Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr. as follows:

Our thought for today is from Samuel 22:33: "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."
Let us pray. Almighty God, arm these women and men with strength of character, mind, and will to do the right thing for the people of this great State. Bestow Your blessing on each person of the State and Nation. Keep our defenders of freedom safe. Hear us as we pray. Amen.

Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

Rep. CEIPS moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Bert Hines of Beaufort, which was agreed to.

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

Document No. 2873
Agency: Department of Health and Environmental Control
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 48-1-10 et seq.
Air Pollution Control Regulations and Standards
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
February 24, 2004
Referred to Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration June 23, 2004 (Subject to Sine Die Revision)

Document No. 2821
Agency: Department of Public Safety
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 23-6-20 and 23-6-400 et seq.
Highway Patrol, Subarticle 1 Wrecker Regulations
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
March 5, 2003
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration July 3, 2003 (Subject to Sine Die Revision)
Withdrawn and Resubmitted April 24, 2004

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4413 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Vaughn, Cotty, Leach and Hinson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-430, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MAKING OF RATES FOR CASUALTY INSURANCE, SO AS TO ADD TO THE CRITERIA THAT CONSIDERATION MUST BE GIVEN TO ASSESSMENTS, SUCH AS THE GUARANTY FUND, WIND AND HAIL JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION, AND SIMILAR MECHANISMS WHEN MAKING THE RATES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-920, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE INSURER MAY MAKE OR ISSUE A CONTRACT OR POLICY ONLY ON RATES WHICH ARE IN EFFECT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PROPOSED RATES CHANGES WHERE THE SOLE FACTOR FOR THE CHANGE IS THE IMPACT OF A REVISED ASSESSMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RATE INCREASE FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4420 (Word version) -- Rep. Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 41-31-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW, A NEW EMPLOYING UNIT MUST NOT BE ASSIGNED A DISCRETE

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4615 (Word version) -- Reps. Owens, Anthony, Cato, Loftis, Rice, Sandifer, Duncan, Simrill, Hamilton, Leach, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, McCraw, McLeod, Moody-Lawrence, M. A. Pitts, Phillips, Skelton, Stille, Taylor, Vaughn and Whitmire: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-23-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CONTRACTS TO BUY POWER BETWEEN A JOINT POWER AND ENERGY AGENCY AND ITS CONSTITUENT MUNICIPALITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACTS TO BUY POWER BEYOND THE ORIGINAL FIFTY-YEAR LIMIT WHEN THE DATE OF OPERATION OF THE ELECTRICAL UTILITY AGENT IS EXTENDED BY ALL AGENCIES HAVING JURISDICTION OVER SUCH AN EXTENSION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4573 (Word version) -- Reps. Vaughn and Altman: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-65, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CREATION, DUTIES, AND TERM OF THE COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SERVICE (CMRS) EMERGENCY TELEPHONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SO AS TO INCREASE ITS TERM OF EXISTENCE TO AUGUST 1, 2007.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4081 (Word version) -- Rep. Edge: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 29-5-21, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3702 (Word version) -- Reps. White, Hosey, Bowers, G. Brown, Chellis, Clark, Duncan, Hagood, Herbkersman, Leach, McGee, Owens, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Richardson, Rivers, Sandifer, Sinclair, Taylor, Tripp, Trotter, Umphlett, Whitmire and Young: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, BY ADDING SECTION 25, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO HUNT, FISH, AND TAKE GAME.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3957 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Harrison, Delleney, Talley, Whitmire, Hagood and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-25-15, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF MUNICIPAL JUDGES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A SET TERM OF FOUR YEARS RATHER THAN A TERM SET BY THE COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY NOT TO EXCEED FOUR YEARS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

S. 390 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-5010, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND, SO AS TO ALLOW THE FUND'S BOARD TO AWARD GRANTS TO PROGRAMS THAT ENHANCE OR PROMOTE THE ADOPTION OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN IN STATE CUSTODY; SECTION 20-7-5030, RELATING TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE FUND'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO ALLOW THE FUND'S BOARD TO ASSESS NEEDS, SOLICIT PROPOSALS, AND AWARD GRANTS TO PROGRAMS THAT ENHANCE OR PROMOTE THE ADOPTION OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN IN STATE CUSTODY; AND SECTION 20-7-5050, RELATING TO THE LIMITATION ON THE AMOUNT OF CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND REVENUES WHICH MAY BE DISBURSED, SO AS TO REMOVE THIS LIMITATION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4642 (Word version) -- Reps. Skelton, Cotty, Loftis, Sinclair, Cato, Simrill, Hayes, Barfield, Limehouse, Whipper, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, G. Brown, Ceips, Clark, Davenport, Duncan, Emory, Freeman, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Keegan, Kirsh, Leach, Mahaffey, Martin, Owens, Perry, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Richardson, Scarborough, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, Stewart, Taylor, Toole, Trotter, Viers, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-165 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE THIRD FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER OF EACH YEAR IS DECLARED TO BE "POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR SHALL ISSUE A PROCLAMATION EACH YEAR CALLING UPON THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO OBSERVE "POW/MIA DAY" WITH APPROPRIATE CEREMONIES AND ACTIVITIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE FLAGS ATOP STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC BUILDINGS INCLUDING THE STATE CAPITOL

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4720 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 6 TO TITLE 26, SO AS TO ENACT THE UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT, PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS, LEGAL EFFECT AND ENFORCEABILITY OF AN ELECTRONIC RECORD AND SIGNATURE, CHANGES OR ERRORS IN TRANSMISSION OF AN ELECTRONIC RECORD, COMPLIANCE OF AN ELECTRONIC RECORD OR SIGNATURE WITH OTHER LAWS AFFECTING VALIDITY OR RETENTION OR RECEIPT OF A RECORD OR SIGNATURE, USE OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS BY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS BY THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO ENHANCE THE UTILIZATION OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND SIGNATURES, AND DEVELOPMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF MODEL PROCEDURES AND PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS FOR SECURE ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS, INCLUDING LICENSING OF THIRD PARTIES; TO MAKE THE COMPUTER CRIME ACT APPLICABLE TO THE UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 5 OF TITLE 26, THE SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTRONIC COMMERCE ACT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4657 (Word version) -- Reps. Haskins, Pinson, Duncan, Vaughn, Altman, Dantzler, Davenport, Hamilton, Leach, M. A. Pitts, Taylor, Walker, Wilkins, Young, Mahaffey, Coates, Hagood, Owens, Rice, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, Whitmire and Talley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-1-15, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF SAME SEX MARRIAGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SAME SEX MARRIAGES IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION HAS NO LEGAL

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 993 (Word version) -- Senator Anderson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MR. JAMES H. DONALD OF GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR HIS MUSICAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TO EXTEND TO HIM BEST WISHES IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

The following was introduced:

H. 4827 (Word version) -- Rep. Ceips: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE BURRIS FAMILY, OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF CYPRESS BAY PLANTATION IN HAMPTON COUNTY ON BEING AWARDED THE 2003 SOUTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AWARD.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

On motion of Rep. LEE, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:

H. 4828 (Word version) -- Rep. Lee: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MR. STEPHEN DAVIS OF THE CAROLINA PANTHERS FOOTBALL TEAM ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2004, AT A TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, TO HONOR AND MEMORIALIZE HIM FOR HIS ACHIEVEMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND IN THE COMMUNITY.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, extend the privilege of the floor to Mr. Stephen Davis of the Carolina Panthers Football Team on Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at a time to be determined by the Speaker, to honor and memorialize him for his achievements on the football field and in the community.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 4829 (Word version) -- Rep. Lee: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND MEMORIALIZE STEPHEN DAVIS, NFL RUNNING BACK FOR THE CAROLINA PANTHERS, FOR HIS ACHIEVEMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND IN THE COMMUNITY AND TO EXTEND TO HIM BEST WISHES IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

The following was introduced:

H. 4830 (Word version) -- Reps. Littlejohn, Talley, Sinclair and W. D. Smith: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 176 IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TO THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY-UNION COUNTY LINE IN HONOR OF RETIRED SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE CAMERON BRUCE LITTLEJOHN, AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS STRETCH OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THE WORDS "BRUCE LITTLEJOHN BOULEVARD".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4831 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith, Sinclair and Talley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE USE OF THE COMPUTER BY A COUNTY FOR DRAWING AND SUMMONING JURORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PHYSICAL PRESENCE OF JURY COMMISSIONERS IS NOT REQUIRED, THE DRAWING AND SUMMONING MUST TAKE PLACE PUBLICLY IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, AND THE SUPREME COURT SHALL DIRECT BY ORDER APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4832 (Word version) -- Rep. Altman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-13-510, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FINANCIAL IDENTITY FRAUD, SO AS TO ADD THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF ANOTHER PERSON FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:

Allen                  Altman                 Anthony
Bailey                 Bales                  Barfield
Bingham                Bowers                 Branham
Breeland               G. Brown               J. Brown
R. Brown               Cato                   Ceips
Chellis                Clark                  Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Coleman                Cooper
Cotty                  Dantzler               Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Emory
Freeman                Frye                   Gilham
Gourdine               Hagood                 Hamilton
Harrison               Haskins                Herbkersman
J. Hines               M. Hines               Hinson
Hosey                  Howard                 Huggins
Keegan                 Kennedy                Kirsh
Leach                  Lee                    Limehouse
Littlejohn             Lloyd                  Loftis
Lourie                 Lucas                  Mack
Mahaffey               McCraw                 McGee
Merrill                Moody-Lawrence         J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Ott                    Owens
Parks                  Perry                  Phillips
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Rhoad                  Rice                   Richardson
Rivers                 Sandifer               Scarborough
Scott                  Simrill                Sinclair
Skelton                D. C. Smith            F. N. Smith
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith

W. D. Smith            Snow                   Stewart
Stille                 Talley                 Taylor
Thompson               Toole                  Townsend
Tripp                  Trotter                Umphlett
Vaughn                 Weeks                  Whipper
White                  Whitmire               Wilkins
Young

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, February 25.

