Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

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

Beloved, as you know we now have a tradition of praying President George Washington's Prayer for the United States on his birthday or Presidents Day:
Let us pray.

"Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplications, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen."

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

The following was received:

Document No. 2613
Agency: Board of Education
59-18-340 and 59-30-10
SUBJECT: Testing Programs (New Title: Assessment Program)
Received by Lieutenant Governor May 2, 2001
Referred to Education Committee
Legislative Review Expiration August 30, 2001
(Subject to Sine Die Revision)
Revised April 17, 2002
House Education and Public Works Requested Withdrawal
January 30, 2002
20 Day Period Tolled
Withdrawn and Resubmitted February 15, 2002
New Expiration Date April 17, 2002

Senator COURSON introduced Dr. March Seabrook of West Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

S. 261 (Word version) -- Senators Reese, Verdin and Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-420, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CARRYING OR DISPLAYING OF FIREARMS IN A PUBLIC BUILDING OR UPON AREAS ADJACENT TO A PUBLIC BUILDING, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, PROVIDE THAT THIS PROVISION DOES NOT APPLY TO A MARRIED STUDENT RESIDING IN AN APARTMENT PROVIDED BY A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL WHO IS AUTHORIZED TO CARRY A WEAPON PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMITS, AND REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERMS "PREMISES" AND "PROPERTY"; TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-430, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CARRYING OF WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR THE TERM "PROPERTY"; TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-465, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFULLY CARRYING A PISTOL OR FIREARM ONTO THE PREMISES OF A BUSINESS SELLING ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, BEER, OR WINE FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION, SO AS TO REVISE THE PARTICULARS OF THIS OFFENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-210, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONTAINED IN THE LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN'S SELF-DEFENSE ACT OF 1996, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "RESIDENT"; TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-215, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMITS, SO AS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF AN APPLICANT THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH AN INITIAL AND A RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR A CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMIT, TO REVISE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT CONTAINED IN THE CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMIT APPLICATION FORM, TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION AGAINST AUTHORIZING A CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMIT HOLDER TO CARRY A CONCEALABLE WEAPON INTO A CHURCH OR OTHER RELIGIOUS SANCTUARY, AND PROVIDE THAT ONCE A CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT HOLDER IS NO LONGER A RESIDENT OF THIS STATE, HIS CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT MUST BE REVOKED AUTOMATICALLY BY SLED; TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-235, RELATING TO THE CONTENT OF POSTED SIGNS THAT PROHIBIT THE CARRYING OF A CONCEALABLE WEAPON UPON ANY PREMISES, SO AS TO REVISE THE SIZE, CONTENT, AND PLACEMENT OF THESE SIGNS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 51-3-145, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ACTS THAT MAY NOT BE COMMITTED AT ANY PARK OR FACILITY UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM, SO AS TO ALLOW A PERSON WHO POSSESSES A CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMIT TO POSSESS A CONCEALABLE WEAPON AND ITS AMMUNITION AT ANY PARK OR FACILITY UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM.

On motion of Senator BAUER, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator BAUER was removed as a co-sponsor of S. 261.

On motion of Senator VERDIN, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator VERDIN was removed as a co-sponsor of S. 261.

S. 1023 (Word version) -- Senators Bauer, Giese, Mescher, Ravenel, Hayes, Ryberg, Fair, O'Dell, Gregory, Grooms, Kuhn, Martin and Branton: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-5-560, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF THE CAUSE OF DEATH ON A DEATH CERTIFICATE BY A CORONER, DEPUTY CORONER, MEDICAL EXAMINER, OR DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE PERSONS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SIGN, BUT SHALL COMPLETE AND EXECUTE THE MEDICAL CERTIFICATION PORTION OF A DEATH CERTIFICATE, AND IF THE CERTIFICATION OF CAUSE OF DEATH CANNOT BE COMPLETED WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME WHEN AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED, THEN THE COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER SHALL INDICATE THAT THE CAUSE OF DEATH IS PENDING AND CERTIFY THE CERTIFICATION OF CAUSE OF DEATH.

On motion of Senator FAIR, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator FAIR was removed as a co-sponsor of S. 1023.

H. 4485 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins, Bingham, Edge, Frye, Koon, Riser and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 25-1-420, 25-1-430, 23-49-20, 23-49-30, 23-49-60, 38-75-470, AS AMENDED, 44-61-30, AS AMENDED, 48-40-60, AND 49-23-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DIVISION, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DIVISION TO THE "SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION".

Senator RICHARDSON asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the General Committee.

There was no objection.

The Bill was recalled from the committee.

On motion of Senator RICHARDSON, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar.

The following were introduced:

S. 1025 (Word version) -- Senators Land, Hutto, Short and Saleeby: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-1-1770 AND 9-11-120, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PRERETIREMENT DEATH BENEFIT PROGRAM AND RETIREE LIFE INSURANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO RENAME THE PRERETIREMENT PROGRAM THE GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM, ESTABLISH A NEW BENEFIT OF AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO FIVE TIMES EARNABLE COMPENSATION IN LIEU OF THE EXISTING BENEFIT PAYABLE AT THE IN-SERVICE DEATH OF A MEMBER WHO, WHILE PERFORMING HIS DUTY DIES AS A RESULT OF THE INTENTIONAL VIOLENT ACT OF ANOTHER PERSON, TO INCLUDE IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM PROVISIONS FOR THESE BENEFITS THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM, TO DELETE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 9-1-1210, RELATING TO EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1026 (Word version) -- Senators Land, Setzler, Pinckney, Matthews, O'Dell, Reese, Ford, Saleeby, McGill, Moore, Hutto, Short, Patterson, Glover, Rankin, Jackson, Elliott, Holland and Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 66 OF 2001, RELATING TO THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 AND A PROVISION PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH ANY MID-YEAR BUDGET REDUCTIONS SHALL BE MADE DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR, SO AS TO EXEMPT ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, AND HIGHER EDUCATION FROM ANY SUCH REDUCTIONS, TO DEFINE ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, AND HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THIS PURPOSE, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE EXEMPTIONS SHALL BE PROSPECTIVE ONLY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD MAY ALSO EXEMPT FROM ANY MID-YEAR REDUCTION AN AGENCY'S BASE BUDGET WHERE THE BOARD HAS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AN AGENCY'S OPERATING DEFICIT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1027 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, RELATING TO RETAIL MANAGERS; FINANCE MANAGERS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2621, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1028 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, RELATING TO STAFF LEASING SERVICES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2631, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1029 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND REVEREND WILLIE BATES, JR. FOR HIS THIRTY YEARS OF DEDICATED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AS PASTOR OF ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH IN ORANGEBURG COUNTY AND TO PRAY FOR THE LORD'S CONTINUED BLESSING OF REVEREND BATES AND HIS CONGREGATION.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1030 (Word version) -- Senators Courson, Drummond, Patterson and Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO NAME THE NATION'S NEXT YET TO BE NAMED AIRCRAFT CARRIER THE USS STROM THURMOND IN RECOGNITION OF THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF UNITED STATES SENATOR STROM THURMOND OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the Honorable Strom Thurmond of South Carolina is the nation's oldest United States Senator and longest serving senator in history; and

Whereas, Senator Thurmond, who will retire from the United States Senate in 2003, is a decorated World War II hero who went into Normandy on June 5, 1944, in a glider aircraft; and

Whereas, Senator Thurmond is a former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, former President Pro Tempore of the Senate, former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and was ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee; and

Whereas, he served not only in the European Theater of World War II but also in the Pacific Theater; he was awarded five battle stars and eighteen decorations, medals, and awards, including Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with "V", the Purple Heart, French Croix de Guerre, and Belgian Order of the Crown; and

Whereas, he was a beloved and highly capable Governor of South Carolina, was elected to the United States Senate on November 2, 1954, as a write-in candidate - an unprecedented accomplishment - and established the Strom Thurmond Foundation to help educate needy, worthy students; and

Whereas, Strom Thurmond has rendered untiring, outstanding service to his nation and State; many persons in the media have identified Senator Thurmond as "South Carolinian of the Twentieth Century"; and it would be most fitting and appropriate to name the country's next currently unnamed aircraft carrier the USS Strom Thurmond in Senator Thurmond's honor and in recognition for his countless contributions to the United States and his fellow Americans. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, memorializes Congress to name the nation's next currently unnamed aircraft carrier the USS Strom Thurmond in recognition of the many contributions and accomplishments of Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, and the eight members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation, all in Washington, D.C.
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Senator COURSON moved that the Resolution be adopted.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Alexander                 Anderson                  Bauer
Branton                   Courson                   Drummond
Elliott                   Fair                      Ford
Giese                     Glover                    Gregory
Grooms                    Hawkins                   Hayes
Holland                   Hutto                     Jackson
Kuhn                      Land                      Leatherman
Leventis                  Martin                    Matthews
McConnell                 McGill                    Mescher
Moore                     O'Dell                    Patterson
Peeler                    Pinckney                  Rankin
Ravenel                   Reese                     Richardson
Ritchie                   Ryberg                    Saleeby
Setzler                   Short                     Smith, J. Verne
Thomas                    Verdin                    Waldrep

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

H. 3840 (Word version) -- Rep. Edge: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 1, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 34, SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL STATE AGENCIES CHARGED WITH ENFORCING NATIONAL BUILDING CODES TO ADOPT THE LATEST EDITION OF THE CODE AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR THE ADOPTION OF THESE CODES, INCLUDING NOTICE IN THE STATE REGISTER AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT; AND TO REQUIRE PROPOSED CODES RECEIVING NEGATIVE COMMENTS OR SUBJECT TO PROPOSED AGENCY AMENDMENTS TO BE PROMULGATED AS REGULATIONS.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

H. 4054 (Word version) -- Rep. Walker: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-25-115, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AN APPLICANT FOR INITIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION BEING REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A STATE FINGERPRINT REVIEW, SO AS TO REVISE THE TIME WHEN SUCH AN APPLICANT MUST UNDERGO THIS REVIEW, THE MANNER OF THIS REVIEW, AND THE INDIVIDUALS TO WHOM THIS PROVISION APPLIES.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

H. 4652 (Word version) -- Reps. Lourie, Bales, Harrison, J.E. Smith, Hosey, J.H. Neal, Bingham, Talley, Thompson, Howard, Sheheen and Townsend: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 91 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE UNITED WE STAND SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FEES COLLECTED FOR THIS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

H. 4695 (Word version) -- Reps. Chellis, Robinson, Cotty, Simrill, Altman, Barrett, Battle, Breeland, G. Brown, Campsen, Cato, Dantzler, Easterday, Emory, Freeman, Frye, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, J. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Kirsh, Law, Leach, Limehouse, Lloyd, Lucas, Meacham-Richardson, Miller, J.M. Neal, Neilson, Perry, Phillips, Rice, Riser, Sandifer, Sharpe, D.C. Smith, J.R. Smith, Stille, Stuart, Talley, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Whipper and A. Young: A BILL TO AMEND 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 WHEREBY THIS STATE ADOPTS VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

H. 4702 (Word version) -- Rep. Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 778 OF 1988, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR LAURENS COUNTY, SO AS TO STAGGER THE TERMS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION BEGINNING IN 2005.

