Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

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

Beloved, hear a special case, St. Matthew, Chapter 17:19:

"Afterwards the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him privately, 'Why could not we cast it out (the demon)?' He answered, 'Your faith is too weak'."
Let us pray.

Father, we know we often expect results without being willing to pay the price.

These are days of powerful demons.

Give us the mustard-seed of faith that, though it begins by being little and weak, it grows until it becomes a tree in which the birds make their nests.

HELP US TO PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF GOD, SO THAT OUR FAITH BUILDS WITHIN OUR VERY PSYCHE THE AWARENESS OF GOD'S INDWELLING SPIRIT!

To change the figure of speech, Father, by faith we reach up our hand to grasp YOUR HAND. So, let it be!
Amen!

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

The following appointment was transmitted by the Honorable Mark C. Sanford:

Initial Appointment, Dillon County Master-in-Equity, with term to expire six years after confirmation by the General Assembly

Charles E. Curry, 545 Roberts Road, Dillon, S.C. 29536

On behalf of Senator HOLLAND, Senator GIESE introduced Dr. John B. Dubose of Camden, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

At 11:05.M., Senator HUTTO requested a leave of absence beginning at Noon on March 21, 2002, and lasting until Noon on March 30, 2003.

On motion of Senator RITCHIE, at 11:05 A.M., Senator WALDREP was granted a leave of absence for today.

Senator SETZLER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Senator J. VERNE SMITH rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

On motion of Senator HAYES, with unanimous consent, the Privilege of the Chamber, to that area behind the rail, was extended to the following participants in the S.C. Employer Support of Guard and Reserve Committee:
Mr. Joel T. Cassidy, Chairman;
The Honorable Carole Wells, SC Employment Security Commission;
Major General Stanhope S. Spears, S.C. Adjutant General, S. C.

National Guard;
Brigadier General Harry B. Burchstead, S.C. Deputy Adjutant General, S.C. National Guard; Colonel Richard Provencher, Commander of Logistics, USAR;
Colonel Elder, USAR; Ft. Jackson, S.C.;
Command Sergeant Major Posey Grier, Jr., USAR Readiness   Command; Ft. Jackson, S.C.;
Brigadier General Charles E. McCartney, Jr., Deputy Commander,

108th Div., USAR; Shelby, N.C.
Lieutenant Colonel Sue Keene, Chief Executive Officer, 108th Div.,

USAR; Charlotte, N.C.
Major Mike Quinn (Ret.), 108th Training Div., USAR;
Brigadier General Gerald A. Black, Commander, 315th Airlift Wing,   Charleston AFB, S.C.;
Lieutenant Colonel Chris King, Public Affairs Officer, 315th Airlift   Wing, Charleston AFB, SC;
Captain Catherine Farris, Executive Officer, 315th Air Lift Wing,

Charleston AFB, SC;
Captain Matthew F. Youngblood, Inspector Instructor, Delta Co., 8th

Tank Battalion, McCrady Training Site, Eastover, SC;
Charles T. Blumenberg, D Co. 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Div.,

USMC;   and,
Lieutenant Commander Mark Ormand, Commanding Officer, U. S.   Navy Reserve Center, Columbia, S.C.

S. 66 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts, Setzler and Moore: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF U.S. HIGHWAY 1 THAT RUNS FROM INTERSTATE 20 TO THE OAK GROVE AREA IN LEXINGTON COUNTY IN HONOR OF THE LATE F. W. "BILLY" CAUGHMAN FOR HIS COMMUNITY, CIVIC, AND POLITICAL IMPACT ON THE CITY OF LEXINGTON AND LEXINGTON COUNTY AND INSTALL APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ON THE HIGHWAY SO THAT AS THE PUBLIC PASSES THEY WILL REMEMBER MR. CAUGHMAN'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY.

Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to request the return of the Resolution from the House.

There was no objection.

A message was sent to the House.

The following were introduced:

S. 483 (Word version) -- Senator Peeler: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE GAFFNEY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM AND THEIR COACHES, MARK HUFF AND MARK IRETON, ON THEIR EXTRAORDINARY DEDICATION, DETERMINATION, AND HARD WORK THROUGHOUT THE 2002-2003 SEASON AND ON CAPTURING THE CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2003.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 484 (Word version) -- Senator Giese: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2003, AS "CREATING SOLUTIONS FOR DISABILITIES DAY", TO ENDORSE THE "B.A.C.-COFFEE DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS" PROJECT AND OTHER OUTSTANDING PROGRAMS OF EASTER SEALS SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A JOINT SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 11:30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2003, AT WHICH TIME THE STATE EASTER SEALS REPRESENTATIVES AND THEIR PARENTS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 485 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Short, Gregory and Peeler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE YORK COUNTY FOR ITS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TO DECLARE TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2003, AS "YORK COUNTY DAY".
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 486 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 29-3-310, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MORTGAGE SATISFACTION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ANY HOLDER OF RECORD OF A MORTGAGE WHICH HAS BEEN PAID IN FULL MUST ENTER THE SATISFACTION ON THE MORTGAGE IN THE PROPER OFFICE ONCE THE DEBT IS PAID; TO PROVIDE THAT A HOLDER OF THE MORTGAGE MAY ADD A REASONABLE FEE OF TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS TO COVER THE COSTS OF PROCESSING AND RECORDING OF THE SATISFACTION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE HOLDER OF RECORD MAY MAIL THE DOCUMENTS TO SATISFY THE MORTGAGE BY CERTIFIED MAIL OR SOME OTHER FORM OF DELIVERY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 29-3-320, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A DEMAND FOR MORTGAGE SATISFACTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY HOLDER OF A MORTGAGE WHO HAS RECEIVED A DEMAND FOR SATISFACTION AND FAILS TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 29-3-310 WITHIN NINETY DAYS AFTER RECEIVING A DEMAND FOR SATISFACTION WILL BE LIABLE FOR A PENALTY OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS PLUS ACTUAL DAMAGES, COSTS, AND ATTORNEY'S FEES AND, IF NON-COMPLIANT FOR AN ADDITIONAL NINETY DAYS, THE AMOUNT OF THE PENALTY MUST BE ONE HALF OF THE PAYOFF OR TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, WHICHEVER IS LESS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