William Witherspoon               Jackie Hayes
James Battle                      Vida Miller
Alan D. Clemmons                  Douglas Jennings
Thad Viers                        Walton McLeod
Marty Coates                      James E. Smith
Todd Rutherford                   Ralph Davenport
Becky Martin                      Larry Koon
Denny Neilson                     Robert Harrell
Robert Walker                     Richard Quinn
Jerry Govan

Rep. HASKINS signed a statement with the Clerk that she came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Tuesday, February 24.

The SPEAKER granted Reps. WITHERSPOON, HAYES, JENNINGS, MILLER, VIERS, CLEMMONS and BATTLE a leave of absence for the remainder of the day due to an I-73 committee meeting with the South Carolina Federal Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C.

Announcement was made that Dr. William B. Jones of Greenville is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

Rep. LOURIE presented to the House the Spring Valley High School Boys Cross Country Team, the 2003 Class AAAA Champions, and their coach.

Rep. BOWERS presented to the House the Colleton Preparatory Academy "War Hawks" Football Team, the South Carolina Independent Schools Association 2003 Class AA Champions, their coach and other school officials.

Reps. BAILEY, CHELLIS, HARRELL and YOUNG presented to the House Pat Eidson, head coach of the Pinewood "Panthers", for the team's winning season and his 500th win in coaching.

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2   Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. After a bill or resolution has been presented and given first reading, no further names of co-sponsors may be added. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."

Bill Number:   H. 4271 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   ALTMAN

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   BAILEY

Bill Number:   H. 4650 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   WHIPPER

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   PINSON

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   BARFIELD

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   R. BROWN

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   WEEKS

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   BRANHAM

Bill Number:   H. 4657 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   SIMRILL

Bill Number:   H. 4310 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   MAHAFFEY

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   KEEGAN

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   MCGEE

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   PERRY

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   J. M. NEAL

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   EMORY

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   SINCLAIR

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   OTT

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   WHITMIRE

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   CATO

Bill Number:   H. 4475 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   COATES

Bill Number:   H. 4482 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   J. E. SMITH

Bill Number:   H. 4481 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   YOUNG

Bill Number:   H. 4481 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   BAILEY

Bill Number:   H. 4481 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   HINSON

Bill Number:   H. 4481 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   CHELLIS

Bill Number:   H. 4481 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/25/04   G. BROWN

Bill Number:   H. 3714 (Word version)
Date:   REMOVE:
02/25/04   LOURIE

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
H. 3617 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Bailey, Frye, Cato, E.H. Pitts, Cotty, J.H. Neal, J. Brown, Anthony, Ceips, Duncan, Freeman, Mahaffey, McCraw, Ott, Phillips, M.A. Pitts, Stille, White and Whitmire: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 32-7-60 SO AS TO CREATE THE PRENEED FUNERAL LOSS REIMBURSEMENT FUND AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURPOSE AND USES OF MONIES IN THE FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 32-7-45, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER PROCEDURES FOR TRUST FUNDS HELD PURSUANT TO PRENEED BURIAL CONTRACTS, SO AS TO REVISE THESE PROCEDURES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 32-7-50, RELATING TO LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS TO OFFER AND ENTER INTO PRENEED BURIAL CONTRACTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR ENTERING INTO SUCH CONTRACTS WITHOUT BEING LICENSED.

Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

"Section 32-7-60.   (A)   There is established the Preneed Funeral Loss Reimbursement Fund which must be administered by the board. The purpose of the fund is to reimburse the estates, or in the absence of an estate filing, the purchaser or applicant with payment jointly to the funeral home providing services or merchandise or both, of beneficiaries of preneed funeral contracts who have suffered financial loss as a result of the misfeasance, fraud, default, failure, or insolvency of a South Carolina funeral home or South Carolina funeral director.

(B)   From the service charge for each preneed contract as required by Section 32-7-50 (C), the board shall deposit into the fund that portion of the charge as established by the board. The board may suspend or resume deposits into the fund at any time and for any period to ensure that a sufficient amount is available to meet likely disbursements and to maintain an adequate reserve. The maximum amount of the service charge to be allocated to the Preneed Funeral Loss Reimbursement Fund as required by Section 32-7-50(C)(2) must not exceed the amount of five dollars per each preneed contract. The maximum amount of the fund is to be five hundred thousand dollars with a five percent adjustment compounded annually.

(C)   All sums received by the board pursuant to this section must be held in a separate account maintained by the Office of State Treasurer to be used solely as provided in this section. All interest or other income earned on the fund must be retained by the fund.

(D)   Reimbursements from the fund must not exceed the total payment made for preneed funeral services or merchandise or both. No interest or future graduated insurance benefits may be reimbursed. Upon the death of the beneficiary and the applicant's compliance with all applicable rules of the board, reimbursement from the fund may be made to the estate of the beneficiary, the purchaser, or applicant with payment jointly to the funeral home providing services or merchandise or both only to the extent to which losses are not bonded or otherwise covered. If the board makes payments from the fund under this section, the board is subrogated in the reimbursed amount and may bring an action against a person, including a preneed licensee. The board may enforce claims it may have for restitution or otherwise and may employ and compensate from the fund consultants, legal counsel, accountants, and other persons it considers appropriate to assure compliance with this statute.

(E)   The board shall investigate all applications made and may reject or allow claims in whole or in part. Payment must be made to the extent that monies become available in the fund. Reimbursements for completed claims must be processed in the order in which they are received subject to availability of monies in the fund. The board has complete discretion to determine the order and manner of payment of approved applications. All payments are a matter of privilege and not a right, and no person has a right in the fund as a third party beneficiary or otherwise.

(F)   The board shall furnish a form of application for reimbursement which shall require the following minimum information:

(1)   the name and address of the applicant;

(2)   the name and address of the funeral service or funeral director, or both, who caused the loss;

(3)   the amount of the alleged loss for which application for reimbursement is made;

(4)   a copy of a preneed funeral contract or written agreement which was the basis of the alleged loss;

(5)   a copy of payment receipts or cancelled checks, or both;

(6)   a copy of the death certificate;

(7)   a general statement of facts relative to the application;

(8)   supporting documents, including copies of court proceedings and other papers indicating the efforts of the applicant to obtain reimbursement from the provider, insurance companies, or others;

(9)   documentation of any receipt of funds in partial payment of the loss;

(10)   name and address of the funeral home that provided services or merchandise or both.

(G)   This fund and all interest earned may be used only as prescribed in this section and may not be used for any other purposes. The board may expend monies from the fund to:

(1)   make reimbursements on approved applications;

(2)   purchase insurance to cover losses and board liability as considered appropriate by the board and not inconsistent with the purpose of the fund;

(3)   invest portions of the fund as are not currently needed to reimburse losses and maintain adequate reserves, as are permitted to be made by fiduciaries under state law;

(4)   pay the expenses, other than normal operating expenses, of the board for administering the fund, including employment of legal

(H)   No person may make, publish, disseminate, circulate, or place before the public, or cause, directly or indirectly, to be made, published, disseminated, circulated, or placed before the public, in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication, or in the form of a notice, circular, pamphlet, letter, poster or over any radio station or television station, or in any other way, any advertisement, announcement, or statement which uses the existence of the fund for the purpose of sales, solicitation, or inducement to purchase any form of preneed contract covered under this chapter.

(I)   The board may establish procedures and promulgate regulations it determines necessary to implement the purposes of the section."

SECTION   2.   Section 32-7-45 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 32-7-45.   (A) If the a provider goes out of business or the provider's license issued by the Funeral Services Board is cancelled or the license to sell preneed funeral contracts is cancelled and application for a replacement license has not been filed, it the provider shall negotiate with the purchaser to transfer the trust fund to a provider of the purchaser's choice within thirty days submit to the board a complete listing of names and addresses of all active contracts in its possession. The provider shall also notify all contract purchasers in writing that their contracts are to be transferred to another licensed provider of the purchaser's choice. The former licensee shall then transfer the contracts and notify the board of the providers selected within sixty days of the cancellation of the preneed license. All contracts funded by burial insurance or trust funds together with interest are to be transferred. The selling provider forfeits its right to any monies it otherwise would be entitled to. If the provider fails to provide for the transfer of contracts within sixty days, the purchasers may directly request the financial institution to transfer the account balance to another provider selected by the purchaser with payment jointly to the provider and its financial institution. The purchaser may also request that an insurance company assign another provider as beneficiary for the insurance policy.

(B)   The board has jurisdiction over the provider and the burial insurance policy or trust funds together with interest of all active contracts and has the authority to accomplish the necessary transfer of preneed funeral contracts in all cases in which the purchaser has failed to effectuate the transfer to a licensed provider within six months of the

SECTION   3.   Section 32-7-50 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 32-7-50.   (A)   No person may, without Without first securing a license from the board a license, a person may not accept or hold payments made on a preneed funeral contract, except financial institutions.

(1)   The State Board of Funeral Service must revoke the license of a funeral home or funeral director, or both, if the funeral home or funeral director: (a) accepts funds for a preneed funeral contract or other prepayment of funeral expenses without a license to sell preneed funeral contracts, or (b) is licensed to sell preneed funeral contracts and fails to deposit the funds collected in trust in a federally insured account as required by Section 32-7-20(H).

