Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

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

Beloved, hear the Psalmist singing to every generation, Psalm 113:3:

"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord's Name is to be praised."
Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, You are the God of the Hebrew children and our God.

You have led us and helped us through many days!

Help us now as we continue to make progress in discovering what is best for our people.

Forbid that in our haste we might make immature judgments.

May our thoughts and our decisions this day, with the dreams and prayers of our hearts, be our witness to the COMING of the Kingdom of God!
Amen.

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

The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:

Document No. 2663
Agency: Public Service Commission
Subject: Bonds for Water and Wastewater Utilities
Received by Lieutenant Governor March 5, 2002
Referred to Judiciary Committee
Legislative Review Expiration July 3, 2002
(Subject to Sine Die revision)

Document No. 2711
Agency: Department of Social Services
Subject: Foster Care
Received by Lieutenant Governor March 5, 2002
Referred to General Committee
Legislative Review Expiration July 3, 2002
(Subject to Sine Die revision)

Senator FORD asked unanimous consent to make a motion that he be permitted to change committee assignments by vacating a position on the Committee on Medical Affairs and to be permitted to select a vacant position on the Committee of Transportation.

Senator McCONNELL objected.

Senator LEATHERMAN introduced Dr. Conyers O'Bryan of Florence, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

The following were introduced:

S. 1083 (Word version) -- Senator Mescher: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 9-9-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CREDITED SERVICE FOR MEMBERS OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO ALLOW A FORMER MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHO IS NOT RECEIVING A RETIREMENT BENEFIT FROM THAT RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO ESTABLISH SERVICE CREDIT IN THE SYSTEM IN THE SAME MANNER THAT AN ACTIVE CONTRIBUTING MEMBER MAY ESTABLISH CREDIT AND TO DELETE AN OBSOLETE PROVISION RELATING TO SERVICE PURCHASE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1084 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, J. Verne Smith, McConnell, Peeler and Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-47-55, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHICH IS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE JOINT BOND REVIEW COMMITTEE AND THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE SUBMISSION TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PLAN WHICH WOULD SERVE AS AN OUTLINE FOR AN AGENCY'S PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THE NEXT FIVE-YEAR PERIOD; AND TO AMEND ACT 1377 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SO AS TO DELETE SECTION 5 WHICH REQUIRES STATE AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS TO SUBMIT AN OVERALL PLAN SEEKING APPROVAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUNDING OF PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OR OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED UNDER ACT 1377 OF 1968 (STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOND ACT).
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1085 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-5-210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE BOARD OF LAWS EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERSHIP, TERMS, AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD SHALL BE AS SET BY THE SUPREME COURT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1086 (Word version) -- Senator Waldrep: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 10-1-210 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE OFFICIAL FLAG OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BE FLOWN ATOP THE DOME OF THE STATE HOUSE AND ON THE GROUNDS OF OR ATOP ALL SOUTH CAROLINA STATE WELCOME CENTERS AND STATE OFFICE BUILDINGS ON CERTAIN DAYS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1087 (Word version) -- Senator Branton: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 30-1-15, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, A DD 214 ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT IS NOT A PUBLIC RECORD AND MUST NOT BE DISCLOSED OR RELEASED EXCEPT TO THE PERSON WHO IS THE SUBJECT OF THE DD 214, UPON PROOF OF IDENTITY SHOWN.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1088 (Word version) -- Senator Drummond: 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 96 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NATURAL RESOURCES LAW ENFORCEMENT FUND SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1089 (Word version) -- Senator Glover: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT MARION COUNTY ON JULY 1, 2002, SHALL CONSIST OF ONE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO BE COMPOSED OF THE THREE PRESENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THE COUNTY WITH THESE THREE PRESENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THE COUNTY BEING ABOLISHED ON JULY 1, 2002; TO PROVIDE THAT THE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE MARION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH A SCHOOL BUDGET FOR THE CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT MUST BE PREPARED AND SCHOOL TAX MILLAGE DETERMINED AND LEVIED; TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE THREE PRESENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO THE CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT OF WHICH THEY ARE A PART; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEBT LIMITATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS SHALL BE DETERMINED.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