S. 487 (Word version) -- Senator Waldrep: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-90, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SALES AND USE TAX ACT, SO AS TO EXCLUDE THE ENVIRONMENTAL SURCHARGE IMPOSED PURSUANT TO SECTION 44-56-430 FROM THE DEFINITION OF "GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES"; TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-430, RELATING TO THE DRYCLEANING FACILITY RESTORATION TRUST FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CALCULATION, ADMINISTRATION, COLLECTION, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SURCHARGE; TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-470, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION AND FEES FOR DRYCLEANING FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE'S RETENTION OF FUNDS FOR COSTS INCURRED TO COLLECT AND ENFORCE THE DRYCLEANING FACILITY RESTORATION TRUST FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-480, RELATING TO THE SURCHARGE ON PERCHLOROETHYLENE (TETRACHLOROETHYLENE) AND STODDARD SOLVENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE MUST ADMINISTER, COLLECT, AND ENFORCE THE SURCHARGE IN THE MANNER THAT SALES AND USE TAXES ARE ADMINISTERED, COLLECTED, AND ENFORCED UNDER CHAPTER 36 OF TITLE 12; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-485, RELATING TO THE ELECTION TO PLACE A DRYCLEANING FACILITY UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 4, CHAPTER 56 OF TITLE 44, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO THE EFFECT OF VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION ON A DRYCLEANING FACILITY'S LIABILITY FOR THE PAYMENT OF CERTAIN TAXES, FEES, PENALTIES, AND INTEREST.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 488 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews, Drummond, Holland, Land, Moore, Setzler, Leventis, Hutto, Short, Ford, Elliott, Glover, McGill, Anderson, Rankin, Patterson, Pinckney, Malloy, O'Dell and Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE APPROPRIATION OF STATE FUNDS FOR LEGISLATION HAVING A FISCAL IMPACT ON A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION UNLESS A TWO-THIRDS VOTE BY BOTH BODIES IS RECEIVED.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H. 3774 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, Coleman and McCraw: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF SHAR'DAYE RHINEHART OF CHESTER, WHO PASSED AWAY AT THE YOUTHFUL AGE OF ELEVEN AND TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOYAL AND LOVING RELATIVES, FRIENDS, AND CHURCH FAMILY.

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

H. 3775 (Word version) -- Reps. M. Hines, Jennings, Lee, Hayes, Scott, Anthony, Lucas, Delleney, G. M. Smith, Weeks, Gourdine, J. M. Neal, McLeod, W. D. Smith, Bales, Barfield, Battle, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Clark, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Emory, Freeman, Gilham, Hamilton, Leach, Lloyd, Mack, McGee, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Parks, Snow and Vaughn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE GRATITUDE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT INFLUENCES OF THESE WOMEN IN THE EVERYDAY LIVES OF ALL CITIZENS OF THIS STATE AND COUNTRY BY NAMING MARCH 20, 2003, "NOTABLE AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN'S DAY" AS A PART OF THE OBSERVANCE OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the General Committee.

H. 3776 (Word version) -- Reps. Edge, Keegan, Clemmons, Barfield, Viers, Witherspoon, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Emory, Freeman, Frye, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hagood, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jennings, 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, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Snow, Stewart, Stille, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Umphlett, Vaughn, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Wilkins and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND L. MORGAN MARTIN OF CONWAY FOR HIS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION DURING HIS TENURE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, CONGRATULATE HIM FOR HIS EXEMPLARY RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE AS A DISTINGUISHED TRIAL LAWYER, STATE PROSECUTOR, AND MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND WISH HIM EVERY SUCCESS IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

H. 3789 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins and Quinn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE DUTCH FORK HIGH SCHOOL "SILVER FOXES" WRESTLING TEAM ON WINNING THE 2003 STATE CLASS AAAA WRESTING CHAMPIONSHIP, TO COMMEND THESE TALENTED ATHLETES AND THEIR COACH FOR THE HARD WORK, TENACITY, AND COMPETITIVE SPIRIT THAT ENABLED THE "SILVER FOXES" TO BECOME A CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING TEAM, AND TO WISH THEM EVERY SUCCESS IN THEIR ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC CAREERS AND IN ALL OF THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

H. 3790 (Word version) -- Reps. Leach, 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, 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, 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 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AARON WEST, CRAIGEN SCHOEN, DR. WILLIAM C. "BILL" LOGAN, JR., AND WILL FOWLER WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES BY RESCUING A WOMAN AND HER THREE CHILDREN FROM ICY WATERS WHEN HER CAR SKIDDED OFF AN ICY ROAD IN GREENVILLE COUNTY ON FEBRUARY 16, 2003.

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

Senator J. VERNE SMITH from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 107 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Ritchie and Ravenel: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-4-35, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TOURISM EXPENDITURE REVIEW COMMITTEE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP FROM NINE TO ELEVEN, BY ADDING ONE MEMBER ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ARTS COMMISSION AND ONE MEMBER AT LARGE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator J. VERNE SMITH from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 152 (Word version) -- Senators Leventis and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 45-2-90 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT AN INNKEEPER CONSPICUOUSLY POST TELEPHONE, E-MAIL, ON-LINE, AND FAX RATES CHARGED IN ITS LODGING ESTABLISHMENT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator J. VERNE SMITH from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 447 (Word version) -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Alexander, Reese and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 81 TO TITLE 40 SO AS TO PLACE THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF VARIOUS ATHLETES AND ATHLETIC EVENTS; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 7, TITLE 52, RELATING TO THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION AND TO COUNTY ATHLETIC COMMISSIONS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator J. VERNE SMITH from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 448 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-82-240, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS DEALER STORAGE CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DEALER MUST HAVE OR HAVE ACCESS TO FACILITIES WITH A CAPACITY OF A MINIMUM 30,000 WATER GALLONS WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE AREA TO BE SERVED AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION REQUIRING LEASED STORAGE CAPACITY TO BE DEDICATED TO THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE LESSEE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

On motion of Senator FORD, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator FORD was added as a co-sponsor of S. 448.