(2)   Application for a license must be in writing, signed by the applicant and duly verified on forms furnished by the board. Each application must contain at least the following: the full name and address, (both residence and place of business), of the applicant, and every member, officer, and director of it if the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or corporation. Any A license issued pursuant to the application must be is valid only at the address stated in the application for the applicant or at a new address approved by the board.

(3)   If a licensee cancels the license and later applies for a new license, the board must investigate the applicant's books, records, and accounts to determine if the applicant violated the provisions of this chapter during the time he did not have a license.

(B)   Upon receipt of the application, a one-time payment of a license fee, and the deposit in an amount to be determined by the board of such the security or proof of financial responsibility as the board may determine, the board shall issue a license unless it determines that the applicant has made false statements or representations in the application, or is insolvent, or has conducted his business in a fraudulent manner, or is not duly authorized to transact business in this State, or if, in the judgment of the board, the applicant should be denied a license for some other good and sufficient reason.

(C)   A person selling a preneed funeral contract shall collect from each purchaser a service charge in an amount to be established by the board, and all fees collected must be remitted by the person collecting

(1)   With the fees collected, the person also must provide the board with a listing of each contract sold. If the listing or fees collected are not sent to the board within sixty days of the last day of the month when the contract was sold, the board must assess a civil penalty of ten dollars for each contract not reported to the board. The monies collected as civil penalties must be deposited in the Preneed Funeral Loss Reimbursement Fund. Upon its own initiative or upon complaint or information received, the board must investigate a person's books, records, and accounts if the board has reason to believe that fees are being collected and either not remitted or not timely remitted.

(2)   The service charge for each contract must not exceed a total of thirty dollars, twenty-five dollars for the board to use in administering the provisions of this chapter and five dollars to be allocated to the Preneed Funeral Loss Reimbursement Fund.

(3)   The board must keep a record of each preneed funeral contract for which it receives a service charge."

SECTION   4.   Section 32-7-70 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 32-7-70.   (A)   The provider shall must keep accurate accounts, books, and records in this State of all transactions, copies of all agreements, dates, and amounts of payments made and accepted on them, the names and addresses of the contracting parties, the persons for whose benefit funds are accepted, and the names of the depositories of the funds. The provider shall must make all books and records pertaining to the trust funds available to the board for examination.

(B)   The board may at any reasonable time and must at least once every two years investigate the books, records, and accounts of the each provider with respect to its trust funds and for that purpose may require the attendance of and examine under oath all persons whose testimony it may require. The board must investigate a provider's books, records, and accounts if the board has reason to believe or has received a complaint alleging that the provider has violated the provisions of this chapter."

SECTION   5.   Section 32-7-110 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 32-7-110.     (A)   The board shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and has the power to make investigations, subpoena witnesses and documents, require audits and reports, and conduct

(B)   Upon its own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint, the board must investigate any funeral home, funeral director, individual, or business the board has reason to believe is acting as a provider without a license. In order to conduct its investigation, the board must review the books, records, and accounts of: (1) any funeral home or funeral director licensed by the State Board of Funeral Service even if the funeral home or funeral director is not licensed to sell preneed funeral contracts, or (2) any individual or business the board has reason to believe is acting as a provider without a license. If the board discovers that a violation of this chapter has occurred by any funeral home, funeral director, individual, or business that is not licensed to sell preneed funeral contracts, the board must report the violation to the State Board of Funeral Service or to the Attorney General, a circuit solicitor, or an appropriate law enforcement agency."

SECTION   6.   Section 40-19-110(3) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(3)   soliciting dead human bodies or soliciting the sale of funeral merchandise by a licensee or an agent, assistant, or employee of a licensee or of any establishment licensed or permitted under this chapter, whether the solicitation occurs after death or while death is impending, but not including general advertising;"

SECTION   7.   Section 40-19-290 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 322 of 2002, is further amended to read:

"Section 40-19-290.   (A)   The personnel of a funeral establishment or crematory shall make every reasonable attempt to fulfill the desires of the deceased and persons making arrangements both as to services and merchandise, and a full disclosure of all its available services and merchandise must be made before selection of the casket. Before the arrangements are completed, the licensee of the funeral service firm shall disclose fully what is included in the funeral and identify other related expenses such as cemeteries and florists.

(B)   Statements of legal requirements or statements relative to the conditions under which embalming is required or advisable must be complete and factual. Representations as to legal requirements for embalming, the use of a casket or other receptacle, and the necessity, if any, of an interment receptacle in connection with a funeral must be

(C)   A funeral service establishment, crematory, or retail sales outlet shall have a card or brochure with each piece of funeral merchandise stating the price of the merchandise.

(D)   The funeral establishment or crematory shall provide to the persons making the arrangements, at the time the arrangements are completed and before the time of rendering the service, a written statement signed by a representative of the funeral home and by the person authorizing the services showing to the extent then known:

(1)   the price of the service that the persons have selected and what is included in the service;

(2)   the price of each of the supplemental items of service and merchandise requested;

(3)   the amount involved for each of the items for which the funeral service firm shall advance monies as an accommodation to the family; and

(4)   the method of payment.

(E)   All payments received by any establishment licensed under this chapter for funeral merchandise being purchased must be placed in a trust account in a federally insured institution until the merchandise is delivered for use as provided in the contract in accordance with the sales agreement. Upon its own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint, the State Board of Financial Institutions must undertake investigations; review the books, records, and accounts of any establishment licensed under this chapter; subpoena witnesses; require audits and reports; and conduct hearings to determine if payments are being received in violation of the provisions of Chapter 7 of Title 32."

SECTION   8.   On July 1, 2006, the powers and duties of the State Board of Financial Institutions relating to preneed contracts and installment plans pursuant to Chapter 7 of Title 32 and Section 40-19-290 are hereby transferred to the Department of Consumer Affairs unless the General Assembly prior to that date provides otherwise.

SECTION   9.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Amend title to conform.

Thomas C. Alexander               William E. "Bill" Sandifer III
Clementa C. Pinckney              Becky D. Richardson
Ronnie W. Cromer                  Jimmy C. Bales
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

Rep. SANDIFER explained the Conference Report.

The Conference Report was adopted and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The following Joint Resolution was taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 4793 (Word version) -- Reps. Kennedy, Harvin and Snow: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT SCHOOL DAYS MISSED ON JANUARY 27 AND 28, 2004, BY THE STUDENTS OF A SCHOOL IN THE WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED DUE TO ICE OR INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3813 (Word version) -- Reps. M. A. Pitts, Duncan, Mahaffey and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-3-415 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN AGENCY ENFORCING NATURAL RESOURCES, GAME, FISH, OR BOATING LAWS MUST REPORT CRIMINAL CHARGES MADE AND THEIR DISPOSITION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, AND FURTHER PROVIDE FOR USE OF THE REPORTS BY THE DEPARTMENT.

Rep. M. A. PITTS explained the Bill.

Rep. KENNEDY objected to the Bill.
Rep. M. A. PITTS continued speaking.

The following Bills were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:

H. 4692 (Word version) -- Reps. Witherspoon, Battle, Coates, Davenport, Duncan, Emory, Mahaffey, Miller, Snow, Stille and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 46-27-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FEED ACT, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND ADD OTHER DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 46-27-40, RELATING TO CERTAIN UNLAWFUL SALES UNDER THE ACT, SO AS TO CORRECT SPECIFIED REFERENCES AND TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO OFFER FOR SALE ANY FEED THAT IS ADULTERATED OR MISBRANDED; TO ADD SECTION 46-27-41 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN COMMERCIAL FEED IS CONSIDERED TO BE MISBRANDED; TO ADD SECTION 46-27-42 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN COMMERCIAL FEED IS CONSIDERED TO BE ADULTERATED; TO ADD SECTION 46-27-45 SO AS TO REQUIRE MANUFACTURERS, IMPORTERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND DEALERS OF COMMERCIAL FEEDS TO MAINTAIN CERTAIN RECORDS; TO AMEND SECTION 46-27-310, RELATING TO THE LABELING OF COMMERCIAL FEEDS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CONTENTS AND DISPLAY OF LABELING INFORMATION; TO ADD SECTION 46-27-350 SO AS TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW OF A PRODUCT LABEL BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; TO AMEND SECTION 46-27-410, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE TO INSPECT AND TAKE SAMPLES OF COMMERCIAL FEED, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE COMMISSIONER IN THIS REGARD AND TO REQUIRE RECEIPTS DESCRIBING THE SAMPLES OBTAINED; TO AMEND SECTION 46-27-420, RELATING TO ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH SAMPLING AND ANALYSES MUST BE CONDUCTED; TO

Rep. FRYE explained the Bill.

H. 4686 (Word version) -- Rep. G. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-3-545, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN CRIMINAL CASES FROM GENERAL SESSIONS COURT TO A MAGISTRATE OR MUNICIPAL COURT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM MONETARY PENALTY FOR WHICH A CRIME IN A CASE DOES NOT EXCEED FOR IT TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM GENERAL SESSIONS COURT TO A MAGISTRATE OR MUNICIPAL COURT.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the Bill.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3778 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Bailey, Bowers, Ceips, Clark, Clemmons, Duncan, Gilham, Haskins, J. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Lourie, Mahaffey, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence,

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\SWB\5833CM04), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words, and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Section 56-5-1210 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 398 of 1996, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-5-1210.   (A)   The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident or a collision resulting in injury to or the death of a person

(1)   a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not less than thirty days nor more than one year or fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars, or both, when injury results but great bodily injury or death does not result;

(2)   a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not less than thirty days nor more than ten years and fined not less than five thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars when great bodily injury results; or

(3)   a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not less than one year nor more than twenty-five years and fined not less than ten thousand dollars nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars when death results.

