South Carolina General Assembly
114th Session, 2001-2002
Journal of the Senate

Printed Page 75 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002

Thursday, January 10, 2002
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

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

Beloved, hear words recorded by St. Matthew concerning the servant with five talents, Chapter 25:21: "His Master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful'!"
Let us pray.

Father, these are fateful and historic days for us.

We have much trepidation about the future of our sin-sick world!

Our leading prayer this morning is help us to be faithful!

We thank You for the record of fidelity of Your servant, our friend, FLOYD SPENCE!

We have sent Your servant, JOE WILSON, to Washington to pick up FLOYD'S tools and schedules of duties. Lord, bless JOE, his family, his staff and his new colleagues. They will be faithful! Give them joy and success!

For all our public servants and our people we pray the prayer of Henry Harbaugh in 1860:

"Let our rulers ever be

Men and women that love and honor Thee;

Let the powers by Thee ordained

Be in righteousness maintained;

In the people's hearts increase

Love of piety and peace;

Thus united we shall stand

One wide, free, and happy land."
Amen.

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

Printed Page 76 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002

REPORT RECEIVED
Senate Judiciary Committee
P. O. Box 142
Columbia, SC 29202
December 19, 2002

Dear Governor Hodges, Speaker Wilkins, and Senator McConnell:

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of the progress of the Adoption Procedures Study Committee created by Act 123 of 2001. The committee is comprised of the following individuals:

Senator Linda H. Short, Chairman
Representative Michael E. Easterday, Vice Chairman
Senator Michael L. Fair
Representative Robert W. "Bob" Leach
Susan Anderson

Assistant General Counsel

State Department of Social Services
Denise Barker, Director

Foster Care Review Board Program
Judy Caldwell

DSS Adoption Services Region II
Kelly O'Connor Davis, Director

Richland County CASA/Guardian ad Litem Program
Linda Eisele, Director

Children Unlimited
Steve Hurley

Adoptive parent
Aphrodite Konduros, Director

Greenville County DSS
Andrea Loney, Director

State Guardian ad Litem Program
Vernon McCurry

Member of Greenville County Foster Care Review Board
James F. Thompson, Esquire

Law firm of Thompson and Sinclair

Adoption attorney
The Honorable Bruce Williams

Family Court Judge

Fifth Judicial Circuit

Printed Page 77 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002

Staff:
Sharon Gunter, attorney

Senate Judiciary Committee
Swati Shah, attorney

House Judiciary Committee

The Act requires the committee to study issues including, but not limited to, the following:

*South Carolina's adoption process and procedures for the purpose of strengthening the integrity of adoptions;

*The effect of a voluntary relinquishment of parental rights on a birth parent's duty to pay child support before an adoption is finalized;

*Determination of temporary, legal custody of a child whose parents' voluntary relinquishment of parental rights was obtained by a private attorney;

*Necessity of a putative father registry;

*Problems relating to adoption subsidies;

*Parental consent requirements;

*Relinquishment of parental rights;

*Licensing of adoption facilitators;

*Providing adequate notice of hearings to foster parents regarding their foster child and providing them with an opportunity to address the court; and

*Length of time required for foster parents to complete an adoption.

The Act requires the committee to submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly before January 1, 2002, at which time the committee is dissolved.

Printed Page 78 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002

The committee met numerous times during the Fall of 2002, beginning on September 21, 2002. The committee studied all of the issues mandated by the Act, as well as several additional issues of interest to the members of the committee. Due to the great interest in and the complexity of adoption and foster care procedures and the expansive nature of these topics, the committee intends to meet in January and February of 2002 in order to further study these important issues. Please allow this letter to serve as the committee's report pursuant to the deadline requirements of Act 123 with the understanding that the committee will issue a more comprehensive report and possibly introduce legislation during the 2002 Legislative Session.

