Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr. as follows:
Our thought for today is from Psalm 25: "God, I put my trust in You."
Almighty God, You have knit us together as a body of representatives to Your people in this State. Help us to realize we can not go it alone, but by Your help and blessings we as representatives working together in the spirit of cooperation, the common good for all will be accomplished, and much can be done to move this State for all humankind. Give wisdom and courage to our leaders that as one body, we can achieve the goal of true service. Hear us good Lord in our prayer to You. Amen.
Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.
After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
Rep. HARRISON moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of C. Norwood Gayle, Jr. of Richland County, which was agreed to.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4891 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe, Davenport, Ott and Dantzler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-5-150, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FURNISHING ANTIRABIC (HUMAN) VACCINE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MUST ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF ANTIRABIC (HUMAN) VACCINE AND GLOBULIN PRODUCTS FOR PERSONS BITTEN BY OR EXPOSED TO A PET OR ANIMAL FOUND OR SUSPECTED TO BE AFFECTED BY RABIES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISION OF THESE PRODUCTS MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR THESE PRODUCTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4883 (Word version) -- Reps. Miller, Battle, Freeman, Hayes, Jennings, Keegan, Kennedy and Snow: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 49-29-230, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CERTAIN SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATIONS, SO AS TO DESIGNATE A PORTION OF THE GREAT PEE DEE RIVER AS A SCENIC RIVER.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4516 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe, Witherspoon and Ott: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AMEND JOINT RESOLUTION 120 OF 2001, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF A THREE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM OF ALLIGATOR FARMING FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF ALLIGATOR FARMING FOR POULTRY MORTALITY DISPOSAL, SO AS TO EXTEND THE THREE-YEAR PILOT PROJECT TO SIX YEARS AND PROVIDE THAT UNTIL JULY 1, 2007, ANY PERSON EIGHTEEN OR OLDER MAY ESTABLISH AN ALLIGATOR FARM FOR THE PURPOSE OF POULTRY MORTALITY DISPOSAL.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4429 (Word version) -- Rep. Askins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-620, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA UNDERWATER ANTIQUITIES ACT OF 1991, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "FIELD ARCHAEOLOGIST", "STATE ARCHAEOLOGIST", AND "UNDERTAKING"; TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-670, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A HOBBY LICENSE FOR PERSONS WISHING TO CONDUCT TEMPORARY, INTERMITTENT, RECREATIONAL, SMALL SCALE, NONCOMMERCIAL SEARCH, AND RECOVERY OF SUBMERGED PROPERTY, SO AS TO REVISE THE LICENSE FEE, DELETE ALL OTHER CATEGORIES OF HOBBY LICENSES EXCEPT A TWO-YEAR LICENSE; AND DELETE THE REQUIREMENT TO FILE CERTAIN REPORTS UNDER A HOBBY LICENSE WITHIN A WEEK AFTER DIVING ACTIVITIES TOOK PLACE; TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-710, RELATING TO CRITERIA FOR ISSUING AN EXCLUSIVE LICENSE, SO AS TO CHANGE CERTAIN CRITERIA; TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-740, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LICENSES ISSUED BY THE STATE ARCHAEOLOGIST, SO AS TO CHANGE THIS TITLE TO THE STATE UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST; TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-800, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF A LICENSE ISSUED BY THE INSTITUTE OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TITLE OF THE STATE ARCHAEOLOGIST TO THE STATE UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST; TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-810, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA UNDERWATER ANTIQUITIES ACT OF 1991, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO SECTION 54-7-680 WHICH IS REPEALED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-820, RELATING TO THE RETENTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DATA FOR RESEARCH OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TITLE OF THE STATE ARCHAEOLOGIST TO THE STATE UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 54-7-680 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF AN INSTRUCTIONAL LICENSE TO ALLOW STUDENT DIVERS OR CHARTER GROUP DIVERS WITHOUT INDIVIDUAL HOBBY LICENSES TO COLLECT ARTIFACTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4258 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe, Wilkins, W. D. Smith and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION BY ADDING CHAPTER 56, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO ADMINISTER A PILOT PROGRAM WITH UP TO TEN PARTICIPANTS FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS, WITH A POSSIBLE FIVE-YEAR RENEWAL, FOR THE PURPOSE OF TESTING AND EVALUATING INNOVATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACHES TO ACHIEVE SUPERIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE NOT OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED UNDER EXISTING LAW, TO REQUIRE PARTICIPANTS TO BE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE PROGRAM, TO ESTABLISH PILOT PROGRAM PROCEDURES AND BASIC TERMS OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND PARTICIPANTS, TO REQUIRE PUBLIC NOTICE OF AGREEMENTS BEING CONSIDERED FOR APPROVAL OR REVOCATION, TO AUTHORIZE VARIANCES FROM EXISTING LAW, AND TO REQUIRE PARTICIPANTS TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN REPORTING AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4222 (Word version) -- Reps. Frye and Koon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LAWFUL METHODS OF CATCHING FISH, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NOT MORE THAN THREE RATHER THAN TWO DEVICES PERMITTED TO BE USED TO CATCH FISH MAY BE USED BY ANY ONE INDIVIDUAL WHILE FISHING; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-11, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE USE OF UNLIMITED NUMBER OF FISHING DEVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON FISHING IN A BOAT IN SALT WATER MAY USE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF FISHING DEVICES AS PROVIDED IN THE SECTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3978 (Word version) -- Rep. Merrill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-93-100, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATION FOR GENERATORS OF LESS THAN FIFTY POUNDS OF INFECTIOUS WASTE, SO AS TO REQUIRE SHARPS TO BE MANAGED PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 93 AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED UNDER THAT CHAPTER.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4260 (Word version) -- Reps. Sharpe and Ott: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 5, TITLE 47, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RABIES CONTROL, SO AS TO REVISE DEFINITIONS AND ADD NEW DEFINITIONS, TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OF OFFSPRING BORN TO A CARNIVORE OR OTHER ANIMAL CROSSBRED WITH A WILD CARNIVORE, TO RESTRICT PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS OF WILD CARNIVORES AND OTHER ANIMALS FOR WHICH A RABIES VACCINE DOES NOT EXIST, TO REVISE RABIES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, TO CHANGE THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A PHYSICIAN IS REQUIRED TO REPORT AN ANIMAL BITE FROM TWELVE HOUSE TO THE NEXT WORKING DAY, TO REVISE QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REVISE THE PUNISHMENT FOR CHAPTER VIOLATIONS TO THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 894 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF GAME, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-544 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO HUNTS WILD TURKEYS IS REQUIRED TO POSSESS A SET OF WILD TURKEY TRANSPORTATION TAGS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-500, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO WILD TURKEY, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN OBSOLETE PROVISIONS AND PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO TAKE OR ATTEMPT TO TAKE A WILD TURKEY WITH A RIFLE, PISTOL, BUCKSHOT, OR SHOTGUN SLUG; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO REGULATE WILD TURKEY HUNTING, SO AS TO DELETE THE BAG LIMIT FOR TURKEYS IN GAME ZONES 6 AND 11; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING RULES APPLICABLE TO WILD TURKEY HUNTING, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO FORFEITURE, TO PROVIDE FOR RESTITUTION TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR WILD TURKEYS TAKEN UNLAWFULLY AND FOR FORFEITURE OF HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES FOR PERSONS CONVICTED OF TAKING A WILD TURKEY ILLEGALLY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-560, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO OPEN SEASON FOR MALE WILD TURKEY IN GAME ZONES 6 AND 11 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MALE WILD TURKEY MAY BE HUNTED FROM MARCH FIFTEENTH TO MAY FIRST IN GAME ZONES 6 AND 11, AND IN ALL OTHER GAME ZONES AS PROMULGATED AND PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 893 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-430, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE KILLING OF BEAR, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS AND PROVIDE FOR OPEN SEASON IN GAME ZONE ONE FOR STILL GUN AND PARTY DOG HUNTS AND TO PROVIDE THAT IN ALL OTHER ZONES THERE ARE NO OPEN SEASONS; TO REQUIRE THAT BEAR TAKEN BE REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES' CLEMSON OFFICE; TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO TAKE A BEAR EXCEPT DURING OPEN SEASON; TO OTHERWISE RESTRICT THE TAKING, METHOD OF HUNTING, OR POSSESSION OF CERTAIN BEAR AND BEAR PARTS; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 653 (Word version) -- Senator Waldrep: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 46-9-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LICENSING EXAMINATIONS AND EXAMINATION QUESTIONS MAINTAINED OR ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE CROP PEST CONTROL COMMISSION ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 191 (Word version) -- Senators Waldrep, McConnell, Leventis, Hawkins, Hutto, Thomas, Giese and Pinckney: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 47-1-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY TO A PERSON ACTING IN GOOD FAITH AND WITHOUT COMPENSATION WHO RENDERS EMERGENCY CARE TO AN ANIMAL THAT IS ABANDONED, ILL, OR INJURED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4786 (Word version) -- Reps. Meacham-Richardson and Cato: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON SHALL GIVE, SELL, LEASE, ASSIGN, TRANSFER, MORTGAGE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATE, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF A CERTIFICATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY AND PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY OR RIGHTS UNDER THE CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO THE OPERATION OF A MAJOR UTILITY FACILITY KNOWN AS A "MERCHANT PLANT".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4956 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Wilkins, W. D. Smith, Harrison, Harrell, Law, Lee, Riser, G. Brown, White, Talley, Battle, Kelley, Altman, Simrill, Scarborough, Phillips, Tripp, Trotter, Barrett, Dantzler, Bales, J. E. Smith, Lourie, Chellis, Leach, Kirsh, Taylor, Wilder, Barfield, Edge, Hinson and Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 58, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANIES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 23 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH GOVERNMENT-OWNED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS SHALL BE REGULATED AND TAXED, AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE OPERATIONS OF THESE GOVERNMENT-OWNED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS; BY ADDING SECTION 15-78-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY HAS NO WAIVER OF IMMUNITY FOR A LOSS RESULTING FROM THE PROVIDING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE BY A GOVERNMENT-OWNED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER UNDER ITS AUTHORITY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 58-5-30, RELATING TO THE EXEMPTION OF MUNICIPAL UTILITIES FROM REGULATIONS BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS TO THIS EXEMPTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4622 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Harrell, Jennings, Keegan, J. Young, Hayes, Battle, Lourie, G. Brown, Carnell, Cato, Coleman, Emory, Gilham, Hinson, Leach, McGee, J. M. Neal, Ott, Perry, Riser, Sandifer, Scarborough, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Stuart, Trotter, Whatley, Lee, J. Hines, Clyburn, Bales, J. Brown and Govan: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH CENTERS OF ECONOMIC EXCELLENCE ACT", INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO AMEND TITLE 2, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY ADDING CHAPTER 75 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE MATCHING ENDOWMENT FUND TO BE FUNDED FROM APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING MATCHING FUNDS TO THE THREE SENIOR RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES OF THIS STATE IN ORDER TO CREATE ENDOWMENT PROFESSORSHIPS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4855 (Word version) -- Reps. Kelley, Kirsh and Cooper: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL PROCEDURE APPLICABLE ONLY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 FOR MANDATORY EMPLOYEE FURLOUGHS, TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH SUCH FURLOUGHS MAY BE ORDERED, TO LIMIT TOTAL FURLOUGH DAYS IN THE FISCAL YEAR TO TEN DAYS, TO REQUIRE FURLOUGHS TO APPLY AGENCY-WIDE, TO PROHIBIT AN AGENCY'S CLOSING DURING ITS REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION TO IMPLEMENT FURLOUGHS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAY AND BENEFITS FOR FURLOUGH EMPLOYEES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT FURLOUGHS ARE NOT GROUNDS FOR A GRIEVANCE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 3851 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Smith and Rodgers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-1-530, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REVENUE GENERATED BY THE LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS TAX, SO AS TO ALSO REQUIRE THEIR USE FOR OTHER TOURISM-RELATED LANDS AND WATER ACCESS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 999 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Martin, Ritchie, Drummond, Land, Setzler and Pinckney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-13-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SECURITY REQUIRED FOR STATE FUNDS IN EXCESS OF THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE LIMIT DEPOSITED BY THE STATE TREASURER IN A BANK OR SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SO AS TO ALLOW SECURITY FOR THESE DEPOSITS IN THE FORM OF LETTERS OF CREDIT, AND TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE LETTERS OF CREDIT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 869 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes and Land: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-66-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JEAN LANEY HARRIS FOLK HERITAGE AWARD, SO AS TO PERMIT STATE AS WELL AS PRIVATE FUNDS TO BE USED TO COVER ANY EXPENSES INCURRED OR ASSOCIATED WITH PRESENTING THE AWARD.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4701 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 59-121-310, 59-121-350, AND 59-121-440, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CITADEL ATHLETIC FACILITIES BONDS AND THE REVENUE WHICH THE CITADEL MAY PLEDGE AS SECURITY FOR THESE BONDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE CITADEL MAY PLEDGE THE PROCEEDS OF THE ADMISSIONS FEES AND THE SPECIAL STUDENT FEES AS SECURITY FOR THESE BONDS WITHOUT PLEDGING THE REVENUE DERIVED FROM THE OPERATION OF THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3765 (Word version) -- Rep. Littlejohn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-7-105, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AUTHORIZATIONS FOR STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS IN ODD-NUMBERED YEARS AND OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A BILL AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS MUST HAVE A CERTIFICATE ATTACHED FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE BUDGET CERTIFYING THAT CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET AND REQUIRING THIS CERTIFICATE AT SPECIFIED STAGES OF THE MATRICULATION OF THE BILL THROUGH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4835 (Word version) -- Reps. Carnell, Keegan, Harrell, A. Young and Quinn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-47-55, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHICH IS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE JOINT BOND REVIEW COMMITTEE AND THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE SUBMISSION TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PLAN WHICH WOULD SERVE AS AN OUTLINE FOR AN AGENCY'S PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THE NEXT FIVE-YEAR PERIOD; AND TO AMEND ACT 1377 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SO AS TO DELETE SECTION 5 WHICH REQUIRES STATE AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS TO SUBMIT AN OVERALL PLAN SEEKING APPROVAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUNDING OF PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OR OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED UNDER ACT 1377 OF 1968 (STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOND ACT).