(B)   Law enforcement officers or authorized employees of the Department of Transportation may move or have removed from the traveled way all disabled vehicles and vehicles involved in an accident or a collision and any debris caused by motor vehicle traffic collisions where it can be accomplished safely and will result in the improved safety or traffic flow upon the road however, where a vehicle has been involved in an accident or collision resulting in great bodily injury or death to a person, the vehicle shall not be moved until it is authorized by the investigating law enforcement officer. The State, its political subdivisions, and its officers and employees are not liable for any damages to vehicles that result from the removal unless the removal was carried out in a reckless or grossly negligent manner. The vehicle owner and any driver or carrier of a vehicle removed under this subsection shall bear all reasonable costs of removal.

Nothing in this section shall bar recovery from an at fault party when the accident or collision was caused by the actions of that party.

(C)   As used in this section, 'great bodily injury' means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ.

(C)(D)   The department shall revoke the driver's license of the person convicted pursuant to this section."

"Section 56-5-1220.   (A)   The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident or a collision resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by a person immediately shall stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or collision or as close to it as possible, but shall return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident or collision until he has fulfilled the requirements of Section 56-5-1230. The stop must be made without obstructing traffic. A person who fails to stop or comply with the requirements of this section subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(B)   If a disabled vehicle or a vehicle involved in an accident or a collision resulting only in damage to a vehicle is obstructing traffic, the driver of the vehicle shall make every reasonable effort to move any vehicle that is capable of being driven safely off the roadway as defined by Section 56-5-460 so as not to block the flow of traffic. The driver or any other person who has moved a motor vehicle to facilitate the flow of traffic as provided in this subsection before the arrival of a law enforcement officer shall not be considered liable or at fault regarding the cause of the accident or collision solely by reason of moving the vehicle pursuant to this section.

(C)   State an local authorities may erect signs along highways and streets that instruct the public that the driver of a disabled vehicle or a vehicle involved in an accident or a collision resulting only in damage to vehicles shall make every reasonable effort to move any vehicle that is capable of being driven off the roadway."
SECTION   3.   Section 56-5-4100 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-5-4100.   (A)   No vehicle may be driven or moved on any public highway unless the vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping from the vehicle, except that sand, salt, or other chemicals may be dropped for the purpose of securing traction, and water or other substance may be sprinkled on a roadway in the cleaning or maintaining of the roadway by the public authority having jurisdiction.

(B)   Trucks, trailers, or other vehicles when loaded with rock, gravel, stone, or other similar substances which could blow, leak, sift, or drop must not be driven or moved on any highway unless the height of the load against all four walls does not extend above a horizontal

(C)   The loader of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle, in addition to complying with the other provisions of this section, shall sweep or otherwise remove any loose gravel or similar material from the running boards, fenders, bumpers, or other similar exterior portions of the vehicle before it is moved on a public highway.

(D)   Any person operating a vehicle from which any glass or objects substances or cargo, excluding water, have fallen or escaped, which would constitute an obstruction or injure a vehicle or otherwise endanger travel upon the public highway, shall make every reasonable effort to immediately cause the public highway to be cleaned of all glass or objects substances and shall pay any costs for the cleaning.

If the person immediately does not cause the public highway to be cleaned, the Department of Transportation or any law enforcement officer may, without the consent of the owner or carrier of the substance or cargo, remove or have removed the substance from the public highway if the substance or cargo is blocking the public highway or endangering public safety. The State, its political subdivisions and their officers and employees are not liable for any damages to the substance or cargo that may result from the removal or the removal or the disposal of the substance or cargo unless the removal or disposal was carried out recklessly or in a grossly negligent manner. The State, its political subdivisions, and their officers and employees are not liable for any damages or claims of damages that may result from the failure to exercise any authority granted under this section. The owner, driver of the vehicle, or carrier of the substance or cargo removed under theis subsection shall bear all reassonable costs of its removal and subsequent storage or disposition.

Nothing in this section bars recovery from an at fault party when the spill was caused by the actions of that party.

(E)   Any person who violates the provisions of subsections (B), (C), or (D), is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined one hundred dollars.

(F)   The provisions of this section are not applicable to and do not restrict the transportation of seed cotton, soybeans, tobacco, poultry, livestock or silage, or other feed grain used in the feeding of poultry or livestock or of paper, wastepaper utilized for the manufacture of industrial products, paper products, forest products, or textile products.

(G)   The provisions contained in this section are applicable statewide. No other governmental entity may enact or enforce conflicting ordinances or impose more stringent requirements than those contained in this section."
SECTION   4.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. SINCLAIR explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. SINCLAIR explained the Bill.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

Rep. HARRISON moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, March 2, which was adopted:

H. 3409 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Altman, Bailey, Chellis, Clark, Edge, Keegan, Lloyd, Mahaffey, M. A. Pitts and Viers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-9-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENTS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A COUNTY BY ORDINANCE TO REGULATE OR PROHIBIT THE DISCHARGE OF OTHERWISE LAWFUL FIREWORKS IN PARTS OF THE COUNTY WHERE BECAUSE OF POPULATION DENSITY OR CONTIGUITY TO MUNICIPALITIES, THE PUBLIC SAFETY REQUIRES THIS REGULATION.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3858 (Word version) -- Reps. Edge, Harrison, Herbkersman, Duncan and Clemmons: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 29 OF TITLE 6 SO AS TO ENACT THE "VESTED RIGHTS ACT" BY PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF VESTED PROPERTY RIGHTS ALLOWING THE COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION OF DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY PURSUANT TO A SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN OR AN APPROVED PHASE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, TO PROVIDE FOR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACTS AND FACTORS TRIGGERING A VESTED RIGHT, TO LIMIT THE VESTING FOR A TERM OF YEARS, TO PROTECT THE HOLDER OF VESTED RIGHTS FROM ZONING CHANGES UNLESS CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET AND TO PROVIDE THAT A VESTED RIGHT ATTACHES TO AND RUNS WITH THE PROPERTY.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\PT\1885MM04), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting clause and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   The General Assembly finds that:

(1)     it is desirable to provide for the establishment of vested rights in certain land developments to secure the reasonable expectations of landowners who make significant investment in site evaluation, planning, development costs, consultant fees, and engineering or architectural expenses to meet land development standards for site plan approval under existing local government ordinances; and

(2)     there is a need to provide for vested rights in developments that are not covered by development agreements with local governments;

(3)     the public interest and private expectations can be balanced by a procedure which involves public participation and protection of public health, safety, and welfare.
SECTION 2.   Chapter 29, Title 6 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 6-29-1310.   This article may be cited as the 'Vested Rights Act'.

Section 6-29-1320.   As used in this article:

(A)   'Landowner' means an owner of a legal or equitable interest in real property including the heirs, devisees, successors, assigns, and personal representatives of the owner. 'Landowner' may include a person holding a valid option to purchase real property if authorized pursuant to a contract with the landowner to act as his agent or representative for purposes of submitting a proposed site specific development plan or a phased development plan pursuant to this article.

(B)   'Local governing body' means the governing body of a county or municipality or other body of the county or municipality authorized by statute or the governing body to make land use decisions.     (C)   'Person' means an individual, corporation, business or land trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any legal entity.

(D)   'Phased development plan' means a development plan submitted to a local governing body by a landowner which shows the types and density or intensity of uses for a specific parcel or parcels to be developed in phases, but which may not satisfy the requirements for a site specific development plan as defined by the local governing body.

(E)   'Real property' or 'property' means all real property that is subject to the land use and development regulations of a local governing body, and includes the earth, water, and air, above, below, or on the surface, and includes improvements or structures customarily regarded as a part of real property.

(F)   'Site specific development plan' means a development plan submitted to a local governing body by a landowner describing with reasonable certainty the types and density or intensity of uses for a specific parcel or parcels of property. The plan may be in the form of, but is not limited to, the following plans or approvals: planned unit development; subdivision plat; preliminary or general development plan; variance; conditional use or special use permit plan; conditional or special use district zoning plan; or other land-use approval designation as may be utilized by a county or municipality.

(G)   'Vested right' means the right to undertake and complete the development and use of property under the terms and conditions of an

Section 6-29-1330.   On or before July 1, 2005 a local government body:

(1)     shall amend its local land development regulations and ordinances adopted pursuant to this chapter to provide for the establishment of a vested right in an approved site specific development plan; and

(2)     may amend its local land development regulations and ordinances to provide for establishment of a vested right in an approved phased development plan.

