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 18:2: "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
Let us pray. Almighty God, our Father, we thank You for blessing us during this Session with Your most gracious favor. You have guided these women and men through many curves and pot holes and through the dread of storm. As we come to the end of this Session, go with each Representative, staff, Speaker, security, clerk, secretary, assistant, page, aide, custodian and maintenance person. We give thanks for those retiring and for their dedication and faithful service to this House. Continue to bless them and their families. Bless each Representative as they return home to their family and friends. Keep them ever in Your care. Be with Doug Jennings and his family, comfort them with Your presence in this time of need. Protect our defenders of freedom as they protect us and comfort those who wait at home. In the name of our Lord, we pray. Amen.

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

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

Rep. HAYES moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Elizabeth Jennings, mother of Representative Jennings, which was agreed to.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

H. 4449 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty, Harrell, Merrill, Walker, Ballentine, Limehouse, E. H. Pitts, Haley, Clark, Townsend, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bingham, Bowers, Cato, Ceips, Chellis, Clyburn, Coleman, Cooper, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Hagood, Harrison, Haskins, Herbkersman, Hinson, Leach, Littlejohn, Loftis, Mahaffey, Martin, Phillips, Pinson, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Sandifer, Scarborough, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, J. R. Smith, Thompson, Toole, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, White, Whitmire, Young, Bales, Lucas, Kirsh, Huggins, Brady, Hamilton, McGee and Stewart: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 36 OF TITLE 12, RELATING TO THE SALES TAX, SO AS TO IMPOSE AN ADDITIONAL ONE PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SALES TAXES GENERALLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SALES TAX ON UNPREPARED FOOD IS THREE PERCENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN GENERAL FUND TRANSFERS TO THE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT FUND FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR TO OFFSET EIA REVENUES LOST AS A RESULT OF THE REDUCED SALES TAX ON THE SALE OF UNPREPARED FOOD; TO ADD SECTION 11-11-155 SO AS TO CREATE THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FUND, TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FUND, AND PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSFER INTO THE FUND OF THE ADDITIONAL ONE PERCENT SALES TAX REVENUES PROVIDED FOR ABOVE AND CERTAIN OTHER FUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL EXEMPTION EQUAL TO ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF OWNER OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY FROM THE PROPERTY TAX IMPOSED FOR SCHOOL OPERATING PURPOSES, TO PROVIDE THAT THIS EXEMPTION WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS DOES NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY TAX IMPOSED FOR PAYMENT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT, AND TO REQUIRE A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF EACH HOUSE TO

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that the Report of the Committee of Free Conference, having been adopted by both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for ratification:

H. 4450 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty, Harrell, Merrill, Walker, Ballentine, Haley, Chellis, E. H. Pitts, Townsend, Clark, Altman, Bailey, Bales, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Cato, Ceips, Clyburn, Coleman, Cooper, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Hagood, Harrison, Haskins, Herbkersman, Hinson, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mahaffey, Martin, Phillips, Pinson, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Sandifer, Scarborough, G. M. Smith, J. R. Smith, Thompson, Toole, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, White, Whitmire, Young, W. D. Smith, Kirsh, Huggins, Hamilton, McGee and Stewart: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 29, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT TAXES UPON REAL PROPERTY MUST BE ASSESSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE METHODS AS PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ARTICLE X OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION; TO AMEND SECTION 6 OF ARTICLE X, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL ESTABLISH A METHOD OF VALUATION FOR ASSESSMENT OF REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND PROCEDURES TO IMPLEMENT THE ABOVE PROVISIONS.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that the Report of the Committee of Conference, having been adopted by both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for ratification:

H. 4810 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2006; TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THE FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that the Report of the Committee of Conference, having been adopted by both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for ratification:

H. 4812 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 3833:

H. 3833 (Word version) -- Rep. White: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 13-7-10 AND SECTIONS 13-7-40 AND 13-7-45, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REGULATION OF IONIZING AND NONIONIZING RADIATION AND THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF USERS OF SUCH RADIATION, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO NONIONIZING RADIATION.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

