South Carolina General Assembly
115th Session, 2003-2004
Journal of the House of Representatives

Thursday, January 22, 2004
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

Our thought for today is from Psalm 37:3: "Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, give us trust and hope as Representatives and staff wrestle with the great task before them. Give them strength and courage to do the right thing for the right reason. Be our helper in time of need. Bless our leaders of the State and Nation and protect our defenders of freedom. Keep them safe. Hear our prayer, O God. 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.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. J. BROWN moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Hale W. C. Kennedy of Columbia, which was agreed to.

INVITATIONS

On motion of Rep. LEACH, with unanimous consent, the following were taken up for immediate consideration and accepted:

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the SC Association of Probate Judges the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Clarion Town House Hotel.
Sincerely,
Sandra S. Estridge
Lancaster County Probate Judge

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the SC Self-Insurers Association the Members of the House of Representatives and their staff are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2004, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Mobashir Salahuddin
Executive Director

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the SC Athletic Trainers' Association the Members of the House of Representatives and their staff are invited to a luncheon. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2004, at 12:00 noon in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Kent Atkins
President

August 5, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the Construction Industry Association, Carolinas AGC the Members and staff of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held at the Koger Center for the Arts on February 4, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Sincerely,
Stephen P. Gennett
President and CEO

December 3, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of Reach Out and Read South Carolina the Members of the House of Representatives and their staff are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2004, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Callee Boulware

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Arts Alliance the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a luncheon. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2004, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Capital City Club.
Sincerely,
Betty J. Plumb
Executive Director

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Supreme Court Justices, the Court of Appeals, the Circuit Court Judges, the Family Court Judges, and the Masters-In-Equity of South Carolina the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory.
Sincerely,
Judge Paul M. Burch

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Transportation Policy and Research Council the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2004, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the Clarion Town House Hotel.
Sincerely,
Robert Zuelsdorf
President

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a luncheon. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2004, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Sheila S. Breitweiser, ED.D.
President

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Cable Television Association the Members of the House of Representatives and their staff are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Capital City Club.
Sincerely,
Patti Hall
Director of Communications

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the March of Dimes, South Carolina Chapter and the South Carolina Perinatal Association the Members of the House of Representatives and their staff are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2004, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Karen Waldrop                 Jeannie Thompson
Director of Program Services       President
March of Dimes, SC Chapter       SC Perinatal Association
December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Registration and Election Officials the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Seawell's Banquet and Reception Center.
Sincerely,
Marilyn W. Bowers, Chairperson
Legislative Reception Committee

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Baptist Convention the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a luncheon. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at noon on the State House Grounds.
Sincerely,
B. Carlisle Driggers     Joseph A. Mack, Director
Director               Christian Life Concerns

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the Municipal Association of South Carolina the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2004, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Adam's Mark Hotel.
Sincerely,
Lilliam Brock Flemming
President

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2004, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the Capital City Club.
Sincerely,
Ashleigh Britton
President

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Seawell's Restaurant.
Sincerely,
Linda M. Tansill
Executive Director

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a luncheon. This event will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2004, from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on the State House Grounds.
Sincerely,
Alexa Booth
Public Affairs Coordinator

January 21, 2004
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the American Legislative Exchange Council the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held at the Clarion Town House Hotel on Wednesday, February 25, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm.
Sincerely,
Gary Barrett
Director of Membership

December 2, 2003
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Chairman Leach:

On behalf of the South Carolina Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and the South Carolina Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity the Members of the House of Representatives and their staff are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2004, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Regina M. Fields, M.S.
Chairperson

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., January 21, 2004
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to S. 500:

S. 500 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Ford and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-495, SO AS TO DEFINE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER AND TO PROVIDE THAT CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER RECORDS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

REGULATIONS RECEIVED

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

Document No. 2876
Agency: Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-5-60 and 59-25-110
Requirements for Additional Areas of Certification
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 21, 2004
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 2004

Document No. 2875
Agency: Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-5-60 and 59-25-110
Additional Areas of Certification
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 21, 2004
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 2004

Document No. 2871
Agency: Department of Health and Environmental Control
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 48-1-10 et seq.; 48-1-30 and 48-1-50
Water Quality Certification
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 21, 2004
Referred to Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 2004