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar without reference.

H. 4722 (Word version) -- Rep. Ott: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND CONGRATULATE RHETT TABER, JR., OF FORT MOTTE, WHO CAME IN FIRST PLACE IN THE INT AMATEUR SKI TOURNAMENT FIRST CLASS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, TO RECOGNIZE THE TEAM BUOY CREEK WATER SKIERS, AND TO WISH THEM MUCH SUCCESS IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

H. 4743 (Word version) -- Rep. Townsend: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE TWENTY-TWO SOUTH CAROLINA TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2002 ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM IN THE ALL-USA ACADEMIC TEAM COMPETITION FOR TECHNICAL COLLEGES, COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND JUNIOR COLLEGES SPONSORED BY PHI THETA KAPPA, THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND USA TODAY.

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

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 886 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, McGill, Land, Glover, Saleeby, Rankin and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TARGETED JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DESIGNATION OF "DISTRESSED COUNTY", PROVIDE THE CRITERIA FOR THE DESIGNATION AND ALLOW A TAX CREDIT EQUAL TO EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH NEW FULL-TIME JOB CREATED IN A DISTRESSED COUNTY, TO LIMIT THE "DISTRESSED" DESIGNATION TO NO MORE THAN SIX COUNTIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR GROUPS OF AT LEAST SIX, BUT NOT MORE THAN TEN, CONTIGUOUS COUNTIES TO JOIN IN A REGIONAL ALLIANCE AREA TO PROMOTE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO ALLOW A COUNTY IN THE ALLIANCE TO BE DESIGNATED AS A "LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTY" IF CERTAIN AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT CRITERIA ARE MET IN THE COUNTIES COMPRISING THE ALLIANCE AREA COUNTIES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-85, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STATE RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND, SO AS TO CONFORM THE USE OF FUND REVENUES TO THE "DISTRESSED COUNTY" DESIGNATION AND TO INCREASE FROM FIVE TO TEN MILLION DOLLARS THE THRESHOLD ABOVE WHICH TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF FUND REVENUES MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR GRANTS IN COUNTIES ABOVE THE BOTTOM TWO DESIGNATIONS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 937 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Short, Setzler, Alexander and Drummond: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 41, TITLE 2, RELATING TO THE TAX STUDY COMMISSION, SO AS TO CREATE A JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

S. 1004 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPON THE DEATH OF DON CAUGHMAN OF WEST COLUMBIA ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2002, AND EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

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

The following Bill was read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3806 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-220, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DILLON COUNTY VOTING PRECINCTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DILLON COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION MUST ESTABLISH THE POLLING PLACES FOR THE PRECINCTS WITH THE APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF THE SENATORS AND A MAJORITY OF THE REPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTING DILLON COUNTY.

The following House Bills were read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:

H. 3107 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins, W.D. Smith, Knotts and Bingham: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-3-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CIVIL JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATES, TO PROVIDE THAT MAGISTRATES HAVE CONCURRENT JURISDICTION OF INTERPLEADER ACTIONS FILED OVER CLAIMS OF DISPUTED REAL ESTATE EARNEST MONEY; AND TO ADD SECTION 22-3-15 PROVIDING, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY RULE OF COURT OR PROVISION OF LAW, THAT INTERPLEADER ACTIONS ARISING FROM REAL ESTATE EARNEST MONEY DISPUTES WHICH DO NOT EXCEED THE JURISDICTIONAL LIMIT OF MAGISTRATES COURT MAY BE FILED IN THAT COURT, TO PROVIDE SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM AND WORDING OF THE INTERPLEADER PLEADING TO BE USED IN REAL ESTATE EARNEST MONEY DISPUTES IN MAGISTRATES COURT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE FAILURE OF A COMPETING CLAIMANT TO RECOVER IN AN INTERPLEADER ACTION MUST NOT BE CONSIDERED A JUDGMENT AGAINST THE CLAIMANT OR USED TO IMPAIR THE CREDIT OF THE CLAIMANT.

H. 4475 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, Lucas, Allison, Jennings, Lourie, Rodgers, J.E. Smith and Bingham: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT, BY ADDING ARTICLE 20, SO AS TO REQUIRE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS TO REPORT RESIGNATIONS AND VACANCIES AS WELL AS THE NAMES OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF THE APPOINTMENT, ELECTION, OR VACANCY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-5-40, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO MAINTAIN AS A PUBLIC RECORD THE INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CONCERNING THEIR MEMBERSHIPS.

Senator RITCHIE explained the Bill.

H. 3403 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Rodgers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-5640, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SALE OF CERTAIN ABANDONED VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SHERIFF'S OR CHIEF OF POLICE'S DESIGNEE MAY SELL AN ABANDONED VEHICLE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION.

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

Senator LEVENTIS proposed the following amendment (GGS\22245CM02), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/ SECTION   1.   Section 44-53-520 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 333 of 1992, is further amended by adding:

"(l)   Any property, conveyance, or equipment forfeited as provided in this section must be disposed of as provided by Section 56-5-5640 for abandoned vehicles."

SECTION   2.   Section 56-5-5640 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-5-5640.   If an abandoned vehicle has not been reclaimed as provided for in Section 56-5-5630, the sheriff or his designee, or chief of police or his designee shall sell the abandoned vehicle at a public auction. The purchaser of the vehicle shall take title to it free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership, shall receive a sales receipt from the sheriff or chief of police and shall must be entitled to register the purchased vehicle and receive a certificate of title. The sales receipt at such sale shall must be sufficient title only for purposes of transferring the vehicle to a demolisher for demolition, wrecking, or dismantling, and in such case no further titling of the vehicle shall must be necessary. The expenses of the auction, the costs of towing, preserving, and storing the vehicle which resulted from placing the vehicle in custody, and all notice and publication costs incurred pursuant to Section 56-5-5630, shall must be reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale of the vehicle. Any remainder from the proceeds of the sale shall must be held for the owner of the vehicle or entitled lienholder for ninety days and then shall must be deposited in the general fund of the county or municipality."

SECTION   3.   Section 56-5-6240(C) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 115 of 1999, is further amended to read:

"(C)   A forfeited vehicle with a fair market value of more than five hundred dollars must be disposed of as follows: pursuant to Section 56-5-5640 for abandoned vehicles.

(1)   within fifteen days after the expiration of the ten-day appeal period, the sheriff or chief of police shall notify, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, the last known registered owner of the vehicle and all lienholders of record of the fact that the vehicle has been taken into custody. The notice must describe the year, make, model, and serial number of the vehicle, provide the name of the last known registered owner, set forth where the motor vehicle is being held, inform the owner and any lienholders of the right to reclaim the motor vehicle within thirty days of the date notice was received, upon payment of all reasonable towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and state that the failure of the registered owner or lienholder to exercise his rights to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided is a waiver by the registered owner and all lienholders of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the vehicle at a public auction;

(2)   if the identity or address of the last registered owner cannot be determined, or if it is impossible to determine with reasonable certainty the identity and addresses of all lienholders, notice by one publication in one newspaper of general circulation in the area where the motor vehicle was taken into custody is sufficient to meet all requirements of notice pursuant to this subsection. The notice by publication may contain multiple listings of abandoned vehicles. This notice must be within the time requirements prescribed for notice by registered or certified mail and must have the same contents as required for notice by registered mail;

(3)   if the fair market value of the vehicle is five hundred dollars or more and the vehicle is not reclaimed as provided in this section, the sheriff or chief of police shall sell the vehicle at public auction. The purchaser of the vehicle shall take title to the vehicle free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership, receive a sales receipt from the sheriff or chief of police, and is entitled to register the vehicle and receive a certificate of title. The sales receipt is sufficient title only for the purposes of transferring the vehicle to a demolisher for demolition, wrecking, or dismantling without the necessity of additional titling of the vehicle. The costs of the hearing, auction, and reasonable towing and storage charges which resulted from placing the vehicle in custody, all notice and publication costs, and all legal costs incurred pursuant to this subsection must be reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale of the vehicle. Any remaining proceeds from the sale must be deposited in the general fund of the county or municipality;

(4)   If the fair market value of the vehicle is less than five hundred dollars, it must be sold as scrap to the highest bidder after first receiving at least two bids.

(D)   If the registered owner, new purchaser, or lienholder believes the towing, preservation, and storage costs are excessive, he may petition the magistrate in the jurisdiction where the vehicle was taken into custody to determine the fair market price of the services.

(E)   Nothing contained in this section shall alter a contractual obligation in an existing insurance policy."

SECTION   4.   The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-5-2522.   (A)   Notwithstanding another provision of law, a law enforcement officer who directs that a vehicle or object and its contents be towed for any reason, whether on public or private property, must use the established towing procedure for his jurisdiction.

(B)   Within sixty days after having a vehicle or object towed, a law enforcement officer must provide the towing company the current owner's name, address, and a record of all lienholders along with the make, model, and vehicle identification number or a description of the object on the proper forms.