Senator J. VERNE SMITH from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3208 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Harrison, Altman, Stille, Bailey, Walker, Sandifer, Young, Keegan, Simrill, Witherspoon, Littlejohn, Richardson, Kirsh, Taylor, Delleney, Ceips, McLeod, J.E. Smith, Bingham, Toole, Duncan, Mahaffey, Hinson, Viers, White and Owens: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 13-1-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MONIES CONSTITUTING A FUND OF ANY KIND USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR SOURCE, ARE PUBLIC MONIES SUBJECT TO ALL ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING PUBLIC MONIES AND TO REQUIRE AN ANNUAL REPORT OF ALL EXPENDITURES TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO AMEND SECTION 13-1-1720, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE AND DUTIES OF THE COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FUNDS FROM FOUNDATION GRANTS AND PRIVATE FUNDS USED BY THE COUNCIL TO ENHANCE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ARE PUBLIC MONIES SUBJECT TO ALL ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING PUBLIC MONIES UNLESS OTHERWISE EXEMPTED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INFORMATION EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DOCUMENT REFLECTING THE FINAL FINANCIAL COMMITMENT BY A PUBLIC BODY IS A COVERED DOCUMENT OF, OR INCIDENTAL TO, A PROPOSED CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT AND A PROPOSED SALE OR PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AND THEREFORE SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE AS PRESCRIBED, THAT A CONTRACT RELATED TO EFFORTS OR ACTIVITIES OF A PUBLIC BODY TO ATTRACT OR RETAIN BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY TO INVEST IN THIS STATE IS EXEMPT ONLY UNTIL THE BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY PUBLICLY ANNOUNCES ITS PROJECT OR THE COUNCIL EXECUTES A FINAL CONTRACT, AND THAT DOCUMENTATION OF EFFORTS OR ACTIVITIES OF A PUBLIC BODY OR ONE ACTING FOR A PUBLIC BODY TO ATTRACT OR RETAIN BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY TO INVEST WITHIN SOUTH CAROLINA IS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNLESS THE DOCUMENTS RELATE TO THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT BY A PUBLIC BODY, WHICH DOCUMENTATION LOSES ITS EXEMPTION ONCE THE BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY HAS PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED ITS PROJECT OR THE COUNCIL HAS EXECUTED A FINAL CONTRACT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator J. VERNE SMITH from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3297 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins and Cotty: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-60-150, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS, RESTRAINING ORDERS, LICENSING, AND PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE TIME LIMIT THE BOARD HAS TO RENDER A DECISION AND SERVE NOTICE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Columbia, S.C., March 11, 2003

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the appointment:

Initial Appointment, Dillon County Master-in-Equity, with term to expire six years after confirmation by the General Assembly

Mr. Charles E. Curry, 545 Roberts Road, Dillon, SC 29536
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

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

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

S. 414 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO CHAPTER 15, TITLE 56 SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN APPLICANTS FOR AN INITIAL NONFRANCHISE AUTOMOBILE DEALER LICENSE TO COMPLETE CERTAIN PRELICENSING EDUCATION COURSES BEFORE THEY MAY BE ISSUED A LICENSE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROVISION.

S. 470 (Word version) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2757, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 471 (Word version) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS, RELATING TO EXAMINATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2733, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 472 (Word version) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF NEED FOR HEALTH FACILITIES AND SERVICES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2718, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 473 (Word version) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO NEONATAL SCREENING FOR INBORN METABOLIC ERRORS AND HEMOGLOBINOPATHIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2803, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 417 (Word version) -- Senators Martin and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-340, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FORM OF THE APPLICATION FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE APPLICATION CONTAIN THE APPLICANT'S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0417.001), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, line 27 in Section 7-15-340, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking /number,/ and inserting therein /   number,   /.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RITCHIE explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senator RICHARDSON proposed the following amendment (JUD0417.002), which was withdrawn:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:

/   SECTION   ___.   Chapter 5, Title 7 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 7-5-205.   Each elector registered pursuant to the provisions of this title must be furnished by the board of registration a certificate containing the information provided for in this section. The certificate must contain a photograph of the elector and other information as the State Election Commission requires. The commission may use photographs taken by other state agencies for use on the certificate and establish a procedure for taking photographs of electors when they register to vote."

SECTION   ___.   The requirement to have the photograph of the elector on the voter registration card required by the provisions of Section 7-5-205 of this act must be phased in during a period not to exceed three years from the effective date of this act. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RICHARDSON explained the amendment.

On motion of Senator RICHARDSON, with unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.

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

The following Bills and Joint Resolution, having been read the second time, were ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:

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 CONSEQUENCE OF REDUCTIONS IN STATE APPROPRIATIONS.

By prior motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent

S. 225 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2940, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PENALTIES FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR, DRUGS, OR NARCOTICS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF SECTION 56-5-2930 OR SECTION 56-5-2933 CONSTITUTES A PRIOR OFFENSE FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING SUBSEQUENT VIOLATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 56-5-2940.

S. 263 (Word version) -- Senators Moore, Pinckney, Setzler and Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-620, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FROM WHOM A DNA SAMPLE CAN BE TAKEN FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING AND MAINTAINING A STATE DNA DATABASE, SO AS TO REQUIRE A SAMPLE UPON INCARCERATION, AFTER THE CONVICTION OF ANY FELONY, OR UPON RELEASE FROM INCARCERATION; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-630, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS QUALIFIED TO TAKE DNA SAMPLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR LIABILITY IN CASES OF NEGLIGENCE WHEN TAKING A BLOOD SAMPLE FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING A DNA SAMPLE; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-640, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR DNA SAMPLES, SO AS TO MANDATE SECURE STORAGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE DNA SAMPLES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-650, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF DNA PROFILES AND PENALTIES FOR DISCLOSURE, SO AS TO MAKE DNA SAMPLES CONFIDENTIAL.

S. 299 (Word version) -- Senator Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-1-920, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THE "SOUTH CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE ACT", SO AS TO ADD TO THE DEFINITION OF "PUBLIC FACILITIES", PUBLIC PARKING GARAGES OR RELATED FACILITIES.

S. 479 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY TRAINING REGULATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2730, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Senator RITCHIE explained the Joint Resolution.

