall conduct a jurisdictional audit for the purpose of identifying laws, regulations and provisos which are not being used or no longer need to be regulated.  After identifying these laws, repeals are to be drafted for submission to the General Assembly.
     72.46.       (GP: Written Notice of Fee Changes)  All state administrative or executive agencies which have the authority to impose charges, fines, fees, levies, or penalties, of any nature, pursuant to statutory or regulatory authorization, shall give written notice if requested to any person affected by or subject to the assessment prior to collection.  The notice required pursuant to this section shall include an appropriate citation to the relevant statutory or regulatory provision which authorizes the imposition of the assessment.  No assessment made by a state administrative or executive agency against an affected person shall be valid, absent express statutory or regulatory authorization.
     72.47.       (GP: TEFRA-Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the State Medicaid Plan be amended to provide benefits for disabled children as allowed by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) option.  State agencies, including but not limited to, the Office of the Governor - the Continuum of Care, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Department of Health and Human Services shall collectively review and identify existing state appropriations within their respective budgets that can be used as state match to serve these children.  Such funds shall be used effective January 1, 1995 to implement TEFRA option benefits.
     72.48.       (GP: Federally Declared Disaster Reimbursement)  Notwithstanding Section 11-9-125, any state agency, college, or university which has a grant agreement with and has received prior disaster reimbursements for losses incurred during federally declared disasters from the Office of State Public Assistance and where said state agency, college or university may not have received full reimbursement for eligible program management costs associated with disaster recovery activities incurred during such disasters may seek further reimbursement for such disasters and is authorized to retain these funds for use within the agency's operating budget.
     72.49.       (GP: Frequent Flyer Premiums)  State agencies and employees shall select air carriers based on cost and time criteria, not on whether frequent flyer premiums are given.  State agencies should ensure that employees earning frequent flyer premiums while traveling on State business use them to reduce the cost of subsequent business travel whenever possible.
     72.50.       (GP: Prison Industries)  All agencies funded in this Act, when procuring goods and services, shall first consider contracting for services or purchasing goods and services through the Department of Corrections' Prison Industries Program.  The Department of Corrections shall furnish, upon request, to all agencies a catalogue of goods and services provided by Prison Industries.  The Department is hereby directed to develop and market a catalogue of Prison Industries products for nationwide circulation.
     72.51.       (GP: Out-of-State Travel Report)  For Fiscal Year 2001-02, the Comptroller General is authorized to suspend issuance of the below referenced report on out-of-state travel.
     Annually on October 1, the Comptroller General shall issue a report on out-of-state travel expenditures for the prior fiscal year which shall be distributed to the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee and the Statehouse Press Room.  The Comptroller General may use up to $500 of general fund appropriations for the purpose of providing copies to the media or the public upon request.  The report must contain a listing for every agency receiving an appropriation in the annual General Appropriations Act.  The listing must show at a minimum the top ten percent of employees for whom out-of-state travel expenses and registration fees were paid within each agency, not to exceed twenty-five employees per agency.  Agencies should include position titles for each of the top twenty-five travelers for each agency.  Expenditures must include state, federal and other sources of funds.  The list for each agency must be in rank order with the largest expenditure first and the name of the employee must be shown with each amount.  Agencies should include a brief summary of the type of out-of-state travel the agency incurs.  The Comptroller General may provide additional information as deemed appropriate.  The Comptroller General shall provide no exceptions to this report in that the information contained is not considered confidential or restricted for economic development purposes.  However, further disclosure of detailed information shall be restricted as provided for by law.
     72.52.       (GP: School Technology Initiative)  From the funds appropriated/authorized for the K-12 technology initiative, the Department of Education, in consultation with the Budget and Control Board's Office of Information Resources, in consultation with the Department of Education the State Library and Educational Television Commission shall administer the K-12 technology initiative funds.  These funds which are intended to provide technology, connectivity for encourage effective use of technology in K-12 public schools throughout the state, conduct cost/benefit analyses of the various technologies and should, to the maximum extent possible, involve public-private sector collaborative efforts. School Technology funds shall be used to conduct cost/benefit analyses of the various distance learning technologies, including but not limited two-way video/audio compared to one-way video/two-way audio.  Funds may also be used to establish two-way video/audio pilot projects for new technologies  with selected school districts as part of the evaluation process.  These projects and the ongoing SC Two Way Distance Learning Project must include or be modified to include an evaluation of the number of students served, pass/fail rate, number of sites, an analysis of capital costs, operating costs and employee FTEs required at each site and the determination of this type of technology as a viable teaching alternative.  In the report, a comparison of the results of each site must be included with appropriate graphs and charts.  The Budget and Control Board shall retain and carry forward funds to be used for the same purpose.
