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 70:1: "Hasten O God, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me."
Let us pray. O God, we pause together in prayer that You might come to us again and guide this body in their thinking and decision making. Be to them the guiding light. Bless and preserve our State and Nation and our leaders. Protect our defenders of freedom. Hear our prayer. 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. RICHARDSON moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Virgie Hefner Chappell of Rock Hill, which was agreed to.
The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:
Document No. 2889
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Building Codes Council
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 6-9-63-(E)
Barrier Free Design, Building Codes Council
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
February 10, 2004
Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee
Legislative Review Expiration June 9, 2004
The following was received:
Columbia, S.C., February 10, 2004
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it refuses the return of H. 3777:
H. 3777 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Harrison, Simrill, J. E. Smith, J. H. Neal, Bales, Cotty, Govan, McLeod, Parks, Hosey, Duncan, Rutherford, Taylor, Whipper, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Barfield, Battle, Bowers, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chellis, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Edge, Emory, Freeman, Gilham, Gourdine, Hagood, Hamilton, Harrell, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, Hinson, Howard, Huggins, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lourie, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McGee, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Perry, E. H. Pitts, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Sheheen, Richardson, Skelton, Rivers, Scarborough, Sinclair, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Snow, Stewart, Stille, Talley, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Walker, Weeks, Wilkins and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-1655 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION SHALL ADOPT ONE VOTING SYSTEM TO BE USED TO CONDUCT ELECTIONS IN THIS STATE AND DEFINE "VOTING SYSTEM"; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-1320, RELATING TO THE PROCUREMENT AND USE OF VOTE RECORDERS, SO AS TO RESTRICT THEIR USAGE ONLY
Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.
The following was received:
Columbia, S.C., February 10, 2004
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Rankin, Ryberg and Richardson of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on H. 3739:
H. 3739 (Word version) -- Reps. Ceips, Whipper, M. A. Pitts, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Battle, Cato, Clark, Dantzler, Duncan, Emory, Hamilton, Harrison, Haskins, Herbkersman, Keegan, Kirsh, Koon, Leach, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, Miller, J. M. Neal, Phillips, Pinson, Rhoad, Richardson, Sinclair, Umphlett, Whitmire, Lourie and Owens: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3905 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OPERATOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE MUST ACTIVATE THE VEHICLE'S INTERIOR LIGHTS WHEN STOPPED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A PERSON WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THIS PROVISION.
Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.
The following was received:
Columbia, S.C., February 10, 2004
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has requested and has granted free conference powers and appointed Senators Moore, Alexander and Waldrep of the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the Senate on S. 208:
S. 208 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Moore, Malloy and Waldrep: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-3-240, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THOSE OFFICERS WHO ARE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL BY THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC STAFF; BY ADDING SECTION 8-13-935 SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO CANDIDATES FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WHO SEEK THE PLEDGE OF A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO AMEND PART 6 OF CHAPTER 6 OF TITLE 37, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS' DIVISION OF CONSUMER ADVOCACY, SO AS TO REVISE THE DIVISION'S JURISDICTION; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 58, RELATING TO THE GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, BY ADDING SECTION 58-3-5 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, AND, AMONG OTHER THINGS, REVISE THE QUALIFICATIONS APPLICABLE TO CANDIDATES FOR THE COMMISSION, STAGGER THE TERMS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION, PROVIDE THAT A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER OF A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DURING THE MEMBER'S TERM OF OFFICE AND FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS AFTER HE CEASES TO BE A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; BY ADDING SECTION 58-3-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHOSE BUSINESS IS REGULATED BY THE COMMISSION MAY NOT SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION; BY ADDING SECTION 58-3-30 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT COMMISSIONERS ARE BOUND BY THE CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT; BY ADDING SECTION 58-
Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.
The following was received:
Columbia, S.C., February 10, 2004
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Free Conference on S. 208:
S. 208 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Moore, Malloy and Waldrep: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-3-240, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THOSE OFFICERS WHO ARE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL BY THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC STAFF; BY ADDING SECTION 8-13-935 SO AS TO
Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.