Sincerely

/s/ Senator Linda H. Short
Chairman

REGULATION RECEIVED

The following was received and referred to the appropriate committee for consideration:

Document No. 2690
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
SUBJECT: Trout Harvest
Received by Lieutenant Governor January 10, 2002
Referred to Fish, Game and Forestry Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 9, 2002

Doctor of the Day

Senator J. VERNE SMITH introduced Dr. John P. Evans of Greenville, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator LEVENTIS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 859 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO ELIMINATE THE LIMITATION OF TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED

Printed Page 79 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002
DOLLARS FOR EACH COUNTY STIPEND APPROPRIATED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISBURSED TO MEMBERS OF COUNTY REGISTRATION BOARDS AND COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSIONS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 860 (Word version) -- Senator Hawkins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2950, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S IMPLIED CONSENT TO CHEMICAL TESTS OF HIS BREATH, BLOOD, OR URINE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THE PRESENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS OR THE COMBINATION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS IN HIS SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DRIVER WHO REGISTERS AN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION OF EIGHT ONE-HUNDREDTHS OF ONE PERCENT OR MORE IS GUILTY OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, OR A COMBINATION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 861 (Word version) -- Senator Reese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 10-1-167 SO AS TO REQUIRE AN OBJECT CONTAINING THE WORDS OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS TO BE DISPLAYED ON ONE WALL IN EVERY ROOM OF EVERY STATE-OWNED BUILDING, PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, AND EVERY ENTITY THAT HAS RECEIVED A CHARTER AS AN ELEEMOSYNARY CORPORATION BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 862 (Word version) -- Senator Reese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MATTERS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN DOCUMENTS, MEMORANDA, CORRESPONDENCE, AND WORKING PAPERS OF A STATE AGENCY, BOARD, OR COMMISSION THAT IS USED TO ATTRACT BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY TO INVEST WITHIN THIS

Printed Page 80 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002
STATE ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MEETINGS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A STATE AGENCY, BOARD, OR COMMISSION MAY NOT HOLD A MEETING CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED LOCATION OR EXPANSION OF A INDUSTRY OR BUSINESS, OR STEPS CONSIDERED TO ENCOURAGE THE LOCATION OR EXPANSION OF AN INDUSTRY OR OTHER BUSINESS IN THIS STATE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 863 (Word version) -- Senator Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-140, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OFFICIAL BADGE OF DEPUTY SHERIFFS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER WHO IS EMPLOYED BY A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL DETENTION FACILITY ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2002, MAY WEAR A BADGE THAT CONSISTS OF OR INCORPORATES THE SHAPE OF A FIVE-POINTED OR SIX-POINTED STAR WITH A REPLICA OF THE GREAT SEAL OF SOUTH CAROLINA INSCRIBED IN ITS CENTER.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 864 (Word version) -- Senator Reese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-1-125 SO AS TO REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS TO DENY LICENSURE OR SUSPEND THE LICENSE OF AN INDIVIDUAL FOR NONPAYMENT OR DEFAULT OR BREACH OF A REPAYMENT OR SERVICE OBLIGATION UNDER ANY FEDERAL OR STATE EDUCATIONAL LOAN, LOAN REPAYMENT, OR SERVICE-CONDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

S. 865 (Word version) -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Verdin, Fair, Anderson and Thomas: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE

Printed Page 81 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO NAME THE WOMEN'S CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION THE "CAMILLE GRIFFIN GRAHAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS TO THAT EFFECT.
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Senator J. VERNE SMITH spoke on the Resolution.

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

S. 866 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND CONGRATULATE BILL MAHAN OF MONCKS CORNER ON BEING NAMED THE 2001 SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR HIS CONTINUED LOYALTY AND SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

H. 4304 (Word version) -- Reps. Talley, Allison and Lourie: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11-15, 2002, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION WEEK".

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

H. 4304--Ordered to a Second Reading

On motion of Senator HAWKINS, with unanimous consent, H. 4304 was ordered to receive a second reading, on Friday, January 11, 2002.