S. 203 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson, McConnell, Matthews, Courson, Anderson, Ford, Glover, Malloy, Patterson and Pinckney: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY ADDING CHAPTER 77, SO AS TO MAKE CERTAIN LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHER EDUCATION EQUALIZATION PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF REQUIRING THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH PRIVATE, HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO BE USED FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES INTENDED TO ENHANCE THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OF LOW-INCOME, EDUCATIONALLY AND SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0203.011), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Title 2 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 2-77-10.   The General Assembly finds that:

(1)   a significant part of the state mission in education has been to enhance excellence in higher education for low-income and educationally disadvantaged students;

(2)   private, historically black colleges and universities have played a integral role in offering higher educational access to low-income and educationally disadvantaged students who otherwise might not have been able to obtain a college education, which has resulted in a substantial public benefit;

(3)   private, historically black colleges and universities provide a unique educational opportunity for these targeted groups of students by offering flexible admission policies, low tuition rates, and small enrollments to ensure smaller class size tailored to the needs of these targeted students;

(4)   private, historically black colleges and universities are often limited in their abilities to raise funds from their respective student populations from tuition and fees because of the demographic profiles of their students and, as a result, charge tuition rates which on average are substantially lower than those charged by other private higher educational institutions in this State;

(5)   the federal government has recognized the unique ability of private, historically black colleges and universities to accomplish the important public benefit of enhancing opportunities in higher education for low-income and educationally disadvantaged students;

(6)   public educational assistance made available to the institutions that serve these targeted students provides a direct educational benefit to the students by improving the overall quality of their educational experiences by offering enhanced facilities and improved academic instruction; and

(7)   it is necessary that the State of South Carolina enable these institutions to effectively partner with the federal government to ensure the continued existence in this State of private, historically black colleges and universities, which provide a substantial public benefit to the State by enabling these targeted students to be well-educated, to move into the workforce, and to improve the quality of life in South Carolina.

Section 2-77-15.   For purposes of this chapter:

(1)   'federal funding program' means:

(a)   Section 507(c) of the Omnibus Parks and Land Management Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 470a note), as amended; or

(b)   Part B, Subchapter III, Chapter 28, Title 20 of the United States Code.

(2)   'historically black college and university' has the same meaning as a Part B institution as defined in Section 1061, Title 20 of the United States Code, as amended.

Section 2-77-20.   (A)   There is hereby established the South Carolina Higher Education Excellence Enhancement Program for the general purpose of enhancing the educational opportunities of low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. The program must be administered by the Commission on Higher Education. The commission must enter into annual contracts with private, historically black colleges and universities to accomplish the purposes of this program.

(B)   The program must be funded by appropriations from the Education Lottery Account in an amount provided by the General Assembly.

(C)   An institution seeking to be eligible to provide enhanced opportunities through the commission must submit an annual application to the commission. The commission must certify the eligibility of institutions seeking contracts pursuant to this section. Of the funds appropriated for this program, one-half must be allocated equally among the participating institutions. The remainder of the appropriated funds shall be awarded to eligible institutions based upon merit, through criteria developed by the Commission on Higher Education.

(D)   From the amounts allocated on an equal basis, an institution receiving an allocation of funds must first use the funds as the nonfederal match required by a federal funding program that provides funding for historic preservation or for capital improvements. In awarding funds based on merit, the commission shall give priority to those proposals that can be matched with funds from a federal funding program.

Section 2-77-30.   (A)   From amounts appropriated by the General Assembly, the commission must enter into contracts with institutions which are eligibility-certified by the commission for any of the following uses:

(1)   purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;

(2)   construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services;

(3)   support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees in their fields of instruction;

(4)   academic instruction in disciplines in which African-Americans are underrepresented;

(5)   purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program materials;

(6)   tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success;

(7)   funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;

(8)   joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries;

(9)   establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private sector;

(10)   establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education designed to qualify students to teach in a public elementary or secondary school in the State that must include, as part of the program, preparation for teacher certification; and

(11)   other activities proposed that contribute to carrying out the purposes of this act, and which are approved by the commission as part of the review and acceptance of the application.

(B)   Each contracting institution must keep such records as the commission prescribes, including records which fully disclose:

(1)   the amount and disposition by each recipient of the proceeds of the assistance;

(2)   the cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which the assistance is given or used;

(3)   the amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources; and

(4)   such other records as will facilitate an effective audit by the Commission on Higher Education.

Section 2-77-40.   Any funds paid to an institution pursuant to this chapter but not expended or used for the purposes for which the funds were paid within three years following the date of the contract awarded to an institution must be repaid to the Education Lottery Account immediately upon the expiration of the three-year period.

Section 2-77-50.   The commission must promulgate regulations and establish procedures to administer the provisions of this chapter including, but not limited to, audits of contracting institutions."

SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RITCHIE explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

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

S. 320 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Branton, Hawkins and Leventis: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE TO FURLOUGH STATE-FUNDED FTE'S DURING FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 UNDER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Joint Resolution, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Finance.

Senate Finance Committee proposed the following amendment (GGS\22893HTC03), which was adopted:

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/ SECTION   1.   Paragraph 63.52, Part IB, Act 289 of 2002, the general appropriations act for fiscal year 2002-2003, is amended to read:

"63.52(BCB: Mandatory Furlough)   Notwithstanding Section 8-11-195 of the 1976 Code, or any other provision of law, in a fiscal year in which the general funds appropriated for a state agency, institution, or department are less than the general funds appropriated for that state agency, institution, or department in the preceding fiscal year, or whenever the General Assembly or the State Budget and Control Board implements an midyear across-the-board budget reduction, agency heads may institute employee furlough programs of not more than ten working days in the fiscal year in which the deficit is projected to occur. The furlough must be inclusive of all employees in an agency or within a designated department or organizational unit regardless of source of funds or place of work and must include employees in classified positions and unclassified positions as well as agency heads. The furlough must include all classified and unclassified employees in the designated area. If the furlough includes the entire agency, the furlough must include the agency head. Scheduling of furlough days, or portions of days, shall be at the discretion of the agency head, but under no circumstances should the agency close completely. During this furlough, affected employees shall be entitled to participate in the same state benefits as otherwise available to them except for receiving their salaries. As to those benefits that which require employer and employee contributions, including, but not limited to, contributions to the South Carolina Retirement System or the optional retirement program, the state agencies, institutions, and departments will be responsible for making both employer and employee contributions if coverage would otherwise be interrupted; and as to those benefits which require only employee contributions, the employee remains solely responsible for making those contributions. Placement of an employee on furlough under this provision does not constitute a grievance or appeal under the State Employee Grievance Procedure Act. In the event the reduction for the state agency, institution, or department is due solely to the General Assembly transferring or deleting a program, this provision does not apply. The implementation of a furlough program authorized by this provision shall be on an agency-by-agency basis. Agencies may allocate the employee's reduction in pay over the balance of the fiscal year for payroll purposes regardless of the pay period within which the furlough occurs. The State Budget and Control Board shall promulgate guidelines and policies, as necessary, to implement the provisions of this paragraph. State agencies shall report information regarding furloughs to the Office of Human Resources of the State Budget and Control Board."