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

S. 1245 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas, Fair, Cromer, Ritchie, Anderson, Verdin, Setzler, Ryberg and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, 12-6-3410, AS AMENDED, AND 12-6-3420, ALL OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING RESPECTIVELY TO THE TARGETED JOBS TAX CREDIT, THE INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR ESTABLISHING OR ADDING TO A CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN THIS STATE, AND THE TAX CREDIT ALLOWED A CORPORATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OR IMPROVEMENT OF AN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, SO AS TO ALLOW THESE

Rep. COOPER 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:

S. 613 (Word version) -- Senators Fair and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-8000, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FEES FOR THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES MUST BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE ORGANIZATION THAT SPONSORS THE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE, AND TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF PREPAID APPLICATIONS FOR A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE AND THE DEPOSIT THAT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES FROM A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION BEFORE A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE MAY BE PRODUCED.

The House refused to agree to the Senate amendments and a message was ordered sent accordingly.

Rep. KIRSH, from the York Delegation, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1420 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-530, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN YORK COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF YORK COUNTY, AND TO REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND

The following was introduced:

H. 5268 (Word version) -- Rep. Martin: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO SEE TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE EXISTING LAWS IN THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

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

H. 5269 (Word version) -- Reps. McLeod, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, 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, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF MAY, 2006, AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA TO RAISE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE NEED FOR APPROPRIATE AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS.

Whereas, mental health is critical for the well-being and vitality of our families, businesses, and communities; and

Whereas, mental illness will strike one in five Americans in a given year regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status; and

Whereas, one in five children suffers from a diagnosable mental or emotional disorder, and one in ten has a serious disorder which, if untreated, can lead to school failure, addiction, and even suicide; and

Whereas, mental disorders, collectively, make mental illness the most prevalent health problem in America today. It is more common than cancer and lung and heart disease combined; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health observes Mental Health Month each year in May to raise awareness of mental health, mental illness, and insurance discrimination against people with mental illnesses; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives commends the South Carolina Department of Mental Health for its difficult task of educating the public about the often misunderstood issue of mental illness. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, designate the month of May, 2006, as Mental Health Month in South Carolina to raise community awareness and understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental illness.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5270 (Word version) -- Rep. Govan: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF LILLIE RUTH WARREN OWENS, AND TO EXTEND TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5271 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE REVEREND BOBBY L. SMITH, SR. OF RICHLAND COUNTY FOR HIS FIFTEEN YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE AS PASTOR OF ZION CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH, AND TO WISH HIM ALL THE BEST IN THE COMING YEARS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5272 (Word version) -- Reps. Mitchell, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, 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, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND BRENDA LEE, AN EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY LEADER, FOR HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TO SPARTANBURG COUNTY, AND TO THE CITIZENS OF OUR STATE, AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR HER SUCCESSFUL FOUNDING AND ORGANIZING OF THE ANNUAL HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION PARADE.

Whereas, the Honorable Brenda Lee has devoted her life to public service and to improving the lives of our citizens; and

Whereas, Ms. Lee established the Heritage Day Celebration to honor the contributions of our African-American forgotten heroes, raising community awareness of the many sacrifices made by previous generations; and

Whereas, Stephen Davis, a Spartanburg native and Carolina Panthers' running back, served as the Grand Marshal for the first

Whereas, the 2006 Spartanburg Heritage Day Celebration Parade will be led by a bus filled with Spartanburg citizens to honor and memorialize the bravery and immeasurable contributions of Rosa Parks; and

Whereas, the Honorable Brenda Lee is a civic leader who faithfully served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1995 until 2005, ably representing Spartanburg District 31; and

Whereas, as a member of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, she spent a great deal of time and energy on issues concerning the business community, manufacturing, employment, and health insurance; and

Whereas, a devoted member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, she remains an active participant in the affairs of her community and district and was always accessible to her constituents and their needs; and