(C)   A proprietor, owner, and operator of a storage place, garage, or towing service, which has towed and stored a vehicle or object, has a lien against the vehicle or object and its contents, and may have the vehicle or object and it contents sold at public auction. Storage costs can be charged for a period not to exceed sixty days after which the owner, lienholder of record, or both, must be notified of all current charges and additional storage costs that have accrued on the date a certified notice is mailed. Thirty days after the notice is mailed, the vehicle or object and its contents may be sold by a regular or special constable appointed by the sheriff or chief of police as provided by Section 56-5-5640."

SECTION   5.   Section 27-21-20(A) and (B) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 148 of 1993, is further amended to read:

"(A) If property has been recovered by a sheriff of a county or chief of police of a municipality and ownership is ascertained:, the sheriff or chief of police must notify its owner as provided in Section 56-5-5630.

(1)   The sheriff or chief of police shall notify the owner no later than ten working days after a recovery that the property has been recovered and may be reclaimed.

(2)   An owner of the property must be notified by certified mail that his property has been recovered. The notice must contain a list of the specific items. An owner has sixty calendar days in which to claim the property. The notice also must include a statement that, if the property is not claimed within sixty calendar days, the property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder.

(B)   The sheriff of a county or chief of police of a municipality may sell at public auction any recovered stolen or abandoned property after he has held it for sixty days and declared it abandoned by the jurisdiction. The sheriff or chief of police shall make a diligent effort to ascertain the true owner of the property and at least twice before the sale advertise the property with its full description in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or municipality having jurisdiction of the property and post the advertisement in the sheriff's office or the police department and at the courthouse. At any time after thirty days have elapsed after publication of the second advertisement, the sheriff or chief of police may sell to the highest bidder at a place designated by the sheriff or chief of police the abandoned or recovered stolen property as advertised. The sheriff or chief of police shall turn over all proceeds of the sale to the county or municipal treasurer who shall pay any debts incurred in holding the sale and then shall place the final proceeds in a special fund. If after sixty days the property is not reclaimed, the sheriff, or his designee, or the police chief, or his designee, may sell the property as provided by Section 56-5-5630."

SECTION   6.   Section 56-5-5630(a) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(a) When an abandoned motor vehicle has been taken into custody, the sheriff, or his designee, or chief of police, or his designee, shall notify within fifteen forty-five days, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, the last known registered owner of the vehicle and all lienholders of record that the vehicle has been taken into custody. The notice must describe the year, make, model, and serial number of the vehicle;, set forth where the motor vehicle is being held, inform the owner and any lienholders of the right to reclaim the motor vehicle within three weeks fifteen days after the date of the notice, upon payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and state that the failure of the owner or lienholders to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided is deemed a waiver by the owner and all lienholders of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle and consent to the sale of the vehicle at a public auction."

SECTION   7.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /

Amend title to conform.

Senator LEVENTIS explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

The following Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 410 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Bauer, Mescher, Holland, Ryberg, Ford, Wilson, Leatherman, J. Verne Smith, Verdin, Hutto, Reese, Passailaigue, Leventis, Alexander, Gregory, McConnell, Waldrep, Giese, Martin, Drummond, Moore, Anderson, Land, McGill, Ritchie, Elliott, Glover, Pinckney, Hawkins, Branton and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 8, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS, BY ADDING SECTION 8-1-135 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION IS NOT CONSIDERED A DUAL OFFICEHOLDER FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECTION 3, ARTICLE VI OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, IF HE HOLDS AN OFFICE IN ANOTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION.

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

S. 668 (Word version) -- Senator J. Verne Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-27-210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW, BY ADDING PARAGRAPHS TO SPECIFICALLY NAME NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES AND TO AUTOMATICALLY COVER EMPLOYING UNITS LIABLE UNDER THE FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT TAX ACT; TO AMEND CHAPTER 27, TITLE 4, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW, BY ADDING SECTION 41-27-235 TO PROVIDE NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES THE OPTION OF ELECTION AS A REIMBURSABLE EMPLOYER; TO AMEND SECTION 41-27-260, RELATING TO EXEMPTED EMPLOYMENT, TO CLARIFY THAT AN APPOINTED SUCCESSOR OF AN ELECTED OFFICIAL IS CONSIDERED THE SAME AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL AND TO ADD AN EXEMPTED EMPLOYMENT DEFINITION PERTAINING TO NATIVE AMERICANS; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-40, RELATING TO RATE COMPUTATION PERIODS, TO REDUCE THE INITIAL TWENTY-FOUR MONTH RATING PERIOD TO TWELVE MONTHS AND TO ONCE A YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-60, RELATING TO DELINQUENT REPORTS, TO REDUCE THE EMPLOYER DELINQUENT REPORT PENALTY FROM FIVE AND FOUR-TENTHS TO TWO AND SIXTY-FOUR HUNDREDTHS PERCENT; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-110, RELATING TO COMPUTATION RATES APPLICABLE TO SUCCESSORS, TO REDUCE THE SUCCESSOR RATING PERIOD TO ONCE A YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-160, RELATING TO FREQUENCY OF CONTRIBUTION REPORTS, TO REQUIRE ELECTRONIC WAGE REPORTS FOR EMPLOYERS REPORTING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY OR MORE EMPLOYEES IN 2003 AND EMPLOYERS REPORTING ONE HUNDRED OR MORE EMPLOYEES IN 2005; AND TO AMEND SECTION 41-33-80, RELATING TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND, TO CORRECT A SECTION REFERENCE.

Senator RYBERG explained the Bill.

S. 982 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 34-29-160, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONSUMER FINANCE LAW AND INSURANCE ON SECURITY AND BORROWER, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-5-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE KINDS OF INSURANCE FOR WHICH INSURERS MAY BE LICENSED, SO AS TO EXCLUDE TITLE INSURANCE FROM BEING CONSIDERED MULTIPLE LINES INSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 38-21-170 AND 38-21-270, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS, SO AS TO MODIFY THE PRESENT RESTRICTIONS BY DELETING THE EARNED SURPLUS REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-27-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE SPECIAL PURPOSE REINSURANCE VEHICLES WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF "PERSON"; TO AMEND SECTION 38-33-280, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES OF A HMO, SO AS TO MAKE HMO'S SUBJECT TO THE INSURANCE HOLDING COMPANY REGULATORY ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-44-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE EXAMINATION AND REVIEW OF MGA BY INSURER, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-45-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE WARNING STAMPED ON POLICIES OF ELIGIBLE SURPLUS LINES INSURERS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE LANGUAGE CONTAINED THEREIN; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-760, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STANDARDS FOR GROUP ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO CLARIFY CERTAIN MATTERS REGARDING THE EXTENSION OF LIABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-880, RELATING TO MEDICAL AND SURGICAL BENEFITS AND MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS, SO AS TO EXTEND PROVISIONS IN ORDER TO AVOID PREEMPTION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION AS WELL AS MAKE THE LANGUAGE MORE CONSISTENT WITH THAT USED THROUGHOUT CHAPTER 90, TITLE 38; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-20, RELATING TO THE LICENSING OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE APPLICABILITY OF SECTION 38-5-170 TO CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES SO AS TO CLARIFY THE CONTENTS OF THESE REPORTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-91-10, RELATING TO THE JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION, SO AS TO EXTEND THE PERIOD THAT CHAPTER 91, TITLE 38 REMAINS IN FORCE AND EFFECT.

Senator THOMAS explained the Bill.

H. 3447 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Cobb-Hunter, Jennings, Bales, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, G. Brown, J. Brown, Carnell, Davenport, Delleney, Edge, Harrison, Hayes, Hinson, Howard, Kelley, Knotts, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lourie, McCraw, Meacham-Richardson, J.H. Neal, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, F.N. Smith, J.E. Smith, Talley, Taylor, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Whipper, Wilkins, White, Miller and Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 63, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 FOR BOARDS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION; TO REVISE SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE CLASSIFICATIONS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE; TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS; AND TO PROVIDE A ONE-YEAR PERIOD WITHIN WHICH TO CONVERT A CURRENT LICENSE TO A LICENSE WITHIN THE REVISED CLASSIFICATIONS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment (NBD\11220AC02) proposed by the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

Senator MOORE proposed the following amendment (3447R001.TLM), which was adopted:

Amend the amendment bearing Document Number (NBD\ 11220AC02), page 8, Section 40-63-270 (B), by striking the word   /   prescription   /.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MOORE explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The following correcting amendment (3447R002.JVS) was placed in the Journal to reconcile errors included in the committee amendment as contained in Doc. No. NBD\11220AC02:

Amend the amendment bearing Document Number (NBD\ 11220AC02) by striking the amendment in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting pages 11 through 29 beginning on page 11, line 4 through page 29, line 42 and inserting:

/   "Section 40-63-5.   Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, Article 1, Chapter 1 of Title 40 applies to the Board of Social Work Examiners administered by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. If there is a conflict between this chapter and Article 1, Chapter 1 of Title 40, the provisions of this chapter control.

Section 40-63-10.   (A)   There is created the State Board of Social Work Examiners to be composed of seven members appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, including one lay member, two licensed baccalaureate social workers, two licensed master social workers, and two licensed independent social workers (clinical or advanced practice). All members must be residents of this State and the social workers must have been in the active practice of social work for at least five years before appointment. The terms of the members are for four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Members of the board are eligible for reappointment. The board shall have powers and duties as stated in Section 40-1-70. The board may promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The Governor may remove a member in accordance with Section 1-3-240. No member may be removed without an opportunity to refute the charges filed against him. He must be given a copy of the charges at the time they are filed. Vacancies on the board must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.

(B)   The members of the board shall qualify by taking an oath of office before a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths in this State.

(C)   Members may receive for their services mileage, expenses, subsistence, and per diem as provided by law for members of state boards, committees, and commissions.

Section 40-63-20. As used in this chapter:

(1)   'Advanced Practice Social Worker' means a person duly licensed to practice independent advanced practice social work under this act.

(2)   'Advanced Practice Supervision' means an interactional professional and educational relationship between an advanced practice supervisor and a social worker that provides evaluation and direction over the supervisee's practice of advanced practice social work and promotes continued development of the social worker's knowledge, skills, and abilities to engage in the practice of advanced practice social work in an ethical and competent manner.

(3)   'Approved Advanced Practice Supervisor' means a licensed advanced practice social worker who has met the qualifications as determined by the board.