     72.53.       (GP: Public Relations Contract Services)  All state agencies or other entities existing by state law that receive an annual appropriation are required to file a report with the State Ethics Commission listing all contracts for public relations, communications, and legislative strategy services.  This report shall include the terms, conditions, and amounts expended for these purposes and shall be submitted by June 30, 2000.
     72.54.       (GP: State Operated Day Care Facilities Fees)  Any state agency receiving funding in this Act and any higher education institution, including 4 year institutions, 2 year institutions, and technical colleges, that operates an early childhood development center or day care facility shall charge, at a minimum, fees that are comparable to those charged by private day care facilities in the local community. The institution or agency shall not restrict enrollment in the center solely to the children of faculty, staff, and students of the institution; nor shall fees be set at a lower level for faculty, staff, or students of the institution or agency.
     72.55.       (GP: Base Budget Analysis) Agencies' annual accountability reports for the prior fiscal year, as required in Section 1-1-810, must be accessible to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee, House Ways & Means Committee and to the public on or before November September 1, for the purpose of a zero base budget analysis and in order to ensure that the Agency Head Salary Commission has the accountability reports for use in a timely manner. Until performance based funding is fully implemented and reported annually, the state supported colleges, universities and technical schools shall report in accordance with Section 59-101-350.
     72.56.       (GP: Professional Dues)  State agencies and institutions are prohibited from paying or reimbursing professional dues payments for individuals to the American Bar Association.
     72.57.       (GP: Federal/Other Funded Employee Bonus)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, state agencies and institutions shall be allowed to spend federal and other sources of revenue to provide selected employees a one-time lump sum bonus not to exceed $1,000, based on objective guidelines established by the Budget and Control Board.  Agencies affected by this proviso shall maintain documents verifying that the bonuses funded were from savings resulting from increased efficiency in their operations.  Also, agencies using Federal funds for the bonus must show that the use of these funds is in compliance with Federal law.  This payment is not a part of the employee's base salary and is not earnable compensation for purposes of employee and employer contributions to respective retirement systems.
     72.58.       (GP: Collection on Dishonored Checks)  Any state agency may establish, collect, and retain fines to cover the costs associated with the collection of dishonored checks returned to the agency due to insufficient funds.  Such funds shall be retained and expended by the agency in accordance with this purpose and any unused amount shall carry forward to the following fiscal year.
     72.59.       (GP: Joint Victim/Witness Personnel Services Study Committee) The Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee is directed to coordinate a panel to study publicly funded Victim Assistance/Victim Witness Services. The purpose of the Joint Committee is to monitor the implementation of findings and to study the other issues raised in the Joint/Witness Personnel Services Study.  The panel shall consist of the following members:  two from the Senate Finance Committee, two from the House Ways and Means Committee, two Governor's appointees, one of which is the Director of the Division of Victims' Assistance, one from the Attorney General's Office, one from the Department of Public Safety (Grants Administration) and one from the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.  Ex-Officio members shall include the Governor's Advisory Victim Services Coordinating Committee who shall be non voting members.
     72.60.       (GP: State DNA Database)  Funds collected by the S.C. Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon and Department of Juvenile Justice to process DNA samples must be remitted to the State Law Enforcement Division to offset the expenses incurred to operate the State DNA Database program.  SLED may retain, expend and carry forward these funds.  Any carry forward funds resulting from the DNA Database program must be used solely to operate the DNA Database program.
     72.61.       (GP: Aid to Subdivisions Withholding to Recover Charges)  Any local government entity which demands payment of rent or lease payments from a state agency or institution, unless approved by that state agency, must have deducted from that local government's State Aid to Subdivisions allocation an amount equal to 110 percent of the amount charged.  From the withheld allocation, the state agency must be reimbursed the actual amount paid and the balance must be credited to the General Fund of the State.
     72.62.       (GP: Innovative Transportation)  The Transportation Infrastructure Bank or the Railroad Commission may make grants for developing innovative transportation technology, such as light rail, mono-rail, or mono-beam.