SECTION   2.   This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HAYES explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Joint Resolution was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar.

S. 360 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 36-9-525, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FEES CHARGED FOR FILING AND INDEXING CERTAIN RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 36 OF THE 1976 CODE, SO AS TO RECALCULATE HOW THE FEE IS ASSESSED.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0360.001), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, line 32, in Section 36-9-525(a)(2), as contained in SECTION 1, by striking line 32 in its entirety and inserting therein the following:

/   consists of three pages and one dollar for each additional page after the third page; and   /.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RITCHIE explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senator HUTTO explained the Bill.

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

H. 3163 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney and Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 14-1-235 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A JUDGE, COURT, OR COURT OFFICIAL FROM APPOINTING AN ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT A PARTY IN A CIVIL ACTION UNLESS THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE THE APPOINTMENT IS PROVIDED SPECIFICALLY BY LAW.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD3163.001), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, line 25, in SECTION 14-1-235, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking /may/ and by inserting /   shall   /.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RITCHIE explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

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

S. 34 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts, Elliott, Reese and Kuhn: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 30-4-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PUBLIC BODY OR PERSON OR ENTITY ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC BODY THAT OFFERS CERTAIN INCENTIVES TO ATTRACT A BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY TO INVEST IN SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL DISCLOSE THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THE OFFER ON THE PUBLIC BODY OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY AT THE TIME THE OFFER IS ACCEPTED OR REJECTED, AND TO PRESCRIBE THE SUBSTANCE OF THE FISCAL IMPACT DISCLOSURE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MATTERS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMORANDA, CORRESPONDENCE, AND DOCUMENTS RELATING TO AN OFFER MADE TO AN INDUSTRY OR BUSINESS OF INCENTIVES THAT REQUIRE THE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE TRANSFER OF ANYTHING OF VALUE OR THAT REDUCE THE RATE OR ALTER THE METHOD OF TAXATION OF THE BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY OR OTHERWISE IMPACT THE OFFEROR FISCALLY ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE AFTER THE OFFER IS ACCEPTED OR REJECTED BY THE INDUSTRY OR BUSINESS TO WHOM THE OFFER WAS MADE.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0034.005), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Chapter 4, Title 30 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 30-4-55.   A public body as defined by Section 30-4-20(a), or a person or entity employed by or authorized to act for or on behalf of a public body, that undertakes to attract business or industry to invest or locate in South Carolina by offering incentives that require the expenditure of public funds or the transfer of anything of value or that reduce the rate or alter the method of taxation of the business or industry or that otherwise impact the offer or fiscally, must disclose, upon request, the fiscal impact of the offer on the public body and a governmental entity affected by the offer after:

(a)   the offered incentive or expenditure is accepted, and

(b)   the project has been publicly announced or any incentive agreement has been finalized, whichever occurs later.

The fiscal impact disclosure must include a cost-benefit analysis that compares the anticipated public cost of the commitments with the anticipated public benefits. Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, information that is otherwise exempt from disclosure under Section 30-4-40(a)(1), (a)(5)(c), and (a)(9) remains exempt from disclosure."

SECTION   2.   Section 30-4-40(a)(1) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(1)   Trade secrets, which are defined as unpatented, secret, commercially valuable plans, appliances, formulas, or processes, which are used for the making, preparing, compounding, treating, or processing of articles or materials which are trade commodities obtained from a person and which are generally recognized as confidential;, and work products, in whole or in part collected or produced for sale or resale, and paid subscriber information. Trade secrets also include, for those public bodies who market services or products in competition with others, feasibility, planning, and marketing studies, marine terminal service and non-tariff agreements, and evaluations and other materials which contain references to potential customers, competitive information, or evaluation."

SECTION   3.   Section 30-4-40(a)(9) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(9)   Memoranda, correspondence, documents, and working papers relative to efforts or activities of a public body and of a person or entity employed by or authorized to act for or on behalf of a public body to attract business or industry to invest within South Carolina.; however, an incentive agreement made with an industry or business: (1) requiring the expenditure of public funds or the transfer of anything of value, (2) reducing the rate or altering the method of taxation of the business or industry, or (3) otherwise impacting the offeror fiscally, is not exempt from disclosure after:

(a)   the offer to attract an industry or business to invest or locate in the offeror's jurisdiction is accepted by the industry or business to whom the offer was made; and

(b)   the public announcement of the project or finalization of any incentive agreement, whichever occurs later."

SECTION   4.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RITCHIE explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senator REESE proposed the following amendment (34-1-REESE):

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

/     SECTION__.   Section 34-4-20 (a) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(a) 'Public body' means any department of the State, a majority of directors or their representatives of departments within the executive branch of state government as outlined in Section 1-30-10, any state board, commission, agency, and authority, any public or governmental body or political subdivision of the State, including counties, municipalities, townships, school districts, and special purpose districts, or any organization, corporation, or agency supported in whole or in part by public funds or expending public funds, including committees, subcommittees, advisory committees, and the like of any such body by whatever name known, and includes any quasi-governmental body of the State and its political subdivisions, including, without limitation, bodies such as the South Carolina Public Service Authority and the South Carolina State Ports Authority. Committees of health care facilities, which are subject to this chapter, for medical staff disciplinary proceedings, quality assurance, peer review, including the medical staff credentialing process, specific medical case review, and self-evaluation, are not public bodies for the purpose of this chapter.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator REESE explained the amendment.

Senator RYBERG objected to further consideration of the Bill.

S. 98 (Word version) -- Senators Mescher, Ritchie, Ravenel and Reese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-300, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY'S MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION MAY ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH PERSONS, CORPORATIONS, OR GOVERNMENTAL SUBDIVISIONS TO PROVIDE SERVICES.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0098.002), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, line 35, in Section 23-6-300(B), as contained in SECTION 1, by striking line 35 in its entirety and inserting therein the following:

/   registration cards, and renewal stickers. The   /.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RITCHIE explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senator MATTHEWS objected to further consideration of the Bill.