Section 6-29-1340.   A vested right may be established upon the approval, or conditional approval, of a site specific development plan or a phased development plan in accordance with standards and procedures in the land development ordinances and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

(1)     the form and contents of a site specific development plan must be prescribed in the land development ordinance or regulations;

(2)     the factors that constitute a sitespecific development plan sufficient to trigger a vested right must be included in the land development ordinance or regulations;

(3)     a local governing body also may amend its land development ordinance or regulations to provide for the establishment of a vested right upon approval or conditional approval of a phased development plan;

(4)     if a vested right is established for a phased development plan, a site specific plan may be required for approval with respect to each phase in accordance with regulations in effect at the time of vesting;

(5)     a vested right established under a conditional approval of a development plan may be terminated by the local governing body upon its determination, following notice and public hearing, that the landowner has failed to meet the terms of the conditional approval;

(6)     the land development ordinance or regulations amended pursuant to this chapter must designate a vesting point earlier than the issuance of a building permit but not later than formal approval by the local governing body of the final plan specified in the land development ordinance or regulations that authorize the developer or landowner to proceed with investment in grading, installation of utilities, streets, and other infrastructure, and to undertake other

(7)     A site specific development plan or phased development plan for which a variance, regulation, or special exception is necessary does not confer a vested right until the variance, regulation, or special exception is obtained;

(8)     a vested right for a site specific development plan expires two years after vesting. The land development ordinance or regulations may authorize the planning commission to set a time of vesting for a phased development plan not to exceed five years. The land development ordinance or regulation may authorize the planning commission to extend the time for a vested site specific development for up to a total of five years, upon a determination that there is just cause for extension and that the public interest is not adversely affected. Upon expiration of a vested right, a building permit may be issued for development only in accordance with applicable land development regulations;

(9)     a vested site specific development plan or phased development plan may be amended if approved by the planning commission pursuant to the provisions of the land development ordinance or regulations;

(10)   a validly issued building permit does not expire or is not revoked upon expiration of a vested right, except for public safety reasons or as prescribed by the applicable building code;

(11)   a vested right to a site specific development plan or phase development plan is subject to revocation by the local governing body upon its determination, after notice and public hearing, that there was a material misrepresentation by the landowner or substantial noncompliance with the terms and conditions of original or amended approval;

(12)   a vested development plan is subject to later federal, state, or local laws adopted to protect public health, safety, and welfare including, but not limited to, building, fire, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes and nonconforming structure and use regulations not affecting grandfathering of the vested right. The issuance of a building permit vests the specific construction project authorized by the building permit to the building, fire, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes in force at the time of the issuance of the building permit;

(13)   a vested site specific development plan or phased development plan is subject to later local government overlay zoning that imposes site plan-related requirements but does not affect

(14)   a later change in the zoning district designation or land use regulations affecting a parcel including a change in the designation and regulations resulting from annexation of it, does not operate to affect, prevent, or delay development of the parcel under a vested site specific development plan or phased development plan without consent of the landowner;

(15)   a local governing body may not require a landowner to waive his vested rights as a condition of development approval;

(16)   the land development regulations adopted pursuant to this section may provide additional terms or phrases, consistent with the conditions and limitations of this section, as are necessary for the implementation or determination of vested rights; and

(17)   a plan is considered approved only after final action by the local government including the exhaustion of all administrative remedies.

Section 6-29-1350.   A vested right pursuant to this section is not a personal right, but attaches to and runs with the applicable real property. All successors to the landowner who secured a vested right pursuant to this section may rely upon and exercise the vested right. This section does not preclude judicial determination that a vested right exists pursuant to other statutory provisions. This section does not affect the provisions of a development agreement executed pursuant to the South Carolina Local Government Development Agreement Act, Chapter 31, Title 6 of the 1976 Code.

Section 6-29-1360.   (A)   If a local governing body fails to adopt an amendment to its land development ordinance or regulations as required by this section, a landowner has a vested right to proceed in accordance with a validly approved development plan for a period of two years. For purposes of this section, the landowner's rights are considered vested in the types of land use and density or intensity of uses defined in the development plan and the vesting is not affected by later amendment to a zoning ordinance or land use or development regulation if the landowner:

(1)   obtains, or is the beneficiary of, a significant affirmative government act that remains in effect allowing development of a specific project;

(2)   relies in good faith on the significant affirmative government act; and

(3)   incurs significant obligations and expenses in diligent pursuit of the specific project in reliance on the significant affirmative government act.

(B)   For the purposes of this section, and without limitation, the following are significant affirmative governmental acts allowing development of a specific project:

(1)   the local governing body has accepted fees and exactions or issued conditions which specify a use related to a zoning amendment;

(2)   the local governing body has approved an application for a rezoning for a specific use;

(3)   the local governing body has approved an application for a density or intensity of use;

(4)   the local governing body or board of appeals has granted a special exception or use permit with conditions;

(5)   the local board of appeals has approved a variance;

(6)   the local governing body or its designated agent has approved a preliminary subdivision plat, site plan, or plan of phased development for the landowner's property and the applicant diligently pursues approval of the final plat or plan within a reasonable period of time under the circumstances; and

(7)   the local governing body or its designated agent has approved a final subdivision plat, site plan, or plan of phased development for the landowner's property.
SECTION 3.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. DELLENEY explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4650 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, McLeod and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 9 TO TITLE 33 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES FOR, AND THE LEGAL EFFECT OF,

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\BBM\10049MM04), which was adopted:

"Section 33-10-110.   (A)   A corporation formed under this chapter may, by amendment of its articles pursuant to this section, convert to a nonprofit public benefit corporation as defined in Section 33-31-140 or to a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation as defined in Section 33-31-140. The corporation will then be deemed to have previously filed articles of incorporation under Section 33-31-202 upon the date of its incorporation under this chapter and to have filed articles of amendment pursuant to Section 33-10-106.

(B)   The amendment of the articles to convert to a nonprofit corporation shall:

(1)   revise the statement of purpose for which the corporation is organized;

(2)   set forth one of the statements provided for in Section 33-31-202(a)(2);

(3)   set forth the address, including zip code, of the proposed principal office for the corporation which may be either within or outside this State;

(4)   delete the authorization for shares and any other provisions relating to authorized or issued shares;

(5)   state whether or not the corporation will have members;

(6)   set forth provisions not inconsistent with law regarding the distribution of assets on dissolution;

(7)   make other changes as necessary or desired pursuant to Section 33-31-202; and

(8)   if any shares have been issued, provide for either for the cancellation of those shares or for the conversion of those shares to memberships of the nonprofit corporation.

(C)   If shares have been issued, an amendment to convert to a nonprofit corporation must be approved by all of the outstanding shares of all classes regardless of limitations or restrictions on the voting rights of the shares.

(D)   Upon conversion, the corporation's bylaws must be amended to comply with the provisions of Chapter 31 of this title, the South Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1994, and any successor act."
B.   Section 33-31-401 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 384 of 1994, is amended by adding at the end:

"(f)   A corporation that converts to a nonprofit corporation pursuant to Section 33-10-110 may continue to use the same name that it used prior to the conversion." /
Amend further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/ SECTION   __.   Section 33-42-320 of the 1976 Code is repealed./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. SINCLAIR explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4475 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, W. D. Smith, Wilkins, Altman, Bingham, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Cotty, Davenport, Edge, Frye, Gilham, Hagood, Hamilton, Harrison, Haskins, Hinson, Huggins, Koon, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Martin, Merrill, E. H. Pitts, Quinn, Rice, Richardson, Simrill, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Stewart, Stille, Taylor, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Walker, White, Witherspoon, Young, Sandifer, Kirsh, Owens, Whitmire, Cato, Coates, Ott, Sinclair, Keegan, McGee, Perry, J. M. Neal, Emory, Pinson, Barfield, R. Brown, Weeks, Branham and Bailey: A BILL TO ENACT THE FISCAL DISCIPLINE PLAN OF 2004 BY DESIGNATING SECTION 6 OF ACT 356 OF 2002, RELATING TO ACTIONS NECESSARY FOR THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO COVER AN OPERATING DEFICIT, AS SECTION 11-11-180, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AND AMENDING IT TO REQUIRE AN OPERATING DEFICIT TO BE PLACED FIRST ON THE AGENDA OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AT THE

The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20879HTC04), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in SECTION 3(A), page 2, line 26, by striking /general fund revenue equal/ and inserting /General Reserve Fund revenue up/ so that when amended SECTION 3(A) reads:
/   (A)   Before the close of the state's books for fiscal year 2003-2004, the State Treasurer shall transfer an amount of fiscal year 2003-2004 General Reserve Fund revenue up to fifty million dollars to repay general depository accounts used to offset the fiscal year 2001-2002 operating deficit. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. HARRELL explained the amendment.

Reps. J. E. SMITH, MCLEOD and SCOTT requested debate on the Bill.

The amendment was then adopted.

Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar, the pending question being consideration of the Bill.

The motion of Rep. BATTLE to reconsider the vote whereby the following Bill was recommitted was taken up:

S. 104 (Word version) -- Senator Mescher: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 34, TO PROVIDE FOR THE STANDARDS, REQUIREMENTS, AND PROCEDURES OF TATTOOING CERTAIN PERSONS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-700, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO TATTOO ANOTHER PERSON UNLESS THE TATTOO ARTIST MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 34 OF TITLE 44.

Rep. MACK moved to adjourn debate on the motion to reconsider until Thursday, February 26.

Rep. ALTMAN raised the Point of Order that the motion to reconsider the vote whereby S. 104 was recommitted to the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee was out of order.
SPEAKER WILKINS stated that four years ago the same Point of Order was raised. In that particular Point of Order, he ruled that pursuant to Mason's Manual, Section 456, the motion to reconsider a vote whereby a Bill was recommitted to a committee was out of order. He stated further that as a general rule procedural motions cannot be reconsidered. He therefore sustained the Point of Order and ruled that the motion to adjourn debate on the motion to reconsider was moot.

Rep. J. BROWN asked unanimous consent to recall S. 104 (Word version) from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
Rep. KIRSH objected.