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 675 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 31-6-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT" UNDER THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING LAW, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A REDEVELOPMENT TO BE LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA IF A MUNICIPALITY MAKES SPECIFIC FINDINGS OF BENEFIT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA; TO AMEND SECTION 31-6-70, RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE BY A MUNICIPALITY PROVIDING FOR THE APPROVAL OF A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, SO AS TO LENGTHEN FROM FIVE TO TEN YEARS THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH A MUNICIPALITY MAY ISSUE OBLIGATIONS TO FINANCE A REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND TO AUTHORIZE OBLIGATIONS TO BE ISSUED SUBSEQUENT TO THE INITIAL TEN-YEAR PERIOD; AND TO AMEND SECTION 31-6-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE, SO AS TO REQUIRE A MUNICIPALITY TO MAKE A SPECIFIC FINDING OF BENEFIT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA AND PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE AFFECTED TAXING DISTRICT IF THE PROJECT OR A PORTION OF IT IS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3921 (Word version) -- Reps. Perry, Whatley, Knotts, Coates and D. C. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1140, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE INCOME TAX DEDUCTION ALLOWED VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND RESCUE SQUAD MEMBERS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DEDUCTION TO A VOLUNTEER MEMBER OF A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT) RESPONSE TEAM AND TO DELETE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS, AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-190, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERFORMANCE-BASED POINT SYSTEM TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE STATE INCOME TAX DEDUCTION ALLOWED VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS, SO AS TO EXTEND THIS POINT SYSTEM TO VOLUNTEER HAZMAT TEAM MEMBERS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4805 (Word version) -- Reps. Vaughn, Allison, Cato, Hamilton, Leach, Littlejohn, Lourie, Mack, Rodgers, Sheheen, Tripp, Whatley and J. Young: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 10, TITLE 4, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX, BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 ENACTING THE MUNICIPAL CAPITAL PROJECT SALES TAX ACT SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A ONE CENT SALES AND USE TAX BY REFERENDUM IN A MUNICIPALITY FOR A SPECIFIC PERIOD OF TIME AND FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS, AND TO PROVIDE THE METHOD FOR IMPOSITION, PAYMENT, AND COLLECTION OF THIS TAX.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3563 (Word version) -- Reps. Quinn, Bales, Davenport and Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 1377 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SO AS TO UPDATE REFERENCES, MAKE PERMANENT THE ADDITIONAL TAX OF THIRTY-FIVE ONE-HUNDREDTHS PERCENT ON FIRE INSURANCE PREMIUMS PREVIOUSLY DEDICATED TO THE REPAYMENT OF INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS AUTHORIZED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRE ACADEMY, AND ALLOWING THE REVENUES OF THIS TAX AFTER THE BONDS ARE RETIRED TO BE RETAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION FOR USE BY ITS DIVISION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, DIVISION EXPENSES, AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4589 (Word version) -- Reps. Rodgers, Battle, Gilham and Miller: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-145, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION FEE FOR A PERMIT TO ALTER A CRITICAL AREA AS DEFINED IN SECTION 48-39-10 WHICH INCLUDES COASTAL WATERS, TIDELANDS, BEACHES, AND A BEACH DUNE SYSTEM, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO RAISE OR LOWER THE FEE AFTER COMPLYING WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4507 (Word version) -- Reps. Quinn, Barfield, Barrett, Chellis, Cobb-Hunter, Delleney, Freeman, Hinson, Leach, Lucas, J. H. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Sandifer, Taylor, Vaughn, Wilder, A. Young, Bingham, Snow, Knotts, J. R. Smith, Coates, Altman, Martin, Thompson, Simrill, Riser, McGee, Littlejohn, Webb, Rodgers, Owens, Robinson, Campsen, G. M. Smith, Witherspoon, Fleming, Frye, Stille, Trotter, Huggins, Carnell, Hosey, Rice, Walker, Allison, Sinclair, Cato, White, Townsend, Law, Dantzler, Davenport, Talley, Edge, Loftis, Meacham-Richardson, Battle, Miller, Harvin, Rhoad, Bales, Lloyd, Bowers, Jennings, Coleman, Keegan, Kennedy, Askins, Scott and McLeod: A JOINT RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE TWO DOLLAR AND FIVE CENTS REDUCTION IN THE CALCULATION OF MEDICAID PRESCRIPTION PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENTS PROVIDED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IN MEDICAID BULLETIN PHARM 01-06.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4769 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Young, G. M. Smith, Cotty, Scarborough, Quinn, Bingham, McGee, Knotts, Webb, Rice, Rodgers, Allison, Stille, Altman, Battle, Campsen, Coates, Dantzler, Delleney, Fleming, Gilham, Hamilton, J. Hines, Hinson, Kirsh, Law, Leach, Limehouse, Loftis, Lucas, McLeod, Merrill, Owens, Perry, Robinson, Sharpe, Talley, Walker, Wilkins and A. Young: A BILL TO REPEAL A JOINT RESOLUTION OF 2002 BEARING RATIFICATION NUMBER 176, ESTABLISHING AN ANNUAL NURSING HOME FRANCHISE FEE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3764 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins and Lourie: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 11, ARTICLE X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON PLEDGING THE CREDIT OF THIS STATE OR ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FOR A PRIVATE PURPOSE AND THE RESTRICTION ON THE STATE OR ANY OF ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS BECOMING A JOINT OWNER OR STOCKHOLDER OF A BUSINESS, SO AS TO ALLOW A MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT, OR PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT OF THIS STATE WHICH PROVIDES FIREFIGHTING SERVICE AND WHICH ADMINISTERS A SEPARATE PENSION PLAN FOR ITS EMPLOYEES PERFORMING THIS SERVICE TO INVEST AND REINVEST THE FUNDS IN THIS PENSION PLAN IN EQUITY SECURITIES TRADED ON A NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE, AS PROVIDED IN THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR SUCCESSOR ACT, OR QUOTED THROUGH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS AUTOMATIC QUOTATIONS SYSTEM OR SIMILAR SERVICE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4676 (Word version) -- Rep. Kelley: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 2-3-77 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MERGER OF THE OFFICES OF LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND LEGISLATIVE PRINTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES; TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-55, RELATING TO LEASING OF REAL PROPERTY FOR GOVERNMENTAL BODIES; TO AMEND SECTION 2-3-75, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE PRINTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES; TO AMEND SECTION 2-13-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE CODE COMMISSIONER; TO AMEND SECTION 2-13-180, RELATING TO THE PUBLICATION OF ADVANCE SHEETS OF THE ACTS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 2-13-190, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PRINTING OF ADVANCE SHEETS IN SIGNATURES AND DISTRIBUTION OF PAGE PROOFS BY THE CODE COMMISSIONER; TO AMEND SECTION 2-13-200, RELATING TO THE SALE AND DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF ADVANCE SHEETS; TO AMEND SECTION 2-13-210, RELATING TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE ACTS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS USED IN THE PROCUREMENT CODE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 29-6-250, RELATING TO A LABOR AND MATERIAL PAYMENT BOND REQUIRED BY A GOVERNMENTAL BODY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO CONFORM REFERENCES IN THESE SECTIONS TO REFLECT THE CORRECT NAME OF THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE PRINTING, INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS CREATED FROM THE MERGER OF THE OFFICES OF LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND LEGISLATIVE PRINTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES, AND TO DELETE ARCHAIC REFERENCES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRELL, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4609 (Word version) -- Reps. Kelley, Cotty, Bales, Barrett, Battle, Chellis, Cooper, Davenport, Delleney, Fleming, Huggins, Knotts, Keegan, Lourie, McCraw, Miller, Ott, Phillips, Rice, Riser, Rutherford, Sandifer, J. R. Smith, Snow, Stille, Taylor, Trotter, White, Wilder and Rodgers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 8-11-620, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LUMP SUM PAYMENT FOR ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE OF STATE EMPLOYEES ON RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION FROM SERVICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO LUMP SUM MAY BE PAID TO A RETIRED MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM WHO IS HIRED BY A STATE AGENCY; TO AMEND SECTION 8-17-370, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EMPLOYEES EXEMPT FROM THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ACT, SO AS TO EXEMPT A RETIRED MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM WHO IS HIRED BY A STATE AGENCY TO FILL A FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT POSITION COVERED BY THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ACT, AND TO AMEND SECTION 9-11-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RETURNING TO SERVICE UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE EARNINGS LIMITATION FOR A RETIRED MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM WHO IS HIRED IN A POSITION COVERED BY THAT RETIREMENT SYSTEMS OR OTHER STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS AND TO REDUCE FROM SIXTY DAYS TO FIFTEEN CONSECUTIVE CALENDAR DAYS THE MINIMUM INTERVAL BEFORE A RETIRED MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM MAY BE HIRED BY A COVERED EMPLOYER WITHOUT AFFECTING THE MEMBER'S RETIREMENT ALLOWANCE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 4996 (Word version) -- Rep. Barrett: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAYS 11 AND 28 IN WAGENER TOWNSHIP IN OCONEE COUNTY THE "GENERAL JOHN A. WAGENER INTERCHANGE" IN HONOR OF GENERAL JOHN A. WAGENER, THE FOUNDER OF THE TOWN OF WALHALLA, AND INSTALL APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following was introduced:
H. 4997 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING LATTA HIGH SCHOOL ON WINNING THE CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN BOYS BASKETBALL FOR 2002.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 4998 (Word version) -- Rep. Kelley: A BILL TO REPEAL SECTION 1-1-1020, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE STATE TREASURER TO MAKE INSTALLMENT LOANS TO ENTITIES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RENTING, LEASING, OR PURCHASING OF CERTAIN EQUIPMENT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4999 (Word version) -- Rep. Kelley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 9-20-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE STATE OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM (STATE ORP), SO AS TO REDUCE THE PORTION OF AN EMPLOYEE STATE ORP PARTICIPANT'S COMPENSATION REMITTED BY THE EMPLOYER TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM FROM TWO AND FIFTY-FIVE HUNDREDTHS PERCENT OF COMPENSATION TO ONE AND SEVEN-TENTHS PERCENT OF COMPENSATION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5000 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO SEASONS, LIMITS, METHODS OF TAKE, AND SPECIAL USE RESTRICTIONS ON WMA'S, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2657, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Without Reference
H. 5001 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE DEPARTMENT, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2685, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Without Reference
H. 5002 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DISAPPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO SPECIFIC PROJECT STANDARDS FOR TIDELANDS AND COASTAL WATERS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2629, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Without Reference
H. 5003 (Word version) -- Rep. Kelley: A JOINT RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE STATE TREASURER TO TRANSFER SIXTY-ONE MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE EXTENDED CARE MAINTENANCE FUND TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE TO OFFSET FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 MID-YEAR SEQUESTRATIONS IMPOSED BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTORING THE EXTENDED CARE MAINTENANCE FUND IF THAT FUND IS INSUFFICIENT TO MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS AS DETERMINED BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5004 (Word version) -- Reps. Coates and McGee: A BILL TO AMEND A JOINT RESOLUTION OF 2002, BEARING RATIFICATION NUMBER 221, RELATING TO A REFERENDUM ON SCHOOL FINANCE TO BE HELD IN FLORENCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE, SO AS TO REVISE THE DATE OF THE REFERENDUM TO THE THIRD TUESDAY FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL NOTICE OF PRECLEARANCE UNDER THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT, TO PROVIDE SPECIAL NOTICE REQUIREMENTS, AND TO SPECIFY THE REFERENDUM QUESTION.
Rep. COATES asked unanimous consent to have the Bill placed on the Calendar without reference.
Rep. M. HINES objected.
Referred to Florence Delegation
H. 5005 (Word version) -- Reps. Knotts, Bingham, Riser, Stuart, Koon, Frye and Huggins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-380, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VOTING PRECINCTS IN LEXINGTON COUNTY, SO AS TO DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL SERVICES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.
Without Reference
H. 5006 (Word version) -- Reps. Coleman, Campsen, Chellis, Sheheen and F. N. Smith: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONFORMING ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX ACT, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE DATE AND PROVIDE THAT THE REFERENCE DATE WHEREBY THIS STATE ADOPTS VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986 IS DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN UPDATED THROUGH DECEMBER 31 OF THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR BY THE ENACTMENT OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT UNLESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROVIDES OTHERWISE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
S. 977 (Word version) -- Senators Giese, J. V. Smith, Land, Short, Drummond, Fair, Mescher, Leatherman, Verdin, Ritchie and Branton: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF NURSES, SO AS TO DEFINE "ATTENDANT CARE SERVICES" AND "INDIVIDUAL IN NEED OF IN-HOME CARE"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-50, RELATING TO CIRCUMSTANCES TO WHICH THE CHAPTER DOES NOT APPLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHAPTER MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED TO PROHIBIT A PERSON NOT LICENSED UNDER THIS CHAPTER FROM PROVIDING ATTENDANT CARE SERVICES WHICH ENABLE A PERSON TO REMAIN AT HOME RATHER THAN IN AN INSTITUTION AND WHICH INCLUDES HOMEMAKER AND COMPANION SERVICES AND CERTAIN HEALTH MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
S. 986 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Hayes, Drummond, Moore, Peeler, Glover, Courson, Land, Mescher and Alexander: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A BIRTH DEFECTS SURVEILLANCE STUDY COMMITTEE, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP AND ITS PURPOSE, TO REQUIRE THE COMMITTEE TO REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2003, AND TO ABOLISH THE COMMITTEE UPON SUBMISSION OF ITS REPORT.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
S. 1168 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION TO EXPEND UP TO NINE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS OF THE FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE STATE UNDER SECTION 903 OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, AS AMENDED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF LAND ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR OFFICE EXPANSION AS DETERMINED BY THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES AND BY THE APPLICABLE FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Allen Allison Altman Bales Barfield Barrett Battle Bingham Bowers Breeland Brown, J. Brown, R. Campsen Carnell Cato Chellis Coates Cobb-Hunter Coleman Cooper Cotty Dantzler Davenport Delleney Easterday Emory Fleming Freeman Frye Gilham Gourdine Govan Hamilton Harrison Haskins Hayes Hines, J. Hines, M. Hinson Hosey Howard Huggins Jennings Keegan Kelley Kennedy Kirsh Knotts Koon Law Leach Lee Limehouse Littlejohn Lloyd Loftis Lourie Mack McCraw McGee McLeod Meacham-Richardson Merrill Miller Neal, J.H. Neal, J.M. Ott Owens Parks Perry Phillips Rhoad Rice Riser Rivers Rodgers Sandifer Scarborough Scott Sharpe Sheheen Simrill Sinclair Smith, D.C. Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, W.D. Snow Stille Stuart Talley Taylor Thompson Townsend Tripp Trotter Vaughn Walker Webb Weeks Whatley Whipper White Wilder Wilkins Witherspoon Young, A. Young, J.
I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, April 3.
Denny Neilson James Klauber Tracy Edge James Lucas Becky Martin Bessie Moody-Lawrence William Clyburn Robert Harrell Todd Rutherford Alex Harvin Richard Quinn Grady Brown
STATEMENTS OF ATTENDANCE
Reps. WHATLEY and QUINN signed a statement with the Clerk that they came in after the roll call of the House and were present for the Session on Tuesday, April 2.
Announcement was made that Dr. Beverly Simons of Columbia is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
Rep. KELLEY and the Horry Delegation presented to the House Mrs. Nan N. Norman of Myrtle Beach, "Mrs. South Carolina America 2001".
Rep. KELLEY and the Horry Delegation presented to the House the Myrtle Beach High School Seahawks Boys Basketball Team, 2002 Class AAA State Champions, their coaches and other school officials.
In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2 Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. After a bill or resolution has been presented and given first reading, no further names of co-sponsors may be added. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."
Bill Number: H. 4609 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 KNOTTS
Bill Number: H. 4947 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 RODGERS
Bill Number: H. 4942 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 RODGERS
Bill Number: H. 4920 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 RODGERS
Bill Number: H. 4940 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 RODGERS
Bill Number: H. 3851 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 RODGERS
Bill Number: H. 4659 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 WALKER
Bill Number: H. 4659 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 ALLISON
Bill Number: H. 4659 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 SINCLAIR
Bill Number: H. 4659 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/03/02 LITTLEJOHN
Bill Number: H. 4737 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
04/03/02 HARVIN
Bill Number: H. 4737 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
04/03/02 COBB-HUNTER
The following Bill and Joint Resolution were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:
H. 4988 (Word version) -- Reps. Phillips, Littlejohn and McCraw: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DAY MISSED ON JANUARY 3, 2002, BY THE STUDENTS OF ANY SCHOOL IN CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED DUE TO SNOW, ICE, OR INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS IS EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.
H. 4970 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Carnell, A. Young, Govan, Rice and Barrett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-3-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO OFFICERS ELECTED BY THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO ASSISTANT SERGEANT AT ARMS; TO AMEND SECTION 2-3-100, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OVER CERTAIN PROPERTY ON THE STATE HOUSE GROUNDS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ANY OFFICE BUILDING OCCUPIED BY THE RESPECTIVE BODIES; TO AMEND SECTION 10-1-10, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO PROVIDE FOR THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE STATE HOUSE GROUNDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE BOARD'S AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 10-1-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF GENERAL SERVICES TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF THE STATE HOUSE, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE AUDITORIUM AND MAKE CERTAIN TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 10-1-40, RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION AND AUTHORITY OF THE STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE COMMITTEE'S AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 10-11-310, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF CAPITOL GROUNDS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION TO CAPITOL COMPLEX OR STATE HOUSE GROUNDS AND TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO SENATE STREET AND ADD A REFERENCE TO PENDLETON STREET; AND TO AMEND SECTION 60-12-90, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE TO APPROVE ALTERATIONS OR RENOVATIONS TO THE STATE HOUSE, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO CAPITOL COMPLEX.
Rep. CARNELL explained the Bill.
The following Bill and Joint Resolution were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:
H. 4967 (Word version) -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, RELATING TO STUDENT LOAN CORPORATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2625, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
H. 4982 (Word version) -- Reps. Phillips, McCraw and Littlejohn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-160, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF PRECINCTS IN CHEROKEE COUNTY, SO AS TO RENAME CERTAIN PRECINCTS AND DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THESE PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3592 (Word version) -- Reps. Rodgers, Bowers, Gilham, Hosey, Rivers and R. Brown: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 57-1-320, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF A PERSON TO THE COMMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FROM A COUNTY THAT IS DIVIDED AMONG TWO OR MORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DISTRICTS, AND TO TERM LIMITATIONS IMPOSED UPON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEMBERS, SO AS TO ALLOW A COMMISSIONER TO SERVE TWO CONSECUTIVE TERMS AND TO PROVIDE THAT A RESIDENT COMMISSION MEMBER WHO COMPLETES A SECOND CONSECUTIVE TERM MUST BE REPLACED BY A PERSON WHO RESIDES IN ANOTHER COUNTY WITHIN THE DISTRICT.
The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GGS\AMEND\ 22438CM02):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION:
/ SECTION ___. Section 57-1-330 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 120 of 1995, is further amended by adding at the end:
"(D) Each commissioner shall present a written report regarding the planning, construction, maintenance, and operation of the state highway system of each county within the commissioner's congressional district to the members of the legislative delegations within the commissioner's congressional district no later than ninety days from the expiration of the commissioner's term." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. TOWNSEND explained the amendment.
Reps. TRIPP, A. YOUNG, MCLEOD, CLYBURN, WEEKS, HOSEY, RIVERS, STUART, TOWNSEND, OWENS, J. E. SMITH, COATES, RODGERS, WALKER, ALLISON, WITHERSPOON, HAYES, J. HINES, EMORY, HINSON, GOURDINE, MOODY-LAWRENCE, LAW, MERRILL, MILLER and PHILLIPS requested debate on the Bill.
The following Joint Resolution was taken up:
H. 4469 (Word version) -- Reps. Klauber and Taylor: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2001-2002 MAY EXCUSE UP TO THREE SCHOOL DAYS MISSED BECAUSE OF SNOW, ICE, OR INCLEMENT WEATHER, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL OTHER SCHOOL DAYS MISSED BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER MUST BE MADE UP, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SUCH DAYS SHALL BE MADE UP.
The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\AMEND\21208SD02):
Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 and inserting:
/SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, for the 2001-2002 school year, local school boards may excuse up to three school days for faculty and staff missed because of snow, ice, or other extreme weather conditions. If the local school board chooses to excuse days for faculty and staff, the local board must adjust the salaries of the affected employees for each day forgiven. Each local board that excuses days must report that decision to the State Department of Education, and allocation adjustments shall be made to the districts relative to teacher salaries for the forgiven days. All student school days missed because of snow, ice, or extreme weather conditions must be made up. Should local legislation be enacted to excuse days missed from school for these reasons, the amount of days that local school boards affected may excuse pursuant to this section is reduced accordingly. No make-up days for students may be scheduled on Saturdays. However, remedial instruction for grades 7 through 12 may be taught on Saturday at the direction of the local school board. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. TOWNSEND explained the amendment.
Reps. SCOTT, KLAUBER, TAYLOR, CLYBURN, TOWNSEND, PARKS, MACK, GOURDINE, HINSON, MOODY-LAWRENCE, J. HINES, HAYES, ALTMAN, R. BROWN, J. H. NEAL, HOSEY, J. R. SMITH, PHILLIPS, MCCRAW, KIRSH, ALLISON, MARTIN, THOMPSON and BINGHAM requested debate on the Joint Resolution.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4096 (Word version) -- Rep. Cato: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-1-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN TITLE 38 PERTAINING TO INSURANCE, SO AS TO ADD AND REDEFINE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS TO COMPLY, CONFORM, AND BE CONSISTENT WITH THE AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 43 OF TITLE 38 IN THIS ACT; TO AMEND CHAPTER 43, TITLE 38, RELATING TO INSURANCE AGENTS AND AGENCIES, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ESTABLISH A UNIFORM STANDARD FOR PERFORMING THE DUTIES OF A PRODUCER, PROVIDE UNIFORM EXCEPTIONS TO LICENSURE AMONG STATES FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT LICENSED AS INSURANCE PRODUCERS, CLARIFY THE REQUIREMENT FOR AGENCY LICENSURE, REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN INSURER LICENSE AN AGENT AND INSTEAD REQUIRE AN INSURER APPOINT A LICENSED AGENT, ESTABLISH STANDARD NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INSURERS AND PRODUCERS WHEN A PRODUCER'S CONTRACT IS CANCELED, PROVIDE IMMUNITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY FOR THESE NOTIFICATIONS, ESTABLISH NONRESIDENT LICENSING STANDARDS FOR PRODUCERS AMONG STATES, ESTABLISH INSURANCE LINES OF AUTHORITY A PRODUCER MAY BE LICENSED FOR IN THE STATE, ESTABLISH FEE STANDARDS FOR LICENSURE AND APPOINTMENT OF AN INSURANCE PRODUCER, ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR A PRODUCER LICENSE, ESTABLISH A UNIFORM STANDARD FOR NONRESIDENT PRODUCER'S EXEMPTION FROM PRE-LICENSING EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDE UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE OF A TEMPORARY PRODUCER LICENSE, REQUIRE PRODUCER PRE-LICENSING EDUCATION COURSES TO BE REVIEWED BY THE CONTINUING EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ESTABLISH AN ADDITIONAL EXEMPTION FROM PRODUCER CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, ADD A REINSTATEMENT PROVISION FOR A PRODUCER'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OFFENSES FOR WHICH DISCIPLINARY ACTION MAY BE WARRANTED, AND ESTABLISH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCERS AGAINST WHOM ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION OR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION HAS BEEN TAKEN.
The Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\SKB\AMEND\ 5280ZCW02):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 38-43-20 as contained in Section 2, page 11, by striking subsection (D) in its entirety and inserting:
/ "(D) A license as an insurance producer is not required of the following:
(1) An officer, director, or employee of an insurer or of an insurance producer, provided that the officer, director, or employee does not receive any commission on policies written or sold to insure risks residing, located, or to be performed in this State and:
(a) the officer, director, or employee's activities are executive, administrative, managerial, clerical or a combination of these, and are only indirectly related to the sale, solicitation, or negotiation of insurance; or
(b) the officer, director, or employee's function relates to underwriting, loss control, inspection or the processing, adjusting, investigating or settling of a claim on a contract of insurance; or
(c) the officer, director, or employee is acting in the capacity of a special agent or agency supervisor assisting insurance producers where the person's activities are limited to providing technical advice and assistance to licensed insurance producers and do not include the sale, solicitation or negotiation of insurance;
(2) A person who secures and furnishes information for the purpose of group life insurance, group property and casualty insurance, group annuities, group or blanket accident and health insurance; or for the purpose of enrolling individuals under plans; issuing certificates under plans or otherwise assisting in administering plans; or performs administrative services related to mass marketed property and casualty insurance; where no commission is paid to the person for the service;
(3) An employer or association or its officers, directors, employees, or the trustees of an employee trust plan, to the extent that the employers, officers, employees, director, or trustees are engaged in the administration or operation of a program of employee benefits for the employer's or association's own employees or the employees of its subsidiaries or affiliates, which program involves the use of insurance issued by an insurer, as long as the employers, associations, officers, directors, employees or trustees are not in any manner compensated, directly or indirectly, by the company issuing the contracts;
(4) Employees of insurers or organizations employed by the insurers who are engaging in the inspection, rating or classification of risks, or in the supervision of the training of insurance producers and who are not individually engaged in the sale, solicitation or negotiation of insurance;
(5) A person whose activities in this State are limited to advertising without the intent to solicit on its own behalf insurance in this State through communications in printed publications or other forms of electronic mass media whose distribution is not limited to residents of the State, provided that the person does not sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance that would insure risks residing, located, or to be performed in this State;
(6) A person who is not a resident of this State who sells, solicits, or negotiates a contract of insurance for commercial property and casualty risks to an insured with risks located in more than one state insured under that contract, provided that that person is otherwise licensed as an insurance producer to sell, solicit, or negotiate that insurance in the state where the insured maintains its principal place of business and the contract of insurance insures risks located in that state;
(7) A salaried full-time employee who counsels or advises his employer relative to the insurance interests of the employer or of the subsidiaries or business affiliates of the employer provided that the employee does not sell or solicit, negotiate insurance or receive any commission." /
Amend the bill further, in Section 38-43-50 as contained in SECTION 2, page 13, by striking subsection (a) in its entirety and inserting:
/ "(A) All applicants for an a limited lines agent's or special producer's license must be vouched for by an official or a licensed representative of the insurer for which the applicant proposes to act, who shall certify whether the applicant has been appointed an agent producer to represent it and that it has duly investigated the character and record of the applicant and has satisfied itself that he is trustworthy and qualified to act as its agent producer and intends to hold himself out in good faith as an insurance agent producer. When a contract of an agent producer is canceled by the insurer represented, that insurer shall notify the department of the cancellation within ten thirty days stating the cause of the termination. The records furnished by insurers are for the use of the department solely and not for public inspection."/
Amend the bill further, in Section 38-43-80 as contained in SECTION 2, page 20, by striking subsection (A)(2) in its entirety and inserting:
/ "(2) state, special, or general agent producer appointment fee: one hundred dollars; general producer license fee: eighty dollars; appointment fee: one hundred dollars;" /
Amend the bill further, in Section 38-43-100 as contained in SECTION 2, page 21, by striking subsection (A) in its entirety and inserting:
/ "(A) Before being issued a license to do business as an agent in this State for an insurer, each applicant shall make written application for the license upon forms to be furnished by the department, and all information on the forms required by the director or his designee must be subscribed to by the applicant under oath. No business may be done by the applicant except following issuance of an agent's a producer's license, and the license may not be issued until the director or his designee has determined that the applicant is qualified as an insurance agent producer, generally, and is particularly qualified for the line of business in which the applicant proposed to engage. The department shall promulgate regulations setting forth qualifying standards of agents producers as to all lines of business and shall require the local agent producer applicant to stand a written examination. For the purpose of interstate reciprocity, the department shall identify by bulletin which limited lines or limited lines credit insurance are approved in South Carolina and which are exempt from examination. The director or his designee may waive the examination with respect to applicants who have achieved the designations of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) or Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). The director or his designee may also, at his discretion, waive the examination and issue temporary licenses for a period not to exceed ninety days, upon demonstrated need. An agent of a common carrier who sells only trip transportation ticket policies of accident and health insurance or baggage insurance on personal effects is not required to stand a written examination. No person who is a salaried employee and acts as an agent for a bank, savings and loan association, savings bank, finance company, trust company, credit union, automobile dealer, or other company handling credit transactions operating in this State, who writes credit life, credit accident and health insurance, credit property, or any combination of these in connection with a loan or other credit transaction, is required to stand a written examination. Any A bank, finance company, or other company handling credit transactions operating in this State and utilizing one or more credit life or accident and health or credit property agents producers in a particular geographical area who are licensed without having taken the written examination is required to have readily available at least one credit life or accident and health or credit property agent producer to answer customers' questions concerning credit life, credit accident and health insurance, or credit property, or any combination of these. The director or his designee, subject to item (d) of this section if he is assured of the honesty and trustworthiness of the applicant by the insurer which the applicant will represent, shall issue a nonrenewable temporary life insurance agent's license valid for ninety days without requiring the applicant to pass a written examination, as follows:
(a) A temporary life insurance agent's license to the executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased person who at the time of his death was a licensed life insurance agent.
(b) A temporary life insurance agent's license to a surviving next of kin of a deceased life insurance agent, if no administrator or executor has been appointed and qualified, but any license issued under this item must be revoked upon issuance of a license to an executor or administrator under item (a).
(c) A temporary life insurance agent's license to an applicant who has filed a written application for a license on forms furnished by the department where the applicant will actually collect the premiums on debit life and health insurance contracts during the period of the temporary license. The license shall, with respect to the applicant's solicitation and sales activities during the license period, authorize only the solicitation and sale of debit life and health insurance contracts. If the temporary license is not received from the director or his designee within fifteen days from the date the application was mailed to the department, by certified or registered mail, the insurer may assume that the temporary license will be issued in due course. For the purpose of this item (c) a debit life and health insurance contract means a contract for which the premiums are payable at monthly or more frequent intervals directly by the owner, or by a person representing the owner, to a representative of the company.
(d) If more than twenty-five percent of the temporary licensees of an insurer fail to receive a permanent license, not counting those who fail the written examination twice, in any twelve-month period it is prima facie evidence that the insurer is abusing the privilege of obtaining temporary licenses. Upon a determination by the director or his designee of abuse being made, following a public hearing, no temporary license may be issued for twenty-four months following the month of the determination of abuse on behalf of the insurer." /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in Section 38-43-105 as contained in SECTION 2, page 25, by striking subsection (a)(1) in its entirety and inserting:
"(1) successfully completed classroom courses, or the equivalent thereof, correspondence courses in insurance approved by the director or his designee consisting of no less than forty classroom hours, or the equivalent thereof; or forty self-study hours; or" /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in Section 38-43-105 as contained in SECTION 2, page 26, by striking subsection (B) in its entirety and inserting:
/ "(b)(B) Certification of qualification of the applicant must be made by an official of the school, college, insurance company, association, or other body conducting the course of study, or by the former employer for qualification under item (2) of subsection (a) (A) of this section. The certification must be in a format approved by the director or his designee and submitted by the producer with the sponsoring company's appointment of the agent and the agent's the producer's application for an agent's a producer's license, except where a temporary license is requested pursuant to Section 38-43-100, in which event the temporary license may be issued without such certification, if the sponsoring company insurer or licensed producer who assumes responsibility for all acts of the temporary licensee furnishes certification prior to the applicant's being granted permission to take the examination. The certification of qualification of the applicant must be made within thirty days from the date of receipt of the request to provide the certification. A person who falsely represents that he or another person has met the pre-licensing educational requirements of this section, after being afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing by the Administrative Law Judge Division, is subject to the penalty provided in Section 38-2-10." /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in Section 38-43-105 as contained in SECTION 2, page 26, by striking subsection (e) in its entirety and inserting:
/"(e)(E) This section applies to residents applying for a license to engage in the sale of insurance except those persons who have previously been licensed for a period of five years or more and those persons applying for a license in limited lines or limited lines credit insurance approved by the director or his designee in order to satisfy the reciprocity provisions outlined under this chapter. Each course sponsor is required to submit a nonrefundable filing fee established by the department. limited to the following types of insurance only or a combination thereof:
(1) credit life or credit accident and health;
(2) credit property;
(3) crop hail;
(4) automobile physical damage;
(5) mortgage guaranty or mortgage redemption, or both;
(6) title;
(7) travel accident and baggage;
(8) Federal Crop Insurance Program." /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in Section 38-43-106 as contained in SECTION 2, page 27, by striking subsection (A)(1) in its entirety and inserting:
/ "(1) In addition to the requirements contained in Section 38-43-105, any applicant or agent producer licensed to sell property and casualty insurance or to sell life, accident and health insurance, or both, or qualified for this licensure, must complete biennially a minimum of twenty-four hours of continuing insurance education in order to be eligible for licensure for the following two years. A person who falsely represents that he or another person has met the continuing educational requirements of this section, after being afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing by the Administrative Law Judge Division, is subject to the penalty provided in Section 38-2-10." /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in Section 38-43-106 as contained in SECTION 2, page 27 and 28, striking subsection (C)(1) in its entirety and inserting:
/ "(C)(1) The director or his designee shall administer these continuing education requirements and shall approve courses of instruction which qualify for these purposes. In administering this program, the department, in its discretion, may promulgate regulations whereby agents producers provide to a continuing education administrator established within the Department of Insurance proof of compliance with continuing education requirements as a condition of license renewal or, in the alternative, contract with an outside service provider to provide recordkeeping services as the continuing education administrator. The costs of the continuing education administrator must be paid from the continuing insurance education fees paid by agents producers in the manner provided by this section, except that course approval responsibilities may not be designated to the continuing education administrator. The continuing education administrator shall compile and maintain, in conjunction with insurers and agents producers, records reflecting the continuing insurance education status of all licensed or qualified agents producers subject to the requirements of this section. The continuing education administrator shall furnish to the insurer, within ninety days of the agent's renewal date as specified by regulation, a report of the continuing insurance education status of all of its agents producers. All licensed agents producers shall provide evidence of their continuing insurance education status to the continuing education administrator at least one hundred twenty days before the annual renewal date by May first of the biennially compliance year unless granted an extension. Any continuing insurance education approved courses taken subsequent to one hundred twenty days before the renewal date this May first deadline must be applied to the following biennial continuing insurance education required period." /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, in Section 38-43-110 as contained in SECTION 2, page 30 and 31, by striking subsection (B) in its entirety and inserting:
/ "(B) A producer who allows his license to lapse for failure to comply with Section 38-43-106 may, within six months from the compliance deadline, reinstate the same license without the necessity of complying with Section 38-43-105, provided a total of thirty hours of continuing education has been completed by November first of the compliance year, and a penalty fee set forth by regulation is paid." /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 3 in its entirety and inserting:
/ "Section 3. This act takes effect January 31, 2003." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. TRIPP explained the amendment.
Reps. SCARBOROUGH, RUTHERFORD, THOMPSON, G. M. SMITH, SHEHEEN, PERRY, LOFTIS and LEACH requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4154 (Word version) -- Rep. Campsen: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ESTATES AND PROBATE REFORM ACT"; TO AMEND SUBARTICLE 5, ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE UNIFORM GIFTS TO MINORS ACT, SO AS TO DESIGNATE SUBARTICLE 5 AS THE "UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT", TO CHANGE THE AGE OF DISTRIBUTION TO TWENTY-ONE YEARS, INCLUDE BOTH GRATUITOUS TRANSFERS AND TRANSFERS FOR CONSIDERATION TRANSFERS AND BOTH LIFETIME TRANSFERS AND TRANSFERS FROM TRUSTS, ESTATES, AND GUARDIANSHIPS, AND LIMIT THE MINOR'S LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES TO CASES OF PERSONAL FAULT; TO AMEND SECTION 62-5-501, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REASONABLE COMPENSATION FOR AN ATTORNEY-IN-FACT ACTING PURSUANT TO A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTION OF THIRD PARTIES RELYING ON THE ACTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL ACTING PURSUANT TO A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY; TO AMEND ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, RELATING TO INTESTACY, SUCCESSION AND WILLS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TITLE OF THE ARTICLE TO "INTESTACY, WILLS, AND DONATIVE TRANSFERS; TO AMEND PART 7, ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, RELATING TO CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO DEATH, SO AS TO REPLACE PART 7 WITH RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WILLS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS GOVERNING TRANSFERS; TO AMEND SECTION 62-2-803, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF HOMICIDE ON INTESTATE SUCCESSION, WILLS, JOINT ASSETS, LIFE INSURANCE, AND BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A JUDICIAL DETERMINATION OF CRIMINAL ACCOUNTABILITY, USING THE PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE STANDARD, IN THE ABSENCE OF A CRIMINAL CONVICTION; TO AMEND PART 8, ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, RELATING TO GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO INTESTATE SUCCESSION, BY ADDING SECTION 62-2-805 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REVOCATION OF PROBATE AND NONPROBATE TRANSFERS BY DIVORCE AND ANNULMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 34-19-120, RELATING TO ACCESS TO A LOCKBOX TO OBTAIN A POWER OF ATTORNEY, SO AS TO FACILITATE ACCESS CONDITIONED ON A VERIFIED DOCUMENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 27-7-40, RELATING TO THE CREATION AND SEVERANCE OF A JOINT TENANCY, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT A JOINT TENANCY WITH A RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP IN REAL ESTATE MAY TRANSFER HIS INTEREST WITHOUT JOINDER OF THE OTHER JOINT TENANTS.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\DKA\AMEND\4812MM02):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Estates and Probate Reform Act."
SECTION 2. Section 20-7-150(1) and (11) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 152 of 1997, is further amended to read:
"(1) 'Adult' is a person who has attained the age of eighteen twenty-one years.
(11) 'Minor' is a person who has not attained the age of eighteen twenty-one years, excluding a person under the age of eighteen twenty-one who is married or emancipated as decreed by the family court."
SECTION 3. Section 20-7-180(4) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(4) To the extent that the custodial property is not so expended, the custodian shall deliver or pay it over to the minor on his attaining the age of eighteen twenty-one years or, if the minor dies before attaining the age of eighteen twenty-one years, he the custodian shall thereupon then deliver or pay it over to the estate of the minor. Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, the custodian, in his discretion, may deliver or pay over the custodial property to the payee when the payee attains the age of eighteen."
SECTION 4. Section 20-7-190(3)(c) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(c) The statute of this State applicable to guardians and conservators;"
SECTION 5. Section 20-7-210(4) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(4) If a person designated as custodian or as a successor custodian by the custodian as provided in subsection (1) is not eligible, dies, or becomes legally incapacitated before the minor attains the age of eighteen years and if the minor has a guardian, the guardian of the minor shall be is successor custodian. If the minor has no guardian and if no successor custodian who is eligible and has not died or became legally incapacitated has been designated as provided in subsection (1), a donor, his representative, the legal representative of the custodian, or an adult members member of the minor's family may petition the court for the designation of a successor custodian. The provisions of this subsection shall do not affect the power of a personal representative or trustee to appoint a custodian pursuant to items (g) and (h) of subsection (1) of Section 20-7-160, or the power of an owner of a life insurance policy or annuity contract to appoint a successor custodian pursuant to subsection (4) of Section 20-7-160."
SECTION 6. Section 62-5-501 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 152 of 1997, is further amended by adding at the end:
"(F)(1) A third person in this State who receives or is presented with a valid power of attorney executed pursuant to this section, and has not received actual written notice of its revocation or termination, shall not refuse to honor the power of attorney if:
(a) it contains the following provision or a substantially similar provision:
'No person who may act in reliance upon the representations of my attorney-in-fact for the scope of authority granted to the attorney-in-fact shall incur any liability to me or to my estate as a result of permitting the attorney-in-fact to exercise any such authority, nor shall any such person who deals with my attorney-in-fact be responsible to determine or insure the proper application of funds or property.'; or
(b) the attorney-in-fact gives him an affidavit under oath and subject to perjury, stating that the powers of the attorney-in-fact are then in effect, the action the attorney-in-fact desires to take is within the scope of his authority granted pursuant to the power of attorney, and the power of attorney has not been revoked or terminated by the principal.
(2) Unless the third person actually has received written notice of the revocation or termination of a valid power of attorney executed in accordance with this section, a third person in this State who receives or is presented with a power of attorney:
(a) does not incur liability to the principal or the principal's estate by reason of acting upon the authority of it or permitting the attorney-in-fact to exercise authority;
(b) is not required to inquire whether the attorney-in-fact has power to act or is properly exercising the power; or
(c) is not responsible to determine or ensure the proper application of assets, funds, or property belonging to the principal.
(3) A 'third person' means an individual, a corporation, an organization, or other legal entity for purposes of this subsection.
(G)(1) An attorney-in-fact is entitled to reimbursement for expenses and compensation for services as provided in the power of attorney. In the absence of a provision in the power of attorney regarding reimbursement or compensation, or both:
(a) an attorney-in-fact is entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable costs and expenses actually incurred and paid by the attorney-in-fact on the principal's behalf;
(b) an attorney-in-fact, upon the approval of the probate court, is entitled to reasonable compensation based upon the responsibilities he assumed and the effort he expended; and
(c) if two or more attorneys-in-fact are serving together, the compensation paid must be divided by them in a manner as they agree or as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction if they fail to agree.
(2) An interested person may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to review the propriety and reasonableness of payment for reimbursement or compensation to the attorney-in-fact, and an attorney-in-fact who has received excessive payment may be ordered to make appropriate refunds to the principal."
SECTION 7. Section 62-2-701 of the 1976 Code as added by Act 521 of 1990, is amended to read:
"Section 62-2-701. A contract to make a will or devise, or to revoke a will or devise, or not to revoke a will or devise, or to die intestate, if executed after the effective date of this act, can be established only by (1) provisions of a will of the decedent stating material provisions a will of the decedent to a contract and extrinsic evidence proving the terms of the contract; or (3) a writing signed by the decedent evidencing the contract and extrinsic evidence proving the terms of the contract. The execution of a joint will or mutual wills does not create a presumption of a contract not to revoke the will or wills. In the absence of a finding of a contrary intention, the rules of construction in this part control the construction of a governing instrument. The rules of construction in this part apply to a governing instrument of any type, except as_the application of a particular section is limited by its terms to a specific type or types of provision or governing instrument."