The Report of the Committee of Free Conference having been adopted by both Houses, and this Bill having been read three times in each House, it was ordered that the title thereof be changed to that of an Act and that it be enrolled for ratification.
Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4454 (Word version) -- Reps. Vaughn, Altman, Leach and Mahaffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-140 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR CERTAIN POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS OF THIS STATE THAT WERE CREATED TO OPERATE HOSPITALS ON A LOCAL OR REGIONAL BASIS, THE ABILITY TO CALL FOR OR CONDUCT ADVISORY OR BINDING REFERENDA REGARDING THEIR ACTIVITIES SHALL REST SOLELY WITH THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION AND THE GOVERNMENTAL BODIES WHICH APPOINT THE BOARD, INCLUDING A COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 3482 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Trotter, M. A. Pitts, Umphlett, Taylor, E. H. Pitts, Simrill, Huggins, Owens, Bailey, Hinson, Rice, Cato, Young, Hagood, Ceips, Altman, Merrill, Scarborough, Ott and Quinn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-20, AS AMENDED, CODE
Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3762 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 24-3-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS CONVICTED OF AN OFFENSE WHO ARE IN THE CUSTODY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A TRIAL JUDGE MAY CHOOSE TO NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE PENDING RELEASE OF CERTAIN INMATES ON WORK RELEASE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4656 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Sandifer, Huggins, Bailey, Bales, Barfield, Bingham, Bowers, G. Brown, J. Brown, Chellis, Cooper, Dantzler, Edge, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Hinson, Jennings, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Lourie, Mack, Martin, McCraw, Miller, Perry, Quinn, Rice, Richardson, Rutherford, Scarborough, Scott, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Thompson, Tripp, Trotter, White, Witherspoon, Young, Moody-Lawrence, Gourdine and Allen: A BILL TO AMEND
The following was taken up for immediate consideration:
H. 4729 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Cato, Cooper, Dantzler, Duncan, Jennings, Leach, J. M. Neal, Ott, Rhoad, Sandifer, Skelton, Snow, Stewart, Townsend, Umphlett, Witherspoon, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives extend the privilege of the floor to the 2003 Clemson University "Tigers" Football Team and Head Coach Tommy Bowden, Tuesday, February 17, 2004, at 12:30 p.m., for the purpose of congratulating them on their tremendous victory in the 2003 Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 4730 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty, Huggins, Bales, Bingham, J. Brown, Clark, Frye, Harrison, Howard, Koon, Lourie, J. H. Neal, E. H. Pitts, Quinn, Rutherford, Scott and J. E. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY DESIGNATING SECTIONS 59-53-1710 THROUGH 59-53-1760 AS SUBARTICLE 1 AND ENTITLED "GENERAL PROVISIONS" OF ARTICLE 20,
H. 4731 (Word version) -- Reps. Howard, Bales, J. Brown, Cotty, Harrison, Lourie, J. H. Neal, Parks, Quinn, Rutherford, Scott and J. E. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-850 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "FUNERAL PROCESSION", AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES OF OPERATORS OF VEHICLES IN A FUNERAL PROCESSION AND NOT IN A FUNERAL PROCESSION.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 4732 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport, Clyburn, Frye, Hamilton, Littlejohn, Loftis, Pinson, Rice, Taylor and Weeks: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE ON EMERGENCY ROOM DIVERSION TO BE CONVENED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO STUDY THE USE OF EMERGENCY ROOMS, TO IDENTIFY INAPPROPRIATE USAGE AND TO DEVELOP A PLAN FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES ALTERNATIVES; TO SUBMIT A PLAN TO REDUCE INAPPROPRIATE USE OF EMERGENCY ROOMS AND A BUDGET TO IMPLEMENT THIS PLAN AND TO PROVIDE MORE APPROPRIATE SERVICES; AND TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT IN CONDUCTING A PILOT PROJECT.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 4733 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport and Littlejohn: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 87, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CRITERIA FOR