Document No. 2879
Agency: Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-5-60, 59-18-1300, 59-18-1310, 59-18-1510, 59-139-05, and 59-20-60
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
District and School Comprehensive Planning
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 21, 2004
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 2004

Document No. 2877
Agency: Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-5-60 and 59-25-110
Requirements for Initial Certification at the Advanced Level
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 21, 2004
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 2004

Document No. 2878
Agency: Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 59-29-170
Gifted and Talented
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 21, 2004
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 2004

Document No. 2881
Agency: Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-18-1110 and 59-18-1120
Flexibility Through Deregulation Program
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 21, 2004
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 2004

Document No. 2880
Agency: Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-5-60, 59-5-65, 59-18-300, 59-18-310, and 59-18-320
End-of-Course Tests
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 21, 2004
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 20, 2004

Document No. 2843
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 44-6-90
Recipient Utilization
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 22, 2004
Referred to Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 21, 2004

Document No. 2872
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
January 22, 2004
Referred to Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 21, 2004

Document No. 2839
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 44-6-90
Hearing Procedure
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 22, 2004
Referred to Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 21, 2004

Document No. 2885
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 50-11-105, 50-11-310, 50-11-520, 50-11-520, 50-11-530, 50-11-2200, and 50-11-2210
Wildlife Management Areas and Chronic Wasting Disease
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 22, 2004
Referred to Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 21, 2004

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4593 (Word version) -- Rep. Witherspoon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE ORGANIZERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA TOBACCO TRAIL CREATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRESERVING AND RECOGNIZING THE AGRICULTURAL HISTORY OF OUR STATE'S TOBACCO-GROWING REGION, AND TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO ARE HELPING THE TRAIL TELL THE STORY OF THIS IMPORTANT REGION OF OUR STATE.

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

HOUSE RESOLUTION

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

H. 4594 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, 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, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jennings, Keegan, Kennedy, Kirsh, Koon, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, 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, Rhoad, Rice, Richardson, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Sheheen, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. 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 PROVIDE THAT THE STAFF SERVING THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IS NOT REQUIRED TO WORK ON GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2004.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the staff serving the members of the House of Representatives is not required to work on Good Friday, April 9, 2004.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 809 (Word version) -- Senator Courson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO INVITE THE NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, THE HONORABLE JOHN A. BRIEDEN III, TO ADDRESS THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION AT 12:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2004.

The Concurrent Resolution was ordered placed on the calendar.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 851 (Word version) -- Senator Ford: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE REVEREND JAMES R. FIELDS ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-ONE YEARS OF SERVICE AT THE PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES TO HIM IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