On motion of Rep. HARRELL, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Ways and Means and was referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry:

On motion of Rep. TOWNSEND, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry and was referred to the Committee on Education and Public Works:

H. 4805 (Word version) -- Rep. Townsend: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-9-350, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO OBTAINING VERIFICATION THAT AN OPERATOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT RESULTS IN PROPERTY DAMAGE MUST VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE HAS LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO REVISE THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT MUST OCCUR BEFORE INSURANCE VERIFICATION MUST BE OBTAINED; TO AMEND SECTION 56-9-351, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF THE DRIVER'S LICENSE AND MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT MUST OCCUR BEFORE THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION BECOME APPLICABLE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-9-359, RELATING TO THE AMOUNT OF SECURITY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ORDER A PERSON TO DEPOSIT, SO AS TO REVISE THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF SECURITY THAT MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means:

S. 813 (Word version) -- Senators Richardson, Hutto, Ravenel and Kuhn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-10-330, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BALLOT QUESTION SUBMITTED TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF A COUNTY FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE IMPOSITION OF A SALES AND USE TAX IN THE COUNTY AND THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF THE TAX MAY BE USED, SO AS TO ADD PUBLIC PARKING GARAGES AND BEACH ACCESS AND BEACH RENOURISHMENT FOR WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF THE TAX MAY BE USED.

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:

H. 3516 (Word version) -- Reps. Vaughn, Whipper, Hamilton, Bailey, Chellis, Frye, Gilham, Haskins, Howard, Koon, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Sinclair, Snow, Stille, Taylor, Cotty and Edge: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-3-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CIVIL JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO ADD TO THE LIST OF CASES OVER WHICH MAGISTRATES HAVE CONCURRENT CIVIL JURISDICTION ACTIONS FOR DAMAGES ARISING FROM A PERSON'S FAILURE TO RETURN LEASED OR RENTED PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHIN SEVENTY-TWO HOURS AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE LEASE OR RENTAL AGREEMENT, TO PROVIDE SUCH DAMAGES TO BE BASED ON THE LOSS OF REVENUE OR REPLACEMENT VALUE OF THE PROPERTY, WHICHEVER IS LESS, AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE LEASE OR RENTAL AGREEMENT SHALL SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CALCULATION OF THE LOSS OF REVENUE OR REPLACEMENT VALUE OF THE PROPERTY SHALL BE CALCULATED.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:

H. 4272 (Word version) -- Reps. Hinson, Altman, Breeland, R. Brown, Dantzler, Gourdine, Hagood, Harrell, Limehouse, Mack, Merrill, Miller, Scarborough, Umphlett and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 4-3-85 SO AS TO ALTER THE LINES OF BERKELEY AND CHARLESTON COUNTIES BY ANNEXING A CERTAIN PORTION OF CHARLESTON COUNTY TO BERKELEY COUNTY AND MAKE PROVISIONS FOR LEGAL RECORDS.

Rep. HINSON proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\MS\7148AHB04), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting clause and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Chapter 3, Title 4 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 4-3-85.   (A)(1)   The following described portion of Charleston County is transferred and annexed to Berkeley County:

All that area, approximately 4.04 acres, now lying in the County of Charleston and identified as a portion of TMS #487-00-00-026 located adjacent to Crowfield Plantation Development and shown on a map prepared by ADC Engineer, Inc., designated as Job #02227 and dated December 4, 2002.

(2)   The proper proportion of the existing Charleston County indebtedness of the area transferred must be assumed by Berkeley County.

(B)   Upon application, the clerk of court, register of deeds, sheriff, and probate judge of Charleston County shall furnish certified copies of any judgment roll, entry on abstract of judgment book, will, record, execution, decree, deed, mortgage, or other papers signed or recorded in the office of such officers, upon payment of proper fees and when

Rep. HINSON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The Senate amendments, as amended, were then agreed to and the Bill was ordered returned to the Senate.

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:

H. 3448 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 41-1-110 SO AS TO AFFIRM THE AT-WILL NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC MANNER BY WHICH TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS GOVERNED BY AN EXPRESS CONTRACT.

Rep. CATO moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Tuesday, March 2, which was agreed to.

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:

H. 3681 (Word version) -- Reps. E. H. Pitts, Clark, Duncan, Frye, Koon and Merrill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1572, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS

Rep. ALTMAN explained the Senate Amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:

H. 4673 (Word version) -- Reps. Young, Chellis, Bailey and Harrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-230, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN DORCHESTER COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS IN DORCHESTER COUNTY, REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND CORRECT CERTAIN REFERENCES.

Rep. YOUNG explained the Senate Amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:

H. 4503 (Word version) -- Reps. J. R. Smith, D. C. Smith and Stewart: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO ENACT H.RES. 103 WHICH ESTABLISHES A SELECT COMMITTEE ON POW AND MIA AFFAIRS IN THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Whereas, according to the legislation: "The select committee shall conduct a full investigation of all unresolved matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean conflict, World War II, and the Gulf War, including MIA's and POW's; and

Whereas, the United States government has yet to account for all of our missing servicemen and some civilians lost during war time, and a great many questions remain unanswered; and

Whereas, the United States Senate Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs has done work in this area but major follow up is still required; and

Whereas, it is therefore necessary that a United States House of Representatives Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs be established to help finish the work that needs to be done. Now, therefore,

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

That the General Assembly of South Carolina, by this resolution, memorializes the United States House of Representatives to enact H.RES. 103 which establishes a select committee on POW and MIA Affairs in the United States House of Representatives.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the members of the United States House of Representatives from South Carolina and the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

Rep. J. R. SMITH explained the Resolution.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.

Rep. HASKINS moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.

The following was introduced:

H. 4834 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrell: A HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT NO PERMANENT LAW, I.E., PART II'S, SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005, WHEN THE BILL IS UNDER CONSIDERATION IN THE HOUSE BEGINNING THE WEEK OF MARCH 8, 2004.
The House Resolution was ordered placed on the calendar.

The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4835 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport, Duncan and M. A. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 2-19-22 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF A JUDGE BY THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION IF TEN MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION FOR POSSIBLE MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, INCOMPETENCY, ABSENTEEISM, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, MISCONDUCT, PERSISTENT NEGLECT OF DUTY IN OFFICE, OR INCAPACITY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMISSION TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AFTER ITS INVESTIGATION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL MEET IN JOINT SESSION WITHIN THREE WEEKS OF THE RECEIPT OF THE COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACCEPTING OR REJECTING THE RECOMMENDATION.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4836 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport, Duncan, Frye, Keegan, M. A. Pitts and Toole: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 17, ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO REMOVAL OR

H. 4837 (Word version) -- Rep. Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-11-410, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS AND SUBCLASSIFICATIONS FOR CONTRACTORS, SO AS TO SPECIFY THAT THE "GENERAL CONTRACTORS-BUILDING" CLASSIFICATION DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY WORK DONE UNDER THE SUBCLASSIFICATION OF GLASS AND GLAZING.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4838 (Word version) -- Reps. Hamilton, Bailey, Cooper, Duncan, Edge, Huggins, Limehouse, E. H. Pitts, Scott, Snow and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 46 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF "HOMEOWNERSHIP: THE AMERICAN DREAM" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of the Bill:

H. 4475 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, W. D. Smith, Wilkins, Altman, Bingham, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Cotty, Davenport, Edge, Frye, Gilham, Hagood, Hamilton, Harrison, Haskins, Hinson, Huggins, Koon, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Martin, Merrill, E. H. Pitts, Quinn, Rice, Richardson, Simrill, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Stewart, Stille, Taylor, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Walker, White, Witherspoon, Young, Sandifer, Kirsh, Owens, Whitmire, Cato, Coates, Ott, Sinclair, Keegan, McGee, Perry, J. M. Neal, Emory, Pinson, Barfield, R. Brown, Weeks, Branham and

Rep. HARRELL explained the Bill.

Rep. HARRELL continued speaking.

Reps. HARRELL, COOPER, J. BROWN, J. R. SMITH, LOFTIS, UMPHLETT, ALTMAN, KIRSH and G. R. SMITH requested debate on the Bill.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4723 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Vaughn, Cato, Allen, Altman, Bales, Barfield, Battle, Branham, J. Brown, Davenport, Hamilton, Haskins, M. Hines, Hosey, Jennings, Leach, McCraw, Owens, Perry, Rice, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Tripp, Wilkins and Mahaffey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2740, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976,

Rep. LOFTIS explained the Bill.

Rep. LOFTIS moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Thursday, February 26, which was agreed to.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4482 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty, Altman, G. M. Smith, Davenport, Coates, J. Brown, Richardson, Kirsh, Owens, Weeks, Clark, Harrison, J. R. Smith, E. H. Pitts, Hinson, Walker, J. E. Smith and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 29, TITLE 6, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 SO AS TO ENACT THE "FEDERAL DEFENSE FACILITIES UTILIZATION INTEGRITY PROTECTION ACT" WHICH PROVIDES PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES WHEREBY LOCAL PLANNING ENTITIES AND OFFICIALS MUST CONSIDER CERTAIN MATTERS AND TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS IN REGARD TO DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS CONTIGUOUS TO FEDERAL MILITARY INSTALLATIONS LOCATED IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20977SD04), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking Article 11 as contained in SECTION 1 and inserting:

Section 6-29-1510.   This article may be cited as the 'Federal Defense Facilities Utilization Integrity Protection Act'.

Section 6-29-1520.   The General Assembly finds:

(1)   As South Carolina continues to grow, there is significant potential for uncoordinated development in areas contiguous to federal military installations that can undermine the integrity and utility of land and airspace currently used for mission readiness and training.

(2)   Despite consistent cooperation on the part of local government planners and developers, this potential remains for unplanned development in areas that could undermine federal military utility of lands and airspace in South Carolina.