S. 172 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Hayes, Gregory, Kuhn and Mescher: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-420, OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PRESUMPTIONS REGARDING THE BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT OF A PERSON USING A FIREARM UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL; TO AMEND SECTION 50-21-114 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO A PERSON OPERATING A WATER DEVICE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL; AND TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 56 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.
(ABBREVIATED TITLE)

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0172.001, which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 23-31-420(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-31-420.   (A)   Upon the trial of a civil or criminal action or proceeding arising out of acts alleged to have been committed by a person while using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, the results of any test administered pursuant to Section 23-31-410 or 23-31-415 and this section is admissible into evidence, and the amount of alcohol in the person's blood at the time alleged, as shown by chemical analysis of the person's blood or breath, shall create creates the following presumptions:

(1)   If there was at that time five four one-hundredths of one percent or less by weight of alcohol in the person's blood, it must be presumed that the person was not under the influence of alcohol.

(2)   If there was at that time in excess of five four one-hundredths of one percent but less than ten eight one-hundredths of one percent by weight of alcohol in the person's blood, that this fact shall does not give rise to any inference that the person was or was not under the influence of alcohol to the extent that his normal faculties were impaired, but that this fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining whether the person was under the influence of alcohol.

(3)   If there was at that time ten eight one-hundredths of one percent or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood, this fact creates an inference that the person was under the influence of alcohol."

SECTION   2.   Sections 50-21-114(A) and (B) of the 1976 Code are amended to read:

"(A)(1)   A person who operates a water device is considered to have given consent to chemical tests or analysis of his breath, blood, or urine to determine the presence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, if arrested for an offense arising out of acts alleged to have been committed while the person was operating or directing the operation of a water device while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A test given must be administered at the direction of the arresting law enforcement officer. At the direction of the arresting officer, the person first must be offered a breath test to determine the alcohol concentration of his blood. If the person is physically unable to provide an acceptable breath sample because he has an injured mouth, or is unconscious or dead, or for any other reason considered acceptable by licensed medical personnel, a blood sample may be taken. If the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person is under the influence of drugs other than alcohol, the officer may order that a urine sample be taken for testing. If the breath analysis reading is ten eight one-hundredths of one percent or above by weight of alcohol in the person's blood, the officer may not require additional tests of the person as provided in this chapter.

(2)   The breath test must be administered by a person trained and certified by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, (SLED), using methods approved by SLED. The arresting officer may administer the tests so long as it if testing is done in conformity with the standards set out by SLED. Blood and urine samples must be taken by physicians licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners, registered nurses licensed by the State Board of Nursing, or other medical personnel trained to take the samples in a licensed medical facility. Blood samples or urine samples must be obtained and handled in accordance with procedures approved by SLED. No tests may be administered or samples taken unless the person has been informed that he does not have to take the test or give the samples, but that his privilege to operate a water device must be suspended or denied for one hundred eighty days if he refuses to submit to the tests.

(3)   A hospital, physician, qualified technician, chemist, or registered nurse who takes samples or conducts the test or participates in the process of taking the samples or conducting the test in accordance with this section is not subject to a cause of action for assault, battery, or any other cause contending alleging that the drawing of blood or taking of samples at the request of the arrested person or a law enforcement officer was wrongful. This release from liability does not reduce the standard of medical care required of the person taking the samples or conducting the test. This qualified release also applies to the employer of the person who conducts the test or takes the samples. No person may be required by the arresting officer, or by any other law enforcement officer, to obtain or take any sample of blood or urine.

(4)   The person tested or giving samples for testing may have a qualified person of his own choosing conduct additional tests at his expense and must be notified of that right. A person's failure to request additional blood or urine tests is not admissible against the person in a criminal trial. The failure or inability of the person tested to obtain additional tests does not preclude the admission of evidence relating to the tests or samples taken at the direction of the law enforcement officer.

(5)   The arresting officer shall must provide reasonable assistance to the person to contact a qualified person to conduct additional tests.

(6)   SLED shall must administer the provisions of this subsection and may promulgate regulations necessary to carry out its provisions. The cost of the tests administered at the direction of the law enforcement officer must be paid from the general fund of the State. A fee of fifty dollars is must be assessed, at the time of the sentencing, against persons convicted of, pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, or forfeiting bond for violating Section 50-21-112 or Section 50-21-113. This fee must be forwarded by the county treasurer to the State Treasurer and credited to the general fund of the State to defray any costs incurred by SLED and individuals and institutions obtaining the samples forwarded to SLED.

(B)   In any criminal prosecution where a test or tests were administered pursuant to this chapter, the amount of alcohol in the person's blood at the time of the alleged violation, as shown by chemical analysis of the person's breath or other body fluids, gives rise to the following inferences:

(1)   If there was at that time five four one-hundredths of one percent or less by weight of alcohol in the person's blood, it is presumed conclusively that the person was not under the influence of alcohol.

(2)   If there was at that time in excess of five four one-hundredths of one percent but less than ten eight one-hundredths of one percent by weight of alcohol in the person's blood, that this fact does not give rise to any inference that the person was or was not under the influence of alcohol, but that this fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the person.

(3)   If there was at that time ten eight one-hundredths of one percent or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood, it may be inferred that the person was under the influence of alcohol."

SECTION   3.   Section 56-1-286(V) of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 390 of 2000, is further amended to read:

"(V)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no suspension imposed pursuant to this section is counted as a demerit or result in any insurance penalty for automobile insurance purposes if at the time he was stopped, the person whose license is suspended had an alcohol concentration that was less than ten eight one-hundredths of one percent."

SECTION   4.   Section 56-5-2933 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-5-2933.   It is unlawful for a person to drive a motor vehicle within this State while his alcohol concentration is ten eight one-hundredths of one percent or more. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of the offense of Driving With An Unlawful Alcohol Concentration. A person may be charged for a violation of Section 56-5-2930 but prosecuted pursuant to this section if the original testing of the person's breath or collection of other bodily fluids was performed within two hours of the time of arrest and probable cause existed to justify the traffic stop. This section shall does not apply to cases arising out of a stop at a traffic road block or driver's license check point. A person cannot be prosecuted for both a violation of Section 56-5-2930 and a violation of this section for the same incident. A person who violates the provisions of this section is entitled to a jury trial and is afforded the right to challenge certain factors including, but not limited to, the following:

(1)   whether or not the person was lawfully arrested or detained;

(2)   whether or not probable cause existed to justify the stop;

(3)   the period of time between arrest and testing;

(4)   whether or not the person was advised in writing of the rights enumerated in Section 56-5-2950;

(5)   whether the person consented to taking a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950, and the:

(a)   reported alcohol concentration at the time of testing was ten eight one-hundredths of one percent or more;

(b)   individual who administered the test or took samples was qualified pursuant to Section 56-5-2950;

(c)   tests administered and samples obtained were conducted pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 56-5-2951(Q) and Section 56-5-2953(F); and

(d)   machine was working properly.