(4)   'Approved Clinical Supervisor' means a licensed clinical social worker who has met the qualifications as determined by the board.

(5)   'Approved Provider of Continuing Education' means an individual, group, professional association, school, institution, organization, or agency approved by the board to conduct educational program(s).

(6)   'Baccalaureate Social Worker' means a person duly licensed to practice baccalaureate social work under this act.

(7)   'Board' means the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners.

(8)   'Case management' means a procedure to plan, provide, and monitor services from a variety of resources on behalf of and in collaboration with a client.

(9)   'Client' means the individual, couple, family, group, organization, or community that seeks or receives social work services.

(10)   'Clinical Social Worker' means a person duly licensed to practice clinical social work under this act.

(11)   'Clinical Supervision' means an interactional professional and educational relationship between a clinical supervisor and a social worker that provides evaluation and direction over the supervisee's practice of clinical social work and promotes continued development of the social worker's knowledge, skills, and abilities to engage in the practice of clinical social work in an ethical and competent manner.

(12)   'Consultation' means a problem solving process in which expertise is offered to an individual, group, organization, or community.

(13)   'Continuing education' means education and training, which are oriented to maintain, improve, or enhance social work practice.

(14)   'Continuing education contact hour' means a sixty (60) minute clock hour of instruction, not including breaks or meals.

(15)   'Counseling' means a method used by social workers to assist individuals, couples, families, and groups in learning how to solve problems and make decisions about personal, health, social, educational, vocational, financial, and other interpersonal concerns.

(16)   'Director' means the Director of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

(17)   'Examination' means a standardized test of social work knowledge, skills, and abilities approved by the board.

(18)   'Independent Social Worker - Advanced Practice' means a person duly licensed to practice Independent Social Work - Advanced Practice under this act.

(19)   'Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice' means a person duly licensed to practice Independent Social Work - Clinical Practice under this act.

(20)   'License' means an authorization to practice social work issued by the board pursuant to this chapter.

(21)   'Licensee' means an individual who has met the requirements for licensure under this chapter and has been issued a license to practice as a social worker.

(22)   'Masters Social Worker' means a person licensed to engage in the practice of Masters Social Work.

(23)   'Practice of Baccalaureate Social Work' means the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The practice of Baccalaureate Social Work is a basic generalist practice that includes assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, mediation, case management, information and referral, counseling, advocacy, supervision of employees, consultation, client education, research, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities. Baccalaureate Social Workers are not qualified to diagnose and treat mental illness nor provide psychotherapy services. Baccalaureate Social Work is practiced only in organized settings such as social, medical, or governmental agencies and may not be practiced independently or privately.

(24)   'Practice of Independent Social Work - Advanced Practice' means the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics, and the professional use of self to community and organizational systems (systemic and macrocosm issues) and other indirect (non-clinical) services. The Advanced Practice of Social Work includes activities such as community organization and development, social planning and policy development, administration of social work policies, programs and activities, outcome evaluation, client education, research, non-clinical supervision of employees and nonclinical consultation, nonclinical assessment and referral, mediation, expert testimony, and advocacy. A Licensed Independent Social Worker - AP may not practice clinical social work independently. The Independent Social Worker - AP may engage in the activities included under the practice of Masters Social Work. The practice of Independent Social Work- Advanced Practice may include private practice.

(25)   'Practice of Independent Social Work - Clinical Practice' means the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, and direct clinical needs of organizations and communities. The practice of Clinical Social Work requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, and conditions. Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family, and group counseling and psychotherapy. The practice of independent clinical social work includes case management, information and referral, mediation, client education, supervision of employees, consultation, research, advocacy, outcome evaluation, and expert testimony.   The practice of Independent Social Work - Clinical Practice may include private practice. A Licensed Independent Social Worker - CP may not practice advanced practice social work independently. The Independent Social Worker - CP may engage in the activities included under the practice of Masters Social Work.

(26)   'Practice of Masters Social Work' means the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, and ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Masters Social Work Practice requires the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, mediation, client education, counseling, advocacy, supervision of employees, consultation, research, community organization and development, administration of social work policies, programs and activities, and outcome evaluation. The practice of Masters Social Work may include the practice of Clinical Social Work under clinical supervision within a recognized, organized setting such as social, medical, and governmental agencies. LMSW's may engage only in supervised practice in such agencies and may not practice privately or independently.

(27)   'Private practice' means the provision of clinical or advanced social work services by a Licensed Independent Social Worker who assumes responsibility for the nature and quality of the services provided to the client in exchange for direct payment or third-party reimbursement.

(28)   'Psychotherapy' means the use of treatment methods utilizing a specialized, formal interaction between an appropriately Licensed Social Worker and an individual, couple, family, or group in which a therapeutic relationship is established, maintained, and sustained to understand unconscious processes, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and psychosocial dynamics, and the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, and addictions.

Section   40-63-30.     (A)   No individual shall offer social work services or use the designation 'Social Worker', 'Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker', 'Licensed Masters Social Worker', 'Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice', 'Licensed Independent Social Worker - Advanced Practice', or the initials 'LBSW', 'LMSW', or 'LISW' or any other designation indicating licensure status or hold themselves out as practicing social work or as a Baccalaureate Social Worker, Masters Social Worker, or Independent Social Worker unless licensed in accordance with this chapter.

(B)   A person providing social work services to a client in this State, through telephonic, electronic, or other means, regardless of the location of the social worker, who is not licensed in this State, is practicing without a license.

Section 40-63-40.   Board members from the general public may be nominated by an individual, group, or association and must be appointed by the Governor in accordance with Section 40-1-45, the section encouraging public and consumer membership on the boards administered by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Section 40-63-50.   (A)   In addition to the powers and duties enumerated in Section 40-1-50, the board shall:

(1)   at the first meeting of the board in each calendar year, elect a president and vice-president from its membership. A majority of the appointed members of the board constitutes a quorum. Regular meetings must be held four times a year. Special meetings may be held upon the call of the president or any two members of the board.

(2)   have a seal and the impression must be attached to all official documents issued by it. The board shall keep a full record of all its proceedings and maintain a complete registry of all Licensed Social Workers.

(B)   The board may promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

Section 40-63-60.   The board may adopt rules governing its proceedings.

Section 40-63-70.   In addition to the powers and duties provided in this chapter, the board has those powers and duties set forth in Section 40-1-70.

Section 40-63-80.   For the purpose of conducting an investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the board or a person designated by the board may subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any documents or records which the board considers relevant to the inquiry.

Section 40-63-90.   (A)   If the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or the board has reason to believe that a person has violated a provision of this article or a regulation promulgated under this article or that a licensee has become unfit to practice as a social worker or if a person files a written complaint with the board or the director, the director of the department may initiate an investigation. The results of an investigation must be presented to the board. If it appears that a violation has occurred or that a licensee has become unfit to practice as a Licensed Social Worker, the board may, in accordance with Administrative Procedures Act, take action as authorized by law. The board may designate a hearing officer or panel to conduct hearings or take other action as may be necessary.

(B)   The board shall notify the accused licensee in writing not less than thirty days before the hearing and a copy of the accusation must be attached to the notice. The notice must be served personally or sent to the accused licensee by registered mail, return receipt requested, directed to his last mailing address furnished to the board. The post office registration receipt signed by the accused licensee, his agent, or a responsible member of his household or office staff, or, if not accepted by the person to whom addressed, the postal authority stamp showing the notice refused, is prima facie evidence of service of the notice.

(C)   The accused licensee has the right to be present and present evidence and argument on all issues involved, to present and to cross-examine witnesses, and to be represented by counsel, at the accused licensee's expense. For the purpose of these hearings, the board may require by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and other evidence and may administer oaths and hear testimony, either oral or documentary, for and against the accused licensee. All investigations, inquiries, and proceedings undertaken under this chapter must be confidential, except as hereinafter provided.

(D)   Every communication, whether oral or written, made by or on behalf of any complainant to the board or its agents or any hearing panel or member, pursuant to this chapter, whether by way of complaint or testimony, is privileged and no action or proceeding, civil or criminal, lies against any person by whom or on whose behalf such communication has been made, except upon proof that such communication was made with malice.

(E)   No person connected with a complaint, investigation, or other proceeding before the board including, but not limited to, any witness, counsel, counsel's secretary, board member, board employee, court reporter, or investigator may mention the existence of the complaint, investigation, or other proceeding or disclose any information pertaining to the complaint, investigation, or proceeding, except to persons involved and having a direct interest in the complaint, investigation, or other proceeding, and then only to the extent necessary for the proper disposition of the complaint, investigation, or other proceeding. However, when the board receives information in a complaint, investigation, or other proceeding before it indicating a violation of a state or federal law, the board may provide that information, to the extent the board considers necessary, to the appropriate state or federal law enforcement agency or regulatory body. Nothing contained in this section may be construed to prevent the board from making public a copy of its final order in any proceeding, as authorized or required by law.

Section 40-63-100.   (A)   In addition to other remedies provided for in this chapter or Chapter 1, Title 40, the board in accordance with Section 40-1-100 may issue a cease and desist order or may petition an administrative law judge for a temporary restraining order or other equitable relief to enjoin a violation of this chapter.

(B)   If the board has reason to believe that a person is violating or intends to violate a provision of this chapter, it may, in addition to all other remedies, order the person to desist immediately and refrain from the conduct. The board may apply to an administrative law judge, as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1, for an injunction restraining the person from the conduct. The judge may issue a temporary injunction ex parte not to exceed ten days and, upon notice and full hearing, may issue any other order in the matter it considers proper. No bond may be required of the board by the judge as a condition to the issuance of an injunction or order contemplated by the provisions of this section.

Section 40-63-110.   (A)   The board may revoke, suspend, publicly reprimand, or otherwise restrict the practice or discipline a licensee when it is established that the licensee is guilty of misconduct as defined in this chapter.