S. 1090 (Word version) -- Senators Moore, 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, O'Dell, Patterson, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Ravenel, Reese, Richardson, Ritchie, Ryberg, Saleeby, Setzler, Short, J. Verne Smith, Thomas, Verdin and Waldrep: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR BOBBY ROBERTS FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA OVER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND CLEMSON UNIVERSITY.
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Whereas, Bobby Roberts led an active youth in sports, playing basketball and football in college as well as on a semi-professional level after serving his country with distinction in the United States Navy; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts coached Clemson basketball for eight consecutive seasons starting with the 1962-63 season and ending with the 1969-70 season; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts led the Tigers to 17-8 record-breaking season in 1966-67 which stood as Clemson's finest season over its first 63 years of basketball while at the same time setting an unbroken Clemson record of 7 Atlantic Coast Conference wins; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts is the only coach to lead the Clemson Tigers to consecutive wins over the North Carolina's Big Four Atlantic Coast Conference Universities: University of North Carolina, Duke University, North Carolina State University, and Wake Forest University; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts remains tied for the highest career road wins in Clemson basketball history with 14 Atlantic Coast Conference victories away from home; and

Whereas, with 41 total Atlantic Coast Conference game wins, Bobby Roberts maintains the 3rd best record in Clemson history; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts is the only coach in Clemson history to lead the Tigers to consecutive winning seasons in Atlantic Coast Conference play with a 8-6 season in 1965-66 and a 9-5 season in 1966-67; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts is the only coach in Clemson history to defeat Head Coach Dean Smith and the University of North Carolina 4 games out of 8 over a 4-year period; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts was instrumental in the construction of the Littlejohn Coliseum, home court of the Tiger basketball team; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts recruited and coached Jim Sutherland, an All-Atlantic Coast Conference player and Academic All-American and Clemson's first National Collegiate Athletic Association Post-Graduate scholar; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts' team had five academic honor selections on the 1967 team, making him tied for 1st place for the most in Clemson history in one season; and

Whereas, Bobby Roberts is a loyal Clemson Tiger and a dedicated South Carolinian since his youth in Pelzer; he also is a loving husband to wife, Barbara Ann, and a devoted grandfather and father to children, Mike and Lessie. He is an avid golfer and has a genuine love for life and those around him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate honor Bobby Roberts for all he has given to South Carolina and lend their support and encouragement to him as he faces the challenges ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Bobby Roberts.

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 4598 (Word version) -- Reps. Campsen, Lourie and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 62-7-302, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE UNIFORM PRUDENT INVESTOR ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INVESTMENTS IN MUTUAL FUNDS SPONSORED BY AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS ARE ALLOWED BY THE PRUDENT INVESTOR RULE IF THE INVESTMENTS MEET THE CRITERIA OF THE RULE.

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

H. 4615 (Word version) -- Rep. G.M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-2952 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE FILING FEE FOR REQUESTING AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING TO CHALLENGE A DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION FOR REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO A BREATH TEST OR REGISTERING AN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION GREATER THAN THE EXISTING LAWFUL LIMIT IS FIFTY DOLLARS.

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

H. 4629 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, McGee, Lucas and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-53-190, 44-53-370, AND 44-53-520, ALL AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, CRIMINAL OFFENSES RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, AND PENALTIES AND FORFEITURE FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE 3, 4-METHYLENEDIOXYMETHAMPHETAMINE (MDMA), ALSO KNOWN AS "ECSTASY", AS A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE,TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR ILLEGALLY POSSESSING OR TRAFFICKING IN THE DRUG, AND TO PROVIDE THAT CONVEYANCES USED IN TRANSPORTING THIS DRUG ARE SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE.

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

H. 4654 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, G.M. Smith, Simrill, Easterday, Kirsh, Lucas, McCraw, Meacham-Richardson, Wilkins and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 23, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-70 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO COMPILE AND PUBLISH ANNUAL STATISTICS ON LOTTERY RELATED CRIMES.

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

H. 4728 (Word version) -- Reps. Owens, Knotts, Whatley, G.M. Smith, W.D. Smith, Allison, Bales, Barfield, Barrett, Coates, Coleman, Delleney, Frye, Gilham, Harrison, Huggins, Kelley, Koon, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lourie, Lucas, Martin, McGee, Quinn, Rivers, Robinson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Sinclair, D.C. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, Talley, Thompson, Walker, Weeks, White, A. Young and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 24-13-470, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL THROWING OF BODY FLUIDS ON AN EMPLOYEE OF A STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY BY AN INMATE, AND THE PENALTIES IMPOSED UPON A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN ADDITION TO AN INMATE, THIS PROVISION ALSO APPLIES TO A DETAINEE, A PERSON TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, OR A PERSON UNDER ARREST WHO THROWS CERTAIN BODY FLUIDS ON AN EMPLOYEE OF A STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, OR A STATE OR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Penology.