(3)   It is, therefore, desirous and in the best interests of the people of South Carolina to enact processes that will ensure that development in areas near federal military installations is conducted in a coordinated manner that takes into account and provides a voice for federal military interests in planning and zoning decisions by local governments.

Section 6-29-1525.   (A)   For purposes of this article, 'federal military installations' includes Fort Jackson, Shaw Air Force Base, McEntire Air Force Base, Charleston Air Force Base, Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort Naval Hospital, Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot, Charleston Naval Weapons Station, and other military bases or installations as determined by the South Carolina Budget and Control Board.

(B)   For purposes of this article, a 'federal military installation overlay zone' is an 'overlay zone' as defined in Section 6-29-720(C)(5) which imposes zoning requirements in a geographic area including a federal military installation as defined in this section.

Section 6-29-1530.   (A)   In any local government which has established a planning department or other agency, such as a board of zoning appeals, charged with the duty of establishing, reviewing, or enforcing comprehensive land use plans or zoning ordinances, such planning department or other agency, with respect to each proposed land use or zoning decision involving land that is located within a federal military installation overlay zone or, if there is no such overlay zone, within three thousand feet of any federal military base or military installation, or within the three thousand foot Clear Zone and Accident Potential Zones Numbers I and II as prescribed in 32 C.F.R. Section 256, defining Air Installation Compatible Use Zones of a federal military airfield, shall:

(1)   at least thirty days prior to any hearing conducted pursuant to Section 6-29-530 or 6-29-800, request from the commander of the federal military base, military installation, or military airfield a written recommendation with supporting facts with regard to the matters

(2)   upon receipt of the written recommendation specified in subsection (A)(1) become a part of the public record, and in addition to any other duties with which the planning department or agency is charged by the local government, investigate and make recommendations or findings with respect to each of the matters enumerated in subsection (C).

(B)   If the base commander does not submit a recommendation pursuant to subsection (A)(1) by the date of the public hearing, there is a presumption that the proposed zoning decision does not have any adverse effect relative to the matters specified in subsection (C) of this section.

(C)   The matters the planning department or agency shall address in its investigation, recommendations, and findings must be:

(1)   whether the land use plan or zoning proposal will permit a use that is suitable in view of the fact that the property under review is within the federal military installation overlay zone, or, if there is no such overlay zone is located within three thousand feet of a federal military base, military installation, or military airfield or within Air Installation Compatible Use Zones;

(2)   whether the land use plan or zoning proposal will adversely affect the existing use or usability of nearby property within the federal military installation overlay zone, or if there is no such overlay zone, within three thousand feet of a federal military base, military installation, or military airfield or within Air Installation Compatible Use Zones;

(3)   whether the property to be affected by the land use plan or zoning proposal has a reasonable economic use as currently zoned;

(4)   whether the land use plan or zoning proposal results in a use which causes or may cause a safety concern with respect to excessive or burdensome use of existing streets, transportation facilities, utilities, or schools where adjacent or nearby property is used as a federal military base, military installation, or military airfield;

(5)   if the local government has an adopted land use plan, whether the zoning proposal is in conformity with the policy and intent of the land use plan given the proximity of a federal military base, military installation, or military airfield; and

(6)   whether there are other existing or changing conditions affecting the use of the nearby property as a federal military base, military installation, or military airfield which give supporting grounds

(D)   Where practicable, local governments shall incorporate identified boundaries, easements, and restrictions for federal military installations into official maps as part of their responsibilities delineated in Section 6-29-340.

Section 15-29-1540.   Nothing in this article is to be construed to apply to former military installations, or approaches or access related thereto, that are in the process of closing or redeveloping pursuant to base realignment and closure proceedings, including the former naval base facility on the Cooper River in and near the City of North Charleston, nor to the planned uses of, or construction of facilities on or near, that property by the South Carolina State Ports Authority, nor to the construction and uses of transportation routes and facilities necessary or useful thereto. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. COTTY explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4271 (Word version) -- Reps. Townsend, Thompson, Cooper, Harrell, Martin, Toole, Altman, Stille, White and E. H. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-223 SO AS TO ELIMINATE INCREASES IN FAIR MARKET VALUE OF OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ATTRIBUTABLE TO QUADRENNIAL REASSESSMENT IN THE COUNTY, AND PROVIDE THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THIS EXEMPTION APPLIES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-223A., RELATING TO THE COUNTY OPTION PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION LIMITING TO FIFTEEN PERCENT INCREASES IN FAIR MARKET OF REAL PROPERTY AS A RESULT OF QUADRENNIAL REASSESSMENT IN A COUNTY, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS OPTIONAL EXEMPTION

The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GGS\22459HTC04):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking Section 12-37-223, as contained in SECTION 1, beginning on page 1, and inserting:
/ "Section 12-37-223.   (A)   For purposes of this section, real property means real property classified for property tax purposes pursuant to Section 12-43-220.

(B)   There is exempted from property tax an amount of fair market value of real property located in the county sufficient to eliminate any valuation increase attributable to a countywide appraisal and equalization program conducted pursuant to Section 12-43-217. An exemption allowed by this section does not apply to:

(1)   value attributable to property or improvements not previously taxed, such as new construction, and for renovation of existing structures;

(2)   real property transferred after the year in which the most recent countywide equalization program was implemented pursuant to Section 12-43-217; and

(3)   real property valued for property tax purposes by the unit evaluation method.

(C)(1)   Notwithstanding subsection (B)(2), the exemption provided in subsection (B) applies to property which has been transferred in fee simple in a transfer that is not subject to income tax pursuant to Sections 102, limited to transfer to a spouse or surviving spouse, (Gifts and Inheritances), 1033 (Conversions--Fire and Insurance Proceeds to Rebuild), 1041 (Transfers of Property Between Spouses or Incident to Divorce), 351 (Transfer to a Corporation Controlled by Transferor), 355 (Distribution by a Controlled Corporation), 368 (Corporate Reorganizations), 721 (Nonrecognition of Gain or Loss on a Contribution to a Partnership) of the Internal Revenue Code as defined in Section 12-6-40; and to distributions of real property out of corporations, partnerships, or limited liability companies to persons who initially contributed the property to the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company.

(2)   Notwithstanding Subsection (B)(2), and in addition to the nondisqualifying transfers allowed pursuant to item (1) of this subsection, the transfer of any interest in real property to a spouse, whether inter vivos, testamentary, or by operation of law, is a

(D)   Once the taxable value of a property is reduced because of the exemption provided in subsection (B), that reduced value remains in effect, except as otherwise provided in subsection (B)(2), until the implementation of the next equalization and reassessment program. The effect of this exemption is, that upon the implementation of each subsequent equalization and reassessment program, the value of the property as determined under Section 12-37-930, reduced by the amount of any exemption granted under this section, may not increase except in the year following a disqualifying transfer in ownership.

When a property is transferred such that the property is no longer eligible for the exemption provided for in subsection (B), the property is subject to being taxed in the tax year following the transfer at its value, as determined under Section 12-37-930, at market value based on the sale or transfer of ownership or at the appraised value determined by the county assessor.

(E)   The closing attorney involved in a real estate transfer shall provide the following notice to the buyer(s)

THE INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY TRANSFERRED AS A RESULT OF THIS TRANSACTION MAY BE SUBJECT TO PROPERTY TAXATION DURING THE NEXT TAX YEAR AT A VALUE THAT REFLECTS ITS FAIR MARKET VALUE.

(F)   To qualify for the exemption authorized under subsection (B), the owner of the property for which the exemption is sought or the owner's agent must apply to the county assessor where the property is located and establish eligibility for the exemption. The time period for making application for the exemption provided for in subsection (B), or for seeking a refund of taxes paid as a result of a subsequent determination of eligibility for the exemption, is the same as provided for in Section 12-43-220(c) for administering the special legal residence assessment ratio, mutatis mutandis.

Under penalty of perjury, the taxpayer must certify that the property meets the qualifications established in subsection (B) for eligibility for the exemption and provide such other proof required by the county assessor. The burden is on the taxpayer to establish eligibility for the exemption. The Department of Revenue shall assist the applicant and the assessor to the extent practicable in providing information necessary or helpful in determining eligibility. If the assessor determines the applicant ineligible, the value of the property must be determined by the assessor.

No further application is necessary from the owner who qualified the property for the exemption while the property continues to meet the eligibility requirements. If a change in ownership occurs, the owner who had qualified for the exemption shall notify the assessor within six months of the transfer of title. Another application is required by the new owner if the new owner seeks to qualify for the exemption provided by this section.

If a person signs the certification, obtains the exemption, and is, thereafter, found not eligible, a penalty may be imposed equal to one hundred percent of the tax paid, plus interest on that amount at a rate of one-half of one percent a month, but in no case less than thirty dollars nor more than the current year's taxes assessed on the value of the property without regard to the exemption."
SECTION   2.   Section 12-37-223A. of the 1976 Code, is repealed for property tax years beginning after 2003.
SECTION   3.   Article 1, Chapter 37, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-37-130.   The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint, by January 14, 2014, a task force to study the effects of this chapter on homeowners and the real estate industry and recommend changes to this chapter, and shall report its findings to the General Assembly no later than January 13, 2015."
SECTION   4.   Section 6-1-320(A) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 114 of 1999, is further amended to read:

"(A)   Notwithstanding Section 12-37-251(E), a local governing body may increase the millage rate imposed for general operating purposes above the rate imposed for such purposes for the preceding tax year only to the extent of the increase in the consumer price index for the in the average of the twelve monthly consumer prices indexes for the most recent twelve-month period consisting of January through December of the preceding calendar year. However, in the year in which a reassessment program is implemented, the rollback millage, as calculated pursuant to Section 12-37-251(E), must be used in lieu of the previous year's millage rate."
SECTION   5.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies for countywide reassessment values implemented after 2003. Amounts exempted pursuant to the former provisions of Section 12-37-223(A). are deemed to have been exempted pursuant to Section 12-37-223 of the 1976 Code, as added by this act.