H. 4734 (Word version) -- Rep. Howard: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 2-19-10, 2-19-20, 2-19-35, 2-19-70, AND 2-19-80, ALL AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 2-19-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION, ALL SO AS TO CHANGE THE COMMISSION'S PROCESS FOR NOMINATING JUDICIAL CANDIDATES FROM THE NOMINATION OF THREE CANDIDATES TO THE RELEASE OF A LIST OF ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER CONFORMING CHANGES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4735 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato and McGee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-43-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPEARANCE, CONSTRUCTION, AND FOUNDATION STANDARDS FOR A MODULAR HOME CERTIFIED FOR PLACEMENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE SALES TAX IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION FOR SIXTY PERCENT OF THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF A MODULAR HOME AND TO DEFINE "GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALE", FOR THIS PURPOSE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4737 (Word version) -- Reps. Duncan, M. A. Pitts, Emory, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Pinson and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-29-200, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976,
H. 4738 (Word version) -- Reps. Duncan, M. A. Pitts, Taylor, Frye, E. H. Pitts, Pinson, Limehouse, Bales, Clark, Davenport, Emory, Herbkersman, Hosey, Merrill, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, W. D. Smith, Stille and Umphlett: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 35 IN TITLE 1 ENACTING THE SOUTH CAROLINA INTERAGENCY COOPERATION ACT SO AS TO ALLOW APPLICATIONS FOR A LICENSE OR PERMIT FROM A STATE AGENCY REQUIRING ACTION BY MORE THAN ONE STATE AGENCY FOR PROCESSING TO BE FILED WITH THE PRIMARY LICENSING AGENCY WITH THAT AGENCY SIMULTANEOUSLY FILING THE APPLICATION WITH THE AFFECTED AGENCIES WITH PROCESSING TIMES FOR THESE MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS TO RUN CONCURRENTLY.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 4739 (Word version) -- Reps. Toole, Bales, E. H. Pitts, Bingham, Quinn, Huggins, Cotty, Herbkersman, Lourie, Haskins, Limehouse, Pinson, Branham, Ceips, Davenport, Duncan, Gilham, Hamilton, Harrison, Hosey, Leach, M. A. Pitts, Sandifer, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, Taylor, Weeks, Whitmire and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-30 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS THE PUBLIC POLICY OF THIS STATE THAT STATE AGENCIES DO NOT PROVIDE GOODS AND SERVICES IN COMPETITION WITH PRIVATE BUSINESS, TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS WITH RESPECT TO THIS POLICY, AND TO PROVIDE THOSE REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY FOR CONTRAVENING THIS POLICY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4740 (Word version) -- Reps. Miller, Hayes, J. E. Smith, Altman, Anthony, Battle, Bowers, Branham, Ceips, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Frye, Gourdine, Hagood, Harrison, Herbkersman, M. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Keegan, Leach, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Ott, Rhoad, Rice, Richardson, Scarborough, Snow, Stille, Taylor, Townsend, Vaughn, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF
The following was introduced:
H. 4736 (Word version) -- Reps. Tripp, Anthony, Branham, Clark, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Frye, Hamilton, Harrison, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, M. Hines, Hinson, Huggins, Lee, McGee, Ott, M. A. Pitts, Scarborough, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Snow, Stille, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Whitmire, Wilkins and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO ADOPT AND SUBMIT TO THE STATES FOR RATIFICATION THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION PRESERVING THE LEGAL STATUS OF MARRIAGE BETWEEN A MAN AND WOMAN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
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 Dantzler Delleney Duncan Edge Emory Freeman Frye Gourdine Govan Hagood Hamilton Harrell Harrison 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. M. Neal Ott Owens Parks 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 J. E. Smith J. R. Smith W. D. Smith Snow Stewart Stille Talley Taylor Thompson Toole Townsend Tripp Trotter Umphlett Vaughn Viers Walker Whipper White Wilkins Witherspoon Young
I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, February 11.
Karl Allen Skipper Perry Bill Cotty JoAnne Gilham William R. "Bill" Whitmire William Bowers Denny Neilson Ralph Davenport David Weeks Douglas Jennings Alex Harvin Joseph Neal G.R. Smith
Rep. HARVIN signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Tuesday, February 10.