H. 4595 (Word version) -- Reps. Haskins, Leach, Anthony, Skelton and G. R. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-25-75 SO AS TO ENACT MARANDA'S LAW TO REQUIRE A COURT TO MAKE WRITTEN FINDINGS OF FACT CONCERNING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMITTED BY A PERSON BEFORE RELEASING THE PERSON ON BOND OR SUSPENDING THE IMPOSITION OR EXECUTION OF A SENTENCE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-25-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PROSECUTION OF CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MUST BE PROSECUTED IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT.
Rep. HASKINS asked unanimous consent to have the Bill placed on the Calendar without reference.
Rep. G. M. SMITH objected.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4596 (Word version) -- Rep. Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 30 IN TITLE 27, ENACTING THE SOUTH CAROLINA PLANNED COMMUNITY ACT SO AS TO DEFINE AND PROVIDE FOR THE GOVERNANCE OF PLANNED COMMUNITIES CREATED AFTER 2004 AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4597 (Word version) -- Rep. Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-1-110 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COMMON LAW MARRIAGE IN THIS STATE MUST NOT BE RECOGNIZED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2004, UNLESS IT IS ESTABLISHED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION THAT THE COMMON LAW MARRIAGE EXISTED AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4598 (Word version) -- Reps. Anthony, Allen, Bailey, Branham, Clemmons, Davenport, Duncan, Emory, Haskins, Hayes, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, J. M. Neal, Owens, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Richardson, Rivers, Scarborough, Skelton, G. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Snow and White: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-117-110 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CAMPUS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA MUST NOT BE CLOSED WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 4599 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Trotter, Jennings, Sandifer, Ott, R. Brown, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, 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, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Keegan, Kennedy, Kirsh, Koon, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lourie, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Richardson, Rivers, Rutherford, Scarborough, Scott, Sheheen, 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, Umphlett, Vaughn, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Wilkins, Witherspoon and Young: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 33-49-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TITLE OF THE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ACT, SO AS TO DELETE THE WORD "RURAL"; TO AMEND SECTION 33-49-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES ACT, SO AS TO DELETE THE DEFINITION OF "RURAL AREA" AND ADD DEFINITIONS OF "COMMISSION" AND "CORRIDOR"; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 49 OF TITLE 33, BY ADDING SECTION 33-49-140, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN RIGHTS AND AGREEMENTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 33-49-210, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION OF COOPERATIVE NONPROFIT MEMBERSHIP CORPORATIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCE TO RURAL AREAS; TO AMEND SECTION 33-49-250, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO RURAL AREAS AND TO PROVIDE THAT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES HAVE THE RIGHT TO SERVE CERTAIN PREMISES IN AREAS ANNEXED BY MUNICIPALITIES OR NEWLY INCORPORATED AREAS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 58-27-90, RELATING TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND POWERS OF MUNICIPALITIES, SO AS TO APPLY THE SECTION TO THE POWERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES; TO AMEND SECTION 58-27-100, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL POLICE REGULATIONS AND ORDINANCES, SO AS TO APPLY THE SECTION TO THE POWERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES; TO AMEND SECTION 58-27-670, RELATING TO ELECTRIC SERVICE IN AN AREA ANNEXED OR INCORPORATED BY A MUNICIPALITY, SO AS TO DELETE ANY REFERENCE TO RURAL OR RURAL AREAS AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN ELECTRICAL UTILITIES SHALL NOT PROVIDE SERVICE IN CERTAIN AREAS INCORPORATED OR ANNEXED BY A MUNICIPALITY AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4600 (Word version) -- Reps. Townsend, Cooper, Martin, Stille, Thompson and White: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-251, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT OPERATING MILLAGE LEVIED IN A COUNTY FOR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS, CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTERS, AND COUNTY BOARDS OF EDUCATION WHETHER OR NOT LEVIED COUNTYWIDE OR ON A SCHOOL DISTRICT BY SCHOOL DISTRICT BASIS ALSO IS CONSIDERED SCHOOL OPERATING MILLAGE TO WHICH THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY THIS SECTION APPLIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT COUNTY TREASURERS SHALL CONSIDER THESE OPERATING MILLAGES IN DETERMINING REVENUE LOST WHEN MAKING DISBURSEMENTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM TRUST FUNDS FOR TAX RELIEF FUNDS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4601 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Frye, Merrill, Battle, Hinson, Simrill, Littlejohn, Clyburn, Bingham, Anthony, Rhoad, Toole, McLeod, Sinclair, Hosey, Richardson, Bailey, Bowers, Breeland, Cato, Ceips, Clark, Dantzler, Davenport, Emory, Freeman, Gourdine, Hagood, Harrell, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, Huggins, Jennings, Koon, Leach, Lee, Mahaffey, McCraw, Moody-Lawrence, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Phillips, Rice, Skelton, Talley, Taylor, Townsend, Trotter, Umphlett, Weeks and Whitmire: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 51-3-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FREE AND REDUCED RATES FOR USE OF STATE PARKS AND CERTAIN STATE PARK FACILITIES BY INDIVIDUALS SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE, DISABLED, OR BLIND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE MAY USE THESE FACILITIES AT THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE PRESCRIBED FEE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 791 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-150-130, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LOTTERY VENDORS AND RESTRICTIONS ON THESE VENDORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO CONTRIBUTIONS AND LOBBYING DO NOT APPLY TO A LOTTERY VENDOR THAT IS A FEDERALLY-CHARTERED OR INSURED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION WHICH PROVIDES ONLY BANKING SERVICES AS A LOTTERY VENDOR, BUT DO APPLY TO THE VENDOR'S EMPLOYEES WHO ARE INVOLVED ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS IN PROVIDING THE GOODS OR SERVICES THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE LOTTERY COMMISSION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