H. 4736 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin and J. Young: A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 OF CLARENDON COUNTY TO ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS BONDS OF THE DISTRICT UP TO ITS CONSTITUTIONAL DEBT LIMIT TO FUND AN OPERATING DEFICIT AND CURRENT OPERATING EXPENDITURES; TO PRESCRIBE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE BONDS MAY BE ISSUED AND THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE PROCEEDS MAY BE EXPENDED; AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS.

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

H. 4795 (Word version) -- Rep. Klauber: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 35-1-430, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DURATION OF VARIOUS SECURITIES REGISTRATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVES, AND FEDERAL COVERED ADVISERS ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AS BROKER-DEALERS AND BROKER-DEALER AGENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 35-1-480, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO VARIOUS SECURITIES FILING FEES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE FILING FEE FOR INVESTMENT ADVISERS AND FEDERAL COVERED ADVISERS FROM FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS BIENNIALLY TO THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS ANNUALLY, AND TO INCREASE THE FILING FEE FOR INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVES FROM ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS BIENNIALLY TO ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ANNUALLY.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

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

The following Joint Resolution 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. 4804 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin and J. Young: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER ONE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 TO TRANSFER AS MUCH AS FIFTY PERCENT OF REVENUE BETWEEN PROGRAMS TO ANY INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM WITH THE SAME FUNDING SOURCE; TO AUTHORIZE THE CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER ONE FOR FISCAL YEARS 2001-2002 AND 2002-2003 TO EXPEND FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND FOR SCHOOL FACILITIES AND FIXED EQUIPMENT ASSISTANCE INSTEAD FOR ANY INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM; TO AUTHORIZE THE CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER ONE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 TO FURLOUGH DISTRICT STAFF AS WARRANTED DUE TO ITS FISCAL EMERGENCY; AND TO EXEMPT THE CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER ONE FROM THE STATEWIDE MINIMUM SALARY SCHEDULE REQUIREMENT UNDER THE EDUCATION FINANCE ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER ONE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 TO TRANSFER AS MUCH AS FIFTY PERCENT OF REVENUE BETWEEN PROGRAMS TO ANY INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM WITH THE SAME FUNDING SOURCE, TO FURLOUGH DISTRICT STAFF AS WARRANTED DUE TO FISCAL EMERGENCY, AND TO EXEMPT THE DISTRICT FROM THE STATEWIDE MINIMUM SALARY SCHEDULE REQUIREMENT AND THE EDUCATION FINANCE ACT.

By prior motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent

The following House Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:

H. 4682 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 36-9-109, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SCOPE OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE PROVISIONS GOVERNING SECURED TRANSACTIONS, SO AS TO MAKE PROVISIONS INAPPLICABLE TO A TRANSFER BY A GOVERNMENTAL UNIT AFTER JUNE 30, 2001, AND TO DELETE THE PREEMPTION OF THESE PROVISIONS GOVERNING SECURED TRANSACTIONS BY A STATUTE OF THIS STATE OR ANOTHER STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY.

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 255 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Branton, Ryberg, Ravenel, Giese, Grooms, Alexander, Wilson, Peeler, J. Verne Smith, Leatherman, Hawkins and Ritchie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO OFFENSES INVOLVING WEAPONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION FOR THE TERM "CRIME OF VIOLENCE" TO INCLUDE THE OFFENSES OF DISTRIBUTION OF NARCOTIC DRUGS AND TRAFFICKING OF NARCOTIC DRUGS.

S. 969 (Word version) -- Senator Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2210, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL ABUSE OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS AND IMPROVEMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN ACTIVITIES ARE UNLAWFUL ABUSES OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS AND IMPROVEMENTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL PENALTIES FOR ABUSING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS AND IMPROVEMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO ENTER ONTO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS AFTER LOSING THE PRIVILEGE TO ENTER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION.

S. 1006 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-1180, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROHIBITIONS REGARDING TROTLINES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT TROTLINE HOOKS USED IN LAKES MARION AND MOULTRIE MUST, IN ADDITION TO OTHER REQUIREMENTS, BE CAPABLE OF BEING PASSED THROUGH A THREE-INCH-LONG CYLINDER WITH A ONE-HALF INCH INSIDE DIAMETER.

Senator GROOMS explained the Bill.

S. 1009 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms and Mescher: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO NAME THE SANTEE RIVER BOAT LANDING WHERE U.S. HIGHWAY 17-A AND S. C. HIGHWAY 41 CROSS THE SANTEE RIVER ABOVE JAMESTOWN IN BERKELEY COUNTY THE "LENUD'S FERRY BOAT LANDING."