Rep. MACK signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Tuesday, January 27.
Announcement was made that Dr. Tommy Gibbons of Irmo is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
Rep. TALLEY presented to the House the Wofford College "Terriers" Football Team, the Southern Conference Champions, and Head Coach Mike Ayers who was named National Coach of the year in Division 1-AA.
Reps. WALKER, ANTHONY, DAVENPORT, LITTLEJOHN, MAHAFFEY, SINCLAIR, W. D. SMITH and TALLEY presented to the House a delegation of students, parents, and officials from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind.
Rep. MAHAFFEY presented to the House the James F. Byrnes High School "Rebels" Football Team, the 2003 Division II 4A Champions, and their coach.
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. 4657 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/11/04 SANDIFER
Bill Number: H. 4657 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/11/04 TALLEY
Bill Number: H. 4657 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/11/04 WHITMIRE
Bill Number: H. 4674 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/11/04 SANDIFER
Bill Number: H. 4724 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/11/04 MCLEOD
Bill Number: H. 4723 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/11/04 MAHAFFEY
Bill Number: H. 4481 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/11/04 WILKINS
Bill Number: H. 4674 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
02/11/04 UMPHLETT
Bill Number: H. 4657 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
02/11/04 UMPHLETT
The following Bill was read the third time, passed and, 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:
S. 481 (Word version) -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 OF CLARENDON COUNTY TO EXPEND FUNDS IN ITS SCHOOL BUILDING FUND TO MEET ITS COSTS OF OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE AND TO REPLACE FUNDS LOST AS A
The following Bill and Joint Resolution were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:
H. 4707 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DAYS MISSED ON JANUARY 26, 27, AND 28, 2004, BY THE STUDENTS OF DILLON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NOS. 1, 2, AND 3 WHEN THE SCHOOLS WERE CLOSED DUE TO SNOW, ICE, OR INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.
H. 4713 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Weeks and Coates: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 797 OF 1988, RELATING TO THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SCHOOL FOR SUMTER COUNTY, SO AS TO ADD A VOTING MEMBER TO THE CAREER CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
The following Bills were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:
S. 829 (Word version) -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE POWER TO LEVY THE ANNUAL MILLAGE NECESSARY TO FUND THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL EXPENSES OF WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY TECHNICAL EDUCATION COLLEGE IS TRANSFERRED FROM THE WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO THE WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY COUNCIL AND TO REPEAL SECTION 7 OF ACT 632 OF 1980.
H. 4455 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, J. Brown, Sandifer, Leach, Clark, Toole, Ceips, Herbkersman and Gilham: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-86, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO PHARMACIES, INCLUDING THE TRANSFER
Rep. PARKS explained the Bill.
H. 4397 (Word version) -- Reps. Mack, Breeland, Whipper, Branham and R. Brown: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-1210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANCE PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITIONS OF "ANESTHESIOLOGIST" AND "SUPERVISING ANESTHESIOLOGIST" BY ADDING THE AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION AS A RECOGNIZED ENTITY FOR APPROVAL OF ANESTHESIOLOGY PROGRAMS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-1240, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO ALLOW A BOARD DESIGNEE TO REVIEW AN APPLICANT'S QUALIFICATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-1245, RELATING TO THE PROTOCOL AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST SHALL ADOPT WHEN ACTING AS A SUPERVISING ANESTHESIOLOGIST, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TERM TO A SPONSORING ANESTHESIOLOGIST; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-1275, RELATING TO THE PROCEDURE REQUIRED WHEN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANT AND A SUPERVISING ANESTHESIOLOGIST IS TERMINATED, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TERM TO A SPONSORING ANESTHESIOLOGIST; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-1295, RELATING TO FEES FOR ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF A SUPERVISOR FEE TO A SUPERVISOR SPONSOR FEE.
Rep. PARKS explained the Bill.
Rep. HAYES explained the Bill.