SECTION 8. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 62-2-702. (A) The issue of a deceased transferee who survive the transferor take in place of a deceased transferee, who is a great-grandparent or a lineal descendant of a great-grandparent of the transferor, if the deceased transferee:
(1) is dead at the time of execution of the governing instrument;
(2) fails to survive the transferor; or
(3) is treated as if he predeceased the transferor.
(B) If they are all of the same degree of kinship to the transferee, they take equally. If they are of unequal degree, then those of more remote degree take by representation. One who would have been a transferee under a class gift if he had survived the transferor is treated as a transferee for purposes of this section whether his death occurred before or after the execution of the governing instrument."
SECTION 9. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 62-2-805. (A) As used in this section:
(1) 'Disposition or appointment of property' includes a transfer of an item of property or other benefit to a beneficiary designated in a governing instrument.
(2) 'Divorce or annulment' means any divorce or annulment, or any dissolution or declaration of invalidity of a marriage, that excludes the spouse as a surviving spouse within the meaning of Section 62-2-802. A decree of separation that does not terminate the status of husband and wife is not a divorce for purposes of this section.
(3) 'Divorced individual' includes an individual whose marriage has been either dissolved or declared invalid.
(4) 'Governing instrument' means a governing instrument executed by the divorced individual before the divorce or annulment of his marriage to his former spouse.
(5) 'Relative of the divorced individual's former spouse' means an individual who is related to the divorced individual's former spouse by blood, adoption, or affinity and who, after the divorce or annulment, is not related to the divorced individual by blood, adoption, or affinity.
(6) 'Revocable', with respect to a disposition, appointment, provision, or nomination, means one under which the divorced individual, at the time of the divorce or annulment, was alone empowered by law or under the governing instrument to cancel the designation in favor of his former spouse or former spouse's relative, whether or not the divorced individual was then empowered to designate himself in place of his former spouse or in place of his former spouse's relative and whether or not the divorced individual then had the capacity to exercise the power.
(B) Except as provided by the express terms of a governing instrument, a court order, or a contract relating to the division of the marital estate made between the divorced individuals before or after the marriage, divorce, or annulment, the divorce or annulment of a marriage:
(1) revokes a revocable:
(a) disposition or appointment of property made by a divorced individual to his former spouse in a governing instrument and a disposition or appointment created by law or in a governing instrument to a relative of the divorced individual's former spouse;
(b) provision in a governing instrument conferring a general or nongeneral power of appointment on the divorced individual's former spouse or on a relative of the divorced individual's former spouse; and
(c) nomination in a governing instrument nominating a divorced individual's former spouse or a relative of the divorced individual's former spouse to serve in a fiduciary or representative capacity, including a personal representative, executor, trustee, conservator, agent, or guardian; and
(2) severs the interests of the former spouses in property held by them at the time of the divorce or annulment as joint tenants with the right of survivorship, or as community property with the right of survivorship, in a community property jurisdiction, transforming the interests of the former spouses into tenancies in common.
(C) A severance pursuant to subsection (B)(2) does not affect a third-party interest in property acquired for value and in good faith reliance on an apparent title by survivorship in the survivor of the former spouses unless a writing declaring the severance has been noted, registered, filed, or recorded in records appropriate to the kind and location of the property which are relied upon, in the ordinary course of transactions involving such property, as evidence of ownership.
(D) Provisions of a governing instrument that are not revoked by this section are given effect as if the former spouse and relatives of the former spouse disclaimed the revoked provisions or, in the case of a revoked nomination in a fiduciary or representative capacity, as if the former spouse and relatives of the former spouse died immediately before the divorce or annulment.
(E) Provisions revoked only by this section are revived by the divorced individual's remarriage to the former spouse or by a nullification of the divorce or annulment.
(F) A change of circumstances other than as provided in this section and in Section 62-2-803 does not result in a revocation.
(G)(1) A payor or other third party is not liable for having made a payment or transferred an item of property or other benefit to a beneficiary designated in a governing instrument affected by a divorce, annulment, or remarriage or for having taken other action in good faith reliance on the validity of the governing instrument before the payor or other third party received written notice of the divorce, annulment, or remarriage. A payor or other third party is liable for a payment made or other action taken after the payor or other third party received written notice of a claimed forfeiture or revocation pursuant to this section.
(2) Written notice of the divorce, annulment, or remarriage must be mailed to the payor's or other third party's main office or home by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or served upon the payor or other third party in the same manner as a summons in a civil action. Upon receipt of written notice of the divorce, annulment, or remarriage, a payor or other third party may pay any amount owed or transfer or deposit any item of property held by it to or with the court having jurisdiction of the probate proceedings relating to the decedent's estate or, if no proceedings have been commenced, to or with the court having jurisdiction of probate proceedings relating to decedents' estates located in the county of the decedent's residence. The court shall hold the funds or item of property and, upon its determination pursuant to this section, shall order disbursement or transfer in accordance with the determination. Payments, transfers, or deposits made to or with the court discharge the payor or other third party from all claims for the value of amounts paid to or items of property transferred to or deposited with the court.
(H)(1) A person who purchases property from a former spouse, relative of a former spouse, or other person for value and without notice of the divorce, annulment, or remarriage, or who receives from a former spouse, relative of a former spouse, or another person a payment or other item of property in partial or full satisfaction of a legally enforceable obligation, is neither obligated to return the payment, item of property, or benefit, nor liable for the amount of the payment or the value of the item of property or benefit. A former spouse, relative of a former spouse, or other person who, not for value, received a payment, item of property, or other benefit to which that person is not entitled pursuant to this section is obligated to return the payment, item of property, or benefit, or is liable personally for the amount of the payment or the value of the item of property or benefit, to the person who is entitled to it pursuant to this section.
(2) If this section or part of this section is preempted by federal law with respect to a payment, an item of property, or another benefit provided in this section, a former spouse, relative of the former spouse, or other person who, not for value, received a payment, item of property, or another benefit to which that person is not entitled pursuant to this section is obligated to return that payment, item of property, or benefit, or is liable personally for the amount of the payment or the value of the item of property or benefit, to the person entitled to it if this section or part of this section were not preempted."
SECTION 10. Section 34-19-120 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 499 of 1988, is amended to read:
"Section 34-19-120. In cases where a person has been given a durable power of attorney by a lessee of a safe deposit box who has become mentally incompetent, and the original copy of the power is put in the box, the lessor may permit the person given the power to open the box to obtain the original copy of the power. The lessor may request the person purporting to have been given the durable power of attorney to produce a certified copy of the power or an affidavit declaring that he has been given the power before opening the box. No other contents may be removed from the box pursuant to this section.
The durable power of attorney provided for in this section means a power made durable under the provisions of Section 62-5-501. (A)(1) The person who has been given a durable power of attorney by a lessee of a safe deposit box may open, or direct the lessor to open, the safe deposit box of the lessee and obtain the original copy of the durable power of attorney; provided that a statement in the form of item (3), or in a similar form showing the same intent, is:
(a) incorporated in the body of the original durable power of attorney contained in the safe deposit box; or
(b) contained in a separate statement in the form provided in subsection (B), or in a similar form showing the same intent as that attached or annexed to the original durable power of attorney contained in the safe deposit box.
(2) If the statement is contained in a separate writing, the execution of the separate statement is not an amendment, modification, or revision of the original power of attorney.
(3) The statement must be substantially in the following form:
'I__________________, the Principal, do hereby authorize and direct my appointee or appointees as my Attorney-in-Fact in my durable power of attorney, to have access at any time or times to any safe deposit box rented by me, wherever located, in order to remove my original durable power of attorney, and any institution in which any such safe deposit box may be located shall not be required to make any inquiry and shall not incur any liability to me or my estate as a result of permitting my appointee or appointees in my original durable power of attorney to exercise this power. This power shall be exercisable without: (i) any contact with, or notice to, me, my spouse, and/or any interested persons to my estate; (ii) any prior court order or authorization; (iii) any knowledge of, or any prior determination as to, my mental or physical capacity or incapacity; (iv) any knowledge as to my whereabouts regardless whether my whereabouts are known or unknown; or (v) any inquiry.'
(B) The lessee, at any time after the execution of his durable power of attorney, may execute a separate statement authorizing the removal of his original durable power of attorney from his safe deposit box pursuant to subsection (A), provided that the separate statement is executed by the Principal with the same formalities as the execution and recording of a deed in the State of South Carolina pursuant to Section 30-5-30, and the separate statement is attached or annexed to the original durable power of attorney in the following form, or in a similar form showing the same intent, with the acknowledgement for recorded deeds pursuant to Section 30-5-30(B) or (C).
I, _______ the Principal, do hereby authorize and direct my appointee or appointees as my Attorney-in-Fact in my durable power of attorney dated the __day of __, in the year __, to have access at any time or times to any safe deposit box rented by me, wherever located, in order to remove my original durable power of attorney, and any institution in which any such safe deposit box may be located shall not be required to make any inquiry and shall not incur any liability to me or my estate as a result of permitting my appointee or appointees in my original durable power of attorney to exercise this power. This power shall be exercisable without: (i) any contact with, or notice to, me, my spouse, and/or any interested persons to my estate; (ii) any prior court order or authorization; (iii) any knowledge of, or any prior determination as to, my mental or physical capacity or incapacity; (iv) any knowledge as to my whereabouts regardless whether my whereabouts are known or unknown; or (v) any inquiry.'
IN WITNESSETH WHEREOF, I have executed this statement on the ______ day of _________, in the year, ___________.
_______________ ______________
(Witness) Principal
_______________________(Witness)'
(C) If the original durable power of attorney does not contain a statement in the form provided in subsection (A) or in a similar form showing the same intent, or a separate statement in the form provided in subsection (B) or in a similar form showing the same intent is not attached or annexed to the original durable power of attorney, then to allow removal of the lessee's durable power of attorney from the lessee's safe deposit box the financial institution must have:
(1) contact with or notice to the lessee, the lessee's spouse, or an interested person in the lessee's estate;
(2) a prior court order or court authorization;
(3) knowledge of, or a prior determination as to, the mental or physical capacity or incapacity of the lessee;
(4) knowledge as to the lessee's whereabouts, whether the lessee's whereabouts are known or unknown; or
(5) other inquiry.
(D) A witness to a statement provided for in subsection (B), who also is an officer authorized to administer oaths pursuant to the laws of this State may notarize the signature of the other witness of the statement in the manner provided by this section.
(E) A financial institution that authorizes a person who has been given a durable power of attorney by a lessee of a safe deposit box, to remove the original durable power of attorney from the safe deposit box of the lessee, pursuant to subsection (A) or (B), or a financial institution that removes the original durable power of attorney from the safe deposit box of the lessee pursuant to the direction of the person who has been given a durable power of attorney by the lessee, is not required to make further inquiry, and is not liable to the lessee or the lessee's estate as a result of permitting removal of the original power of attorney. The financial institution may request the person purporting to have been given the durable power of attorney to produce a certified copy of the power or an affidavit declaring that he has been given the power before opening the box. No other contents may be removed from the box pursuant to this section.
(F) The provisions of this section enable the person who has been given a durable power of attorney by a lessee of a safe deposit box to remove or obtain the original durable power of attorney from the safe deposit box of the lessee, and enable the financial institution to allow the removal of the durable power of attorney from the safe deposit box without court action or findings of incapacity of the lessee. This section supplements and does not supplant the current procedures for obtaining the power of attorney of the lessee from the safe deposit box, and is not the exclusive method."
SECTION 11. Section 27-7-40(a)(iv) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 398 of 2000, is amended to read:
"(iv) If all the joint tenants who own real estate held in joint tenancy join in an encumbrance or deed of conveyance, the interest in the real estate shall be is effectively encumbered or conveyed to a third party or parties."
SECTION 12. Section 62-7-405(3) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 80 of 2001, is further amended to read:
"(3) shall distribute to a beneficiary who receives a pecuniary amount outright the rate of interest or other amount provided by the will, or the terms of the trust, or applicable law from net income as determined by item (2) or from principal to the extent that net income is insufficient. If the will or the terms of the trust provide no interest amount, then the beneficiary of a pecuniary amount outright may not receive interest or other income on the bequest for one year after the first appointment of a personal representative. Beginning one year after the first appointment of a personal representative, and notwithstanding another provision of this chapter to the contrary, the beneficiary of a pecuniary amount outright must be treated like any other beneficiary pursuant to item (4). If a beneficiary is to receive a pecuniary amount outright from a trust after an income interest ends and no interest or other amount is provided for by the terms of the trust or applicable law, the fiduciary shall distribute the interest or other amount to which the beneficiary would be entitled under applicable law if treat the pecuniary amount as if it were required to be paid under a will and as if the payment were being made beginning one year after the first appointment of a personal representative;"
SECTION 13. Section 62-7-302(C)(5) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 80 of 2001, is further amended to read:
"(5)(a) A trustee may invest in any kind of property or type of investment consistent with the standards of this section.
(b) Nothing in this section prohibits affiliate investments if they otherwise comply with the standards of this section. For these purposes, 'affiliate' means an entity that owns or is owned by the trustee, in whole or in part, or is owned by the same entity that owns the trustee. Affiliate investments include:
( i) investment and reinvestment in the securities of an open-end or closed-end management investment company or of an investment trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. A bank or trustee, or both of them, may invest in these securities even if the bank or trustee, or an affiliate of the bank or trustee, provides services to the investment company or investment trust such as that of an investment advisor, custodian, transfer agent, registrar, sponsor, distributor, manager, or otherwise, and receives reasonable remuneration for those services;
( ii) retention of the securities into which corporate securities owned by the trustee may be converted or which may be derived as a result of merger, consolidation, stock dividends, splits, liquidations, and similar procedures, and the exercise by purchase or otherwise any rights, warrants, or conversion features attaching to the securities;
(iii) purchase or other acquisition and retention of a security underwritten by a syndicate, even if the trustee or its affiliate participates or has participated as a member of the syndicate, provided the trustee does not purchase the security from itself, its affiliate, or from another member of the underwriting syndicate, or its affiliate, pursuant to an implied or express reciprocal agreement between the trustee, or its affiliate, and the other member, or its affiliate, to purchase all or part of each other's underwriting participation commitment within the syndicate."
SECTION 14. Section 15-51-42 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 55 of 1999, is further amended by adding at the end:
"(G) The specific duties, and corresponding time requirements, of the personal representative for the expeditious settlement and distribution of the estate of a decedent under the supervision of the probate court, as provided in Section 62-3-704, may be deferred, in whole or in part, in a reasonable manner during the pendency of a survival action brought on behalf of the estate upon petition by the personal representative of the probate court. For purposes of this subsection, a 'reasonable manner' of deferral includes a tolling of all filing and notice deadlines until a final judgment is entered or a final settlement is approved in the survival action, except that the personal representative shall file an annual report with the probate court of the status of the pending survival action."
SECTION 15. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION 16. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. Section 62-7-302 of the 1976 Code as contained in Section 13 applies to affiliate investments and reinvestments made on or after July 18, 2001, the effective date of the South Carolina Prudent Investor Act. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar, the pending question being consideration of Amendment No. 1, Rep. CAMPSEN having the floor.
Rep. CAMPSEN moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.
The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 5007 (Word version) -- Reps. Klauber and Carnell: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 16, TITLE 9, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FUNDS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 SO AS TO ALLOW THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS TO PROVIDE INVESTMENT EDUCATION TO ANY PARTICIPANT IN THE VARIOUS STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS AND TO REPEAL SECTION 8-23-115, RELATING TO THE PROVIDING OF CONSULTATIVE SERVICES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS OFFERED BY THE DEFERRED COMPENSATION COMMISSION.
Rep. KLAUBER asked unanimous consent to have the Bill placed on the Calendar without reference.
Rep. RICE objected.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5008 (Word version) -- Reps. Fleming and Wilder: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND THE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF ACT 101 OF 1999, WHICH REQUIRES AN INDIVIDUAL TO BE CERTIFIED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA RADIATION QUALITY STANDARDS ASSOCIATION TO USE IONIZING RADIATION OR EQUIPMENT ON HUMANS FOR DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES.
On motion of Rep. FLEMING, with unanimous consent, the Joint Resolution was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
H. 5009 (Word version) -- Rep. Sharpe: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYCLING PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE; TO IMPOSE A FIVE DOLLAR FEE ON EACH PIECE OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT CONTAINING A CATHODE RAY TUBE SOLD; TO REQUIRE THE STATE TREASURER TO DEPOSIT THE FEES COLLECTED IN THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYCLING FUND TO BE USED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO DETERMINE THE MOST EFFICIENT MEANS OF COLLECTING, TRANSPORTING, AND PROCESSING SCRAP ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AND TO AWARD GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND LOANS TO FURTHER THE PROCESS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR RECYCLING THIS EQUIPMENT; TO ESTABLISH THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYCLING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND EVALUATE THE USE OF THE RECYCLING FUND; AND TO REQUIRE THE RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL TO EVALUATE THE PROGRAM AND RECOMMEND WHETHER THIS PROGRAM SHOULD CONTINUE AND BE MADE PERMANENT LAW.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
H. 5010 (Word version) -- Reps. Kirsh and Meacham-Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 12, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 55 ENACTING THE "OVERDUE TAX DEBT COLLECTION ACT" AUTHORIZING THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO IMPOSE A COLLECTION ASSISTANCE FEE ON CERTAIN OVERDUE TAX DEBTS EQUAL TO TWENTY PERCENT OF THE OVERDUE AMOUNT AND TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT TO RETAIN A PORTION OF THE COLLECTION ASSISTANCE FEE FOR ITS OPERATION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5011 (Word version) -- Reps. Kirsh and Meacham-Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2610, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DISCOUNT ALLOWED FOR TIMELY PAYMENT OF THE SALES AND USE TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MAXIMUM DISCOUNT ALLOWED OF THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN A STATE FISCAL YEAR IS THREE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR ELECTRONICALLY FILED RETURNS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-250, RELATING TO TAX COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO DECREASE FROM TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS THE THRESHOLD AMOUNT FOR WHICH PAYMENTS DUE TO THE DEPARTMENT MUST BE PAID BY A METHOD IN WHICH THE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY TO THE STATE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5012 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Leach and Stille: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CITATION TO ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 44, ENTITLED "STATE CERTIFICATION OF NEED AND HEALTH FACILITY LICENSURE ACT", SO AS TO REVISE THE ARTICLE NAME; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE, SO AS TO REVISE THE PURPOSE TO INCLUDE CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S HEALTH PLANNING EFFORT AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION RELATING TO DEVELOPING PROCEDURES FOR THE APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATES OF NEED; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS ARTICLE, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND TO DELETE OTHERS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-150, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL IN CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE, SO AS TO INCLUDE DATA COLLECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A CERTIFICATE OF NEED IS REQUIRED, SO AS TO REVISE THESE CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE ARTICLE, SO AS TO REVISE THE EXEMPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-180, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE HEALTH PLANNING COMMITTEE AND THE STATE HEALTH PLAN, SO AS TO REVISE THE CONTENTS OF THE PLAN AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE DEPARTMENT BE NOTIFIED WHEN A PERSON PROPOSES TO OFFER HEALTH SERVICES FOR WHICH UTILIZATION DATA ARE MAINTAINED IN THE STATE HEALTH PLAN; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-190 RELATING TO PROJECT REVIEW CRITERIA FOR USE IN DETERMINING THE NEED FOR HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, BEDS, SERVICES, AND EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO SPECIFICALLY DEFINE THE EQUIPMENT REQUIRING USE OF THIS CRITERIA IN DETERMINING THE NEED FOR THE EQUIPMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-200, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED APPLICATION, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-210, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETION OF CERTIFICATE OF NEED APPLICATIONS AND FOR APPEALS OF STAFF DECISIONS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THESE PROCEDURES AND TO PROVIDE THAT PRIOR TO APPEALING STAFF DECISIONS PURSUANT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT, ALL PARTIES SHALL PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A FINAL BOARD DECISION, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-230, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON A CERTIFICATE OF NEED, SO AS TO PROVIDE PENALTIES WHEN IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROJECT OR THE OPERATION OF A FACILITY IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-69-75, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HOME HEALTH AGENCIES REQUIRING A CERTIFICATE OF NEED, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION EXEMPTING HOME HEALTH AGENCIES FROM THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED IF THE AGENCY PROVIDED HOME HEALTH SERVICES BEFORE JULY 1, 1980; TO ADD SECTION 44-7-175 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS THE SOLE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING WHAT PROJECTS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF NEED AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT SUCH DETERMINATIONS MAY NOT BE APPEALED UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 44-7-185 RELATING TO A TASK FORCE TO STUDY OPEN HEART SURGERY AND THERAPEUTIC CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION SERVICES AND SECTION 44-7-240 RELATING TO FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
On motion of Rep. MEACHAM-RICHARDSON, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:
H. 5013 (Word version) -- Reps. Meacham-Richardson, Leach, Simrill, Clyburn, Allison, Bales, Barrett, Carnell, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Emory, Frye, Gilham, Govan, Harrison, Hinson, Hosey, Keegan, Kelley, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, J. M. Neal, Owens, Phillips, Rice, Riser, Rodgers, Sandifer, Sinclair, J. R. Smith, Snow, Stille, Walker and Wilder: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE APRIL AS "SOUTH CAROLINA CHRISTIAN HERITAGE MONTH".