ROLL CALL

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

Allen                  Altman                 Anthony
Bales                  Barfield               Battle
Bingham                Bowers                 Branham
Breeland               G. Brown               J. Brown
R. Brown               Cato                   Ceips
Chellis                Clark                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Cooper                 Cotty                  Dantzler
Davenport              Delleney               Duncan
Edge                   Emory                  Freeman
Frye                   Gilham                 Gourdine
Govan                  Hagood                 Hamilton
Harrell                Harvin                 Hayes
Herbkersman            J. Hines               M. Hines
Hinson                 Hosey                  Howard
Huggins                Jennings               Keegan
Kennedy                Kirsh                  Koon
Leach                  Lee                    Limehouse
Littlejohn             Lloyd                  Loftis
Lourie                 Lucas                  Mack
Mahaffey               McCraw                 McGee
McLeod                 Merrill                Miller
Moody-Lawrence         J. M. Neal             Ott
Owens                  Parks                  Perry
Phillips               M. A. Pitts            Rice
Richardson             Rivers                 Sandifer
Scarborough            Scott                  Sheheen
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
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Viers
Walker                 Weeks                  Whipper
White                  Whitmire               Wilkins
Witherspoon            Young

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Thursday, January 22.

Thomas Rhoad                      George Bailey
Lewis E. Pinson                   Gloria Haskins
Becky Martin                      Edward H. "Ted" Pitts
Denny Neilson                     Teddy Trotter
Richard Quinn                     Todd Rutherford
James Harrison

Total Present--121

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

Rep. HARRELL signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Wednesday, January 21.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

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."

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4556 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   DAVENPORT

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4556 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   MCGEE

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4262 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   SANDIFER

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4405 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   WEEKS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3689 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   COLEMAN

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4115 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   WEEKS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4115 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   MCLEOD

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4556 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   CLARK

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4413 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   HINSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4482 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   HINSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4479 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   HINSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4473 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   HINSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3653 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   HINSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4422 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
01/22/04   HINSON

SENT TO THE SENATE

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

H. 4574 (Word version) -- Rep. Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-300, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VOTING PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES IN HAMPTON COUNTY, SO AS TO CHANGE THE LOCATION OF TWO POLLING PLACES.

H. 4405--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4405 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Wilkins, Sandifer and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 58-27-865, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FUEL COSTS INCURRED BY ELECTRICAL UTILITIES FOR THE SALE OF ELECTRICITY, SO AS TO FURTHER CLARIFY THAT THE TERM "FUEL COSTS RELATED TO PURCHASED POWER" INCLUDES COSTS OF FIRM GENERATION CAPACITY PURCHASES AND THE TOTAL DELIVERED COST OF ECONOMY PURCHASES OF ELECTRIC POWER.

The Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\ 20848SD04):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking Section 58-27-865(A)(2) of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 1, and inserting:
/     (2)   In order to clarify the intent of this section, 'fuel costs related to purchased power', as used in subsection (A)(1) shall include:

(a)   costs of firm generation capacity purchases, which are defined as purchases made to cure a capacity deficiency or to maintain adequate reserve levels; 'costs of firm generation capacity purchases' include the total delivered costs of firm generation capacity purchased excluding only generation capacity reservation charges and generation capacity option charges;

(b)   the total delivered cost of economy purchases of electric power including, but not limited to, transmission charges; 'economy purchases' are defined as purchases made to displace higher cost generation, at a price which is less than the purchasing utility's avoided variable costs for the generation of an equivalent quantity of electric power. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. SANDIFER explained the amendment.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SCOTT made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