H. 4709 (Word version) -- Reps. Bailey and Chellis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-4070, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT FOR ANY BINGO LICENSE TO BE ISSUED THE ORGANIZATION, PROMOTER, OR INDIVIDUAL MUST HAVE BEEN DOMICILED IN THIS STATE FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS OR, IN THE CASE OF AN ORGANIZATION, TO HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN THIS STATE FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS, SO AS TO REDUCE THE MINIMUM TIME FOR AN ORGANIZATION TO HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN THIS STATE FROM AT LEAST THREE TO AT LEAST TWO YEARS.
Rep. BAILEY explained the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3400 (Word version) -- Reps. M. A. Pitts, Taylor and McLeod: A BILL TO REPEAL JOINT RESOLUTION 775 OF 1976 WHICH CALLED ON
Rep. DELLENEY explained the Bill.
Rep. THOMPSON requested debate on the Bill.
The Bill was read second time and ordered to third reading.
On motion of Rep. COOPER, with unanimous consent, the following Joint Resolution was ordered recalled from the Committee on Ways and Means:
H. 4687 (Word version) -- Rep. Cooper: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ALLOW AN ENTITY THAT BEGAN PARTICIPATION IN THE STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN BEFORE APRIL 1, 2004, TO DISCONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN REGARDLESS OF THE FOUR-YEAR MINIMUM PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT IF THE ENTITY IS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPERIENCE RATING IN JULY 1, 2004, AND TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCONTINUING SUCH PARTICIPATION.
Rep. LOFTIS, with unanimous consent, withdrew his request for debate on H. 4354 (Word version); however, other requests for debate remained on the Bill.
Rep. SCOTT asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3145 (Word version) from the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. BINGHAM objected.
Upon the withdrawal of requests for debate by Reps. TRIPP, HAMILTON and SKELTON, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was taken up:
H. 4354 (Word version) -- Reps. Hagood, Littlejohn, Young, Chellis, Lourie, R. Brown and Miller: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITY INVESTMENT ACT OF 2003" BY AMENDING SECTION 6-29-510, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COMPREHENSIVE PLANS OF LOCAL PLANNING COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH COORDINATION BETWEEN ADJACENT AND OTHER RELEVANT JURISDICTIONS DURING THE LOCAL PLANNING PROCESS AND TO ESTABLISH THE DESIGNATION OF PRIORITY INFRASTRUCTURE AREAS AS AN ELEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLANS.
The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\BBM\10030SD04), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking subsection (D) of Section 6-29-510 as contained in SECTION 2 and inserting:
/ (D) A local comprehensive plan must include, but not be limited to, the following planning elements:
(1) a population element which considers historic trends and projections, household numbers and sizes, educational levels, and income characteristics;
(2) an economic development element which considers labor force and labor force characteristics, employment by place of work and residence, and analysis of the economic base;
(3) a natural resources element which considers coastal resources, slope characteristics, prime agricultural and forest land, plant and animal habitats, parks and recreation areas, scenic views and sites, wetlands, and soil types. Where a separate board exists pursuant to this chapter, this element is the responsibility of the existing board;
(4) a cultural resources element which considers historic buildings and structures, commercial districts, residential districts, unique, natural, or scenic resources, archaeological, and other cultural resources. Where a separate board exists pursuant to this chapter, this element is the responsibility of the existing board;
(5) a community facilities element which considers transportation network; water supply, treatment, and distribution; sewage system and wastewater treatment; solid waste collection and disposal, fire protection, emergency medical services, and general government facilities; education facilities; and libraries and other cultural facilities;
(6) a housing element which considers location, types, age and condition of housing, owner and renter occupancy, and affordability of housing; and
(7) a land use element which considers existing and future land use by categories, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, forestry, mining, public and quasi-public, recreation, parks, open space, and vacant or undeveloped;
(8) a priority investment element which establishes, through coordination with all adjacent and other relevant jurisdictions and agencies, suitable areas where development and community facilities are recommended to be directed and to where state and federal funding for all growth-related projects and community facilities are recommended to be targeted, using incentive market-based principles; and
(9) a transportation element which considers transportation facilities, including major road improvements, new road construction, transit projects, pedestrian and bicycle projects, and other elements of a transportation network This element shall be developed in coordination with item (7) of this subsection, the land use element, to ensure transportation efficiency for existing and planned development."/
Amend title to conform.