(B)   Misconduct, which constitutes grounds for revocation, suspension, or restriction of practice or limitation on, reprimand, or other discipline of a licensee is a satisfactory showing to the board that:

(1)   a false, fraudulent, or forged statement or document has been used or a fraudulent, deceitful, or dishonest act has been practiced by the licensee in connection with a license requirement;

(2)   the licensee has been convicted of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude. Forfeiture of a bond or a plea of nolo contendere is considered the equivalent of a conviction;

(3)   the licensee violated a regulation, directive, or order of the board;

(4)   the licensee has knowingly performed an act which in any way assists a person to practice social work illegally;

(5)   the licensee has caused to be published or circulated directly or indirectly a fraudulent, false, or misleading statement as to the skill or methods of practice of a social worker;

(6)   the licensee practiced social work while under either the influence of alcohol or drugs to such a degree as to adversely affect his ability to practice;

(7)   the licensee uses alcohol or drugs to such a degree as to adversely affect the licensee's ability to practice social work;

(8)   the licensee has sustained any physical or mental impairment or disability which renders further practice by the licensee dangerous to the public;

(9)   the licensee has violated the principles of professional ethics or standards of conduct as adopted by the board and promulgated in regulations;

(10)   the licensee is guilty of obtaining fees or assisting in obtaining fees under deceptive, false, or fraudulent circumstances;

(11)   the licensee is guilty of the use of any intentionally false or fraudulent statement in any document connected with the practice of social work;

(12)   the licensee has been found by the board to lack the professional competence to practice social work;

(13)   the licensee has engaged in sexual contact with a current client or with a former client during a period of three years after the termination of the therapeutic relationship;

(14)   the licensee has compromised the validity or security of licensure examinations required or recognized by the board;

(15)   the licensee has engaged in unprofessional conduct as determined by the board.

(C)   In addition to all other remedies and actions incorporated in this chapter, the license of a social worker adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction is automatically suspended by the board until the licensee is adjudged competent by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 40-63-120.   Upon a determination by the board that one or more of the grounds for discipline of a licensee exists, as provided for in Section 40-63-100 or 40-1-110, the board may impose sanctions as provided in Section 40-1-120, including suspension, restriction, or revocation of a license and may impose a fine of not more than five thousand dollars for each violation.

Section 40-63-130.   As provided for in Section 40-1-130, the board may deny licensure to an applicant based on the same grounds for which the board may take disciplinary action against a licensee.

Section 40-63-140.     As provided for in Section 40-1-140, a license may not be denied based solely on a person's prior criminal record.

Section 40-63-150.     As provided for in Section 40-1-150, a licensee under investigation for a violation of this chapter or a regulation promulgated under this chapter may voluntarily surrender the license.

Section 40-63-160.   As provided for in Section 40-1-160, a person aggrieved by a final action of the board may seek review of the decision.

Section 40-63-170.   As provided for in Section 40-1-170, a person found in violation of this chapter or regulations promulgated under this chapter may be required to pay costs associated with the investigation and prosecution of the case.

Section 40-63-180.   All costs and fines imposed pursuant to this chapter must be paid in accordance with and are subject to the collection and enforcement provisions of Section 40-1-180.

Section 40-63-190.   No licensee, or any of his or her employees or associates, shall disclose information which he or she may have acquired during the course of service, except:

(1)   as mandated by Section 20-7-510, requiring certain professionals to report suspected child abuse and neglect, and Section 43-35-85, requiring certain professionals to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult;

(2)   to prevent a clear and immediate danger to a person or persons, in cases where the information is necessary to prevent the client from causing harm to himself or herself or to others;

(3)   where the licensee is a defendant in a civil, criminal, or disciplinary action arising from the course of service to the client in which case confidences may be disclosed only in the course of that action;

(4)   where the client is a party in a criminal or civil proceeding, and the client introduces his mental condition as an element of a claim or defense;

(5)   where there is a waiver of confidentiality previously obtained in writing, such information may be disclosed in accordance with the terms of the waiver. Competent clients, or their personal representatives, may consent to the release of confidences. In circumstances where more than one person receives services conjointly, each client who is legally competent to execute a waiver must agree to the waiver referred to in this subsection. Without a waiver from each client legally competent to execute a waiver, no confidences may be disclosed under this subsection;

(6)   Where otherwise required by law or an order signed by a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 40-63-200.   (A)   A person who practices or offers to practice as a social worker in this State in violation of this chapter or a regulation promulgated under this chapter or who knowingly submits false information to the board for the purpose of obtaining a license is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(B)   A person violating any other provision of this chapter or a regulation promulgated under this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

Section 40-63-210.   In addition to initiating a criminal proceeding for a violation of this chapter, the board may seek civil penalties and injunctive relief in accordance with Section 40-1-210, providing for civil actions through the Administrative Law Judge Division for injunctive relief as provided in other sections of this chapter.

Section 40-63-220.   To be licensed as a Baccalaureate Social Worker, an applicant must:

(1)   have submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board;

(2)   be at least twenty-one years of age;

(3)   be of good moral character;

(4)   have received a baccalaureate degree in social work from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body for social work programs, or from a social work program whose standards are at least equivalent to the minimum standards required by the nationally recognized accrediting body approved by the board;

(5)   have successfully passed an examination prescribed by the board;

(6)   have paid all applicable fees specified by the board.

Section 40-63-230.   To be licensed as a Masters Social Worker, an applicant must:

(1)   have submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board;

(2)   be at least twenty-one years of age;

(3)   be of good moral character;

(4)   have received a masters or doctorate degree in social work from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body for social work programs, or from a social work program whose standards are at least equivalent to the minimum standards required by the nationally recognized accrediting body as approved by the board;

(5)   have successfully passed an examination prescribed by the board;

(6)   have paid all applicable fees specified by the board.

Section 40-63-240.   (A)   To be licensed as an Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice, an applicant must:

(1)   have submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board;

(2)   be at least twenty-one years of age;

(3)   be of good moral character;

(4)   have received a masters or doctorate degree in social work from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body for social work programs, or from a social work program whose standards are at least equivalent to the minimum standards required by the nationally recognized accrediting body as approved by the board;

(5)   course work content from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body for social work programs or from a social work program whose standards are at least equivalent to the minimum standards required by the nationally recognized accrediting body as approved by the board shall include forty-five academic contact hours each of:

(a)   psychopathology;

(b)   psychodiagnostics;

(6)   demonstrate to the board the satisfactory completion of three thousand hours of social work practice under clinical supervision, which meets the following criteria, or demonstrate to the board's satisfaction equivalent supervised experience in the practice of Clinical Social Work. The board may review extraordinary circumstances related to supervised practice. Supervised practice under clinical supervision shall meet the following requirements:

(a)   must have occurred after licensure as a Masters Social Worker and over a minimum two-year and maximum four-year period;

(b)   must include face-to-face meetings between the approved clinical supervisor and the supervisee for a minimum of one hundred hours of direct clinical supervision equitably distributed;

(c)   be documented by a plan for clinical supervision, filed with the board before beginning the period of supervision, (properly amended by submission of a notice of the end of supervision and a termination evaluation if a supervisory change is made) and submitted to the board with a termination evaluation at the end of the supervisory period;

(7)   have obtained 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics during the course of the professional supervision period, or have completed a board sponsored specialty course in professional ethics;

(8)   have successfully passed an examination prescribed by the board;

(9)   have paid all applicable fees specified by the board.

(B)   To be licensed as an Independent Social Worker - Advanced Practice, an applicant must:

(1)   have submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board;

(2)   be at least twenty-one years of age;

(3)   be of good moral character;

(4)   have received a masters or doctorate degree in social work from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body for social work programs, or from a social work program whose standards are at least equivalent to the minimum standards required by the nationally recognized accrediting body as approved by the board;

(5)   course work content shall include 90 academic contact hours of course work in advanced social work practice with communities and organizations;

  (6)   demonstrate to the board the satisfactory completion of three thousand hours of social work practice under advanced practice supervision, which meets the following criteria, or demonstrate to the board's satisfaction equivalent supervised experience in the practice of advanced practice social work. The board may review extraordinary circumstances related to supervised practice. Supervised practice under advanced practice supervision shall meet the following requirements:

(a)   must have occurred after licensure as a Masters Social Worker and over a minimum two-year and maximum four-year period;

(b)   must include face-to-face meetings between the approved advanced practice supervisor and the supervisee for a minimum of one hundred hours of direct advanced practice supervision equitably distributed;

(c)   be documented by a plan for advanced practice supervision, filed with the board before beginning the period of supervision, (properly amended by submission of a notice of the end of supervision and a termination evaluation if a supervisory change is made) and submitted to the board with a termination evaluation at the end of the supervisory period;

(7)   have obtained fifteen academic contact hours or twenty continuing education contact hours in professional ethics during the course of the professional supervision period, or have completed a board sponsored specialty course in professional ethics;

(8)   have successfully passed an examination prescribed by the board;

(9)   have paid all applicable fees specified by the board.

(C)   The qualifications for an Approved Advanced Practice Supervisor are that the licensee must:

(1)   be a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Advanced Practice;

(2)   have successfully passed an examination prescribed by the board;

(3)   have a minimum of four thousand five hundred hours of advanced practice earned over a period of not less than three years beyond receipt of an LISW-AP;

(4)   have obtained forty-five academic contact hours or forty-five continuing education contact hours in supervision.

(D)   The qualifications for a Clinical Practice Supervisor are that the licensee must:

(1)   be a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice;

(2)   have successfully passed an examination prescribed by the board;

(3)   have a minimum of four thousand five hundred hours of clinical practice earned over a period of not less than three years beyond receipt of an LISW-CP;

(4)   have obtained forty-five academic contact hours or forty-five continuing education contact hours in supervision.

Section 40-63-250.   (A)   If an applicant satisfies all licensure requirements required in this chapter, the board may issue a license to the applicant. A license is a personal right and not transferable, and the issuance of a license is evidence that the person is entitled to all rights and privileges of a licensed social worker while the license remains current and unrestricted. However, the license is the property of the State and upon suspension or revocation immediately must be returned to the board.

(B)   A licensee under this chapter must display the license in a prominent and conspicuous place in the primary place of practice.

(C)   A licensee under this chapter must indicate his or her category of licensure following his or her name or signature on all professional documents.

(D)   Licenses issued under this chapter must be renewed every two years upon the payment of a renewal fee and upon the fulfillment of continuing education as determined by the board in regulation.