Rep. TOWNSEND explained the amendment.

Reps. PERRY, COTTY, RIVERS, TOWNSEND, MARTIN, STILLE, FRYE, SANDIFER, MCLEOD, DUNCAN, TAYLOR, KENNEDY, HARRELL, OTT, ALTMAN, J. H. NEAL, MOODY-LAWRENCE, DAVENPORT, HOSEY, J. R. SMITH and G. R. SMITH requested debate on the Bill.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3689 (Word version) -- Reps. Miller, Bales, Rutherford, J. Hines, Anthony, Battle, Branham, Clyburn, Gourdine, M. Hines, Hosey, Jennings, Lloyd, Mack, McCraw, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, Neilson, Phillips, Snow, Bowers, Koon, Frye, Altman, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Haskins, Harrison, Hamilton, Hagood, Freeman, Edge, Coates, Clark, G. Brown, Sinclair, Sheheen, Scarborough, Pinson, Perry, Owens, Richardson, Martin, Lucas, Lourie, Loftis, Witherspoon, Whipper, Townsend, W. D. Smith, Kirsh, Herbkersman, Cato, Ceips, McGee, Rice, Delleney, Harrell, Vaughn, Trotter, Tripp, J. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Scott, Sandifer, Littlejohn, Limehouse, Bailey, Harvin, F. N. Smith, Toole, Thompson, G. R. Smith, D. C. Smith, Rhoad, E. H. Pitts, Leach, Kennedy and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-223 SO AS TO LIMIT TO FIFTEEN PERCENT INCREASES IN FAIR MARKET VALUE OF OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND SECOND HOMES ATTRIBUTABLE TO QUADRENNIAL REASSESSMENT IN THE COUNTY, AND PROVIDE THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THIS EXEMPTION APPLIES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-223A., RELATING TO THE COUNTY OPTION PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION LIMITING TO FIFTEEN PERCENT INCREASES IN FAIR MARKET OF REAL PROPERTY AS A RESULT OF QUADRENNIAL REASSESSMENT IN A COUNTY, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS OPTIONAL EXEMPTION TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 12-37-223 OF THE 1976 CODE AS ADDED BY THIS ACT.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4697 (Word version) -- Reps. Witherspoon, Rhoad, Hayes, Bailey, Battle, Coates, Davenport, Edge, Keegan, Leach, Limehouse, Loftis, McCraw and Stewart: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 48-23-265 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO PURCHASES TREES OR FOREST PRODUCTS DIRECTLY FROM A LANDOWNER FROM LANDS IN THIS STATE MUST MAKE FULL PAYMENT TO THE LANDOWNER IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT FAILURE TO REMIT PAYMENT AS REQUIRED SUBJECTS THE VIOLATOR TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT WHERE THE VALUE OF THE TIMBER EXCEEDS FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES USED TO ACQUIRE OR CUT THE TIMBER ARE SUBJECT TO CONFISCATION AND FORFEITURE.

The Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\21009SD04), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 48-23-265 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking subsections (C), (D), and (E) and inserting:
/   (C)   Convictions in magistrate's court are punishable as follows:

(1)   for a first offense, if the value of the timber is five hundred dollars or less, by a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days;

(2)   for a first offense, if the value of the timber is more than five hundred dollars but not greater than five thousand dollars, by a fine of not less than three hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days;

(3)   for a second or subsequent offense, if the value of the timber is five hundred dollars or less, by a fine of two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days;

(4)   for a second or subsequent offense, if the value of the timber is more than five hundred dollars but not greater than five thousand dollars, by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days or both;

(5)   the court shall also order restitution to the victim as a mandatory condition of the sentence imposed.

(D)   Convictions in the court of general sessions are punishable as follows:

(1)   for a first offense by a fine of not less than three hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two years, or both;

(2)   for a second or subsequent offense by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand dollars and imprisonment for not less than thirty days nor more than ten years;

(3)   the court shall also order restitution to the victim as a mandatory condition of the sentence imposed. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. FRYE explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. FRYE explained the Bill.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

Rep. M. A. PITTS moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.

The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4839 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Bailey, Bales, Davenport, Haskins, Herbkersman, Howard, Keegan, Leach, Scott, Sinclair, G. R. Smith, Vaughn and Whitmire: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-15-330, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FACILITIES REQUIRED FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A

H. 4840 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse, Rivers, Vaughn, Bailey, Ceips, Cobb-Hunter, Edge, Emory, Herbkersman, Huggins, Keegan, Littlejohn, Loftis, Richardson, Sinclair, G. R. Smith, Umphlett and Whitmire: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-43-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR STATUS AFFIXED TO A PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO REQUIRE SUCH STATUS TO BE EMBEDDED IN THE PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 44-43-320, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE UNIFORM ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ORGAN PROCUREMENT ORGANIZATION FOR THE STATE IS THAT AGENCY DESIGNATED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-43-350, RELATING TO THE MANNER IN WHICH AN ANATOMICAL GIFT CAN BE MADE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH A GIFT CAN BE VERBALLY DESIGNATED WHEN WITNESSED BY TWO PEOPLE; TO AMEND SECTION 44-43-370, RELATING TO AMENDMENT OR REVOCATION OF AN ANATOMICAL GIFT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REVOCATION BY DESTRUCTION OF THE DOCUMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-43-400, RELATING TO STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION OF THE UNIFORM ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT MUST BE LIBERALLY CONSTRUED TO EFFECTUATE THE WISHES OF THE DONOR; TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-43-410 AND 44-43-420, RELATING TO NONSPECIFIC DONEE ANATOMICAL GIFTS AND STATE ORGAN SHARING AGREEMENTS, SO AS TO CORRECT REFERENCES; TO AMEND ARTICLE 11, CHAPTER 43, RELATING TO HOSPITAL POLICY AND PROTOCOL FOR ORGAN, TISSUE, AND EYE DONATIONS, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO EYE DONATIONS AND TO CLARIFY WHICH ENTITIES ARE THE ORGAN PROCUREMENT ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STATE; AND TO REPEAL ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 43, TITLE 44,

H. 4841 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse, Emory, Herbkersman, Kirsh, Littlejohn, Lloyd, J. M. Neal and Snow: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-295 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS MAY CHARGE PATIENTS WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE THE SAME PRICE FOR A PARTICULAR SERVICE OR PROCEDURE THAT THE PROVIDER RECEIVES FOR THAT SERVICE OR PROCEDURE FROM ANY HEALTH INSURER OR SELF-INSURER WITH WHICH THE PROVIDER HAS AGREED TO PROVIDE SERVICES AFTER ALL REQUIRED CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE HEALTH INSURER OR SELF-INSURER MAY NOT PENALIZE OR SANCTION THE PROVIDER FOR THIS ACTION OR TAKE THE POSITION THAT THE STANDARD CHARGE OF THE PROVIDER HAS BEEN REDUCED BECAUSE THE PROVIDER ELECTED TO CHARGE A PATIENT WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE THE SAME NET PRICE THE PROVIDER RECEIVES FOR THAT SERVICE OR PROCEDURE FROM THE INSURER AFTER ANY REQUIRED CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4842 (Word version) -- Reps. E. H. Pitts, Altman, Duncan, M. A. Pitts, Taylor and Toole: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-215, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALABLE WEAPONS PERMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF A PERMIT HOLDER FAILS TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO RENEW HIS PERMIT WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS OF THE DATE IT EXPIRES, HE MUST SUBMIT AN INITIAL APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT TO OBTAIN A PERMIT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ONCE A PERMIT EXPIRES, THE HOLDER OF THE PERMIT MAY NOT LEGALLY CARRY A CONCEALABLE WEAPON.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

The following was introduced:

H. 4843 (Word version) -- Reps. Hosey, Rhoad, Bowers, Rivers, Lloyd, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Freeman, Frye, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hagood, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Howard, Huggins, Jennings, Keegan, Kennedy, Kirsh, Koon, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lourie, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Quinn, Rice, Richardson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Snow, Stewart, Stille, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Umphlett, Vaughn, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Wilkins, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FAMILY OF ROBERT EDWARD CONNELLY, SR., OF ALLENDALE COUNTY WHO DIED SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2004.

The Resolution was adopted.

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. DUNCAN.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4548 (Word version) -- Reps. Duncan and M. A. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-1215 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, BASED ON A SUFFICIENT SHOWING AFTER NOTICE AND IN THE MANNER REQUIRED BY THIS ARTICLE, SHALL SUSPEND FOR TWO

Rep. KIRSH proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name COUNCIL\SWB\5855CM04):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 50-9-1215, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking the first sentence and inserting:
/ The Department of Natural Resources, based on a sufficient showing after notice and in the manner required by this article, shall suspend for two years the hunting privileges and license, if any, of a person who intentionally shoots any bovine or equine animal while hunting deer. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. KIRSH explained the amendment.

Rep. DUNCAN spoke against the amendment.
Rep. TRIPP spoke against the amendment.

Rep. TRIPP moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Tuesday, March 2, which was agreed to.

Rep. J. BROWN moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 4780 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, AS THE TIME FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE TO MEET IN JOINT

At 12:20 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. CEIPS, adjourned in memory of Bert Hines of Beaufort, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

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