Whereas, Christianity is an integral part of our Western civilization and the history of this nation; and
Whereas, America was founded on the principle of religious freedom, and many Americans have benefited from this privilege by being able to pursue Christianity as a means of developing one's own faith; and
Whereas, commemorating America's Christian heritage provides an opportunity for those choosing to participate to thank God for His blessings of liberty, to ask His help in reassuring domestic tranquility, and to recognize our national need to reaffirm our reliance on the protection of divine providence in keeping America a free and independent nation; and
Whereas, Christianity has been a major influence in American art, literature, and music and has inspired a sense of charity in our communities; and
Whereas, Christianity has long provided inspiration, hope, and comfort for millions of Americans and will continue to do so in the years ahead. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, declare April "South Carolina Christian Heritage Month".
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of Amendment No. 1, Rep. CAMPSEN having the floor:
H. 4154 (Word version) -- Rep. Campsen: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ESTATES AND PROBATE REFORM ACT"; TO AMEND SUBARTICLE 5, ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE "UNIFORM GIFTS TO MINORS ACT", SO AS TO DESIGNATE SUBARTICLE 5 AS THE "UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT", TO CHANGE THE AGE OF DISTRIBUTION TO TWENTY-ONE YEARS, INCLUDE BOTH GRATUITOUS TRANSFERS AND TRANSFERS FOR CONSIDERATION TRANSFERS AND BOTH LIFETIME TRANSFERS AND TRANSFERS FROM TRUSTS, ESTATES, AND GUARDIANSHIPS, AND LIMIT THE MINOR'S LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES TO CASES OF PERSONAL FAULT; TO AMEND SECTION 62-5-501, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REASONABLE COMPENSATION FOR AN ATTORNEY-IN-FACT ACTING PURSUANT TO A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTION OF THIRD PARTIES RELYING ON THE ACTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL ACTING PURSUANT TO A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY; TO AMEND ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, RELATING TO INTESTACY, SUCCESSION AND WILLS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TITLE OF THE ARTICLE TO "INTESTACY, WILLS, AND DONATIVE TRANSFERS; TO AMEND PART 7, ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, RELATING TO CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO DEATH, SO AS TO REPLACE PART 7 WITH RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WILLS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS GOVERNING TRANSFERS; TO AMEND SECTION 62-2-803, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF HOMICIDE ON INTESTATE SUCCESSION, WILLS, JOINT ASSETS, LIFE INSURANCE, AND BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A JUDICIAL DETERMINATION OF CRIMINAL ACCOUNTABILITY, USING THE PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE STANDARD, IN THE ABSENCE OF A CRIMINAL CONVICTION; TO AMEND PART 8, ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, RELATING TO GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO INTESTATE SUCCESSION, BY ADDING SECTION 62-2-805 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REVOCATION OF PROBATE AND NONPROBATE TRANSFERS BY DIVORCE AND ANNULMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 34-19-120, RELATING TO ACCESS TO A LOCKBOX TO OBTAIN A POWER OF ATTORNEY, SO AS TO FACILITATE ACCESS CONDITIONED ON A VERIFIED DOCUMENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 27-7-40, RELATING TO THE CREATION AND SEVERANCE OF A JOINT TENANCY, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT A JOINT TENANCY WITH A RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP IN REAL ESTATE MAY TRANSFER HIS INTEREST WITHOUT JOINDER OF THE OTHER JOINT TENANTS.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\DKA\AMEND\4812MM02):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Estates and Probate Reform Act."
SECTION 2. Section 20-7-150(1) and (11) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 152 of 1997, is further amended to read:
"(1) 'Adult' is a person who has attained the age of eighteen twenty-one years.
(11) 'Minor' is a person who has not attained the age of eighteen twenty-one years, excluding a person under the age of eighteen twenty-one who is married or emancipated as decreed by the family court."
SECTION 3. Section 20-7-180(4) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(4) To the extent that the custodial property is not so expended, the custodian shall deliver or pay it over to the minor on his attaining the age of eighteen twenty-one years or, if the minor dies before attaining the age of eighteen twenty-one years, he the custodian shall thereupon then deliver or pay it over to the estate of the minor. Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, the custodian, in his discretion, may deliver or pay over the custodial property to the payee when the payee attains the age of eighteen."
SECTION 4. Section 20-7-190(3)(c) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(c) The statute of this State applicable to guardians and conservators;"
SECTION 5. Section 20-7-210(4) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(4) If a person designated as custodian or as a successor custodian by the custodian as provided in subsection (1) is not eligible, dies, or becomes legally incapacitated before the minor attains the age of eighteen years and if the minor has a guardian, the guardian of the minor shall be is successor custodian. If the minor has no guardian and if no successor custodian who is eligible and has not died or became legally incapacitated has been designated as provided in subsection (1), a donor, his representative, the legal representative of the custodian, or an adult members member of the minor's family may petition the court for the designation of a successor custodian. The provisions of this subsection shall do not affect the power of a personal representative or trustee to appoint a custodian pursuant to items (g) and (h) of subsection (1) of Section 20-7-160, or the power of an owner of a life insurance policy or annuity contract to appoint a successor custodian pursuant to subsection (4) of Section 20-7-160."
SECTION 6. Section 62-5-501 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 152 of 1997, is further amended by adding at the end:
"(F)(1) A third person in this State who receives or is presented with a valid power of attorney executed pursuant to this section, and has not received actual written notice of its revocation or termination, shall not refuse to honor the power of attorney if:
(a) it contains the following provision or a substantially similar provision:
'No person who may act in reliance upon the representations of my attorney-in-fact for the scope of authority granted to the attorney-in-fact shall incur any liability to me or to my estate as a result of permitting the attorney-in-fact to exercise any such authority, nor shall any such person who deals with my attorney-in-fact be responsible to determine or insure the proper application of funds or property.'; or
(b) the attorney-in-fact gives him an affidavit under oath and subject to perjury, stating that the powers of the attorney-in-fact are then in effect, the action the attorney-in-fact desires to take is within the scope of his authority granted pursuant to the power of attorney, and the power of attorney has not been revoked or terminated by the principal.
(2) Unless the third person actually has received written notice of the revocation or termination of a valid power of attorney executed in accordance with this section, a third person in this State who receives or is presented with a power of attorney:
(a) does not incur liability to the principal or the principal's estate by reason of acting upon the authority of it or permitting the attorney-in-fact to exercise authority;
(b) is not required to inquire whether the attorney-in-fact has power to act or is properly exercising the power; or
(c) is not responsible to determine or ensure the proper application of assets, funds, or property belonging to the principal.
(3) A 'third person' means an individual, a corporation, an organization, or other legal entity for purposes of this subsection.
(G)(1) An attorney-in-fact is entitled to reimbursement for expenses and compensation for services as provided in the power of attorney. In the absence of a provision in the power of attorney regarding reimbursement or compensation, or both:
(a) an attorney-in-fact is entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable costs and expenses actually incurred and paid by the attorney-in-fact on the principal's behalf;
(b) an attorney-in-fact, upon the approval of the probate court, is entitled to reasonable compensation based upon the responsibilities he assumed and the effort he expended; and
(c) if two or more attorneys-in-fact are serving together, the compensation paid must be divided by them in a manner as they agree or as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction if they fail to agree.
(2) An interested person may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to review the propriety and reasonableness of payment for reimbursement or compensation to the attorney-in-fact, and an attorney-in-fact who has received excessive payment may be ordered to make appropriate refunds to the principal."
SECTION 7. Section 62-2-701 of the 1976 Code as added by Act 521 of 1990, is amended to read:
"Section 62-2-701. A contract to make a will or devise, or to revoke a will or devise, or not to revoke a will or devise, or to die intestate, if executed after the effective date of this act, can be established only by (1) provisions of a will of the decedent stating material provisions a will of the decedent to a contract and extrinsic evidence proving the terms of the contract; or (3) a writing signed by the decedent evidencing the contract and extrinsic evidence proving the terms of the contract. The execution of a joint will or mutual wills does not create a presumption of a contract not to revoke the will or wills. In the absence of a finding of a contrary intention, the rules of construction in this part control the construction of a governing instrument. The rules of construction in this part apply to a governing instrument of any type, except as_the application of a particular section is limited by its terms to a specific type or types of provision or governing instrument."
SECTION 8. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 62-2-702. (A) The issue of a deceased transferee who survive the transferor take in place of a deceased transferee, who is a great-grandparent or a lineal descendant of a great-grandparent of the transferor, if the deceased transferee:
(1) is dead at the time of execution of the governing instrument;
(2) fails to survive the transferor; or
(3) is treated as if he predeceased the transferor.
(B) If they are all of the same degree of kinship to the transferee, they take equally. If they are of unequal degree, then those of more remote degree take by representation. One who would have been a transferee under a class gift if he had survived the transferor is treated as a transferee for purposes of this section whether his death occurred before or after the execution of the governing instrument."
SECTION 9. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 62-2-805. (A) As used in this section:
(1) 'Disposition or appointment of property' includes a transfer of an item of property or other benefit to a beneficiary designated in a governing instrument.
(2) 'Divorce or annulment' means any divorce or annulment, or any dissolution or declaration of invalidity of a marriage, that excludes the spouse as a surviving spouse within the meaning of Section 62-2-802. A decree of separation that does not terminate the status of husband and wife is not a divorce for purposes of this section.
(3) 'Divorced individual' includes an individual whose marriage has been either dissolved or declared invalid.
(4) 'Governing instrument' means a governing instrument executed by the divorced individual before the divorce or annulment of his marriage to his former spouse.
(5) 'Relative of the divorced individual's former spouse' means an individual who is related to the divorced individual's former spouse by blood, adoption, or affinity and who, after the divorce or annulment, is not related to the divorced individual by blood, adoption, or affinity.
(6) 'Revocable', with respect to a disposition, appointment, provision, or nomination, means one under which the divorced individual, at the time of the divorce or annulment, was alone empowered by law or under the governing instrument to cancel the designation in favor of his former spouse or former spouse's relative, whether or not the divorced individual was then empowered to designate himself in place of his former spouse or in place of his former spouse's relative and whether or not the divorced individual then had the capacity to exercise the power.
(B) Except as provided by the express terms of a governing instrument, a court order, or a contract relating to the division of the marital estate made between the divorced individuals before or after the marriage, divorce, or annulment, the divorce or annulment of a marriage:
(1) revokes a revocable:
(a) disposition or appointment of property made by a divorced individual to his former spouse in a governing instrument and a disposition or appointment created by law or in a governing instrument to a relative of the divorced individual's former spouse;
(b) provision in a governing instrument conferring a general or nongeneral power of appointment on the divorced individual's former spouse or on a relative of the divorced individual's former spouse; and
(c) nomination in a governing instrument nominating a divorced individual's former spouse or a relative of the divorced individual's former spouse to serve in a fiduciary or representative capacity, including a personal representative, executor, trustee, conservator, agent, or guardian; and
(2) severs the interests of the former spouses in property held by them at the time of the divorce or annulment as joint tenants with the right of survivorship, or as community property with the right of survivorship, in a community property jurisdiction, transforming the interests of the former spouses into tenancies in common.
(C) A severance pursuant to subsection (B)(2) does not affect a third-party interest in property acquired for value and in good faith reliance on an apparent title by survivorship in the survivor of the former spouses unless a writing declaring the severance has been noted, registered, filed, or recorded in records appropriate to the kind and location of the property which are relied upon, in the ordinary course of transactions involving such property, as evidence of ownership.
(D) Provisions of a governing instrument that are not revoked by this section are given effect as if the former spouse and relatives of the former spouse disclaimed the revoked provisions or, in the case of a revoked nomination in a fiduciary or representative capacity, as if the former spouse and relatives of the former spouse died immediately before the divorce or annulment.
(E) Provisions revoked only by this section are revived by the divorced individual's remarriage to the former spouse or by a nullification of the divorce or annulment.
(F) A change of circumstances other than as provided in this section and in Section 62-2-803 does not result in a revocation.
(G)(1) A payor or other third party is not liable for having made a payment or transferred an item of property or other benefit to a beneficiary designated in a governing instrument affected by a divorce, annulment, or remarriage or for having taken other action in good faith reliance on the validity of the governing instrument before the payor or other third party received written notice of the divorce, annulment, or remarriage. A payor or other third party is liable for a payment made or other action taken after the payor or other third party received written notice of a claimed forfeiture or revocation pursuant to this section.
(2) Written notice of the divorce, annulment, or remarriage must be mailed to the payor's or other third party's main office or home by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or served upon the payor or other third party in the same manner as a summons in a civil action. Upon receipt of written notice of the divorce, annulment, or remarriage, a payor or other third party may pay any amount owed or transfer or deposit any item of property held by it to or with the court having jurisdiction of the probate proceedings relating to the decedent's estate or, if no proceedings have been commenced, to or with the court having jurisdiction of probate proceedings relating to decedents' estates located in the county of the decedent's residence. The court shall hold the funds or item of property and, upon its determination pursuant to this section, shall order disbursement or transfer in accordance with the determination. Payments, transfers, or deposits made to or with the court discharge the payor or other third party from all claims for the value of amounts paid to or items of property transferred to or deposited with the court.
(H)(1) A person who purchases property from a former spouse, relative of a former spouse, or other person for value and without notice of the divorce, annulment, or remarriage, or who receives from a former spouse, relative of a former spouse, or another person a payment or other item of property in partial or full satisfaction of a legally enforceable obligation, is neither obligated to return the payment, item of property, or benefit, nor liable for the amount of the payment or the value of the item of property or benefit. A former spouse, relative of a former spouse, or other person who, not for value, received a payment, item of property, or other benefit to which that person is not entitled pursuant to this section is obligated to return the payment, item of property, or benefit, or is liable personally for the amount of the payment or the value of the item of property or benefit, to the person who is entitled to it pursuant to this section.
(2) If this section or part of this section is preempted by federal law with respect to a payment, an item of property, or another benefit provided in this section, a former spouse, relative of the former spouse, or other person who, not for value, received a payment, item of property, or another benefit to which that person is not entitled pursuant to this section is obligated to return that payment, item of property, or benefit, or is liable personally for the amount of the payment or the value of the item of property or benefit, to the person entitled to it if this section or part of this section were not preempted."
SECTION 10. Section 34-19-120 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 499 of 1988, is amended to read:
"Section 34-19-120. In cases where a person has been given a durable power of attorney by a lessee of a safe deposit box who has become mentally incompetent, and the original copy of the power is put in the box, the lessor may permit the person given the power to open the box to obtain the original copy of the power. The lessor may request the person purporting to have been given the durable power of attorney to produce a certified copy of the power or an affidavit declaring that he has been given the power before opening the box. No other contents may be removed from the box pursuant to this section.
The durable power of attorney provided for in this section means a power made durable under the provisions of Section 62-5-501. (A)(1) The person who has been given a durable power of attorney by a lessee of a safe deposit box may open, or direct the lessor to open, the safe deposit box of the lessee and obtain the original copy of the durable power of attorney; provided that a statement in the form of item (3), or in a similar form showing the same intent, is:
(a) incorporated in the body of the original durable power of attorney contained in the safe deposit box; or
(b) contained in a separate statement in the form provided in subsection (B), or in a similar form showing the same intent as that attached or annexed to the original durable power of attorney contained in the safe deposit box.
(2) If the statement is contained in a separate writing, the execution of the separate statement is not an amendment, modification, or revision of the original power of attorney.
(3) The statement must be substantially in the following form:
'I__________________, the Principal, do hereby authorize and direct my appointee or appointees as my Attorney-in-Fact in my durable power of attorney, to have access at any time or times to any safe deposit box rented by me, wherever located, in order to remove my original durable power of attorney, and any institution in which any such safe deposit box may be located shall not be required to make any inquiry and shall not incur any liability to me or my estate as a result of permitting my appointee or appointees in my original durable power of attorney to exercise this power. This power shall be exercisable without: (i) any contact with, or notice to, me, my spouse, and/or any interested persons to my estate; (ii) any prior court order or authorization; (iii) any knowledge of, or any prior determination as to, my mental or physical capacity or incapacity; (iv) any knowledge as to my whereabouts regardless whether my whereabouts are known or unknown; or (v) any inquiry.'
(B) The lessee, at any time after the execution of his durable power of attorney, may execute a separate statement authorizing the removal of his original durable power of attorney from his safe deposit box pursuant to subsection (A), provided that the separate statement is executed by the Principal with the same formalities as the execution and recording of a deed in the State of South Carolina pursuant to Section 30-5-30, and the separate statement is attached or annexed to the original durable power of attorney in the following form, or in a similar form showing the same intent, with the acknowledgement for recorded deeds pursuant to Section 30-5-30(B) or (C).