(E)   Any licensee who allows his license to lapse by failing to renew the license as provided in this section may be reinstated by the board upon satisfactory explanation by the licensee of his failure to renew his license and upon payment of a reinstatement fee and the current renewal fee to be determined by the board. If a license has lapsed for more than one year, the board may impose further educational requirements for reinstatement. If a license has lapsed for more than two years, the person must reapply for licensure. Any person practicing as a social worker during the time that his license has lapsed has engaged in unlicensed practice and is subject to penalties provided for in Section 40-63-30.

Section 40-63-260.   (A)   In order for a social worker currently licensed in another jurisdiction to obtain a license as a social worker in this State, the applicant must:

(1)   have submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the board;

(2)   be at least twenty-one years of age;

(3)   be of good moral character;

(4)   have received a baccalaureate, masters, or doctorate degree in social work from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body for social work programs, or from a social work program whose standards are at least equivalent to the minimum standards required by the nationally recognized accrediting body as approved by the board;

(5)   have successfully passed an examination prescribed by the board;

(6)   have presented to the board evidence that all social work licenses possessed by the applicant are current and in good standing;

(7)   have presented to the board proof that no professional licenses granted to the applicant in any other state have been suspended, revoked, or restricted for any reason except nonrenewal or for the failure to obtain the required continuing education; and

(8)   have paid all applicable fees specified by the board.

(B)   An applicant for licensure under this section is only eligible for licensure at the equivalent designation recognized in the jurisdiction in which he or she is currently licensed.

Section 40-63-270.   (A)   A licensee shall make available to each client a copy of a statement of professional disclosure. The statement of professional disclosure shall include the licensee's address and telephone number, fee schedule, educational training, and areas of specialization. All social workers subject to this chapter must provide the client with a statement of their rights and procedures to file a complaint prescribed by the board.

(B)   No licensee may engage in prescribing or in dispensing prescription medications.

Section 40-63-280.   The Board of Social Work Examiners may promulgate regulations setting forth standards of conduct for persons licensed by the board and may establish regulations pertaining to the practice of impaired licensees.

Section 40-63-290.   Nothing in this chapter prevents:

(1)   members of the clergy and licensed, registered, certified, or qualified professionals including, but not limited to, physicians, elementary or secondary teachers, nurses, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed psycho-education specialists and attorneys from practicing their professions and delivering similar services within the scope of their respective practices provided they do not hold themselves out to the public by any title or description as being social workers;

(2)   employees of licensed hospitals in this State from performing services commonly within the definition of social work if the services are performed within the course of and scope of their employment as an employee of the hospital, and the employee is not identified in any way as a social worker;

(3)   persons from rendering services that are the same as or similar to those within the scope of practice provided for in this chapter if the person receives no remuneration from any source for the rendering of the service and the person is not identified in any way as a social worker;

(4)   students who are engaged in field placements or other closely supervised practice while enrolled in accredited programs of study leading to social work degrees from practicing social work;

(5)   employees of the State of South Carolina from performing services commonly within the definition of social work if the services are performed within the course of and scope of their employment with the State, and if he/she has been specifically trained to perform these services and the employee is not identified in any way as a social worker;

(6)   social workers so licensed in another jurisdiction may, after notice to the board, practice within the scope of their licenses during or immediately following a declared or recognized emergency for a period not to exceed sixty days.

Section 40-63-300.   If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this chapter 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 chapter, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this chapter, 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 2.   (A)   For one year after this act's effective date, social work licenses issued pursuant to Chapter 63, Title 40 of the 1976 Code prior to amendment of Chapter 63 by Section 1 of this act must be converted to licenses authorized pursuant to this act as follows:

(1)   Current Licensed Independent Social Workers, who have already successfully passed either the clinical or advanced practice examination, must be immediately granted a Clinical Practice or Advanced Practice designation by the board, according to the examination passed. Those with at least three years' practice as a Licensed Independent Social Worker shall immediately qualify to be an Approved Clinical Supervisor or an Approved Advanced Practice Supervisor.

(2)   Current Licensed Independent Social Workers who hold the Masters of Social Work or doctorate degree in social work shall submit their major practice area to the board for evaluation and determination of the appropriate licensure designation of Clinical Practice and/or Advanced Practice. An individual has the option to take the exam or exams for designation of Clinical Practice and/or Advanced Practice. Those with at least thirteen years of practice as a Licensed Independent Social Worker may submit their qualifications for evaluation and determination by the board to be an Approved Clinical Supervisor and/or an Approved Advanced Practice Supervisor.

(3)   Current Licensed Independent Social Workers who do not hold the Masters of Social Work or doctorate degree in social work shall, within four years of the date of this act, attain a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice and/or Licensed Independent Social Worker - Advanced Practice License by meeting the examination requirements of the board or cease and desist from independent practice and accept licensure as a Licensed Masters Social Worker.

(4)   Current Licensed Masters Social Workers must be immediately granted a Licensed Masters Social Worker License.

(5)   Current Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers must be immediately granted a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker License.

(B)   Licensed Masters Social Workers who as of the effective date of this act are engaged in the practice of independent social work may be granted a license as follows:

(1)   Licensed Masters Social Workers currently engaged in the practice of independent social work shall within four years of the date of this act, attain a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice License or a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Advanced Practice License by meeting the supervision and examination requirements of the board or cease and desist from independent practice.

(2)   Licensed Masters Social Workers with a Masters of Social Work or doctorate degree in social work may submit their experience and supervision to the board for consideration of a waiver of current supervision requirements. Applicants who hold the Academy of Certified Social Workers, the Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, or the Board Certified Diplomat credential must be considered to have satisfactory evidence of supervision. Upon verification of their experience and supervision, these individuals may qualify for a Licensed Independent Social Worker License by successfully passing the Clinical or Advanced Practice Examination.

SECTION   3.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The committee amendment, as amended by the Clerk's perfecting amendment, was adopted, as amended.

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

H. 3510 (Word version) -- Reps. McLeod, Davenport, Lourie and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 23, TITLE 40 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS OPERATORS, SO AS TO CONFORM THE CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 FOR BOARDS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION; TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS OPERATORS; AND AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF WELL DRILLER LICENSE TYPES AND TO ORGANIZE THESE LICENSES INTO WELL CONSTRUCTION CATEGORIES; TO PROVIDE FOR BONDING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRACTICE OF WELL DRILLING; TO ELIMINATE PERCOLATION TEST TECHNICIAN LICENSURE; TO PROVIDE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR UNLICENSED PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT OF LICENSEES; TO PROHIBIT COLLECTION ACTIONS BY PERSONS DRILLING WELLS WITHOUT A LICENSE AND TO PROVIDE FOR A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION TO PLAINTIFFS TO RECOVER PAYMENTS MADE FOR WELL DRILLING PERFORMED WITHOUT A LICENSE; TO EXPAND UPON AND CLARIFY THE GROUNDS FOR SANCTIONABLE MISCONDUCT OF LICENSEES; TO REQUIRE TEMPORARY AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION OF A LICENSEE UPON CONVICTION OF CERTAIN CRIMES; TO CLARIFY THAT THE BOARD'S JURISDICTION OVER MISCONDUCT OF LICENSEES INCLUDES PRELICENSURE MISCONDUCT AND ACTIONS DURING LICENSURE BUT PROSECUTED AFTER A LICENSE BECOMES INACTIVE; TO CLARIFY THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES OF WITNESSES, INVESTIGATORS, THE BOARD, AND OTHERS INVOLVED IN DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR CONFIDENTIALITY OF INVESTIGATIONS AND COMPLAINANT INFORMATION; TO MODIFY THE POWERS OF THE BOARD IN GRANTING LICENSURE TO NONRESIDENTS; AND TO EXPRESSLY REQUIRE LIBERAL INTERPRETATION OF THE PRACTICE ACT IN FAVOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following amendment (H-3510 AMENDMENT1), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 40-23-10(C), page 12, by striking lines 32-33 and inserting:

/(C) Members shall serve terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. The/

Amend further, Section 40-23-200, page 24, by striking line 26 and inserting:

/than one year or fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both./

Amend further, Section 40-23-230, page 25, by striking lines 42-43, and on page 26, by striking lines 1-27.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MOORE explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

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

The following Bill, having been read the second time, was ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:

S. 823 (Word version) -- Senators Leventis, Richardson, Hayes, Waldrep, Elliott and Reese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 45-2-90 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT AN INNKEEPER CONSPICUOUSLY POST TELEPHONE, E-MAIL, ON-LINE, AND FAX RATES CHARGED IN ITS LODGING ESTABLISHMENT.

Senator RYBERG explained the Bill.

S. 965 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-175 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE CAPTIVE INSURANCE REGULATORY AND SUPERVISION FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF REGULATION OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR "SPECIAL PURPOSES CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY"; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-20, RELATING TO THE LICENSING OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SPECIAL PURPOSE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY ONLY INSURE THE RISKS OF ITS PARENT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-40, RELATING TO THE CAPITALIZATION REQUIREMENTS OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO DETERMINE THE REQUISITE AMOUNT OF UNIMPAIRED CAPITAL THAT A SPECIAL PURPOSE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY MUST POSSESS IN ORDER TO BE LICENSED AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE REQUISITE CAPITAL MAY BE IN THE FORM OF CASH EQUIVALENT INVESTMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-50, RELATING TO THE FREE SURPLUS REQUIREMENTS OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO DETERMINE THE REQUISITE AMOUNT OF FREE SURPLUS THAT A SPECIAL PURPOSE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY MUST POSSESS IN ORDER TO BE LICENSED; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-140, RELATING TO THE AGGREGATE TAXES PAID BY A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO ALLOW A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY IN ITS FIRST OPERATING YEAR TO PAY THE MINIMUM PREMIUM TAX ON A PRORATED SCHEDULE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-160, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER 90, TITLE 38, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO EXEMPT SPECIAL PURPOSE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS, FROM THOSE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 90, TITLE 38 THAT HE DETERMINES TO BE INAPPROPRIATE GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE RISKS TO BE INSURED.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

The following correcting amendment (965R001.DLT) was placed in the Journal to reconcile errors included in the committee amendment (SKB\18199ZCW02):

Amend the amendment bearing Document Number (SKB\ 18199ZCW02) by striking the amendment in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof:

/Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 38-90-175 as contained in SECTION 1, page 2, lines 22 and 23, by striking:

/premiums taxed under Section 38-90-140(H)   /

and inserting:

/taxes collected by the department pursuant to Chapter 90       /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

The Committee on Banking and Insurance proposed the following amendment (SKB\18199ZCW02), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 38-90-175 as contained in SECTION 1, page 2, lines 22 and 23, by striking / premiums taxed under Section 38-90-140(H) / and inserting:

/ taxes collected by the department pursuant to Chapter 90 of Title 38/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The committee amendment was adopted, as amended.