H. 4115--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4115 (Word version) -- Reps. Lourie, Parks, Littlejohn, Weeks and McLeod: A BILL TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA BIRTH DEFECTS ACT OF 2003 BY ADDING CHAPTER 44 TO TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A BIRTH DEFECTS PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO PROMOTE INCREASED UNDERSTANDING AND THE PREVENTION AND REDUCTION OF BIRTH DEFECTS; TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES; TO ESTABLISH THE BIRTH DEFECTS ADVISORY COUNCIL AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERS, POWERS, AND DUTIES; TO REQUIRE THE PROGRAM TO CONDUCT SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING OF BIRTH DEFECTS AND TO MAINTAIN A CENTRAL DATABASE OF THIS INFORMATION; TO REQUIRE VARIOUS HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO BIRTH DEFECT INFORMATION; TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION; AND TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. KIRSH made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 3744 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Kirsh, Richardson, Cato, Young, Battle, E. H. Pitts, Barfield, G. R. Smith, Clemmons, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Cooper, Davenport, Duncan, Edge, Gilham, Herbkersman, Huggins, Keegan, Bingham, Leach, Littlejohn, Townsend, Kennedy, Loftis, Dantzler, Mahaffey, Bailey, Koon, McCraw, Frye, Owens, Perry, Umphlett, Phillips, Pinson, Rice, Scarborough, Simrill, D. C. Smith, J. R. Smith, Snow, Stille, Taylor, Toole, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Viers, Walker, White, Whitmire and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-7-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ACTIONS THAT MUST BE TRIED IN THE COUNTY WHERE THE DEFENDANT RESIDES, SO AS TO DEFINE KEY TERMS AND TO PROVIDE FACTORS FOR THE COURT TO CONSIDER WHEN DETERMINING A CORPORATION'S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS; TO AMEND SECTION 15-7-100, RELATING TO CHANGING THE PLACE OF TRIAL, SO AS TO PROVIDE FACTORS FOR THE COURT TO CONSIDER WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER TO CHANGE THE PLACE OF TRIAL; TO AMEND SECTION 36-2-803, RELATING TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION BASED UPON CONDUCT, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROHIBITED CHANGE OF VENUE IN AN ACTION WHEN JURISDICTION IS BASED SOLELY ON THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 15-36-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LIABILITY FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS OF FRIVOLOUS SUITS, SO AS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE CHAPTER WITH PROVISIONS REQUIRING THE SIGNATURE OF AN ATTORNEY OR PRO SE LITIGANT ON ALL PLEADINGS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED IN A CIVIL OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SIGNATURE CONSTITUTES CERTIFICATION THAT THE ACTION IS NOT FRIVOLOUS OR INTERPOSED FOR DELAY, AND TO PROVIDE SANCTIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 15-36-100 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE REQUIREMENT FOR AN AFFIDAVIT OF AN EXPERT WITNESS IN A PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE ACTION; TO AMEND SECTION 15-3-640, RELATING TO THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR FILING AN ACTION FOR A CONSTRUCTION DEFECT, SO AS TO DECREASE THE STATUTE OF REPOSE FROM THIRTEEN TO EIGHT YEARS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 40-59-840 AND 40-59-850, BOTH RELATING TO NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO CURE CONSTRUCTION DWELLING DEFECTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IS TOLLED UNTIL A CLAIM IS DENIED OR REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CLAIMANT MAY PROCEED WITH A CIVIL ACTION IF THE PARTIES CANNOT AGREE TO SETTLE THE DISPUTE WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE INITIAL NOTICE OF CLAIM; TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 40, RELATING TO CONTRACTORS, SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE EXISTING SECTIONS AS ARTICLE 1; BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 40 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO CURE NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS ACT", TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR "NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY" AND OTHER KEY TERMS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IS TOLLED UNTIL A CLAIM IS DENIED OR REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CLAIMANT MAY PROCEED WITH A CIVIL ACTION IF THE PARTIES CANNOT AGREE TO SETTLE THE DISPUTE; TO AMEND SECTION 34-31-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE POST JUDGMENT LEGAL RATE OF INTEREST, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE RATE OF INTEREST IS EQUAL TO THE PRIME RATE AS LISTED IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL PLUS FOUR PERCENT; BY ADDING ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 32, TITLE 15 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA NONECONOMIC DAMAGE AWARDS ACT, TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR "NONECONOMIC DAMAGES" AND OTHER KEY TERMS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PLAINTIFF MAY BE AWARDED COMPENSATION FOR ACTUAL ECONOMIC DAMAGES AND NONECONOMIC DAMAGES NOT TO EXCEED TWO MILLION DOLLARS; BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 32, TITLE 15 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR THE AWARD OF PUNITIVE DAMAGES, TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR "PUNITIVE DAMAGES" AND OTHER KEY TERMS, TO PROVIDE PUNITIVE DAMAGES MUST BE PROVEN BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE, TO PROVIDE THE JURY MUST DETERMINE AND STATE THE AMOUNT OF PUNITIVE DAMAGES SEPARATELY FROM THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATORY DAMAGES, TO PROHIBIT PUNITIVE DAMAGES FROM EXCEEDING NINE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATORY DAMAGES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A BIFURCATED TRIAL IN CIVIL ACTIONS TRIED BEFORE A JURY WHEN PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARE SOUGHT; TO AMEND CHAPTER 38, TITLE 15, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONTRIBUTION AMONG TORTFEASORS ACT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE TIME IN WHICH A CLAIMANT MAY OPEN A JUDGMENT TO TWO YEARS, TO ABOLISH JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CONTRIBUTORY LIABILITY AMONG TORTFEASORS; TO AMEND SECTION 29-7-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PAY LABORERS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROVIDES THAT A VIOLATION OF THE SECTION IS A MISDEMEANOR, TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROVIDES FOR A FINE OR IMPRISONMENT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION IS SUBJECT TO AN ACTION FOR DAMAGES; TO REPEAL SECTION 58-23-90 OF THE 1976 CODE RELATING TO THE PROPER VENUE TO BRING AN ACTION AGAINST A LICENSED MOTOR CARRIER, AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 15-36-20, 15-36-30, 15-36-40, 15-36-50 OF THE 1976 CODE, ALL RELATING TO FRIVOLOUS CIVIL PROCEEDINGS.