S. 1062 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO DROUGHT PLANNING RESPONSE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2630, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 1063 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO SEASONS, LIMITS, METHODS OF TAKE AND SPECIAL USE RESTRICTIONS ON WMA'S, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2657, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 1065 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO TROUT HARVEST, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2690, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 809 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Ravenel, Richardson, Branton, Rankin, Courson and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-290, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON CONSTRUCTION OR RECONSTRUCTION SEAWARD OF THE COASTAL BASELINE, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE RECONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING GROINS, TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW GROINS ON BEACHES THAT HAVE A HIGH EROSION RATE THREATENING EXISTING DEVELOPMENT OR PUBLIC PARKS AND ONLY IN FURTHERANCE OF AN ON-GOING BEACH RENOURISHMENT EFFORT, AND TO CLARIFY THAT OF SPECIAL PERMITS AUTHORIZED FOR CONSTRUCTION OR RECONSTRUCTION OF STRUCTURES SEAWARD OF THE BASELINE, NO HABITABLE STRUCTURE MAY BE CONSTRUCTED OR RECONSTRUCTED ON A PRIMARY OCEANFRONT SAND DUNE OR ON THE ACTIVE BEACH AND IF, DUE TO EROSION, A PERMITTED HABITABLE STRUCTURE BECOMES SITUATED ON THE ACTIVE BEACH, THE OWNER AGREES TO REMOVE IT IF ORDERED TO DO SO BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL.

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

Senators WALDREP, HUTTO and ELLIOTT proposed the following amendment (809R001.RLW), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, by striking lines 18-19 and inserting in lieu thereof:

/   (7)   pools may be reconstructed if they are landward of an existing, functional erosion control structure or device. ; A permit must be obtained from the department for items (2) through (7).   /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, by striking lines 40-43 on page 2, and by striking lines 1-10 on page 3, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

/   (b)   Groins may only be permitted after thorough analysis demonstrates that the groin will not cause a detrimental effect on adjacent or downdrift areas. The applicant shall provide a financially binding commitment, such as a performance bond or letter of credit that is reasonably estimated to cover the cost of reconstructing or removing the groin and/or restoring the affected beach through renourishment pursuant to subsection (c).

(c)   If the monitoring program established pursuant to subsection (a) shows an increased erosion rate along adjacent or downdrift beaches that is attributable to a groin, the department must require either that the groin be reconfigured so that the erosion rate on the affected beach does not exceed the pre-construction rate, that the groin be removed, and/or that the beach adversely affected by the groin be restored through renourishment.

(d)   Adjacent and downdrift communities and municipalities must be notified by the department of all applications for a groin project.

(e)   Nothing in the section shall be construed to create a private cause of action, but nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a cause of action under recognized common law or other statutory theories. The sole remedies, pursuant to this section, are:

(i)     the reconstruction or removal of a groin; and/or

(ii)   restoration of the adversely affected beach and adjacent real estate through renourishment pursuant to subsection (c).

An adjacent or downdrift property owner that claims a groin has caused or is causing an adverse impact shall notify the department of such impact. The department shall render an initial determination within sixty (60) days of such notification. Final agency action shall be rendered within twelve months of notification. An aggrieved party may appeal the decision pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.

A permit must be obtained from the department for items (2) through (8)."   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator WALDREP explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

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

S. 1020 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-74-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA HEALTH INSURANCE POOL, SO AS TO MODIFY THE DEFINITIONS OF "HEALTH INSURANCE" AND "INDIVIDUAL MARKET"; TO AMEND SECTION 38-74-30, RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE POOL COVERAGE ELIGIBILITY, SO AS TO EXTEND MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE DUE TO DISABILITY AND UNDER SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-74-60, RELATING TO MAJOR MEDICAL EXPENSE COVERAGE, SO AS TO EXTEND COVERAGE TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE DUE TO DISABILITY AND UNDER SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TYPES OF BENEFIT PLANS TO BE OFFERED TO THESE INDIVIDUALS AND THE METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING PREMIUM RATES FOR THE COVERAGE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-74-80, RELATING TO TAX EXEMPTIONS AND CREDITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE, THAT, IF THE TOTAL ASSESSMENT FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE POOL EXCEEDS TEN MILLION DOLLARS IN ANY ONE YEAR, THE CREDIT FOR ANY MEMBER SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT DETERMINED BY MULTIPLYING THE MEMBER'S ASSESSMENT BY A FRACTION, THE NUMERATOR OF WHICH EQUALS TEN MILLION DOLLARS AND THE DENOMINATOR OF WHICH EQUALS THE TOTAL ASSESSMENT IN THE YEAR FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE POOL.