H. 4351 (Word version) -- Rep. Fleming: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR NINE MEMBERS OF THE UNION COUNTY BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES, PROVIDE FOR ELECTION OF MEMBERS IN NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION, PROVIDE FOR DEFINED SINGLE-MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICTS WITH ONE TRUSTEE ELECTED FROM EACH DISTRICT, PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS OF THE MEMBERS, PROVIDE FOR THE STAGGERING OF THESE TERMS, PROVIDE FOR THE FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD, PROVIDE FOR THE EXPIRATION OF THE TERMS OF CURRENT

Printed Page 82 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002
MEMBERS, AND PROVIDE THAT IF A MEMBER OF THE BOARD MOVES HIS RESIDENCE FROM THE SINGLE-MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICT FROM WHICH HE WAS ELECTED, HIS OFFICE BECOMES VACANT AUTOMATICALLY; AND TO REPEAL ACT 304 OF 1989 RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF THE UNION COUNTY BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES IN NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS, THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF THE MEMBERS ELECTED, THE MANNER IN WHICH THE NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS MUST BE CONDUCTED, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH VACANCIES MUST BE FILLED.

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

H. 4467 (Word version) -- Reps. J.R. Smith, Clyburn, Perry and D.C. Smith: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT UP TO FOUR DAYS MISSED DURING THE 2001-2002 SCHOOL YEAR BY THE STUDENTS OF ANY SCHOOL IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF AIKEN COUNTY WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED DUE TO SNOW, ICE, OR INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.

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

H. 4468 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Govan, Ott, Sharpe and Stuart: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN NOW SERVING AND WHO FORMERLY SERVED AS MEMBERS OF ORANGEBURG UNITS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD FOR THEIR COMMITMENT, SACRIFICE, AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITY, THE STATE, AND THE NATION AND TO DECLARE SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2002, AS "ORANGEBURG NATIONAL GUARD UNIT APPRECIATION DAY".

Read the first time and referred to the General Committee.

H. 4473 (Word version) -- Reps. Scarborough, Altman, Harrell, Limehouse, Allen, Allison, Askins, Bales, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Campsen, Carnell, Cato, Chellis, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Emory, Fleming,

Printed Page 83 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002
Freeman, Frye, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jennings, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Law, Leach, Lee, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lourie, Lucas, Mack, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Meacham-Richardson, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J.H. Neal, J.M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Rivers, Robinson, Rodgers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, Sinclair, D.C. Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, W.D. Smith, Snow, Stille, Stuart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Weeks, Whatley, Whipper, White, Wilder, Wilkins, Witherspoon, A. Young and J. Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON LEARNING OF THE DEATH OF FREDERICK "FRED" STROMAN MCKAY OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND EXTENDING THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

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

H. 4474 (Word version) -- Reps. Scarborough, Campsen, Limehouse, Allen, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bales, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Carnell, Cato, Chellis, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Emory, Fleming, Freeman, Frye, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jennings, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Law, Leach, Lee, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lourie, Lucas, Mack, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Meacham-Richardson, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J.H. Neal, J.M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Rivers, Robinson, Rodgers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, Sinclair, D.C. Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, W.D. Smith, Snow, Stille, Stuart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Weeks, Whatley, Whipper, White, Wilder, Wilkins, Witherspoon, A. Young and J. Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING KATHLEEN WILSON OF CHARLESTON COUNTY ON

Printed Page 84 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002
BECOMING THE FIRST SOUTH CAROLINIAN TO SWIM THE ENGLISH CHANNEL.

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

H. 4478 (Word version) -- Rep. Merrill: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING PAUL CONWAY OF THE CHARLESTON BATTERY SOCCER TEAM ON BEING NAMED THE 2001 A-LEAGUE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER.

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

H. 4479 (Word version) -- Reps. Weeks, G.M. Smith and J.H. Neal: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND MRS. WILHELMENIA DENNIS SCOTT OF SUMTER COUNTY FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE AND TO CONGRATULATE HER FOR BEING NAMED ITS 2001 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR.

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

H. 4480 (Word version) -- Reps. Weeks, G.M. Smith and J.H. Neal: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MR. JOHNNY PRINGLE, JR. OF SUMTER COUNTY FOR HIS ENTHUSIASM IN BETTERING THE LIVES OF SUMTER COUNTY RESIDENTS AND HIS DEDICATION TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE, AND TO HONOR HIM FOR BEING NAMED ITS 2001 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR.