H. 4464 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith, Taylor, G. M. Smith, Clemmons, Walker, Barfield, Keegan, White, Viers, G. R. Smith, Owens, Rice and Sandifer: A BILL TO ENACT THE "MEDICAL MALPRACTICE AND PATIENT SAFETY REFORM ACT" BY ADDING TITLE 15, CHAPTER 80 TO THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976.

H. 4483--ADOPTED

The following House Resolution was taken up:

H. 4483 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith and Wilkins: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO MAKE THE FEDERAL TAX CUTS PROPOSED BY PRESIDENT BUSH AND ENACTED BY CONGRESS SINCE 2001 PERMANENT.

Whereas, each year President Bush has proposed and Congress has enacted a tax cut designed to strengthen the American economy and increase employment opportunities for working families; and

Whereas, tax cuts signed into law reduced income taxes for all taxpayers, eliminated the marriage penalty and death tax, increased the child credit rebate and business expensing, expanded individual retirement accounts, and cut the double taxation of dividends and capital gains; and

Whereas, economic growth stemming from the latest tax cut accelerated at its fastest rate in twenty years in the third quarter of 2003; and

Whereas, provisions set forth in the tax cut are set to expire starting in 2005 and will be completely phased out by the year 2012; and

Whereas, expiration of the existing tax cuts will increase taxes by fifty percent for lower income families, the child tax credit will fall by fifty percent, the marriage penalty will be reinstated, education savings will be taxed, retirement savings will shrink, and every taxpayer will face an income tax increase; and

Whereas, without making the existing tax cuts permanent, American taxpayers will face the largest tax increase in United States' history and stifle economic growth. The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001 reduced marginal tax rates, expanded the per child tax credit, reduced the marriage penalty tax, and reduced and eliminated the death tax. The 2002 bill allowed businesses to expense the first thirty percent of business investment, and the 2003 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003 accelerated the individual income tax rates and cut the taxation on individual capital gains and dividend distribution to fifteen percent; and

Whereas, making all the tax cuts permanent will allow taxpayers to feel more confident investing in their child's college education or saving for retirement, all while ensuring increased economic growth. Now, therefore,

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, memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to make the federal tax cuts proposed by President Bush and enacted by Congress since 2001 permanent.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.

Rep. W. D. SMITH explained the Resolution.

The Resolution was adopted.

H. 4484--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following House Resolution was taken up:

H. 4484 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith and Wilkins: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO SUPPORT NO INCREASES IN PAYROLL TAXES, NO CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS, AND OPTIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY PERSONAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS.

Rep. W. D. SMITH explained the Resolution.

ACTING SPEAKER CATO IN CHAIR

Rep. W. D. SMITH continued speaking.

SPEAKER IN CHAIR

Rep. W. D. SMITH continued speaking.

Rep. W. D. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Resolution until Tuesday, January 27, which was agreed to.