H. 3931 (Word version) -- Rep. Townsend: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-4030, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WIDTH OF A VEHICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT APPURTENANCES ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM WIDTH REQUIREMENT AS LONG AS THEY REMAIN INSIDE THE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRRORS OF THE VEHICLE, OR ITS TOW VEHICLE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-4070, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS PLACED ON THE LENGTH OF COMBINATION VEHICLES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM LENGTH OF CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT TRAVEL ALONG THE STATE'S HIGHWAYS FROM FORTY FEET TO FORTY-FIVE FEET.

Senator VERDIN explained the Bill.

H. 4430 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Kirsh, Walker, Law and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-43-106, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INSURANCE AGENTS AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE WHICH RECOMMENDS CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES FOR APPROVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION BY CHANGING THE NAME OF AN ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF LIFE UNDERWRITERS TO ITS CURRENT NAME OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS.

Senator THOMAS explained the Bill.

H. 3822 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Tripp, Bales, Barfield, Edge, Limehouse, McCraw, Meacham-Richardson, Merrill, Robinson, Sandifer, Scott and Whatley: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 77, TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE, BY ADDING ARTICLE 12 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE TO A RENTAL COMPANY A LIMITED LICENSE WHICH AUTHORIZES THE COMPANY TO OFFER OR SELL INSURANCE IN CONNECTION WITH THE RENTAL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.

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

Senator THOMAS proposed the following amendment (SKB\18612SOM01), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 38-43-500 as contained in SECTION 2, page 3, by deleting subsection (C) on lines 31-34 and inserting:

/   (C)   Before issuing a limited license under this section, an application for a limited license must be filed with the director, signed by an officer of the applicant, on a form prescribed by the director. Each application must be accompanied by a forty-dollar limited license fee. In order to renew the limited license, payment of the fee must be made biennially. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator THOMAS explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

S. 983 (Word version) -- Senators Fair, Patterson, Waldrep, Jackson, Thomas, Anderson, Bauer, Ford, Giese, Hawkins, Branton, Ryberg, Alexander, Glover, Matthews and Pinckney: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT, AFTER A PHASE-OUT PERIOD EXTENDING OVER THREE FISCAL YEARS, THE STATE SHALL FOREGO ANY COMMISSION OR OTHER SOURCE OF REVENUE DERIVED FROM THE PLACEMENT OF TELEPHONES IN INSTITUTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE FOR THE USE OF INMATES AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD SHALL ENSURE THAT THE TELEPHONE RATES CHARGED FOR THE USE OF THESE PHONES REASONABLY REFLECT THIS FOREGONE STATE REVENUE.

Senator FAIR explained the Bill.

Senator LEATHERMAN objected to further consideration of the Bill.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

S. 715 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, J. Verne Smith, Hawkins and Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE NUMBER OF PEREMPTORY CHALLENGES FOR DEFENDANTS AND THE STATE IN CRIMINAL CASES, SO AS TO EQUALIZE THE NUMBER OF PEREMPTORY CHALLENGES ALLOCATED TO DEFENDANTS AND THE STATE; AND TO ADD TO THE LIST OF SPECIFIC OFFENSES FOR WHICH THE DEFENDANT AND THE STATE ARE ENTITLED TO TEN CHALLENGES.

Senator MARTIN moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.

The Bill was made a Special Order.

The PRESIDENT appointed Senators LAND, McCONNELL, THOMAS, PATTERSON and WALDREP to the Committee to Escort the Honorable Jean Hoefer Toal, Chief Justice of the S. C. Supreme Court, and members of her party to the Hall of the House of Representatives for the Joint Assembly.

The PRESIDENT appointed Senators DRUMMOND, SETZLER, GIESE, McGILL, REESE, WALDREP, ANDERSON, RAVENEL and BRANTON to the Committee to Escort the Easter Seals representatives and their parents and members of their party to the Hall of the House of Representatives for the Joint Assembly celebrating "Disabilities Day."

On motion of Senator HAYES, ALEXANDER, ANDERSON, BAUER, BRANTON, COURSON, DRUMMOND, ELLIOTT, FAIR, FORD, GIESE, GLOVER, GREGORY, GROOMS, HAWKINS, 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, J. VERNE SMITH, THOMAS, VERDIN, and WALDREP, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Gloria Mason of Sumter, S.C., beloved sister of Bertine Knoll, dedicated administrative assistant to the Senate Ethics Committee.

At 12:52 P.M., on motion of Senator McCONNELL, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

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