Rep. HAGOOD explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. HAGOOD proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name COUNCIL\MS\7122AHB04), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting subsection (D)(8) of Section 6-29-510 as contained in SECTION 2 and inserting:
/ (8) a priority investment element which establishes, through coordination with all adjacent and other relevant jurisdictions and agencies, priority investment areas which must be suitable areas in which development and community facilities are recommended to be directed and areas to which state and federal funding for all
Rep. HAGOOD explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. SCOTT proposed the following Amendment No. 3 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20943SJ04), which was ruled out of order:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/ SECTION __. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 6-29-725. If a county has adopted a zoning plan which classifies property into developmental districts in its plan, and a rezoning request for this type of property is denied, the county shall tax this property equal to the tax applied to all agricultural property in the county." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. SCOTT explained the amendment.
Rep. HAGOOD raised the Point of Order that Amendment No. 3 was out of order in that it was not germane to the Bill.
SPEAKER WILKINS stated that the Bill dealt with local planning commissions coordinating with other jurisdictions and the amendment dealt with rezoning requests and taxation of property when rezoning requests are denied. He therefore sustained the Point of Order and ruled the amendment out of order.
Rep. HAGOOD explained the Bill.
The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 4016 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 130, TITLE 59 SO AS TO ENACT THE "COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES BOND ACT" WHICH PRESCRIBES THE MANNER IN WHICH AND CONDITION UNDER WHICH THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON MAY ISSUE CERTAIN REVENUE BONDS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS.
Rep. HARRELL 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. 3900 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Wilkins, Cato, Keegan, Cooper, Loftis, Altman, Ceips, Clark, Clemmons, Dantzler, Duncan, Haskins, Herbkersman, Hinson, Huggins, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Cobb-Hunter, Mahaffey, Perry, E. H. Pitts, Mack, M. A. Pitts, Richardson, J. H. Neal, Howard, Sandifer, Bales, Simrill, Neilson, Skelton, Owens, J. R. Smith, Snow, Talley, Bailey, Trotter, Umphlett, White, Thompson, Whitmire, Whipper, Witherspoon and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 45 TO TITLE 11 SO AS TO ENACT THE "VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ACT OF SOUTH
Rep. HARRELL explained the Senate Amendments.
The House refused to agree to the Senate amendments and a message was ordered sent accordingly.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 4630 (Word version) -- Reps. Viers, Barfield, Altman, Anthony, Bingham, G. Brown, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Frye, Harrison, Haskins, Herbkersman, Hosey, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Lucas, McCraw, Owens, Phillips, Pinson, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Simrill, D. C. Smith, G. R. Smith, Stille, Taylor, Whitmire and Young: A
Whereas, the United States of America was founded by men and women with varied but strong religious beliefs; and
Whereas, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution states, in part, that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...", and that means that the government is prohibited from establishing an official religion, and also that no barriers shall be erected against the practice of any religion; and
Whereas, the establishment clause of the First Amendment was not drafted to protect Americans from religion; rather, its purpose was clearly to protect Americans from governmental control over religion; and
Whereas, the federal courts have erected barriers to the exercise of freedom of religion in public places, including rulings against the presence of the Ten Commandments in public schools, government offices, public buildings, and other public places and otherwise have misconstrued the intent of the First Amendment; and
Whereas, the United States Constitution specifies a remedy, namely by amendments to the Constitution; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of South Carolina strongly believe that reaffirming a right to voluntary and nonmandated expressions of religion in public places is an important element of the religious freedom of this country; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of South Carolina also strongly believe that the members of the Congress of the United States should enact legislation that allows for the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, government offices, public
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly hereby memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution to allow for the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, government offices, public buildings, and other public places.
Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
Rep. VIERS explained the Resolution.
Rep. VIERS continued speaking.
Rep. J. E. SMITH spoke against the Resolution.
Rep. MACK spoke against the Resolution.
Rep. J. H. NEAL spoke against the Resolution.
Rep. DUNCAN spoke in favor of the Resolution.