     72.63.       (GP: Pay Telephone Revenue) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all state agencies, institutions, colleges and universities must remit to the General Fund all revenues received and all monies retained above the cost of allowing the placement or location of pay telephones on public property.  Each state agency, institution, college and university must annually report to the Office of State Budget the revenue received for allowing the placement or location of pay telephones on public property.  This proviso includes any commission(s), state agencies, institutions, colleges and universities receive for allowing the placement or location of pay telephones on public property.  Public property means any and all property occupied or under the control of a state agency, institution, college or university.
     72.64.      (GP: PSA Agriculture Teachers Summer Employment)  In addition to funds previously established for Clemson University PSA to fund summer employment of agriculture teachers, the Department of Education shall transfer funds appropriated in Part I, Section XK, Other State Agencies and Entities, Teacher Pay - Other Agencies to Clemson University PSA to cover state-mandated salary increases on that portion of the agriculture teachers' salaries attributable to summer employment.
     72.65.      (GP: State Agencies - Alternate Work Locations) It is the intent of the General Assembly to allow state agencies to use alternate work locations, including telecommuting, that result in greater efficiency and cost savings.
     72.66.      (GP: Disputed and Unpaid Receivables to DOT)  The directors of the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation are directed to prepare a plan to resolve all financial and property issues arising from restructuring.  The plan shall be submitted to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee by January 1, 2001.  If the two agencies should fail to develop a plan for final resolution, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee shall each appoint three members to an ad hoc committee to draft a report recommending a final resolution.
     72.67.      (GP: License Plate Replacement Schedule Study Committee)  There is established the License Plate Replacement Schedule Study Committee consisting of five members as follows: a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and a member of the House Education in Public Works Committee, both appointed by the Speaker, a member of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, both appointed by the President Pro Tempore, and the Director of Department of Public Safety or his designee, all of whom serve ex officio.  Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment.
     The Committee shall determine the cost and benefits of requiring the replacement of motor vehicle license plates every six years and, based on its findings, recommend appropriate legislation if necessary.  The Committee shall report its findings and recommendations no later than December 31, 2000.  The Committee may conduct meetings at places and times it considers necessary to the performance of its duties.  The expenses of the legislative members of the study committee shall be paid from the approved accounts of their respective bodies.  The expenses of the appointee of the Department of Public Safety shall be absorbed within the Department.  The Committee is abolished on the date of its report and recommendations, or December 31, 2000, whichever is earlier.
     72.68.      (GP: Contract Employee Report)  State agencies, departments, institutions and divisions are directed to report to the Budget and Control Board, Office of Human Resources, information on any contract employee who is a member of the State Retirement System, whose contracted compensation exceeds $25,000.  The information shall include the name of the employee, the compensation which exceeds $25,000, and whether the employee is retired from that agency.  The Budget and Control Board shall report such information to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee by September 1st each year.
     72.69.      (GP: Menu Option Telephone Answering Devices)  From  the funds appropriated  to state agencies, state agencies and their departments shall not expend funds for any type of menu option telephone answering device,  unless the menu option system provides the caller with access to a non-electronic attendant or automatically transfers the caller to a non-electronic attendant.  This requirement applies during the hours of 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.  This requirement does not apply to integrated voice response systems that are specifically designed to exclude human interaction.  No additional personnel may be hired to implement the requirements of this provision.
     72.70.      (GP: D.A.R.E.)  As soon as practicable, the State Law Enforcement Division shall transfer the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E.) to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.  Any funds not expended by the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Fund at the end of the fiscal years shall also be transferred to the Department of Public Safety for the operation of the D.A.R.E.) program.
     72.71.      (GP: U.S. Public Health Service-Retirement System)  Persons who have served on active duty as commissioned officers in the United States Public Health Service may establish their period of service as creditable service in the same manner that military service is established as creditable service pursuant to Section 9-1-1140 of the 1976 Code, provided that this service credit for service in the United States Public Health Service is established and purchased before December 31, 2000.