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

H. 4482 (Word version) -- Rep. Chellis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO INSTRUCT AND REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO IMMEDIATELY PERMIT CORPORATE TAXPAYERS TO CONVERT PREVIOUS ESTIMATED STATE CORPORATE INCOME TAX PAYMENTS TO FUTURE STATE EMPLOYEE TAX WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS IN A MANNER COMPARABLE WITH SIMILAR CONVERSION PROCEDURES

Printed Page 85 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002
OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE WITH REGARD TO FEDERAL OBLIGATIONS.

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

H. 4486 (Word version) -- Rep. Merrill: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND HANAHAN MIDDLE SCHOOL'S EIGHTH GRADE CLASS FOR ITS GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT, COMPASSION, AND CONCERN THROUGH ITS "SANTAS FROM THE SOUTH" OUTREACH TO THE FAMILIES OF FIREFIGHTERS FROM LADDER COMPANY 118 IN NEW YORK CITY WHO PERISHED IN THE SEPTEMBER 11 ASSAULT ON THE WORLD TRADE CENTER.

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

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ADOPTED

Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations polled out a favorable report on:

S. 829 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION INVITING HIS EXCELLENCY, JAMES H. HODGES, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION AT 7:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2002, IN THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Senator McCONNELL asked unanimous consent to take the Concurrent Resolution up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Concurrent Resolution, the question being the adoption of the Resolution.

Poll of the Invitations Committee
Polled 11; Ayes 10; Nays 0; Not Voting 1

AYES

Courson                   Matthews                  Patterson
O'Dell                    McGill                    Waldrep
Alexander                 Richardson                Elliott
Kuhn

TOTAL--10

Printed Page 86 . . . . . Thursday, January 10, 2002

NAYS

TOTAL--0

NOT VOTING

TOTAL--1

Bauer

On motion of Senator McCONNELL, with unanimous consent, the Concurrent Resolution polled out of the Committee on Invitations was adopted.

There was no objection.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the House.

Recalled and Adopted

H. 4365 (Word version) -- Rep. Miller: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DECLARING NOVEMBER 4 THROUGH 17, 2001, AS A PERIOD OF "ROOTS AND RECONCILIATION" IN GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA, WHILE THE "FREEDOM SCHOONER AMISTAD", A REPLICA OF THE HISTORIC SHIP, DOCKS IN GEORGETOWN CREATING A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHING HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, AND SOCIAL LESSONS AND FOR ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING RACIAL DIALOGUE AND HARMONY.

Senator COURSON asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Invitations.

There was no objection and the Resolution was recalled.

Senator COURSON asked unanimous consent to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution, the question being the adoption of the Resolution.

On motion of Senator COURSON, the Concurrent Resolution was adopted.

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HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 849 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF LIEUTENANT RANDY G. GERALD OF LORIS, AN HORRY COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF AND SUPERVISOR AT THE J. REUBEN LONG DETENTION CENTER, UPON HIS TRAGIC DEATH ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2001, AS A RESULT OF STOPPING TO ASSIST TWO CARS ON HIS WAY HOME AFTER WORK.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 850 (Word version) -- Senator Land: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPON THE DEATH OF DOCTOR THOMAS MARION DAVIS OF MANNING ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2001, AND TO 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.

THIRD READING BILL

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

S. 743 (Word version) -- Senators Bauer and Wilson: 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 93 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE "PROJECT PET" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, AND PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FEES COLLECTED FOR THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES TO LOCAL PRIVATE NONPROFIT GROUPS OFFERING ANIMAL SPAYING AND NEUTERING SERVICES.

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AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

S. 173 (Word version) -- Senator Moore: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-3310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF PURPLE HEART LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF LICENSE PLATES THAT MAY BE ISSUED TO A PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the previously proposed amendment by Senators FAIR and GROOMS.