H. 4485--ADOPTED

The following House Resolution was taken up:

H. 4485 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith and Wilkins: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO ABOLISH THE DEATH TAX PERMANENTLY.

Whereas, under tax relief legislation passed in 2001, the death tax was temporarily phased out but not permanently eliminated; and

Whereas, farmers and other small business owners will face losing their farms and businesses if the federal government resumes the heavy taxation of citizens at death; and

Whereas, this is a tax that is particularly damaging to families who are working their way up the ladder and trying to accumulate wealth for the first time; and

Whereas, employees suffer layoffs when small and medium businesses are liquidated to pay death taxes; and

Whereas, if the death tax had been repealed in 1996, the United States' economy would have realized billions of dollars each year, extra output, and an average of one hundred forty-five thousand additional new jobs would have been created; and

Whereas, having repeatedly passed in the United States House of Representatives and Senate, repeal of the death tax holds wide bipartisan support. Now, therefore,

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, memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to abolish the death tax permanently.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation, the President of the United States Senate, and the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

Rep. W. D. SMITH explained the Resolution.

The Resolution was adopted.

H. 4486--ADOPTED

The following House Resolution was taken up:

H. 4486 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith and Wilkins: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES TO ALLOW A TIMELY VOTE ON THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE ON ALL JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS MADE BY PRESIDENT BUSH WHO HAVE BEEN FAVORABLY REPORTED BY THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

Whereas, Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution states the President "shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States;" and

Whereas, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts has classified twenty-two judgeships as "judicial emergencies"; and

Whereas, forty-three of President George W. Bush's judicial nominees are pending before the United States Senate; and

Whereas, sixty-three percent of President Bush's Court of Appeals nominations have been to fill seats classified as judicial emergencies; and

Whereas, forty-two percent of President Bush's District Court nominations have been to fill seats classified as judicial emergencies; and

Whereas, a minority of senators have used dilatory tactics to prevent a Senate floor vote on six of President Bush's judicial nominees, all of whom were reported favorably by the Committee on the Judiciary; and

Whereas, each of President Bush's judicial nominees reported favorably by the Committee on the Judiciary enjoys the support of a majority of the United States Senate, as is required by the United States Constitution. Now, therefore,

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, memorialize the Senate of the United States to allow a timely vote on the floor of the United States Senate on all judicial nominations made by President Bush who have been favorably reported by the Judiciary Committee.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, and the two members of the United States Senate from South Carolina.

Rep. W. D. SMITH explained the Resolution.

The question then recurred to the adoption of the Resolution.

Rep. WHIPPER demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 81; Nays 29

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allen                  Anthony                Bailey
Bales                  Barfield               Battle
Bingham                Branham                Cato
Ceips                  Chellis                Clark
Clemmons               Cooper                 Cotty
Dantzler               Davenport              Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Frye
Gilham                 Hagood                 Hamilton
Harrell                Haskins                Hayes
Herbkersman            Hinson                 Huggins
Keegan                 Koon                   Leach
Lee                    Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Lucas                  Mahaffey
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
Neilson                Owens                  Perry
Phillips               Pinson                 M. A. Pitts
Quinn                  Rhoad                  Rice
Richardson             Sandifer               Scarborough
Simrill                Sinclair               Skelton
D. C. Smith            F. N. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            W. D. Smith
Stewart                Stille                 Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Townsend               Tripp                  Trotter
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Viers
Walker                 White                  Whitmire
Wilkins                Witherspoon            Young

Total--81

Those who voted in the negative are:

Bowers                 Breeland               G. Brown
J. Brown               R. Brown               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Coleman                Freeman
Gourdine               Govan                  Harvin
J. Hines               M. Hines               Hosey
Howard                 Jennings               Kennedy
Lloyd                  Mack                   McLeod
Miller                 Moody-Lawrence         Parks
Rivers                 Rutherford             Scott
Weeks                  Whipper

Total--29

So, the Resolution was adopted.

STATEMENT FOR THE JOURNAL

I was present and chose not to vote on the House Resolution.
Rep. E.H. "Ted" Pitts

H. 4487--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following House Resolution was taken up:

H. 4487 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith and Wilkins: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO SUPPORT PRESIDENT BUSH'S EFFORT TO PROTECT THE UNITED STATES FROM TERRORISTS, DANGEROUS AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES, AND WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.