Rep. HASKINS spoke in favor of the Resolution.
Rep. JENNINGS spoke against the Resolution.
The question then recurred to the adoption of the Resolution.
Rep. TRIPP demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Allen Altman Anthony Bailey Bales Barfield
Battle Bingham Bowers G. Brown Ceips Chellis Clark Clemmons Coates Cooper Cotty Dantzler Davenport Delleney Duncan Edge Emory Frye Gilham Hagood Hamilton Harrell Harrison Harvin Haskins Hayes Herbkersman Hinson Hosey Huggins Keegan Kirsh Koon Leach Limehouse Littlejohn Lloyd Loftis Lucas Mahaffey Martin McCraw McGee McLeod Merrill J. M. Neal Neilson Ott Owens Perry Pinson M. A. Pitts Rhoad Rice Richardson Sandifer Scarborough Simrill Sinclair Skelton D. C. Smith G. M. Smith G. R. Smith J. R. Smith W. D. Smith Snow Stewart Stille Talley Taylor Thompson Toole Townsend Tripp Trotter Vaughn Viers Weeks White Whitmire Wilkins Witherspoon Young
Those who voted in the negative are:
Branham Breeland J. Brown R. Brown Cobb-Hunter Freeman J. Hines M. Hines Howard Jennings Kennedy Lourie Mack Miller J. H. Neal Rutherford Scott J. E. Smith Whipper
I do not vote on Resolutions.
Rep. Edward H. "Ted" Pitts, Jr.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 3479 (Word version) -- Rep. Davenport: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO RESCIND THE DECISIONS TO JOIN THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT AND THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.
Rep. LEACH moved to recommit the Concurrent Resolution to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, which was agreed to.
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.
Rep. LEACH moved to recommit the Concurrent Resolution to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, which was agreed to.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 4705 (Word version) -- Rep. Lloyd: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS AT EXITS 53 AND 57 ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 95 IN COLLETON COUNTY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN MONUMENT"
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the House of Representatives, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation to erect appropriate signs at exits 53 and 57 on Interstate Highway 95 in Colleton County that contain the words "Tuskegee Airmen Monument" and to erect additional signs to direct motorists to the monument from both exits.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
Rep. LEACH moved to recommit the Concurrent Resolution to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
Rep. WHIPPER demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Davenport Frye Koon Leach Perry G. R. Smith Stewart Witherspoon
Those who voted in the negative are:
Allen Altman Anthony Bailey Bales Barfield Battle Bingham Bowers Branham Breeland G. Brown J. Brown R. Brown Ceips Chellis Clark Clemmons Clyburn Coates Cobb-Hunter Cotty Dantzler Delleney Duncan Edge Emory
Freeman Gilham Hagood Hamilton Harrison Harvin Haskins Hayes Herbkersman J. Hines M. Hines Hosey Huggins Jennings Keegan Kennedy Kirsh Limehouse Lloyd Lourie Lucas Mack Martin McCraw McGee McLeod Miller Moody-Lawrence J. H. Neal J. M. Neal Neilson Owens Parks Pinson E. H. Pitts Rhoad Rice Richardson Sandifer Scarborough Simrill Sinclair Skelton G. M. Smith J. E. Smith J. R. Smith W. D. Smith Snow Talley Taylor Thompson Toole Townsend Tripp Trotter Vaughn Viers Weeks Whipper White Whitmire Wilkins Young
So, the House refused to recommit the Concurrent Resolution.
The question then recurred to the adoption of the Concurrent Resolution.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
Rep. BOWERS moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.