     72.72.      (GP: Court Revenue Study)  The Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee are directed to coordinate a panel to study statutory provisions for the distribution of revenue generated by the State's various courts.  The purpose of the panel is to assess the effectiveness of existing processes and consider alternative methods of accounting for and distributing court fines and fees.  In conducting this study, the panel may determine the amounts of court revenues distributed to various entities, however it is not the purpose of the panel to recommend changes to the existing distribution shares.  The panel shall consist of the following members:  one from the Senate Finance Committee, one from the House Ways and Means Committee, one Governor's appointee, one from the State Treasurer's Office, one from the Division of Court Administration,  one from the State Auditor's Office, one from the Association of Counties, and one from the Municipal Association.  Staff support shall be provided by the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, and the Division of Court Administration.  The panel shall submit a report to the Governor, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
     72.73.      (GP: Tobacco Settlement / Property Tax Relief Fund)  From the funds set aside in the Tobacco Settlement Economic Development Fund, ten million dollars is appropriated to the Personal Property Tax Relief Fund established pursuant to Section 12-37-2735.
     72.74.      (GP: Prohibit Influencing Lottery Referendum)  No money collected, allocated or appropriated in this act may be spent or used directly to influence the "yes" or "no" outcome of the November 7, 2000 AD state lottery referendum.
     72.75.            (GP: Downsizing/Realigning Resources)  State agencies may implement, in consultation with the Office of Human Resources of the Budget and Control Board, a program to realign resources to include provisions for a separation incentive payment for employees which may include the employer portion of health and dental benefits not to exceed one year.  Employees participating in such program shall not be eligible to participate in the Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive (TERI) program or the LEORI program for employees in the Police Officer Retirement System.  Employees participating in the TERI program or the LEORI program, and agency heads shall not be eligible to receive these incentives.  Any program developed under this provision will involve voluntary participation from employees and will be funded within existing appropriations.  The program must be approved by the agency head and the Director of the Division of Budget and Analyses based on ability to demonstrate recurring cost savings for realignment and/or permanent downsizing.  State agencies shall report the results to the Budget and Control Board by March 15, 2002.  The Budget and Control Board shall report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee on these results.
     72.76.      (GP: Flexibility)  DELETED
     72.77.      (GP: Carried Forward Funds)  The following amounts must be carried forward from FY 2000-01 and be credited to the General Fund in FY 2001-02 to be used as a source to support appropriations:
           A)            $3,437,401 in State Treasurer's Office, Excess Debt Service; and
           B)            $6,700,000 in general fund revenue is carried forward from the prior fiscal year to the current fiscal year by changing from Fiscal Year 2000-2001 to Fiscal Year 2001-2002 the accounting for the July, 2001 distribution pursuant to S.C. Code of Laws Sections 23-9-40 and 38-45-60.  By this item, the $6,700,000 carry forward is deemed to have occurred.
     72.78.      (GP: Town of Lynchburg; Debt Forgiven)  DELETED
     72.79.            (GP: South Carolina Veteran History Monument Commission)  A South Carolina Veteran History Monument Commission is created to determine the design and location of monuments honoring South Carolina veterans of every war to be established on the grounds of the State House.  The Commission is to propose a monument to represent each war in which South Carolinians participated, except those wars already represented by a monument on the State House grounds.  The location of each new monument must be approved by the State House Committee.  The Commission is empowered and directed to raise private funds and to receive gifts and grants to carry out the purpose for which it is created.  The Commission in this regard shall have the power to cause to be created a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation, the purpose of which shall be to receive and disburse funds for each monument honoring South Carolina veterans.  The Budget and Control Board and Office of Veterans Affairs shall provide staff support and technical assistance as may be required by the Commission.  The financial records are public records for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act, except that the names of anonymous donors shall not be disclosed.
     The Commission shall submit a report to the Governor, President Pro-Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House regarding the proposed design and location of each monument honoring South Carolina veterans.  After committee approval of the design and location, the State House Committee shall cause to be introduced the concurrent resolution serving as the instrument of approval.  The State shall ensure proper maintenance of each monument as is done for other historical monuments.
     The Commission shall consist of twelve members appointed as follows:  three members appointed by the Governor, three members appointed by the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, three members appointed by the Speaker of the House, one member appointed by the American Legion, one member appointed by the Veteran's of Foreign Wars and one member appointed by the Disabled American Veterans.  Notwithstanding Section 8-13-770 of the 1976 Code, members of the General Assembly may be appointed to this Commission.  The Commission shall elect one member to serve as chairman and one member to serve as vice-chairman.  The Commission shall elect such other officers as it deems appropriate from among its membership.
     Commission members are not entitled to receive the subsistence, mileage, and per diem otherwise provided by law for members of state boards, committees, and commissions.
     72.80.      (GP: First Steps Carry Forward Funds)  $25,000,000 in Department of Education, First Steps Carry Forward funds must be carried forward from FY 2000-01 and be credited to the General Fund in FY 2001-02 and must be expended on education.