I, _______ the Principal, do hereby authorize and direct my appointee or appointees as my Attorney-in-Fact in my durable power of attorney dated the __day of __, in the year __, to have access at any time or times to any safe deposit box rented by me, wherever located, in order to remove my original durable power of attorney, and any institution in which any such safe deposit box may be located shall not be required to make any inquiry and shall not incur any liability to me or my estate as a result of permitting my appointee or appointees in my original durable power of attorney to exercise this power. This power shall be exercisable without: (i) any contact with, or notice to, me, my spouse, and/or any interested persons to my estate; (ii) any prior court order or authorization; (iii) any knowledge of, or any prior determination as to, my mental or physical capacity or incapacity; (iv) any knowledge as to my whereabouts regardless whether my whereabouts are known or unknown; or (v) any inquiry.'
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this statement on the ______ day of _________, in the year, ___________.
_______________ ______________
(Witness) Principal
_______________________(Witness)'
(C) If the original durable power of attorney does not contain a statement in the form provided in subsection (A) or in a similar form showing the same intent, or a separate statement in the form provided in subsection (B) or in a similar form showing the same intent is not attached or annexed to the original durable power of attorney, then to allow removal of the lessee's durable power of attorney from the lessee's safe deposit box the financial institution must have:
(1) contact with or notice to the lessee, the lessee's spouse, or an interested person in the lessee's estate;
(2) a prior court order or court authorization;
(3) knowledge of, or a prior determination as to, the mental or physical capacity or incapacity of the lessee;
(4) knowledge as to the lessee's whereabouts, whether the lessee's whereabouts are known or unknown; or
(5) other inquiry.
(D) A witness to a statement provided for in subsection (B), who also is an officer authorized to administer oaths pursuant to the laws of this State may notarize the signature of the other witness of the statement in the manner provided by this section.
(E) A financial institution that authorizes a person who has been given a durable power of attorney by a lessee of a safe deposit box, to remove the original durable power of attorney from the safe deposit box of the lessee, pursuant to subsection (A) or (B), or a financial institution that removes the original durable power of attorney from the safe deposit box of the lessee pursuant to the direction of the person who has been given a durable power of attorney by the lessee, is not required to make further inquiry, and is not liable to the lessee or the lessee's estate as a result of permitting removal of the original power of attorney. The financial institution may request the person purporting to have been given the durable power of attorney to produce a certified copy of the power or an affidavit declaring that he has been given the power before opening the box. No other contents may be removed from the box pursuant to this section.
(F) The provisions of this section enable the person who has been given a durable power of attorney by a lessee of a safe deposit box to remove or obtain the original durable power of attorney from the safe deposit box of the lessee, and enable the financial institution to allow the removal of the durable power of attorney from the safe deposit box without court action or findings of incapacity of the lessee. This section supplements and does not supplant the current procedures for obtaining the power of attorney of the lessee from the safe deposit box, and is not the exclusive method."
SECTION 11. Section 27-7-40(a)(iv) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 398 of 2000, is amended to read:
"(iv) If all the joint tenants who own real estate held in joint tenancy join in an encumbrance or deed of conveyance, the interest in the real estate shall be is effectively encumbered or conveyed to a third party or parties."
SECTION 12. Section 62-7-405(3) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 80 of 2001, is further amended to read:
"(3) shall distribute to a beneficiary who receives a pecuniary amount outright the rate of interest or other amount provided by the will, or the terms of the trust, or applicable law from net income as determined by item (2) or from principal to the extent that net income is insufficient. If the will or the terms of the trust provide no interest amount, then the beneficiary of a pecuniary amount outright may not receive interest or other income on the bequest for one year after the first appointment of a personal representative. Beginning one year after the first appointment of a personal representative, and notwithstanding another provision of this chapter to the contrary, the beneficiary of a pecuniary amount outright must be treated like any other beneficiary pursuant to item (4). If a beneficiary is to receive a pecuniary amount outright from a trust after an income interest ends and no interest or other amount is provided for by the terms of the trust or applicable law, the fiduciary shall distribute the interest or other amount to which the beneficiary would be entitled under applicable law if treat the pecuniary amount as if it were required to be paid under a will and as if the payment were being made beginning one year after the first appointment of a personal representative;"
SECTION 13. Section 62-7-302(C)(5) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 80 of 2001, is further amended to read:
"(5)(a) A trustee may invest in any kind of property or type of investment consistent with the standards of this section.
(b) Nothing in this section prohibits affiliate investments if they otherwise comply with the standards of this section. For these purposes, 'affiliate' means an entity that owns or is owned by the trustee, in whole or in part, or is owned by the same entity that owns the trustee. Affiliate investments include:
( i) investment and reinvestment in the securities of an open-end or closed-end management investment company or of an investment trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. A bank or trustee, or both of them, may invest in these securities even if the bank or trustee, or an affiliate of the bank or trustee, provides services to the investment company or investment trust such as that of an investment advisor, custodian, transfer agent, registrar, sponsor, distributor, manager, or otherwise, and receives reasonable remuneration for those services;
( ii) retention of the securities into which corporate securities owned by the trustee may be converted or which may be derived as a result of merger, consolidation, stock dividends, splits, liquidations, and similar procedures, and the exercise by purchase or otherwise any rights, warrants, or conversion features attaching to the securities;
(iii) purchase or other acquisition and retention of a security underwritten by a syndicate, even if the trustee or its affiliate participates or has participated as a member of the syndicate, provided the trustee does not purchase the security from itself, its affiliate, or from another member of the underwriting syndicate, or its affiliate, pursuant to an implied or express reciprocal agreement between the trustee, or its affiliate, and the other member, or its affiliate, to purchase all or part of each other's underwriting participation commitment within the syndicate."
SECTION 14. Section 15-51-42 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 55 of 1999, is further amended by adding at the end:
"(G) The specific duties, and corresponding time requirements, of the personal representative for the expeditious settlement and distribution of the estate of a decedent under the supervision of the probate court, as provided in Section 62-3-704, may be deferred, in whole or in part, in a reasonable manner during the pendency of a survival action brought on behalf of the estate upon petition by the personal representative of the probate court. For purposes of this subsection, a 'reasonable manner' of deferral includes a tolling of all filing and notice deadlines until a final judgment is entered or a final settlement is approved in the survival action, except that the personal representative shall file an annual report with the probate court of the status of the pending survival action."
SECTION 15. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION 16. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. Section 62-7-302 of the 1976 Code as contained in Section 13 applies to affiliate investments and reinvestments made on or after July 18, 2001, the effective date of the South Carolina Prudent Investor Act. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. CAMPSEN continued speaking.
Rep. RUTHERFORD made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4775 (Word version) -- Reps. Lloyd, Bowers, Hosey, M. Hines, Whipper, Moody-Lawrence, Breeland, Clyburn, Gourdine, J. Hines and Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-3-790, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE RECORDING AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF TESTIMONY PRESENTED BEFORE A MAGISTRATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN A CASE IN WHICH A STENOGRAPHER RECORDS THE TESTIMONY OR A CASE IN WHICH TESTIMONY IS ELECTRONICALLY RECORDED, THE RECORD OF THE TESTIMONY MUST BE RETAINED BY THE MAGISTRATE FOR AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE MAGISTRATE FAILS TO MAINTAIN THE RECORD OF THIS TESTIMONY, THEN AN APPELLATE COURT MUST GRANT THE DEFENDANT A NEW TRIAL UPON AN APPEAL OF THE MAGISTRATE'S VERDICT.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\PT\AMEND\1802DW02), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. Section 22-3-790 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 22-3-790. In the trial of any a case before a magistrate the testimony of all witnesses must be taken down in writing and signed by the witnesses except when the defendant waives the taking and signing of the testimony.
In any a case before any a magistrate in which a stenographer takes down records the testimony or in which the testimony is electronically recorded it need not be read over and signed by the witnesses, but must be retained by the magistrate for at least sixty days after the trial and while motions and appeals are pending. If the magistrate fails to maintain the record of this testimony for at least sixty days, then an appellate court may grant the defendant a new trial upon appeal of the magistrate's verdict."
SECTION 2. Section 14-25-195 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 14-25-195. Any party shall have the right to have the testimony given at a jury trial in any municipal court taken stenographically or mechanically by a reporter; provided, that nothing herein shall operate to prevent any such party from mechanically recording the proceedings himself. The requesting party shall pay the charges of such reporter for taking and transcribing if such testimony is recorded by a municipal court reporter. All stenographical or mechanical recordings of testimony must be retained by the municipal judge for at least sixty days after the trial and while motions are pending. If the municipal judge fails to maintain the record of this testimony for at least sixty days, then an appellate court may grant the defendant a new trial upon appeal of the municipal judge's verdict."
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4740 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Wilkins: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 21, TITLE 5 SO AS TO ENACT THE "MUNICIPAL FINANCE OVERSIGHT ACT OF 2002" TO CREATE THE MUNICIPAL FINANCE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION AND AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION, PROVIDE FOR THEIR COMPOSITION, POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES, REQUIRE MUNICIPALITIES TO SUBMIT ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS AND ANNUAL AUDITS, PROVIDE FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST MUNICIPALITIES THAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE COMMISSION'S PLAN FOR REFINANCING, ADJUSTING, OR COMPROMISING A DEBT, PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR AN OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A MUNICIPALITY WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 9 OF CHAPTER 21; AND TO AMEND SECTION 6-1-50, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF A FINANCIAL REPORT SUBMITTED BY COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE REPORT BE SUBMITTED INSTEAD TO THE MUNICIPAL FINANCE COMMISSION AND DELETE A REFERENCE TO THE ADVISORY COMMISSION ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\PT\AMEND\1873DW02):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in SECTION 1, Section 5-21-920(A)(6), page 2, line 6, after /manager,/, by inserting / or administrator /
When amended Section 5-21-920(A)(6) shall read:
/ (6) A city manager, or administrator currently serving in this State, appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation by the Municipal Association of South Carolina, who shall serve a term of two years; and /
Amend the bill further, Section 5-21-960(A), page 4, by striking lines 9 through 28 and inserting:
/ (A) Each municipality shall have its financial statements audited annually as of the close of each fiscal year, by an independent accountant licensed by the South Carolina Board of Accountancy. The audited financial statements must be accomplished in accordance with the auditing standards generally accepted in this country and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Governmental Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. The audit must be filed with the commission no later than six months after the close of the fiscal year. The auditor must be selected by and shall report directly to the governing body of the municipality. An engagement letter must be provided following auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. /
Amend further, page 6, line 35, by striking SECTION 2 of the bill and inserting:
/ SECTION 2. Section 6-1-50 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 365 of 1988, is amended to read:
"Section 6-1-50. Counties and municipalities receiving revenues from state aid, currently known as Aid to Subdivisions, shall submit annually to the Comptroller General a financial report detailing sources of revenue, expenditures by category, indebtedness, and other information as the Comptroller General requires. The federal revenue sharing document may be substituted for the financial report as long as it is required by the Federal Office of Revenue Sharing. The Comptroller General, in conjunction with the Budget and Control Board, Division Office of Research and Statistical Services, shall determine the contents and format of the report and the date of submission. Failure to submit the report shall result in the withholding of ten percent of the current year's state aid until the report is filed. The Budget and Control Board, Division Office of Research and Statistical Services, is responsible for maintaining existing financial data bases databases as exists with the Federal Office of Revenue Sharing. In conjunction with the Comptroller General, Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, and the University of South Carolina Bureau of Governmental Research and Service, the Division of Research and Statistical Services of the Budget and Control Board shall produce a comprehensive report of this data and submit it to the General Assembly no later than June first of each year." /
Amend title to conform.
Rep. CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
Rep. WHIPPER made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4683 (Word version) -- Reps. Campsen and Barfield: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT-LED MESSAGE ACT"; TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-441 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING BODY OF A SCHOOL BOARD OR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ADOPT A POLICY THAT PERMITS THE USE OF A BRIEF OPENING OR CLOSING MESSAGE BY A STUDENT AT A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXERCISE AND TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS MESSAGE MAY BE DELIVERED; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-442 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING BODY OF A SCHOOL BOARD OR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ADOPT A POLICY THAT PERMITS THE USE OF A BRIEF OPENING OR CLOSING MESSAGE BY A STUDENT AT A HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC OR OTHER EVENT AND TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS MESSAGE MAY BE DELIVERED.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\SWB\AMEND\5259DW02), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by inserting after the title and before the enacting clause:
/ Whereas, the State of South Carolina believes it appropriate for school boards and school districts to permit graduating students to participate in graduation ceremonies by offering short opening or closing student messages, or both, in order to promote student freedom of expression and afford them the opportunity to contribute to the their graduation ceremonies;
Whereas, the State of South Carolina is neutral with respect to the content of the student messages delivered, and requires the same neutrality of school boards and school districts acting under this bill;
Whereas, the State of South Carolina recognizes that "government may not coerce anyone to support or participate in religion or its exercise, or otherwise act in any way which 'establishes a [state] religion,'" see Lee v. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577, 587 (1992) (citation omitted), and does not intend by this bill to encourage or discourage religious, non-religious, or anti-religious expression;
Whereas, the General Assembly forbids school boards and school districts acting under this bill to recommend, monitor, review, or censor opening or closing student messages, accord Adler v. Duval Cty. Sch. Bd., 250 F.3d 1330, 1336-37 (11th Cir. 2001); and
Whereas, this bill does not signify the General Assembly's sense of the limits of constitutional law nor preempt school boards and school districts from exercising a constitutional right to permit more expansive student speech at school events, but represents a "safe harbor" which the State of South Carolina will defend. Now, therefore, /
Amend the bill further, by striking all after the enacting clause and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Student-Led Messages Act".
SECTION 2. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-1-441. (A) The governing body of a school board or school district may adopt a policy that permits any or all of the five graduating students with the highest academic standing at a high school to deliver a brief opening or closing message, or both, at the high school's graduation exercises.
(B) If any or all of these students give an opening or closing message, or both, the content of that message must be prepared or selected by the student and may not be recommended, monitored, reviewed or censored by a member of the governing body of the school district, its officers, or employees."
SECTION 3. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-1-442. (A) The governing body of a school board or school district may adopt a policy that permits the captains of athletic teams at a high school, or their student designees, to deliver a brief opening or closing message, or both, at school-sponsored athletic events.
(B) If the team captains or their student designees give an opening or closing message, or both, the content of that message must be prepared or selected by the student and may not be recommended, monitored, reviewed or censored by a member of the governing body of the school district, its officers, or employees."
SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION 5. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Amend title to conform.
Rep. CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
Rep. CAMPSEN spoke in favor of the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. CAMPSEN proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name COUNCIL\PT\AMEND\1888DW02), which was adopted:
Amend the report of the Committee on Judiciary, as and if amended, page 4683-1, line 28, by striking /the/.
Amend further, page 4683-1, by inserting immediately after line 28, the following:
/ Whereas, the State of South Carolina believes it appropriate for school boards and school districts to permit students to participate in school athletic events by offering short opening or closing student messages, or both, in order to promote student freedom of expression and afford them the opportunity to contribute to school athletic events;/
Amend title to conform.
Rep. CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. J. E. SMITH spoke against the Bill.
Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar, the pending question being consideration of the Bill, Rep. J.E. SMITH having the floor.
Rep. SHARPE moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4548 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith, Scarborough, McLeod and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 4-12-30, 4-29-67, AND 12-44-30, ALL AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE VARIOUS FEES IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES AND THE APPLICABLE INVESTMENT THRESHOLDS FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR THESE FEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THERE MAY BE INCLUDED TO MEET THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT THRESHOLD REQUIREMENT AMOUNTS EXPENDED FOR COSTS INCURRED FOR VOLUNTARY CLEANUP ACTIVITY OF A NONRESPONSIBLE PARTY PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 56, TITLE 44 OF THE 1976 CODE, THE BROWNFIELDS VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM AND TO PROVIDE THAT AT LEAST ONE MILLION DOLLARS OF CLEANUP COSTS INCURRED QUALIFY THE PROJECT FOR THE FEE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SHARPE, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4714 (Word version) -- Reps. Jennings, Freeman, Lucas, Neilson and Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO OPEN SEASON ON ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO PROVIDE A SEASON FOR TAKING ANTLERED DEER WITH PRIMITIVE WEAPONS IN GAME ZONE FIVE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 5014 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Allen, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bales, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Campsen, Carnell, Cato, Chellis, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Emory, Fleming, Freeman, Frye, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jennings, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Law, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lourie, Lucas, Mack, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Meacham-Richardson, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Rivers, Rodgers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, Sinclair, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Snow, Stille, Stuart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Weeks, Whatley, Whipper, White, Wilder, Witherspoon, A. Young and J. Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, INC., UPON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, INC., FOR ITS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN PROTECTING THE LEGAL, CIVIL, AND HUMAN RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of the Bill, Rep. J.E. SMITH having the floor:
H. 4683 (Word version) -- Reps. Campsen and Barfield: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT-LED MESSAGE ACT"; TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-441 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING BODY OF A SCHOOL BOARD OR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ADOPT A POLICY THAT PERMITS THE USE OF A BRIEF OPENING OR CLOSING MESSAGE BY A STUDENT AT A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXERCISE AND TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS MESSAGE MAY BE DELIVERED; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-442 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING BODY OF A SCHOOL BOARD OR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ADOPT A POLICY THAT PERMITS THE USE OF A BRIEF OPENING OR CLOSING MESSAGE BY A STUDENT AT A HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC OR OTHER EVENT AND TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS MESSAGE MAY BE DELIVERED.
Rep. J. E. SMITH continued speaking.
Rep. KENNEDY made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bills were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:
H. 3939 (Word version) -- Reps. Sinclair, Allison, Emory, Freeman, Govan, Hosey, Klauber, Lee, Littlejohn, Lloyd, D. C. Smith, J. E. Smith, W. D. Smith, Snow, Talley, Walker, Weeks and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 31-18-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO NOTIFICATION OF SHOOTING RANGE NOISE AREAS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNING BODY OF EACH COUNTY MAY BY ORDINANCE EXEMPT ALL OR ANY PART OF AN AREA WITHIN A RADIUS OF ONE MILE FROM A SHOOTING RANGE FROM THE "SHOOTING RANGE-NOISE AREA" SIGN REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION.
Rep. EASTERDAY explained the Bill.
H. 4426 (Word version) -- Reps. Merrill and Law: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-2010, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SUNDAY MINIBOTTLE SALE PERMITS AND THE REFERENDUM APPROVAL REQUIRED IN A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY BEFORE SUNDAY MINIBOTTLE SALE PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED IN THE COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REFERENDUM MAY BE ORDERED IN A MUNICIPALITY IN PART OF WHICH SUNDAY MINIBOTTLE SALE PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO A COUNTY REFERENDUM BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OR BY A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION WHO REPRESENT THE MUNICIPALITY AND TO PROVIDE THAT A MAJORITY "NO" VOTE IN THE MUNICIPAL REFERENDUM DOES NOT AFFECT THE ISSUING OF SUNDAY MINIBOTTLE SALE PERMITS IN THAT PORTION OF THE MUNICIPALITY WHERE THESE PERMITS WERE LAWFUL.