Rep. LEACH, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 916 (Word version) -- Senators Richardson, Alexander, Anderson, Branton, Courson, Cromer, Drummond, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Giese, Glover,
The following was introduced:
H. 4741 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse, Cotty, 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, 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, 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, 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 COMMEND AMBASSADOR JOHN CARL WEST FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND THIS NATION, AND TO OFFER SOLEMN
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4742 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin and G. M. Smith: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEATH OF MS. JOANN DUBOSE OF CLARENDON COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4743 (Word version) -- Reps. Miller, Harvin, R. Brown and Limehouse: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THAT PORTION OF HIGHWAY 17 FROM THE TOWN LIMITS OF AWENDAW TO THE TOWN LIMITS OF MCCLELLANVILLE IN HONOR OF THE LATE JAMES MITCHELL "MITCH" GRAHAM WHO WAS ONE OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S MOST DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND WHO WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE FOUNDING OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AMONG OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following was taken up for immediate consideration:
H. 4744 (Word version) -- Reps. Koon, Altman, Bailey, Leach, Whipper, Scarborough, Young, R. Brown, Frye, Breeland, Rhoad, Hagood, Hinson, Mack, Chellis, Dantzler, Rutherford, Miller, Kirsh, Battle, Clark, Coates, Duncan, Hamilton, Hayes, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hosey,
Whereas, the South Carolina State Ports Authority was created by the General Assembly in 1942 to contribute to the economic development of the State of South Carolina by fostering and stimulating waterborne commerce and the shipment of freight; and
Whereas, over its sixty-two year history, the Ports Authority has set the standard for growth and productivity among U.S. ports; and
Whereas, hundreds of companies from every county in South Carolina import and export products through the State Ports Authority's terminals, providing a direct link between our state's economic health and the health of our public ports; and
Whereas, a study by the Center for Economic Forecasting reported that waterborne commerce through the State Ports Authority stimulates jobs for 281,000 South Carolinians, who earn more than nine billion dollars annually; and
Whereas, international trade and business though the State Ports Authority has a total annual economic impact on the State of twenty-three billion dollars, including the generation of two and one-half billion dollars in state and local taxes every year; and
Whereas, South Carolina products are exported around the world from our state's ports every year; and
Whereas, more than half of the port users in South Carolina are small companies, showing great potential for expanding the role of small businesses in international trade; and
Whereas, a strong and successful State Ports Authority will play an even greater role in maintaining existing jobs and attracting better employment opportunities to South Carolina in the years ahead as deepening of the Charleston Harbor and future port development on the Charleston Naval Complex bolsters South Carolina's position as a leader in the global economy and strengthens the competitiveness of its industries. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize the South Carolina State Ports Authority for its outstanding contributions to the state's economy and the significant role it has played in advancing South Carolina's position in the global economy, as well as its service to the state's industries, and acknowledge February 17, 2004, as "State Ports Authority Appreciation Day".
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Harry J. Butler, Jr., Chairman, and Bernard S. Groseclose, Jr., President and CEO.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 4745 (Word version) -- Reps. F. N. Smith and Lee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-240 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL PROVIDE FOR EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL OF THE STATE TO TRAIN ITS STUDENTS TO
H. 4746 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins and E. H. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-1-1810 AND 9-11-310, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS IN RETIREMENT ALLOWANCES PAID BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO DELETE THE CONTINGENCY IN THESE PROVISIONS PROVIDING THAT COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS IN RETIREMENT ALLOWANCES MAY BE PAID ONLY IF THE INCREASED LIABILITIES RESULTING FROM THESE ADJUSTMENTS DO NOT REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THESE SYSTEMS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4747 (Word version) -- Reps. Simrill, Delleney, Kirsh, McCraw, Moody-Lawrence and Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 43-1-85 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO IMPOSE LICENSURE, PERMIT, AND RENEWAL FEES ON APPLICANTS IN PROGRAMS THE DEPARTMENT REGULATES, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO IMPOSE MONETARY PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS PERTAINING TO THESE PROGRAMS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF FEES AND PENALTIES COLLECTED, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THESE PROVISIONS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4748 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin and G. M. Smith: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT SCHOOL DAYS MISSED ON JANUARY 26, 27, 28, 29, AND 30, 2004, BY THE STUDENTS OF A SCHOOL IN SCHOOL DISTRICT NOS. 1, 2, AND 3 OF CLARENDON COUNTY WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED DUE TO ICE OR INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS
Rep. TROTTER moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
At 12:50 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. RICHARDSON, adjourned in memory of Virgie Hefner Chappell of Rock Hill, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
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