Nothing contained in this section prohibits the introduction of:

(1)   the results of any additional tests of the person's breath or other bodily fluids;

(2)   any evidence that may corroborate or question the validity of the breath or bodily fluid test result including, but not limited to:

(a)   evidence of field sobriety tests;

(b)   evidence of the amount of alcohol consumed by the person; and

(c)   evidence of the person's driving;

(3)   a videotape of the person's conduct at the incident site and breath testing site taken pursuant to Section 56-5-2953 which is subject to redaction under the South Carolina Rules of Evidence; or

(4)   any other evidence of the state of a person's faculties to drive which would call into question the results of a breath or bodily fluid test.

At trial, a person charged with a violation of this section is entitled to a jury instruction stating that the factors enumerated above and the totality of the evidence produced at trial may be used by the jury to determine guilt or innocence."

SECTION   5.   Section 56-5-2950 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-5-2950.   (a)   A person who drives a motor vehicle in this State is considered to have given consent to chemical tests of his breath, blood, or urine for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol or drugs or the combination of alcohol and drugs if arrested for an offense arising out of acts alleged to have been committed while the person was driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them. A breath test must be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer who has arrested a person for driving a motor vehicle in this State while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them. At the direction of the arresting officer, the person first must be offered a breath test to determine the person's alcohol concentration. If the person is physically unable to provide an acceptable breath sample because he has an injured mouth, or is unconscious or dead, or for any other reason considered acceptable by the licensed medical personnel, the arresting officer may request a blood sample to be taken. If the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is under the influence of drugs other than alcohol, the officer may order that a urine sample be taken for testing. If the alcohol concentration is ten eight one-hundredths of one percent or above, the officer may not require additional tests of the person as provided in this chapter. The breath test must be administered by a person trained and certified by the department, pursuant to SLED policies. The arresting officer may administer the tests if the person's conduct during the twenty-minute pre-test waiting period is videotaped pursuant to Section 56-5-2953(A)(2)(d). Before the breath test is administered, a ten an eight one-hundredths of one percent simulator test must be performed and the result must reflect a reading between 0.095 0.075 percent and 0.105 0.085 percent. Blood and urine samples must be obtained by physicians licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners, registered nurses licensed by the State Board of Nursing, and other medical personnel trained to obtain the samples in a licensed medical facility. Blood and urine samples must be obtained and handled in accordance with procedures approved by SLED.

No tests may be administered or samples obtained unless the person has been informed in writing that:

(1)   he does not have to take the test or give the samples, but that his privilege to drive must be suspended or denied for at least ninety days if he refuses to submit to the tests and that his refusal may be used against him in court;

(2)   his privilege to drive must be suspended for at least thirty days if he takes the tests or gives the samples and has an alcohol concentration of fifteen one-hundredths of one percent or more;

(3)   he has the right to have a qualified person of his own choosing conduct additional independent tests at his expense;

(4)(3)   he has the right to request an administrative hearing within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension; and

(5)(4)   he must enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension.

A hospital, physician, qualified technician, chemist, or registered nurse who obtains the samples or conducts the test or participates in the process of obtaining the samples or conducting the test in accordance with this section is not subject to a cause of action for assault, battery, or another cause contending alleging that the drawing of blood or taking samples at the request of the arrested person or a law enforcement officer was wrongful. This release from liability does not reduce the standard of medical care required of the person obtaining the samples or conducting the test. This qualified release also applies to the employer of the person who conducts the test or obtains the samples.

The person tested or giving samples for testing may have a qualified person of his own choosing conduct additional tests at his expense and must be notified in writing of that right. A person's request or failure to request additional blood or urine tests is not admissible against the person in the criminal trial. The failure or inability of the person tested to obtain additional tests does not preclude the admission of evidence relating to the tests or samples obtained at the direction of the law enforcement officer.

The arresting officer must provide affirmative assistance to the person to contact a qualified person to conduct and obtain additional tests. Affirmative assistance, at a minimum, includes providing transportation for the person to the nearest medical facility which provides blood tests to determine a person's alcohol concentration. If the medical facility obtains the blood sample but refuses or fails to test the blood sample to determine the person's alcohol concentration, SLED must test the blood sample and provide the result to the person and to the arresting officer. Failure to provide affirmative assistance upon request to obtain additional tests bars the admissibility of the breath test result in any judicial or administrative proceeding.

SLED shall must administer the provisions of this subsection and shall must make regulations necessary to carry out its provisions. The costs of the tests administered at the direction of the law enforcement officer must be paid from the general fund of the State.

A qualified person who obtains samples or administers the tests or assists in obtaining samples or the administration of tests at the direction of a law enforcement officer is released from civil and criminal liability unless the obtaining of samples or tests is performed in a negligent, reckless, or fraudulent manner. No person may be required by the arresting officer, or by another law enforcement officer, to obtain or take any sample of blood or urine.

(b)   In the criminal prosecution for a violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945 relating to driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them, the alcohol concentration at the time of the test, as shown by chemical analysis of the person's breath or other body fluids, gives rise to the following:

(1)   If the alcohol concentration was at that time five four one-hundredths of one percent or less, it is conclusively presumed that the person was not under the influence of alcohol.

(2)   If the alcohol concentration was at that time in excess of five four one-hundredths of one percent but less than ten eight one-hundredths of one percent, that this fact does not give rise to any inference that the person was or was not under the influence of alcohol, but that this fact may be considered with other evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the person.

(3)   If the alcohol concentration was at that time ten eight one-hundredths of one percent or more, it may be inferred that the person was under the influence of alcohol.

(4)   If the alcohol concentration was at that time ten eight one-hundredths of one percent or more and the original testing of the person's breath or collection of other bodily fluids was performed within two hours of the time of arrest, the person has violated Section 56-5-2933.

The provisions of this section must not be construed as limiting the introduction of any other evidence bearing upon the question of whether or not the person was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them.