     72.81.      (GP: Senior Drug Program)  $10 million of the Tobacco Settlement funds appropriated to the State Budget and Control Board, Office of Insurance Services in the General Appropriation Act for FY 2000-2001 for the Senior Drug Program (Section 63B, IV. Office of Insurance Services, D. Insurance Benefits, Other Operating Expenses, Senior Drug Program) must lapse to the General Fund of the State.
     72.82.      (GP: Hospital Disproportionate Share Program)  $20,000,000 of the funds appropriated in this act for hospital base rates must be used for matching funds for the Hospital Disproportionate Share Program and made available to the hospitals for FY 2001-2002.  This transfer must be reimbursed from the $20,000,000 designated for hospitals for a base rate increase from the principal derived from the securitization of the state's Tobacco receipts under the authority of the Tobacco Settlement Revenue Management Authority Act as provided in Section 11-11-170(B)(1).
     72.83.      (GP: Suspend Newborn Hearing Screening)  For the current fiscal year, the provisions of Section 44-37-40, "Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act," are temporarily suspended.
     72.84.      (GP: Alternative Commitment to Truancy)  As part of its plan for an alternative school, a school district receiving funds from the Department of Education for an alternative school shall identify available alternatives to commitment for children whose truancy is approaching the level of being referred to family court.  When proceeding under S.C. Code Section 59-65-50 to bring an individual case before the family court, the school district must present this plan as well as the district's efforts with respect to the individual child to the court.  Each school district's plan under this proviso shall include possible assignment to alternative school for a non-attending child before petitioning the court.
     72.85.      (GP: Voluntary Furlough)  Notwithstanding Section 8-11-195 of the 1976 Code, in a fiscal year in which the total funds appropriated for a state agency's operations are less than the total of such funds in the preceding fiscal year as a result of a statewide budget reduction or an across-the-board budget reduction due to the Board of Economic Advisors officially estimating and the Budget & Control Board formally certifying that revenues will result in a deficit in excess of the combined reserves in the Capital Reserve Fund and the General Reserve Fund, and in order to avoid a reduction in the agency's personnel force, agency heads may institute a voluntary employee furlough program of not more than ninety days per fiscal year.  During this voluntary furlough, the state employees shall be entitled to participate in the same state benefits as otherwise available to them except for receiving their salaries.  As to those benefits which require employer and employee contributions, the state agencies, institutions and departments will be responsible for making both employer and employee contributions; and as to those benefits which require only employee contributions, the employee remains solely responsible for making those contributions.
     72.86.      (GP: Transfer Seniors' Prescription Drug Program)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 44-130-30 and 44-130-40 of the 1976 Code, for the current fiscal year responsibility for the administration of the South Carolina Seniors' Prescription Drug Program established pursuant to Chapter 130 of Title 44 of the 1976 Code is transferred from the Office of Insurance Services of the State Budget and Control Board to the Department of Health and Human Services.  All references to the Office of Insurance Services in that chapter are deemed to be references to the Department of Health and Human Services.
     72.87.      (GP: Personal Property Tax Relief Fund)       Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12-37-2735 of the 1976 Code, the amount credited to the Personal Property Tax Relief Fund is reduced from twenty million dollars to zero.  If the Personal Property Tax Exemption Sales Tax is imposed in a county and a sales tax rate of two percent of gross proceeds of sales is insufficient to offset the property tax not collected, sufficient amounts must be credited to the Trust Fund for Tax Relief established pursuant to Section 11-11-150 of the 1976 Code to provide the reimbursement to offset such a shortfall in the manner provided in Section 4-10-540(A) of the 1976 Code.
     72.88.      (GP: Excess Subfund 3047 Funds)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13-7-30 of the 1976 Code, the State Treasurer's Office is directed to transfer $1,121,585.48 contained in Subfund 3047 for Low Level Nuclear Waste Funds to the State Election Commission which shall use the funds for the Statewide Voter Registration System.
     72.89.      (GP: Food Exemption From Local Sales Taxes)  Food items eligible to be purchased with United States Department of Agriculture food coupons are exempt from the local sales and use taxes imposed pursuant to Articles 1, 3 and 5, Chapter 10 and Chapter 37, all of Title 4 of the 1976 Code, if the referendum in which the local sales and use tax was approved was held in the current fiscal year.