Rep. W. D. SMITH explained the Resolution.

Rep. W. D. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Resolution until Tuesday, January 27, which was agreed to.

H. 4488--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following House Resolution was taken up:

H. 4488 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith and Wilkins: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO GIVE FIRST PRIORITY TO SUPPORTING AND ENACTING THE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL BEFORE ALL OTHER SPENDING BILLS IN 2004 AND TO DO THE SAME IN FUTURE YEARS.

Rep. W. D. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Resolution until Tuesday, January 27, which was agreed to.

H. 4495--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following House Resolution was taken up:

H. 4495 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith and Wilkins: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR LIFETIME AND RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.

Rep. W. D. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Resolution until Tuesday, January 27, which was agreed to.

H. 4425--RECOMMITTED

The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:

H. 4425 (Word version) -- Reps. M. A. Pitts, Duncan, Vaughn, Taylor, Leach and Mahaffey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE CONCERN OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR SOUTH CAROLINA INDUSTRY AND THE JOBS IT PROVIDES AND TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO ABROGATE, RESCIND, OR OTHERWISE RENEGOTIATE THIS NATION'S MEMBERSHIP IN OR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION, THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, AND THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT.

Rep. M. A. PITTS moved to recommit the Concurrent Resolution to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, which was agreed to.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4602 (Word version) -- Rep. G. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND EXTEND BEST WISHES TO MISS CARRIE L. GASS OF LEE COUNTY ON BEING RECOGNIZED AS ALLEN UNIVERSITY'S OUTSTANDING ALUMNI BY THE LEE COUNTY ALUMNI CHAPTER.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

H. 4603 (Word version) -- Reps. Edge, Bailey, Cato, Hinson, Leach, Perry and Snow: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-9-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY CHANGES ADOPTED TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODE BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODE COUNCIL AS A RESULT OF REVISIONS SUGGESTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL ARE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE BUILDING CODE AT THAT TIME AND DO NOT HAVE TO BE READOPTED IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS UNLESS CHANGES THEREIN ARE SUBSEQUENTLY RECOMMENDED.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4604 (Word version) -- Rep. Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-117 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MOTOR VEHICLE OVER THIRTY YEARS OLD MAY BEAR A SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE PLATE OF THE MODEL YEAR OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 4605 (Word version) -- Rep. Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-170, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED TO USE AND DISPLAY ANY BLUE LIGHTS OR RED LIGHTS; TO DEFINE THE TERM "DISPLAY", AND TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY CERTAIN AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES MAY DISPLAY THE WORD "POLICE".
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 4606 (Word version) -- Reps. Bales, Clyburn, Anthony, Bailey, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, Davenport, Hamilton, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hosey, Littlejohn and Lloyd: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-111-320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS AGE SIXTY AND OVER ATTENDING CLASSES WITHOUT PAYING TUITION, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THESE PERSONS DO NOT RECEIVE COMPENSATION AS FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

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

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 4588 (Word version) -- Reps. Freeman, Lucas, Anthony, Hayes, Jennings and Neilson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE MEMBERS OF THE 2003 CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL "EAGLES" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOEY MANGUM AND HIS STAFF FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WIN IN THE CLASS AA STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION.

H. 4593 (Word version) -- Rep. Witherspoon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE ORGANIZERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA TOBACCO TRAIL CREATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRESERVING AND RECOGNIZING THE AGRICULTURAL HISTORY OF OUR STATE'S TOBACCO-GROWING REGION, AND TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO ARE HELPING THE TRAIL TELL THE STORY OF THIS IMPORTANT REGION OF OUR STATE.

H. 4602 (Word version) -- Rep. G. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND EXTEND BEST WISHES TO MISS CARRIE L. GASS OF LEE COUNTY ON BEING RECOGNIZED AS ALLEN UNIVERSITY'S OUTSTANDING ALUMNI BY THE LEE COUNTY ALUMNI CHAPTER.

ADJOURNMENT

At 11:15 a.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. J. BROWN, adjourned in memory of Hale W. C. Kennedy of Columbia, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

***

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