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

S. 237 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 40, CHAPTER 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL BOARDS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, TO PROVIDE CITATION PENALTIES, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS, RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS, AND HOME INSPECTORS.

Senator HUTTO objected to the Bill.

S. 1017 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 24, ARTICLE III, SECTION 3, ARTICLE VI, AND SECTION 1A, ARTICLE XVII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, ALL RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST DUAL OFFICE HOLDING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MUST PROVIDE BY LAW FOR THE OFFICES WHICH ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE DUAL OFFICE HOLDING PROHIBITION.

Senator MARTIN explained the Joint Resolution.

On motion of Senator RYBERG, with unanimous consent, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

H. 3307 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Knotts, Jennings, Carnell, Govan, Whatley, Dantzler, Lee, Miller, Snow, Breeland, Hosey, Rutherford, J.E. Smith, Rivers, Weeks and Rhoad: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 57 TO TITLE 33 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY ACT"; TO PROVIDE FOR A STATE LOTTERY AND TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY CORPORATION TO CONDUCT THE STATE LOTTERY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE CORPORATION'S BOARD MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND POWERS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF A LOTTERY RETAILERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE; TO PROVIDE FOR THE METHOD OF CONTRACTING WITH VENDORS AND RETAILERS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE SALE OF LOTTERY GAME TICKETS AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES; TO PROVIDE FOR ALLOCATION OF LOTTERY PROCEEDS WHICH MUST BE USED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND PROGRAMS; TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR SELLING A LOTTERY TICKET TO A MINOR, PURCHASING A LOTTERY TICKET AS A MINOR, AND DEFRAUDING OR OTHERWISE TAMPERING WITH THE LOTTERY OR MAKING MATERIAL REPRESENTATIONS IN AN APPLICATION OR REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOTTERY; TO CREATE A SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE; TO PROVIDE FOR SET-OFF DEBT COLLECTION FROM PRIZE WINNINGS; TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT INTO WHICH THE NET REVENUE RECEIVED FROM THE STATE EDUCATION LOTTERY MUST BE DEPOSITED AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2001-02 FOR SPECIFIED PURPOSES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-3-240, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ENTITIES FROM WHICH AN APPOINTEE BY THE GOVERNOR MAY BE REMOVED IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY CORPORATION TO THAT LIST OF ENTITIES.

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

Senators RICTHIE, MARTIN and LEATHERMAN proposed the following Amendment No. P-1A (3307R002.JHR), which was carried over:

Amend Amendment No. 1 bearing document number JUD3307.008, as and if amended, by striking the amendment in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

/   SECTION   1.   A.   Chapter 150 of Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-150-355.   (A)   There is appropriated for the following purposes and programs annually from the Education Lottery Account on a fiscal year basis beginning July 1, 2002, with fiscal year 2002-2003, the amounts indicated as provided in this section; however, no distribution may be made from the Education Lottery Account until net proceeds in the account exceed thirty-five million dollars.

(B)   Subject to subsection (A), the first $100,000,000 in the Education Lottery Account must be appropriated as follows:

(1)   The expansion of LIFE Scholarships: an amount, not to exceed $45,200,000, which must be used to fund an increase in LIFE Scholarships to $4,200, which includes tuition costs and a $300 book allowance, for eligible students attending eligible public and independent four-year institutions of higher learning in this State and the cost of tuition without a book allowance for eligible students attending a public or independent two-year institution of higher learning or technical college in this State. Any excess monies over what is required to fund the increase attributable to this item must be allocated to the remaining items in this subsection.

(2)   Funding of Palmetto Fellows Scholarships: an amount, not to exceed $7,100,000, which must be used to fund the Palmetto Fellows Award at the level of $7,500 a year, a percentage of which must be used for higher education scholarships and grants for students attending independent institutions of higher learning in this State. This percentage must equal the percentage of the independent institutions' share of the total state resident undergraduate full-time enrollment (FTE) of all public and independent institutions of higher learning based on the previous year's data as determined by the Commission on Higher Education and the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission. These Palmetto Fellows Scholarship in combination with all other grants and scholarships may not exceed the cost of attendance at the institution. Any excess monies over what is required to fund the Palmetto Fellows Award at that level must be allocated to the remaining items in this subsection.

(3)   Funding of SC HOPE Scholarships: an amount, not to exceed $6,500,000, which must be used to fund the SC HOPE Scholarship program in the amount of $3,000 to an eligible student entering the freshman year of undergraduate study at an eligible four-year institution of higher learning as defined in Section 59-50-370(B). A student receiving a Palmetto Fellows Scholarship or a LIFE Scholarship or who graduates in the top thirty percent of his class but without a 'B' average is ineligible to receive a HOPE Scholarship. Any excess monies over what is required to fund the HOPE Scholarship program must be allocated to the remaining item in this section.

(4)   Free tuition for two-year and technical colleges: an amount constituting the balance of the first $100,000,000 distributed pursuant to this subsection, but not less than $41,200,000, to the State Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education and the Commission on Higher Education pro rata, based on the number of students enrolled in the state's technical colleges and public two-year institutions of higher learning as provided in Section 59-150-360, as follows: to fund the free tuition of any eligible student who does not qualify for the LIFE Scholarship and who:

(a)   is a South Carolina resident for at least one year;

(b)   is enrolled and maintains six credit hours each semester in a certificate, degree, or diploma program;

(c)   makes reasonable progress toward completion of the requirements for the certificate, degree, or diploma program including, but not limited to, the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0;

(d)   completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and first applies any federal monies and needs-based grants received to his cost of tuition.

Lottery tuition assistance at independent two-year institutions must be the same as the maximum in-state tuition rate at a two-year public institution.

(C)   After the full funding of items in subsection (B), the following programs must be funded in the following amounts. If the available monies do not equal at least $27,000,000 for funding of items (1) through (8) of this subsection, each program must be funded its pro rata share after a proportionate reduction among programs represented by items (1) through (8):

(1)   $10,000,000--Endowed Chairs Matching Grant Programs at this state's senior research universities, the Medical University of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina, and Clemson University, as follows: to the Commission on Higher Education for the funding of matching grants to establish endowed research professorships at the state's three senior research institutions, MUSC, USC, and Clemson University. The monies must be distributed to the named universities pursuant to a competitive bid process as developed by the Commission on Higher Education and that seeks to support and encourage research with the end of strengthening the state's economic posture. The applicants must certify that the nonstate funds to be matched by awarded grants are actually in hand. The Commission on Higher Education may use a reasonable portion of the funds, not to exceed one percent, to administer the grants program.

(2)   $4,000,000--College Technology Investment Matching Grant Program as follows: to the Commission on Higher Education and used to fund matching grants for technology infrastructure including, but not limited to, connectivity, upgrade, hardware, software, management, maintenance, installation, and training at this state's public four-year and two-year institutions of higher learning, branches of the USC, and institutions in the technical and comprehensive education system, as defined in Sections 59-103-15(B)(2), (3), and (4), not to include the state's three senior research universities, MUSC, USC, and Clemson University. The monies must be allocated to the Commission on Higher Education for distribution in the amount of at least $100,000 to eligible institutions according to a competitive application process based on objective criteria developed by the Commission on Higher Education, which includes a certification from the applicant that the matching funds from a nonstate appropriated source are in hand. Up to one percent of the allocated amount may be used by the Commission on Higher Education to fund its administration of the program.

(3)   $1,500,000--South Carolina State Library for funding public library state aid.

(4)   $5,000,000--South Carolina Department of Education to be allocated for technology connectivity, upgrade, hardware, software, management, maintenance, installation, and training in grades K-12.

(5)   $1,500,000--Commission on Higher Education to fund the National Guard Tuition Repayment Program.

(6)   $2,000,000--Commission on Higher Education to fund need-based grants for students and grants to teachers for advanced education with priority to annual grants for teachers working toward the master's degree or advanced education in their areas.

(7)   $1,000,000--State Department of Education for school-based grants for pilot programs.

(8)   $2,000,000--State Department of Education for the funding of homework centers.

(9)   The balance over $27,000,000 after funding of items (1) through (8), in an amount not to exceed $24,000,000, must be allocated to the Department of Education for distribution of funds through local school districts with priority given to schools designated as below average or unsatisfactory in accordance with the Education Accountability Act."

B.   The following education purposes and programs must be funded in the following nonrecurring amounts from net proceeds accumulated in the Education Lottery Account from January 7, 2002, through June 30, 2002; however, no distribution may be made from the Education Lottery Account until net proceeds in the account exceed $35,000,000:

(1)   $30,000,000 to the State Department of Education for the purchase of new school buses, with the first $600,000 to be allocated to the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind.

(2)   $18,500,000 to South Carolina Education Television for digitalization.

(3)   $10,000,000 to the Commission on Higher Education for the Endowed Research Chairs Matching Grant Program.

(4)   $5,000,000 to the Commission on Higher Education for the funding of the Technology Investment Matching Grant Program at the state's public two-year and four-year institutions of higher learning, two-year branches of the USC, and technical colleges.

(5)   $3,700,000 to a Scholarship Reserve Fund, distinct and separate from other monies in the Education Lottery Account, to be managed by the State Treasurer and designated for use to overcome a shortfall in scholarship funding.

(6)   One-half the remaining balance to the Scholarship Reserve Fund and one-half to the State Department of Education to fund the purchase of new school buses.

SECTION   2.   (A)   This section is known and may be cited as the "South Carolina Research Centers of Economic Excellence Act".