Senators FAIR and GROOMS proposed the following amendment (173R002.MLF), which was withdrawn:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION to read:

SECTION   1.   Chapter 3, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

  "Article 89

'Choose Life' Special License Plates

Section 56-3-8910.   (A)   The Department of Public Safety shall issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles or light pickups having an empty weight of six thousand pounds or less and a gross weight of nine thousand pounds or less registered in their names which shall have imprinted on the plate the words 'Choose Life'. The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month they are issued.

(B)   From the fees collected, the Comptroller General shall place sufficient funds into a special restricted account to be used by the department to defray the expense of producing the license plate. The remaining funds shall be designated for use by the Department of Social Services to be used to support local crisis pregnancy programs. Local private nonprofit tax exempt organizations offering crisis pregnancy services may apply for grants from this fund to further their tax exempt purposes. Grants must be awarded not more than once a

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year, and an applicant must receive as a grant an amount of the total revenues in the fund multiplied by the percentage that the applicant's caseload in the preceding calendar year was of the total caseload of all applicants in that year. Grants may not be awarded to any agency, institution, or organization that provides, promotes, or refers for abortion.

(C)   Before the Department of Public Safety produces and distributes a special license plate pursuant to this section, it must receive four hundred prepaid applications for the special license plate or a deposit of four thousand dollars from the individual or organization seeking issuance of the license plate. If a deposit of four thousand dollars is made by an individual or organization pursuant to this section, the department must refund the four thousand dollars once an equivalent amount of license plate fees is collected for that organization's license plate. If the equivalent amount is not collected within four years of the first issuance of the license plate, the department shall retain the deposit.

(D)   If the department receives less than three hundred biennial applications and renewals for the 'Choose Life' special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. However, the department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted."       /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FAIR asked unanimous consent to withdraw the proposed amendment.

There was no objection.

The amendment was withdrawn.

Senator SETZLER proposed the following amendment (173R001.NGS), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, line 25, by adding after the word / vehicle / and before the / . / the following:

/     or motorcycle     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator SETZLER explained the amendment.

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The amendment was adopted.

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

RECOMMITTED TO THE LOCAL DELEGATION

H. 3824 (Word version) -- Reps. A. Young, Chellis, Owens, Harrell and Cobb-Hunter: A BILL TO ESTABLISH THE DORCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION AND PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE, AND TO ABOLISH THE DORCHESTER COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE DORCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND DEVOLVE ITS POWERS AND DUTIES IN THE BOARD ESTABLISHED BY THIS ACT.

Senator BRANTON asked unanimous consent to recommit the Bill to the Dorchester County Delegation.

CARRIED OVER

H. 3515 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Robinson, Allison, Altman, Askins, Barfield, Barrett, Bingham, Carnell, Cato, Chellis, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Dantzler, Harrell, Huggins, Keegan, Kelley, Kirsh, Klauber, Law, Leach, Martin, Meacham-Richardson, J.M. Neal, Phillips, Rice, Riser, Simrill, D.C. Smith, W.D. Smith, Snow, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Trotter, Walker, Whipper, Wilder, A. Young, McLeod, Davenport, Emory, Sinclair and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-19-235 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A NONRESIDENT EMBALMER OR FUNERAL DIRECTOR MAY BE LICENSED IN THIS STATE IF THE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OF HIS STATE ARE SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO REQUIREMENTS OF THIS STATE AND TO REQUIRE FIVE YEARS OF PRACTICE AND PASSAGE OF AN EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE WHEN THE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS IN ANOTHER STATE ARE NOT SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO REQUIREMENTS IN THIS STATE; TO ADD SECTION 40-19-265 SO AS TO ESTABLISH PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR FUNERAL HOMES, BRANCH FUNERAL HOMES, RETAIL SALES OUTLETS, AND CREMATORIES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF

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FUNERAL SERVICE, SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS SERVING ON THE BOARD TO BE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES OF A FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS, SO AS TO REVISE, AMONG OTHER DEFINITIONS, "BRANCH FUNERAL HOME", "DISPOSITION", AND "MANAGER" AND TO DEFINE ADDITIONAL TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR MISCONDUCT, SO AS TO PROHIBIT SOLICITING THE SALE OF FUNERAL MERCHANDISE AND TO CLARIFY OTHER GROUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-230, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE ACCREDITING BODY FOR EMBALMING COLLEGES AND TO CONFORM PROVISIONS TO THE REVISED LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUT-OF-STATE EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-270, RELATING TO PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS OF FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND CREMATORIES, SO AS TO APPLY CERTAIN OF THESE PROVISIONS TO RETAIL SALES OUTLETS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-280, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON BE LICENSED TO HOLD HIMSELF OUT AS PRACTICING FUNERAL SERVICE OR OPERATING A FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT, SO AS TO APPLY THIS LICENSURE REQUIREMENT TO A PERSON OPERATING A CREMATORY OR A RETAIL SALES OUTLET; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-290, RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION AND EXPENSES TO CLIENTS BY FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENTS, SO AS TO ALSO REQUIRE CREMATORIES TO DISCLOSE SUCH INFORMATION AND EXPENSES TO ITS CLIENTS.

On motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, the Bill was carried over.

CARRIED OVER

H. 3933 (Word version) -- Reps. Townsend, Knotts, Whatley, Delleney, Fleming, J. Hines, Martin, Meacham-Richardson, Ott, Rice, Riser, Stille, Stuart, Wilkins, A. Young and Cotty: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A

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BEGINNER'S PERMIT, SO AS TO REVISE THE PERIOD A PERSON WHO HOLDS A BEGINNER'S PERMIT MAY OPERATE A VEHICLE DURING A DAY AND BEFORE HE IS ELIGIBLE FOR FULL LICENSURE, TO REVISE WHO MUST ACCOMPANY THE PERMITTEE WHILE HE IS DRIVING, TO MAKE CERTAIN TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT DEFINES "DAYLIGHT HOURS"; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-175, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO REVISE THE PERIOD A PERSON MUST HOLD A BEGINNER'S PERMIT BEFORE HE MAY BE ISSUED A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MUST COMPLETE AT LEAST FORTY HOURS OF DRIVING PRACTICE BEFORE HE MAY BE ISSUED A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE, AND TO RESTRICT THE NUMBER OF PERSONS UNDER TWENTY-ONE A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE HOLDER MAY TRANSPORT; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-176, RELATING TO THE CONDITIONS A PERSON MUST MEET BEFORE HE IS ISSUED A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE CONDITIONS ALSO MUST BE MET BEFORE A PERSON IS ISSUED A SPECIAL RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-180, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A SPECIAL RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO REVISE THE PERIOD A PERSON MUST HOLD A BEGINNER'S PERMIT BEFORE HE MAY OBTAIN A SPECIAL RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MUST PASS A DRIVER'S EDUCATION COURSE, COMPLETE AT LEAST THIRTY HOURS OF DRIVING PRACTICE, AND SATISFY CERTAIN SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS BEFORE HE MAY OBTAIN A SPECIAL RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE, TO RESTRICT THE NUMBER OF PERSONS LESS THAN TWENTY-ONE WHO MAY BE TRANSPORTED BY A SPECIAL RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE HOLDER, TO DEFINE "DRIVER'S TRAINING COURSE", TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MUST ACCEPT A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION FROM A STUDENT WHO HAS PASSED A QUALIFIED DRIVER'S TRAINING COURSE WHILE ATTENDING AN OUT-OF-STATE HIGH SCHOOL, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MUST ESTABLISH
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PROCEDURES FOR APPROVING QUALIFIED DRIVER'S TRAINING COURSES FOR OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS.

On motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, the Bill was carried over.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senators BAUER and COURSON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Captain Daniel G. McCollum, son of Betty and Charlie Lorick of Irmo, S.C. Captain McCollum was a distinguished member of the Marine Corps and graduate of Irmo High School who lost his life defending his country.

Time Fixed

Senator McCONNELL moved that, when the Senate adjourns on Friday, January 11, 2002, it stand adjourned to meet next Tuesday, January 15, 2002, at 12:00 Noon, which motion was adopted.

ADJOURNMENT

At 11:34 A.M., on motion of Senator McCONNELL, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.

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