Rep. J. YOUNG explained the Bill.
H. 4514 (Word version) -- Reps. McGee, Knotts, Bingham, Coates, Koon, Lourie and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-430, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN ADDITION TO EXCEPTIONS TO THE ONE-YEAR RULE PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION, THE PERIOD OF TIME WITHIN WHICH A CANDIDATE MUST OBTAIN THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED TO BECOME A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS AUTOMATICALLY EXTENDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD EQUAL TO THE TIME THE CANDIDATE PERFORMED ACTIVE DUTY OR ACTIVE DUTY FOR TRAINING AS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD, THE STATE GUARD, OR A RESERVE COMPONENT OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, PLUS NINETY DAYS.
Rep. J. YOUNG explained the Bill.
S. 1154 (Word version) -- Senators Patterson, Courson, Giese and Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 58-27-120, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATUTORY MANDATE OF ELECTRICAL OR OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED UPON THEM AS DECLARED BY THE SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MUNICIPALITY AND A PUBLIC UTILITY MAY MUTUALLY AGREE TO TRANSFER THE OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEM UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Rep. HARRISON explained the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3999 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS FOR "AGENCY" AND "CONTESTED CASE" TO INCLUDE A PERSON CHALLENGING THE DENIAL BY A PUBLIC BODY OF THE RELEASE OF A PUBLIC RECORD UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-600, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO ADD JURISDICTION TO HEAR PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT WHEN A PERSON CHALLENGES THE DENIAL OF A REQUEST TO RELEASE PUBLIC RECORDS; TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO INSPECT OR COPY PUBLIC RECORDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A SHORTER TIME FRAME FOR REQUESTS TO BE ANSWERED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FAILURE TO RESPOND BARS THE ASSERTION OF A CLAIM OF EXEMPTION FROM DISCLOSURE EXCEPT IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN A REQUEST IS GRANTED THE DOCUMENTS MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A REQUESTER WHOSE REQUEST FOR RECORDS IS DENIED MAY FILE A CONTESTED CASE PROCEEDING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION AND, IF THE JUDGE RULES THE REQUEST MUST BE GRANTED, BE AWARDED ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS FOR THE PROCEEDING BEFORE THE DIVISION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-100, RELATING TO THE COURT'S JURISDICTION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO ADD JURISDICTION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION TO HEAR CERTAIN CASES.
Rep. J. YOUNG made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4757 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-19-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CHARGES A SHERIFF OR JAILER MAY IMPOSE FOR THE HOUSING OF PRISONERS COMMITTED TO A COUNTY JAIL TO SERVE A SENTENCE IMPOSED BY THE FEDERAL COURTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE FEE AND ITS DISTRIBUTION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A CONTRACT FOR HOUSING OF FEDERAL PRISONERS MUST BE MADE BETWEEN THE ENTITY THAT OPERATES THE COUNTY JAIL OR DETENTION FACILITY AND THE APPROPRIATE FEDERAL AUTHORITY.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GGS\AMEND\22449CM02), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. Section 23-19-20 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 23-19-20. (A) The sheriffs or jailers of the respective counties of this State may charge one dollar an amount per day as provided by contractual agreement with the appropriate federal authority for each prisoner person committed to the county jails to serve sentences jail or another detention facility as a pre-trial federal detainee, pending a judicial hearing or action, as a federal prisoner in transit from or awaiting transfer to another institution, or as a federal inmate serving a sentence imposed by the Federal United States courts. Twenty-five cents of such amount shall be turned over by the sheriff or jailer to the county treasurer for the use and benefit of the county, being for the use of the jail.
(B) A contract with the appropriate federal authority for the housing of federal detainees, prisoners, or inmates by a county of this State must be signed by the sheriff if he is responsible for operating the county jail or detention facility that is being used.
(C) A municipality which operates a jail or detention facility may charge an amount per day as provided by contractual agreement with the appropriate federal authority for each person committed to the jail or detention facility as a pre-trial federal detainee pending a judicial hearing or action, as a federal prisoner in transit from or awaiting transfer to another institution, or as a federal inmate serving a sentence imposed by the United States courts.
(D) Any expenditure of the monies contained in this section must be made in accordance with the established procurement procedures of the local government having budget appropriation authority for the jail or detention facility."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. J. YOUNG explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4042 (Word version) -- Rep. Wilkins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-41-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM ATTACHMENT, LEVY, AND SALE, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEBTOR'S INTEREST IN A MOTOR VEHICLE SO THE AMOUNT TRACKS THE EXEMPTED AMOUNT IN FEDERAL LAW.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\AMEND\11494AC02), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION 1. Section 15-41-30(1) through (8) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 53 of 1988, is further amended to read:
"(1) The debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed five thousand dollars in value the amount specified in 11 U.S.C.A. 522(d)(1), in real property or personal property that the debtor or a dependent of the debtor uses as a residence, in a cooperative that owns property that the debtor or a dependent of the debtor uses as a residence, or in a burial plot for the debtor or a dependent of the debtor, except that the aggregate value of multiple homestead exemptions allowable with respect to a single living unit may not exceed ten thousand dollars. If there are multiple owners of such a living unit exempt as a homestead, the value of the exemption of each individual owner may not exceed his fractional portion of ten thousand dollars.
(2) The debtor's interest, not to exceed one thousand two hundred dollars in value the amount specified in 11 U.S.C.A. 522(d)(2), in one motor vehicle.
(3) The debtor's interest, not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars in aggregate value the amount specified in 11 U.S.C.A. 522(d)(3), in household furnishings, household goods, wearing apparel, appliances, books, animals, crops, or musical instruments, that are held primarily for the personal, family, or household use of the debtor or a dependent of the debtor.
(4) The debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed five hundred dollars in value the amount specified in 11 U.S.C.A. 522(d)(4), in jewelry held primarily for the personal, family, or household use of the debtor or a dependent of the debtor.
(5) The debtor's aggregate interest in cash and other liquid assets to the extent of a value not exceeding one thousand dollars, except that this exemption is available only to an individual who does not claim a homestead exemption. The term "liquid assets" includes deposits, securities, notes, drafts, unpaid earnings not otherwise exempt, accrued vacation pay, refunds, prepayments, and other receivables.
(6) The debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars in value the amount specified in 11 U.S.C.A. 522(d)(6), in any implements, professional books, or tools of the trade of the debtor or the trade of a dependent of the debtor.
(7) Any unmatured life insurance contract owned by the debtor, other than a credit life insurance contract.
(8) The debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed in value four thousand dollars the amount specified in 11 U.S.C.A. 522(d)(8), less any amount of property of the estate transferred in the manner specified in Section 542(d) of the Bankruptcy Code of 1978, in any accrued dividend or interest under, or loan value of, any unmatured life insurance contract owned by the debtor under which the insured is the debtor or an individual of whom the debtor is a dependent."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. J. YOUNG explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
Rep. J. BROWN moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Wednesday, April 10, which was adopted:
H. 4659 (Word version) -- Reps. Keegan, Altman, Barrett, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Breeland, G. Brown, Carnell, Chellis, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Emory, Freeman, Frye, Haskins, Hayes, J. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Howard, Jennings, Kelley, Kirsh, Koon, Law, Leach, Limehouse, Loftis, Martin, McCraw, McGee, Meacham-Richardson, Merrill, Miller, J. H. Neal, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Rodgers, J. R. Smith, Stille, Stuart, Taylor, Trotter, Walker, Allison, Vaughn, Sinclair, White, Littlejohn, Wilder, Witherspoon and A. Young: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 43-33-20 AND 43-33-70, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RIGHTS OF BLIND AND OTHER DISABLED PERSONS TO USE PUBLIC FACILITIES AND PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND TO EQUAL ACCESS TO HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WITH DISABILITIES HAS THE RIGHT TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY OR HAVE IN HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS AN ASSISTANCE DOG-IN-TRAINING.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4909 (Word version) -- Rep. Bingham: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 39-24-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG PRESCRIPTIONS AUTHORIZING SUBSTITUTION OF A GENERIC DRUG, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A PHARMACIST TO MAINTAIN GENERIC SUBSTITUTION RECORDS ELECTRONICALLY AND TO CONFORM THESE PROVISIONS TO OTHER GENERIC SUBSTITUTION PROVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE "CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN"; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-82, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REGISTRATION QUALIFICATIONS FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS, SO AS TO REVISE THESE QUALIFICATIONS AND TO FURTHER SPECIFY APPLICATION AND RENEWAL PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-86, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO VARIOUS PHARMACY FACILITY AND PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN PROVIDING ADEQUATE STAFFING, A PHARMACIST-IN-CHARGE IS NOT REQUIRED TO EMPLOY CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHNICIANS, TO PROVIDE THAT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AND DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FACILITIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A CONSULTANT PHARMACIST AND TO AUTHORIZE OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WITH THESE SERVICES OR FACILITIES TO PERFORM THE DUTIES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED BY A CONSULTANT PHARMACIST, AND TO AUTHORIZE A PHARMACIST TO MAINTAIN GENERIC SUBSTITUTION RECORDS ELECTRONICALLY AND TO CONFORM THOSE PROVISIONS TO OTHER GENERIC SUBSTITUTION PROVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-89, RELATING TO VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO WHOLESALE PHARMACY DISTRIBUTORS, SO AS TO CLARIFY PROVISIONS AND TO DELETE DUPLICATE STATUTORY PROVISIONS RELATING TO PERMIT APPLICATION PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-90, RELATING TO PERMIT APPLICATION PROCEDURES, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR PERMIT RENEWAL PROCEDURES AND FOR CHANGE OF NAME OR OWNER CIRCUMSTANCE WHICH REQUIRE A NEW PERMIT TO BE OBTAINED; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-91, RELATING TO INFORMATION THAT MUST BE REPORTED TO THE BOARD OF PHARMACY ON DRUG THEFT AND EMPLOYEE DRUG CONVICTIONS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE TIME FOR REPORTING THESE EVENTS AND TO REQUIRE FORMAL ALLEGATIONS OF DRUG VIOLATIONS TO BE REPORTED; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-110, RELATING TO PHARMACY PERMIT AND LICENSE APPLICATION AND RENEWAL PROCEDURES, SO AS TO FURTHER SPECIFY AND CLARIFY THESE PROCEDURES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACISTS, SO AS TO ALSO PROVIDE CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERED PHARMACY TECHNICIANS.
The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\AMEND\11459AC02), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 40-43-30(54), page 3, line 38 by deleting /Section 40-43-82(C)/ and inserting /Section 40-43-82(B)/. So when amended Section 40-43-30(54) reads:
/"(54) 'Certified pharmacy technician' means an individual who is a registered pharmacy technician and who has completed the requirements provided for in Section 40-43-82(B)."/
Amend the bill, further, Section 40-43-91(A)(2), page 9, line 21 by deleting /formal/. So when amended, Section 40-43-91(A)(2) reads:
/(2) conviction of any allegations of a violation by an employee of any state or federal drug laws law or suspension or involuntary termination due to unprofessional conduct as provided for in Section 40-43-86(DD) or Section 40-1-110./
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/SECTION __. Section 40-43-60(I) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(I) This chapter does not require a permit of or prevent a licensed practitioner, as defined under Section 40-43-30(45), from dispensing drugs or devices that are the lawful property of the practitioner or a partnership or corporate entity which is fully owned by licensed practitioners or from dispensing a one-time free complimentary trial supply of drugs owned by a person or institution authorized to possess medication under state or federal law for indigent patients with guidelines equal to or equivalent to Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act. Drugs or medicine dispensed must comply with the labeling requirements of state and federal laws and regulations."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. BINGHAM explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
Rep. OTT asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4876 from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
Rep. LOFTIS objected.
On motion of Rep. J. BROWN, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs:
S. 1160 (Word version) -- Senator Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-140, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS TO BE LICENSED AS A PHYSICIAN, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING DAILY SCORES ON FLEX EXAMINATIONS TAKEN BEFORE JULY 1, 1985, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PASSING SCORE ON THE COMVEX EXAMINATION MUST BE ESTABLISHED BY THE TESTING AGENCY.
Rep. LOURIE asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3165 from the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. KNOTTS objected.
On motion of Rep. MACK, with unanimous consent, the following Joint Resolution was ordered recalled from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs:
S. 1142 (Word version) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO STANDARDS FOR LICENSING HOSPICES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2660, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
On motion of Rep. FRYE, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs:
H. 4876 (Word version) -- Reps. Koon, Frye, Rhoad and Ott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO IT BEING UNLAWFUL TO CARRY WEAPONS WHILE HUNTING RACCOONS, OPOSSUMS, OR FOX DURING THE PERIOD IT IS LAWFUL TO HUNT THEM WITHOUT WEAPONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS LAWFUL TO RUN RACCOONS WITH DOGS AT ANY TIME DURING THE YEAR.
The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 3598 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Barfield, Battle, Carnell, Chellis, Cobb-Hunter, Dantzler, Davenport, Edge, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Hosey, Kirsh, Knotts, Law, Leach, Limehouse, Lloyd, Lucas, Mack, Meacham-Richardson, J. H. Neal, Ott, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Riser, Rivers, Rodgers, Sandifer, Scott, Snow, Stuart, Trotter, Webb, Whatley, A. Young, J. Young, Wilder, Hinson and Robinson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-170 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN CONDUCT IN THE VEHICLE GLASS REPAIR BUSINESS IS AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE AND UNLAWFUL.
Rep. CATO moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, April 4, which was agreed to.
The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 4455 (Word version) -- Rep. Townsend: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-13-15, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FALSIFYING OR ALTERING COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS OR DIPLOMAS AND THE FRAUDULENT USE OF THE FALSIFIED OR ALTERED TRANSCRIPTS OR DIPLOMAS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION ALSO APPLY TO HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS AND TRANSCRIPTS INCLUDING GED DIPLOMAS.
Rep. TOWNSEND made the Point of Order that the Senate Amendments were improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 3515 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Robinson, Allison, Altman, Askins, Barfield, Barrett, Bingham, Carnell, Cato, Chellis, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Dantzler, Harrell, Huggins, Keegan, Kelley, Kirsh, Klauber, Law, Leach, Martin, Meacham-Richardson, J. M. Neal, Phillips, Rice, Riser, Simrill, D. C. Smith, W. D. Smith, Snow, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Trotter, Walker, Whipper, Wilder, A. Young, McLeod, Davenport, Emory, Sinclair and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-19-235 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A NONRESIDENT EMBALMER OR FUNERAL DIRECTOR MAY BE LICENSED IN THIS STATE IF THE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OF HIS STATE ARE SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO REQUIREMENTS OF THIS STATE AND TO REQUIRE FIVE YEARS OF PRACTICE AND PASSAGE OF AN EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE WHEN THE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS IN ANOTHER STATE ARE NOT SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO REQUIREMENTS IN THIS STATE; TO ADD SECTION 40-19-265 SO AS TO ESTABLISH PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR FUNERAL HOMES, BRANCH FUNERAL HOMES, RETAIL SALES OUTLETS, AND CREMATORIES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE, SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS SERVING ON THE BOARD TO BE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES OF A FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS, SO AS TO REVISE, AMONG OTHER DEFINITIONS, "BRANCH FUNERAL HOME", "DISPOSITION", AND "MANAGER" AND TO DEFINE ADDITIONAL TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR MISCONDUCT, SO AS TO PROHIBIT SOLICITING THE SALE OF FUNERAL MERCHANDISE AND TO CLARIFY OTHER GROUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-230, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE ACCREDITING BODY FOR EMBALMING COLLEGES AND TO CONFORM PROVISIONS TO THE REVISED LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUT-OF-STATE EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-270, RELATING TO PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS OF FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND CREMATORIES, SO AS TO APPLY CERTAIN OF THESE PROVISIONS TO RETAIL SALES OUTLETS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-280, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON BE LICENSED TO HOLD HIMSELF OUT AS PRACTICING FUNERAL SERVICE OR OPERATING A FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT, SO AS TO APPLY THIS LICENSURE REQUIREMENT TO A PERSON OPERATING A CREMATORY OR A RETAIL SALES OUTLET; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-290, RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION AND EXPENSES TO CLIENTS BY FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENTS, SO AS TO ALSO REQUIRE CREMATORIES TO DISCLOSE SUCH INFORMATION AND EXPENSES TO ITS CLIENTS.
Rep. CATO made the Point of Order that the Senate Amendments were improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 4962 (Word version) -- Reps. Webb, Rice and Trotter: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE TWO-MILE PORTION OF STATE HIGHWAY 93 IN CLEMSON THAT RUNS FROM U.S. HIGHWAY 76 TO THE OCONEE COUNTY LINE (LAKE HARTWELL) IN PICKENS COUNTY THE "WALTER T. COX BOULEVARD" IN HONOR OF CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ICON, WALTER THOMPSON COX, WHO HAS SERVED AS COACH, DEAN, AND PRESIDENT OF CLEMSON FOR MORE THAN SIXTY-FIVE YEARS AND TO INSTALL APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ON THE HIGHWAY CONTAINING THE WORDS THE "WALTER T. COX BOULEVARD".
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina are proud to honor such a giving and dedicated man as Walter Thompson Cox by naming a portion of State Highway 93 in Clemson in his honor; and
Whereas, Walter T. Cox was born September 19, 1918, in Belton to Walter T. Cox and Grace Campbell Cox; and
Whereas, Dean Cox began his relationship with Clemson University as an undergraduate student and football player in 1935, and he received a B.S. in Arts and Sciences in 1939; he continued at Clemson with postgraduate study from 1939 to 1940; and
Whereas, while Walter Cox played football at Clemson, the 1939 Tiger Team defeated Boston College in the Cotton Bowl in January 1940, and he was later inducted into the Clemson University Athletic Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, in 1940, Dean Cox began his employment with Clemson as Assistant Football Coach, Athletic Business Manager, and Baseball Coach, and he was the Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs and Assistant to the President from 1950 to 1955; and
Whereas, in 1955, Walter Cox became the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, an influential position he held for thirty years during which Clemson became civilian, co-educational, and desegregated; and
Whereas, he was called by the Clemson Board of Trustees to become Clemson University's tenth President in 1985 and Special Assistant to the President and Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement in 1986 until he retired in 1987 with the title President Emeritus; and
Whereas, Walter Cox has been active in many distinguished organizations serving on the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, American Legion, Clemson University Chapter of Blue Key, Tiger Brotherhood, Clemson First Baptist Church, and has served on the board of directors of many corporations and associations; and
Whereas, Dean Cox received numerous prestigious awards including the Clemson University Distinguished Alumni Award, Clemson Medallion, Department of the Army Outstanding Civil Service Medal, and Order of the Palmetto; and
Whereas, Walter Cox was married to the late Mary Johnson Cox for more than forty-five years and is the proud father of three sons, Walter Jr., Frank, and William; and one daughter, Grace Thompson Kerns; and the loving grandfather to five grandchildren; and
Whereas, he is currently married to Janelle Garrett Cox and has two stepdaughters, Pauline Greer and Jeanie Waddington, and three stepgrandchildren; and
Whereas, it is fitting and proper for the Department of Transportation to designate a portion of State Highway 93 in Clemson in tribute to a man who represents "the epitome of what love and loyalty for Clemson University are all about". Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina request that the Department of Transportation name the two-mile portion of State Highway 93 in Clemson that runs from U.S. Highway 76 to the Oconee County Line (Lake Hartwell) in Pickens County the "Walter T. Cox Boulevard" in honor of Clemson University Icon, Walter Thompson Cox, who has served as Coach, Dean, and President of Clemson for more than sixty-five years and to install appropriate markers or signs on the highway containing the words the "Walter T. Cox Boulevard".
Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation and Walter Thompson Cox.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. FLEMING.
Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of amendments:
H. 3450 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Knotts, Lourie, J. E. Smith, Stuart and Altman: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-2925 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE OFFENSE OF MISDEMEANOR DEATH BY A VEHICLE, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY.
Rep. RICE proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name COUNCIL\BBM\AMEND\10958HTC02), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/ SECTION __. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 56-5-2956. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a motor vehicle accident results in the death of a pedestrian or a person who is either a passenger in, or the operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident, then a chemical test must be administered on all operators of motor vehicles who are involved in the accident and upon the decedent if he was not an operator of a motor vehicle." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. RICE explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the Yeas and Nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Allison Altman Bales Barfield Battle Bingham Brown, J. Campsen Cato Chellis Coates Cooper Cotty Dantzler Davenport Delleney Easterday Edge Emory Fleming Freeman Frye Govan Hamilton Harrell Harrison Haskins Hayes Hinson Huggins Jennings Keegan Kelley Kirsh Knotts Koon Law Leach Limehouse Littlejohn Loftis Lourie Lucas Martin McGee McLeod Meacham-Richardson Merrill Moody-Lawrence Neal, J.M. Neilson Ott Perry Quinn Rice Riser Rodgers Sandifer Scarborough Simrill Sinclair Smith, D.C. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, W.D. Snow Stille Stuart Talley Thompson Townsend Trotter Vaughn Webb Whatley Whipper White Wilkins Witherspoon Young, A.
Those who voted in the negative are:
Allen Brown, R. Coleman Gourdine Harvin Hines, J. Hosey Howard Lloyd Mack McCraw Parks Phillips Rivers Rutherford Scott Sheheen Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Weeks Young, J.
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
S. 322 (Word version) -- Senators Mescher, Grooms and Branton: A BILL TO AMEND SUBARTICLE 4, ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THIS PROGRAM COURT-APPOINTED GUARDIANS AD LITEM IN CUSTODY DISPUTES IN FAMILY COURT, TO PROVIDE THAT A GUARDIAN AD LITEM IN A CUSTODY DISPUTE MAY CHARGE UP TO FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR SERVICES RENDERED IN A CASE, TO PROVIDE THAT CIVIL AND CRIMINAL IMMUNITY DOES NOT APPLY TO A GUARDIAN AD LITEM WHO CHARGES FOR SERVICES RENDERED, AND TO REQUIRE A GUARDIAN AD LITEM IN A CUSTODY DISPUTE TO BE AT LEAST THIRTY YEARS OF AGE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-420, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE FAMILY COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN ORDERING A MENTAL OR PSYCHIATRIC EXAMINATION IN CUSTODY DISPUTES, THE COURT MUST MAKE FINDINGS OF FACT THAT THERE IS PROBABLE CAUSE TO ORDER THE EXAMINATION AND THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE A DETERMINATION IN THE CASE.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\AMEND\11351AC02), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Private Guardian ad Litem Reform Act".
SECTION 2. Subarticle 2, Article 11, Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 20-7-1545. (A) In a private action before the family court in which custody or visitation of a minor child is an issue, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem only when it determines that:
(1) without a guardian ad litem, the court will likely not be fully informed about the facts of the case and there is a substantial dispute which necessitates a guardian ad litem; or
(2) both parties consent to the appointment of a guardian ad litem who is approved by the court.
(B) A guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to this section may be removed by the court upon good cause shown.
Section 20-7-1547. (A) A person may not be appointed a guardian ad litem in a private action involving custody or visitation unless qualified pursuant to this section. The court may appoint an attorney or a nonattorney, both of whom must be at least twenty-five years of age and qualified pursuant to this section, to be a guardian ad litem.
(B) A nonattorney must complete a minimum of nine hours of family law continuing legal or nonlegal education in the areas of custody and visitation and an additional three hours related to substantive law and procedure in family court to be qualified to serve as a guardian ad litem. A nonattorney also shall observe three contested custody merits hearings to be qualified to serve as a guardian ad litem. The continuing legal and nonlegal education courses provided to nonattorneys must be approved by the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization.
(C) A nonattorney guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to this section must complete, annually, the continuing legal and nonlegal education hours as required in subsection (B), in order to remain qualified to serve as a guardian ad litem.
(D) A person may not be appointed as a guardian ad litem pursuant to this section who has been convicted of any crime listed in Chapter 3 of Title 16, Offenses Against the Person, in Chapter 15 of Title 16, Offenses Against Morality and Decency, in Chapter 25 of Title 16, Criminal Domestic Violence, in Article 3 of Chapter 53 of Title 44, Narcotics and Controlled Substances, or for the crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, provided for in Section 16-17-490, or who is or has ever been on the Department of Social Services Central Registry of Abuse and Neglect.
(E) A guardian ad litem, upon appointment, must provide an affidavit to the parties stating that the guardian ad litem has complied with the requirements of this section, including a statement that the person has not been convicted of a crime enumerated in subsection (E).
Section 20-7-1549. Upon its own motion or upon the motion of a party or the guardian ad litem, the court may appoint an attorney for the guardian ad litem. If the appointment is by consent order, the order must set forth the reasons for the appointment and establish a method and rate for compensating the attorney.
Section 20-7-1551. (A) The responsibilities and duties of a guardian ad litem include, but are not limited to:
(1) representing the best interests of the child;
(2) conducting an independent, balanced, and impartial investigation to determine the facts relevant to the situation of the child and the family, which must include:
(a) reviewing relevant documents and records. The guardian ad litem shall have access to the child's school records and medical records. The guardian ad litem may petition the family court for the medical records of the parties;
(b) if appropriate, meeting with and observing the child in the home-setting and considering the wishes of the child; and
(c) interviewing parents, caregivers, school officials, law enforcement, and others with knowledge relevant to the case;
(3) advocating for the child's best interests, including making clear, specific recommendations and referrals for evaluations, services, and treatment for the child and the child's family; however, if any recommendation or referral is for a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, service, or treatment, the recommendation or referral first must be presented to the court for approval;
(4) attending all court hearings, unless otherwise excused by the court, and providing accurate, current information directly to the court; and
(5) maintaining a complete file with notes rather than relying upon court files.
(B) A guardian ad litem also is responsible for presenting to the court and all other parties clear, comprehensive written reports including, but not limited to, a final written report regarding the child's best interests, which must include conclusions and recommendations and the facts upon which the reports are based. A final written report must be submitted to the court and all other parties no later than fifteen days before the merits hearing, unless the time frame is modified by the court. The written report must include the names of all persons interviewed by the guardian ad litem during the investigation and, if available, their addresses and telephone numbers.
(C) A guardian ad litem may submit briefs, memoranda, affidavits, or other documents on behalf of the child. Any report or recommendation of a guardian ad litem must be submitted in a manner consistent with the South Carolina Rules of Evidence and other state law.
Section 20-7-1553. (A) At the time of appointment, the family court judge shall set forth the method and rate of compensation for the guardian ad litem, who must submit, when fees and costs accrue, a periodic itemized billing to include a statement of hours, expenses, costs, and fees to the parties and their attorneys. Additionally, the court must consider the ability of a party to pay fees and costs at the time the court appoints a guardian ad litem.
(B) A party may petition the court to review the reasonableness of the fees and costs of the guardian ad litem and the attorney for the guardian ad litem at any time during the action.
(C) A guardian ad litem appointed by the court is entitled to reasonable compensation, subject to review and approval by the court. In determining the reasonableness of the fees and costs, the court shall take into account the complexity of the issues before the court, the contentiousness of the litigation, the time expended, the expenses reasonably incurred by the guardian ad litem and any other factors the court considers necessary.
Section 20-7-1555. A guardian ad litem appointed by the family court in a custody or visitation action must, upon notice of the appointment, provide written disclosure to each party:
(1) of the nature, duration, and extent of any relationship the guardian ad litem or any member of the guardian's immediate family residing in the guardian's household has with any party;
(2) of any interest adverse to any party or attorney which might cause the impartiality of the guardian ad litem to be challenged;
(3) any membership or participation in any organization related to child abuse, domestic violence, or drug and alcohol abuse."
SECTION 3. (A) Section 20-7-1555 of the 1976 Code is redesignated as Section 20-7-1525, and Section 20-7-1557 is redesignated Section 20-7-1535, both of which are to be placed within Subarticle 1, Article 11, Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code.
(B) Subarticle 1, Article 11, Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is renamed "Special Custody and Visitation Provisions".
(C) Subarticle 2, Article 11, Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is renamed "Private Guardians ad Litem".
SECTION 4. This act takes effect July 1, 2002./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
The amendment was then adopted by a division vote of 46 to 20.
Reps. LIMEHOUSE, SCARBOROUGH and A. YOUNG proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name COUNCIL\BBM\ AMEND\10937HTC02), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 20-7-1551(A)(3), before the /;/ by inserting:
/and may only be approved if there is a finding by the court that there is probable cause to obtain a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, service, or treatment/
Amend the bill further, Section 20-7-1553(A), immediately after the /./ by inserting:
/Expenses, costs, and fees in any one case shall not exceed fifteen hundred dollars without the explicit permission of the court which must be based on an evidentiary hearing to which all parties have been given adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard./
Amend the bill further, Section 20-7-1553(B), immediately after the /./ by inserting:
/Upon receipt of a petition, the court must hold an evidentiary hearing to which all parties have been given adequate notice as to the reasonableness of the fees and costs. Undocumented hours, expenses, costs and fees, shall not be considered reasonable./
Amend the bill further, Section 20-7-1553(C), immediately after the /./ by inserting:
/Undocumented hours, expenses, costs and fees shall not be considered reasonable./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. LIMEHOUSE explained the amendment.
Rep. SINCLAIR moved to table the amendment.
Rep. ALTMAN demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Allen Allison Barfield Brown, J. Clyburn Coates Coleman Cotty Dantzler Davenport Delleney Easterday Edge Emory Fleming Gourdine Harrison Harvin Hines, J. Hosey Howard Huggins Keegan Kelley Kennedy Kirsh Knotts Law Lee Littlejohn Lloyd Lourie Lucas Mack McCraw McGee McLeod Moody-Lawrence Neal, J.H. Neal, J.M. Neilson Ott Phillips Quinn Rhoad Rice Riser Rivers Rutherford Sandifer Scott Sharpe Sheheen Sinclair Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Smith, J.E. Smith, W.D. Talley Thompson Tripp Trotter Walker Webb Weeks Whatley Whipper Wilkins Witherspoon Young, J.
Those who voted in the negative are:
Altman Bales Battle Bingham Campsen Carnell Chellis Cooper Freeman Frye Harrell Haskins Hinson Koon Leach Limehouse Loftis Martin Meacham-Richardson Miller Owens Perry Rodgers Scarborough Simrill Smith, D.C. Smith, J.R. Snow Stuart Townsend Vaughn White Wilder Young, A.
So, the amendment was tabled.
Reps. LIMEHOUSE, SCARBOROUGH and A. YOUNG proposed the following Amendment No. 3 (Doc Name COUNCIL\BBM\ AMEND\10936HTC02), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 20-7-1551(A)(3), before the /;/ by inserting:
/and may only be approved if there is a finding by the court that there is probable cause to obtain a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, service, or treatment/
Amend the bill further, Section 20-7-1553(A), immediately after the /./ by inserting:
/Expenses, costs, and fees in any one case shall not exceed two thousand dollars without the explicit permission of the court which must be based on an evidentiary hearing to which all parties have been given adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard./
Amend the bill further, Section 20-7-1553(B), immediately after the /./ by inserting:
/Upon receipt of a petition, the court must hold an evidentiary hearing to which all parties have been given adequate notice as to the reasonableness of the fees and costs. Undocumented hours, expenses, costs and fees, shall not be considered reasonable./
Amend the bill further, Section 20-7-1553(C), immediately after the /./ by inserting:
/Undocumented hours, expenses, costs and fees shall not be considered reasonable./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. LIMEHOUSE explained the amendment.
Rep. EASTERDAY moved to table the amendment.
Rep. A. YOUNG demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Allen Allison Barfield Brown, J. Cato Clyburn Coates Coleman Cotty Davenport Delleney Easterday Edge Emory Fleming Gourdine Govan Harrison Harvin Hines, J. Hosey Howard Huggins Jennings Keegan Kelley Kennedy Kirsh Knotts Law Lee Littlejohn Lloyd Lourie Lucas Mack McCraw McGee McLeod Moody-Lawrence Neal, J.H. Neal, J.M. Ott Parks Phillips Rhoad Rice Riser Rivers Sandifer Sharpe Sheheen Sinclair Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Smith, J.E. Smith, W.D. Snow Stille Talley Thompson Tripp Trotter Walker Webb Weeks Whatley Whipper Wilder Wilkins Witherspoon Young, J.
Those who voted in the negative are:
Altman Bales Battle Bingham Campsen Chellis Cooper Dantzler Freeman Frye Harrell Haskins Hayes Hinson Koon Leach Limehouse Loftis Martin Meacham-Richardson Merrill Miller Neilson Owens Perry Rodgers Scarborough Simrill Smith, D.C. Smith, J.R. Stuart Vaughn White Young, A.
So, the amendment was tabled.
Reps. LIMEHOUSE, SCARBOROUGH and A.YOUNG proposed the following Amendment No. 4 (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\ AMEND\5244HTC02), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 20-7-1551(A)(3), before the /;/ by inserting:
/and may only be approved if there is a finding by the court that there is probable cause to obtain a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, service, or treatment/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. LIMEHOUSE explained the amendment.
Rep. EASTERDAY spoke against the amendment.
Rep. MCGEE moved to table the amendment.
Rep. ALTMAN demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Allen Barfield Brown, R. Cato Clyburn Coates Cobb-Hunter Coleman Cotty Delleney Easterday Edge Fleming Freeman Frye Gourdine Govan Harrison Hines, J. Hosey Howard Huggins Jennings Keegan Kelley Kirsh Knotts Koon Law Littlejohn Lloyd Lucas Mack McGee McLeod Neal, J.H. Neilson Ott Quinn Rice Riser Rivers Rutherford Sandifer Scott Sheheen Sinclair Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Smith, J.E. Smith, W.D. Stille Talley Thompson Tripp Walker Weeks Whipper White Wilkins Witherspoon Young, J.
Those who voted in the negative are:
Altman Bales Battle Bingham Campsen Carnell Chellis Cooper Dantzler Davenport Hamilton Harrell Harvin Hayes Hinson Leach Limehouse Loftis Lourie Martin McCraw Meacham-Richardson Merrill Miller Owens Parks Perry Phillips Rhoad Rodgers Scarborough Sharpe Simrill Smith, D.C. Smith, J.R. Stuart Townsend Trotter Vaughn Webb Whatley Wilder Young, A.
So, the amendment was tabled.
Reps. BALES and J. H. NEAL proposed the following Amendment No. 6 (Doc Name COUNCIL\BBM\AMEND\10950AC02):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 20-7-1545(A)(2), page 322-1, line 38, before the /./ by inserting /from a list of five guardians ad litem and from which each side is entitled to strike two of the names/.
Amend the bill further, Section 20-7-1553(C), page 322-4, line 8, after /compensation,/ by inserting / not to exceed one thousand dollars unless there are extenuating circumstances based upon finding of the court, and/.
Amend the bill further, page 322-4, immediately after line 23, by inserting:
/ Section 20-7-1557. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of this subarticle apply to adoption proceedings including, but not limited to, the appointment, qualifications, training, duties, responsibilities, fees, and billing requirements of a guardian ad litem. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
Rep. BALES explained the amendment.
Rep. MCGEE moved to table the amendment.
Rep. BALES demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Allen Barfield Coates Coleman Delleney Easterday Edge Fleming Hamilton Harrison Harvin Jennings Kelley Kennedy Lucas McCraw McGee McLeod Phillips Quinn Rice Riser Rivers Rutherford Sandifer Sheheen Sinclair Smith, G.M. Smith, J.E. Talley Thompson Weeks Wilkins Witherspoon Young, J.
Those who voted in the negative are:
Allison Altman Bales Battle Bingham Brown, J. Brown, R. Campsen Carnell Cato Chellis Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Cooper Cotty Dantzler Davenport Emory Freeman Frye Gourdine Govan Harrell Haskins Hayes Hines, J. Hinson Hosey Howard Huggins Keegan Kirsh Knotts Koon Law Leach Lee Limehouse Littlejohn Lloyd Loftis Lourie Mack Martin Meacham-Richardson Merrill Miller Neal, J.M. Neilson Ott Owens Perry Rhoad Rodgers Scarborough Scott Sharpe Simrill Smith, D.C. Smith, J.R. Smith, W.D. Snow Stille Stuart Townsend Tripp Trotter Vaughn Walker Webb Whatley Whipper White Wilder
So, the House refused to table the amendment.
Rep. MCGEE spoke against the amendment.
Rep. HARRISON moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.
Further proceedings were interrupted by the House recurring to the Morning Hour, the pending question being consideration of Amendment No. 6.
Rep. KNOTTS moved to reconsider the vote whereby the following Bill was given a second reading, which was agreed to:
H. 4514 (Word version) -- Reps. McGee, Knotts, Bingham, Coates, Koon, Lourie and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-430, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN ADDITION TO EXCEPTIONS TO THE ONE-YEAR RULE PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION, THE PERIOD OF TIME WITHIN WHICH A CANDIDATE MUST OBTAIN THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED TO BECOME A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS AUTOMATICALLY EXTENDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD EQUAL TO THE TIME THE CANDIDATE PERFORMED ACTIVE DUTY OR ACTIVE DUTY FOR TRAINING AS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD, THE STATE GUARD, OR A RESERVE COMPONENT OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, PLUS NINETY DAYS.
Rep. HARRISON moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
At 1:15 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. HARRISON, adjourned in memory of C. Norwood Gayle, Jr. of Richland County, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
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