(c)   A person who is unconscious or otherwise in a condition rendering him incapable of refusal is considered to be informed and not to have withdrawn the consent provided by subsection (a) of this section.

(d)   A person required to submit to tests by the arresting law enforcement officer must be provided with a written report including the time of arrest, the time of the tests, and the results of the tests before any trial or other proceeding in which the results of the tests are used as evidence. A person who obtains additional tests must furnish a copy of the time, method, and results of any test to the officer before any trial, hearing, or other proceeding in which the person attempts to use the results of the additional tests as evidence."

SECTION   6.   Section 56-5-2951(A) of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 390 of 2000, is further amended to read:

"(A)   The Department of Public Safety shall must suspend the driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege of or deny the issuance of a license or permit to a person who drives a motor vehicle and refuses to submit to a test provided for in Section 56-5-2950 or has an alcohol concentration of fifteen one-hundredths of one percent or more. The arresting officer shall must issue a notice of suspension which is effective beginning on the date of the alleged violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945."

SECTION   7.   Section 56-5-2951(H) of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 390 of 2000, is further amended to read:

"(H)   An administrative hearing must be held within thirty days after the request for the hearing is received by the department. If the department does not hold the hearing within thirty days, a written order must be issued by the department within thirty days. The order must set forth the reasons why the hearing was not held within thirty days, and a new hearing must be scheduled. If the department does not issue a written order within thirty days or fails within thirty days to notify the defendant of a new hearing, the person shall must have his driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege reinstated. The scope of the hearing must be limited to whether the person:

(1)   was lawfully arrested or detained;

(2)   was advised in writing of the rights enumerated in Section 56-5-2950; or

(3)   refused to submit to a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950; or

(4)   consented to taking a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950, and the:

(a)   reported alcohol concentration at the time of testing was fifteen one- hundredths of one percent or more;

(b)   individual who administered the test or took samples was qualified pursuant to Section 56-5-2950;

(c)   tests administered and samples obtained were conducted pursuant to Section 56-5-2950; and

(d)   the machine was working properly.

Nothing in this section prohibits the introduction of evidence at the administrative hearing on the issue of the accuracy of the breath test result.

A written order must be issued to the person upholding the suspension of the person's license, permit, or nonresident's operating privilege, or denying the issuance of a license or permit within thirty days after the conclusion of the administrative hearing. If the suspension is upheld, the person must receive credit for the number of days his license was suspended before he received a temporary alcohol restricted license and requested the administrative hearing."

SECTION   8.   Section 56-5-2951(K) of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 390 of 2000, is further amended to read:

"(K)(1)   The period of a driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege suspension for, or denial of issuance of a license or permit to an arrested person who has no previous convictions for violating Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945 or any other law of this State or another state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or another drug within the ten years preceding a violation of this section, and who has had no previous suspension imposed pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 or 56-5-2951 within the ten years preceding a violation of this section is:

(a) ninety days for a person who refuses to submit to a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950; or

(b) thirty days for a person who takes a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 and has an alcohol concentration of fifteen one-hundredths of one percent or more.

(2)   The period of a driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege suspension for, or denial of issuance of a license or permit to an arrested person who has been convicted previously for violating Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945 or any other law of this State or another state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug within the ten years preceding a violation of this section, or who has had a previous suspension imposed pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 or 56-5-2951 within the ten years preceding a violation of this section is one hundred eighty days if he refuses to submit to a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 or sixty days if he takes a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 and has an alcohol concentration of fifteen one-hundredths of one percent or more."

SECTION   9.   Section 30 of Act 390 of 2000 is repealed.

SECTION   10.   This act takes effect at 12:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday following sixty days after the signature of the Governor, or August 19, 2003, whichever is later.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MARTIN explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senators McCONNELL and KNOTTS argued contra to the second reading of the Bill.

Senator FORD objected to further consideration of the Bill.

S. 274 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT A PRIVATE PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE LEASED TO A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES STATIONED IN THIS STATE WHOSE HOME OF RECORD IS IN ANOTHER STATE AND THE LEASED VEHICLE IS TO BE REGISTERED AND LICENSED IN THE STATE OF THE SERVICE MEMBER'S HOME OF RECORD AND TO EXEMPT ALL VEHICLES LEASED BY A PUBLIC BODY IF THE VEHICLE WOULD OTHERWISE BE EXEMPT IF OWNED BY THE PUBLIC BODY.

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

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

Senator MARTIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, retaining its place on the Calendar.

There was no objection and the Bill was recommitted to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, retaining its place on the Calendar.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

S. 438 (Word version) -- Banking and Insurance Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 37, RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION AND BY ADDING CHAPTER 23 TO TITLE 37, SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH-COST AND CONSUMER HOME LOANS ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF THE HIGH-COST HOME LOAN ACT IS AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 5 OF TITLE 39, AND TO PROVIDE FOR REMEDIES AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE HIGH-COST HOME LOAN ACT. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of Amendment No. 6 (BBM\9527MM03) proposed by Senator THOMAS and previously printed in the Journal of Wednesday, March 12, 2003.

On motion of Senator THOMAS, with unanimous consent, Amendment No. 6 was withdrawn.

Senator THOMAS proposed the following Amendment No. 7 (SWB\ 5245MM03), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 37-3-201(2) as contained in SECTION 4B, page 22, line 4 by deleting the word /rate/ before the word /freezes/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator THOMAS explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senators HAYES, THOMAS and LEATHERMAN proposed the following Amendment No. 8 (438R001.RWH), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 37-23-70(E) as contained in SECTION 1, page 13, by deleting subsection (E) in its entirety.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HAYES explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator HUTTO proposed the following amendment (438-HUTTO):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 3 by striking lines 32, 33 and 34.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.

With Senator HUTTO retaining the floor, on motion of Senator RYBERG, with unanimous consent, debate was interrupted by adjournment.

Having received a favorable report from the Dillon County Delegation, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, Dillon County Master-in-Equity, with term to expire six years after confirmation by the General Assembly

Charles E. Curry, 545 Roberts Road, Dillon, S.C. 29536

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Private First Class Spence A. McNeil, age 19, of Bennettsville, S.C., who was killed in the line of duty while serving his country in Saudi Arabia.

Senator McCONNELL moved that, when the Senate adjourns on Friday, March 14, 2003, it stand adjourned to meet next Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at 12:00 Noon, which motion was adopted.

At 12:48 P.M., on motion of Senator RYBERG, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.

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