     72.90.      (GP: Sales Tax on Food)  (A)  Notwithstanding the rates of tax imposed pursuant to Chapter 36, Title 12 of the 1976 Code, the rate of tax imposed pursuant to that chapter on the gross proceeds of sales, or the sale price of food items eligible for purchase with United States Department of Agriculture food coupons, is four percent for sales from July 1, 2001, through December 31, 2001, three percent for such sales from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002, two percent for such sales from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2003, and one percent for such sales from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2004.  Effective January 1, 2005, food items eligible for purchase with United States Department of Agriculture food coupons are exempt from the taxes imposed pursuant to Chapter 36, Title 12 of the 1976 Code, but this exemption does not apply for local sales and use taxes except where such taxes specifically exempt these items.  Eighty percent of the revenues from sales taxes raised by the special tax rates provided by this paragraph must be credited to the general fund of this State and used as sales taxes are used, and the remainder must be credited to the Education Improvement Act Fund.  Except where otherwise exempt, the local sales and use taxes authorized by law continue to apply to those sales subject to the reduced state rate of tax provided in this paragraph.
     (B)  General fund revenues in an amount equal to the revenue that would have been derived from the sales tax if the exemption provided in this paragraph had not been authorized for food items which may be purchased lawfully with USDA food coupons must be deposited from the state general fund by the Comptroller General to the Educational Improvement Act fund established in Section 59-21-1010 of the 1976 Code and for appropriations for the support of the public school system which includes the following:  Department of Education, State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, Educational Television Commission, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, School for the Deaf and the Blind, John de la Howe School, debt service on capital improvement bonds applicable to the above agencies, debt service on school bonds, and other school purposes provided by law.  The revenue that would have been derived from the sales tax if the exemption provided for herein had not been authorized for food items which may be purchased lawfully with USDA food coupons shall nevertheless be considered as general retail sales tax revenue for purposes of this paragraph.
     72.91.      (GP: Sales Tax Holiday)  (A)  In addition to the exemptions provided in Section 12-36-2120 of the 1976 Code, there is exempt from the taxes imposed pursuant to Chapter 36, Title 12 of the 1976 Code, the gross proceeds of sales or sales price of sales taking place during a period beginning 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in February and ending at twelve midnight the following Sunday of:
                 (1)       clothing;
                 (2)      clothing accessories including, but not limited to, hats, scarves, hosiery, and handbags;
                 (3)      footwear;
                 (4)      school supplies including, but not limited to, pens, pencils, paper, binders, notebooks, books, bookbags, lunchboxes, and calculators;
                 (5)      computers, printers and printer supplies, and computer software.
     (B)      The exemption allowed by this item does not apply to:
                 (1)      sales of jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, wallets, watches;
                 (2)      sales of furniture;
                 (3)      a sale of an item placed on layaway or similar deferred payment and delivery plan however described;
                 (4)      rental of clothing or footwear;
                 (5)      a sale or lease of an item for use in a trade or business.
     (C)      Before January tenth as applicable, the department shall publish and make available to the public and retailers a list of those articles qualifying for the exemption allowed by this paragraph.
     72.92.      (GP: Debt Collection Reports)  Each state agency shall provide to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House of Representatives Ways and Means Committees a report detailing the amount of its outstanding debt and all methods it has used to collect that debt.  This report is due by the last day of February for the previous calendar year.

SECTION 73 - X91

     73.1.      (Year End Expenditures)  Unless specifically authorized herein, the appropriations provided in Part I of this Act as ordinary expenses of the State Government shall lapse on July 31, 2001 2002.  State agencies are required to submit all current fiscal year input documents to the Comptroller General's Office by July 20, 2001 July 19, 2002.  Appropriations for Permanent Improvements, now outstanding or hereafter provided, shall lapse at the end of the second fiscal year in which such appropriations were provided, unless definite commitments shall have been made, with the approval of the State Budget and Control Board and Joint Bond Review Committee, toward the accomplishment of the purposes for which the appropriations were provided.  Appropriations for other specific purposes aside from ordinary operating expenses, now outstanding or hereafter provided, shall lapse at the end of the second fiscal year in which such appropriations were provided, unless definite commitments shall have been made, with the approval of the State Budget and Control Board, toward the accomplishment of the purposes for which the appropriations were provided.

     All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with any of the provisions of Parts IA, or IB of this act are suspended for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.
     Except as otherwise specifically provided, this act takes effect immediately upon its approval by the Governor.

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