(B)   The General Assembly finds:

(1)   it is in the public interest to create incentives for the senior research universities of South Carolina consisting of Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of South Carolina to raise capital from the private sector to fund endowments for professorships in research areas targeted to create well-paying jobs and enhanced economic opportunities for the people of South Carolina;

(2)   these endowed professorships should be used to recruit and maintain leading scientists and engineers at the senior research universities of South Carolina for the purposes of developing and leveraging the research capabilities of the universities for the creation of well-paying jobs and enhanced economic opportunities in knowledge-based industries for all South Carolinians;

(3)   in communities across the United States in which better paying jobs and enhanced economic development in knowledge-based industries has flourished, the local or state government has created incentives and made a long-term commitment to public and private funding for a significant number of endowments for professorships in targeted knowledge-based industries;

(4)   the South Carolina Education Lottery provides a source of funding and an incentive for the senior research universities to raise, in dollar-for-dollar matching amounts, sums from nonstate sources sufficient to create endowed professorships;

(5)   these endowed professorships should be awarded to the senior research universities through a competitive application process, provided that the competitive process shall encourage the senior research universities to submit cooperative applications with one another as well as in cooperation with other institutions of higher education;

(6)   these endowed professorships, funded equally from the South Carolina Education Lottery and from other nonstate sources, provide a foundation for the creation of centers of economic excellence.

(C)   Title 2 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 2-75-10.   There is created the Research Centers of Excellence Review Board. The board shall consist of nine members. Of the nine members, three must be appointed by the Governor, three must be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and three must be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The terms of members are three years, and members are eligible to be appointed for no more than two additional terms. Of the members initially appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore, and the Speaker of the House, one shall be appointed for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, and one for a term of three years, the initial term of each member to be designated by the Governor, President Pro Tempore, and Speaker of the House when making the appointments. The Governor, the President Pro Tempore, and the Speaker of the House shall appoint persons with substantial experience in business, law, accounting, technology, manufacturing, engineering, education, or other professions and experience which provide an understanding of the purposes of this chapter. The board shall be responsible for developing procedures for independent peer review of funding applications and the awarding of matching funds as provided in Section 2-75-60, determination of suggested targeted knowledge-based industries for which proposals must be accepted, and for oversight and operation of the fund created by Section 2-75-30. The review board shall provide an annual report to the Budget and Control Board, which shall include an audit performed by an independent auditor.

Independent peer review means a systematic review of the funding application by individuals who possess the technical skills and professional competencies and experiences necessary to be recognized as experts in the field under review and who are not affiliated with the public higher education system in South Carolina.

Section 2-75-20.   The presidents of the senior research universities shall serve as ex officio nonvoting members of the board.

Section 2-75-30.   There is created the Centers of Excellence Matching Endowment. The endowment must be funded annually by appropriations from the South Carolina Education Lottery Account in the amounts provided by the General Assembly. The fund must be managed by the State Treasurer, subject to awards from the endowment as provided in this chapter.

Section 2-75-40.   The senior research universities, individually, in conjunction with one or more other senior research universities or with other South Carolina higher education institutions, may make application for awards from the endowment as provided in this chapter.

Section 2-75-50.   An application for an award from the endowment shall:

(1)   provide to the board documentation of matching funds in an amount equal to the amount for which application is made;

(2)   provide to the board documentation that all matching funds have been committed and raised exclusively from sources other than South Carolina tax dollars, and that the funds have been committed and raised after January 1, 2002;

(3)   be in an amount of not less than two million dollars and not more than five million dollars;

(4)   document that the application has significant potential to provide for enhanced economic development for the citizens of South Carolina in a specified knowledge-based industry or field of commerce;

(5)   provide specific partnering activities with other institutions, businesses, or the community.

Section 2-75-60.   Upon a determination by the board that the provisions of Section 2-75-50 have been met, the board shall solicit recommendations from independent reviewers on the merits of the application. The board shall develop lists of qualified reviewers from among experts on the subject matter area of the application. In developing its lists, the board shall consult known authorities on the subject matter and shall consult relevant persons from renowned federal and private, nonprofit research organizations. Upon identifying a list of candidates to serve as reviewers, the board shall select no fewer than five who shall have expertise in subject matter areas of the application and shall have no affiliation with the senior research universities or any other institution comprising the South Carolina public higher education system. The board shall allow a maximum of ninety days within which to receive recommendations from the reviewers. Upon receiving recommendations, the board shall award the matching funds from the endowment based on the recommendations from the peer reviewers.

Section 2-75-70.   Staff and support for the operations of the board and the panels must be provided by the Commission on Higher Education. The Commission on Higher Education shall approve all necessary funds for the prudent operation of the board, including per diem expenses of board members and for the costs and expenses of the panel members. The expenditures authorized by this section must be provided from the fund created by Section 2-75-30 upon approval by the commission."

(D)   If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this section 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 section, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this section, 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   3.   Section 59-150-360(A) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 59 of 2001, is amended to read:

"(A)   A person who qualifies for in-state tuition rates pursuant to Chapter 112, Title 59 may attend, tuition-free, a technical college of this State or a public two-year institution of higher learning, subject to the availability of funds. A person who qualifies for in-state tuition rates pursuant to this title may attend an independent two-year institution of higher learning and receive lottery tuition assistance each year up to the maximum in-state tuition rate at a two-year public institution. In order to qualify, a student must not be a recipient of a LIFE Scholarship and must:

(1)   be a South Carolina resident for a minimum of one year;

(2)   be enrolled and maintain six credit hours each semester in a certificate, degree, or diploma program;

(3)   make reasonable progress toward completion of the requirements for the certificate, degree, or diploma program, including maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0; and

(4)   complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, and first apply any federal monies and needs-based grants received to the cost of his tuition.

The South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education or the Commission on Higher Education, as appropriate, may provide regulations for the implementation of this section."

SECTION   4.   Section 59-150-350(D) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 59 of 2001 is amended to read:

"(D)   At the beginning of the first fiscal year after the state lottery becomes operational, the Comptroller General shall certify the amount of net proceeds including investment earnings on the net proceeds credited to and accrued in the Education Lottery Account during the preceding fiscal year. The sum of certified net proceeds and investment earnings must be designated as annual lottery proceeds. Appropriations from the Education Lottery Account must be allocated only for educational purposes and educational programs by the General Assembly in its annual general appropriations bill or any bill appropriating monies for previous or current fiscal years. Funds made available from the Education Lottery Account must be used to provide Palmetto Fellows Scholarships to all eligible applicants, to provide LIFE Scholarships for eligible resident students attending four-year public institutions in those amounts provided by law; up to one percent of net proceeds to be allocated to the South Carolina State Library for public library state aid, to be distributed to county public libraries on a per capita basis and to be used for educational technology delivery, upgrade, and maintenance; to the Commission on Higher Education for free tuition at state technical colleges and two-year public institutions; for the SC HOPE Scholarship Program; to the Department of Education to be allocated to K-12 school technology; to the Department of Education for school-based grants for pilot programs, to include programs providing deregulation as requested by school districts with an overall absolute or improved designation of average or better, with first priority given to schools reported as average, below average, or unsatisfactory in accordance with the Education Accountability Act; to the Department of Education to fund homework centers, and these funds must be allocated to the local school districts based on a per pupil basis and may be used for salaries for certified teachers and for transportation costs, provided that priority in the distribution of funds must be given to schools designated as below average or unsatisfactory in accordance with the Education Accountability Act; to the Commission on Higher Education for higher education assistance, including need-based grants, grants to teachers for advanced education with priority to annual grants earmarked for teachers working toward their masters' degree or advanced education in their areas of certification, or both; for the National Guard Tuition Repayment Program; and funding for elementary and secondary public education as determined pursuant to the Education Accountability Act of 1998 and education improvement legislation enacted into law after the effective date of this chapter; new programs enacted by the General Assembly for public institutions of higher learning, including public four-year colleges and universities and their branches and two-year colleges, as defined in Section 59-103-5, and state technical colleges, which programs may include the creation of endowed chairs at the state's universities, with an emphasis in the areas of, but not limited to, engineering, computer science, and the sciences; and Youth Education Scholarships of up to and not to exceed one thousand dollars, to be determined in the annual general appropriations bill to resident parents of a four-year-old who attains the age of four years by September first of the school year the scholarship is received and who attends a public or private, for profit or nonprofit kindergarten, preschool, home school, or child development center program provided in this State. The scholarship is payable from the lottery proceeds through the Department of Education directly to the school in the name of the attending child after the department confirms that the program meets the following criteria that include, but are not limited to, language and literacy programs that help the child understand and tell stories, recognize pictures and words, learn the alphabet, and understand that writing is communication; math concepts that teach the child to count and sort objects into groups, recognize shapes, and make comparisons of size, shape, length, and weight; science concepts that teach the child to explore the natural environment, observe seasonal changes, communicate observations, and use tools to measure; art concepts that help the child express ideas and thoughts in creative ways, paint, draw, and sculpt, listen to music and sing songs, and recognize colors; and physical development activities that help the child move with balance and coordination, participate in indoor and outdoor physical activity, and use writing tools, puzzles, scissors, blocks, clay, and computers. The proportion of total recurring general fund and special fund revenues of the State expended for the total of public elementary, secondary, and higher education allocations in any fiscal year must not be less than the proportions in the fiscal year immediately before the fiscal year in which education revenues are first received from a state lottery and must not be reduced or supplanted later by revenues received from a state lottery."

SECTION   5.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MARTIN explained the amendment.

Senator MOORE raised a Point of Order that Amendment No. P-1A was out of order inasmuch as it was violative of Rule 24B of the Senate Rules because it attempted to change permanent law through specific items contained in the amendment.

Senators MARTIN, MOORE and SETZLER spoke on the Point of Order.

The PRESIDENT took the Point of Order under advisement.

Senator MARTIN continued speaking on the amendment.

On motion of Senator MOORE, with unanimous consent, the Point of Order was withdrawn.

Senator RITCHIE explained the amendment.

On motion of Senator RITCHIE, with unanimous consent, Amendment No. P-1A was carried over.

Senator MOORE spoke on the Bill.

On motion of Senator SETZLER, with unanimous consent, debate was interrupted by adjournment.

At 1:41 P.M., on motion of Senator SETZLER, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 2:00 P.M.

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