Whereas, Brenda Lee filled her myriad responsibilities to the House of Representatives and to the citizens of South Carolina with skill, honor, and grace, and she continues to be involved in many aspects of her community and State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize and commend Brenda Lee, an exceptional community leader, for her outstanding service to the South Carolina House of Representatives, to Spartanburg County, and to the citizens of our State, and express appreciation for her successful founding and organizing of the annual Heritage Day Celebration Parade.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Honorable Brenda Lee.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5273 (Word version) -- Reps. Rivers, Herbkersman, Hodges and Chalk: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE HONORABLE JOSEPH MCDOMICK, JR. FOR HIS EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM EVERY HAPPINESS UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS MAGISTRATE OF ST. HELENA ISLAND.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5274 (Word version) -- Reps. Jefferson and Clyburn: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPON THE DEATH OF BISHOP JAMES C. WEST, SR., OF DORCHESTER COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5275 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Witherspoon, Townsend, J. R. Smith, J. Hines, Leach, Harrison, Cato, J. Brown, Vaughn, Chellis, Cooper, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Ceips, Chalk, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, M. Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill,

Whereas, George Washington Benjamin and Mildred A. Corbitt met and fell in love. They were wed on July 3, 1952. Their union produced three children. One was the very handsome baby boy, Ronald George Benjamin; and

Whereas, Ben, a lifelong resident of Columbia, was a student at Carver Elementary and then W. A. Perry Middle School. He was a very popular student at C. A. Johnson High School and graduated in 1971; and

Whereas, on February 4, 1970, while still in high school, Ben began working for General Services after school. After graduating in 1971, he became a full-time employee with the South Carolina House of Representatives. He has worked under the leadership of six Speakers: Solomon Blatt, Rex Carter, Raymond Schwartz, Robert J. Sheheen, David H. Wilkins, and the present Speaker, Bobby Harrell; and

Whereas, on February 24, 1983, Ben and the former Ginger Gilyard were united in marriage by the Rev. Leroy Cain, former Assistant Sergeant at Arms for the South Carolina House of Representatives. Upon this union, Ben and Ginger were blessed with a son, Anthony Raheem Benjamin; and

Whereas, Ben is a wonderful son, husband, father, and friend who always puts family first. He is a great conversationalist and offers great opinions; and

Whereas, Ben loves sports and racing and goes whenever he has the opportunity. He also likes fishing, cooking on the grill, and his all-time favorite thing to do is barbecuing. He also enjoys basketball and

Whereas, as a member of the Sergeant at Arms' staff, Ben has proven to be a loyal, trustworthy, and dependable employee. Punctuality, confidentiality, excellence in service, attention to detail, and a friendly smile are Ben's trademarks; and

Whereas, he has worked with the State for more than thirty-six years. 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 hereby commend and congratulate Ronald G. "Ben" Benjamin, Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms of the South Carolina House of Representatives for his more than thirty-six years of dedicated service to the State, his community, and the House of Representatives.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Ronald G. "Ben" Benjamin.

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

The following was introduced:

H. 5276 (Word version) -- Reps. Rivers and Bowers: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MR. JAMES F. BLACK OF HAMPTON COUNTY FOR HIS COUNTLESS CONTRIBUTIONS AND SINCERE DEDICATION TO ENHANCING THE LIVES OF THE YOUTH AND CITIZENS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS GREAT SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, THIS STATE, AND THE UNITED STATES.

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

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1457 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Pinckney and Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE CONVENING OF THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JACKSONBOROUGH, SOUTH CAROLINA, IN JANUARY OF 1782, AS A RESULT OF THE CONTINUED BRITISH OCCUPATION OF CHARLESTON, SUBSEQUENT TO THE DEFEAT OF THE BRITISH AT YORKTOWN IN OCTOBER OF 1781, AND TO CONSIDER HOLDING A COMMEMORATIVE EVENT IN 2007 IN JACKSONBOROUGH TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE THE CONVENING OF THE JACKSONBOROUGH ASSEMBLY.

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

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1459 (Word version) -- Senator Drummond: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING DR. NORMAN E. OUZTS OF GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA FOR HIS SERVICE AS THE 2005-2006 PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION, COMMENDING HIM FOR BEING NAMED THE ASSOCIATION'S DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR, AND CONGRATULATING HIM FOR BEING AWARDED THE ASSOCIATION'S PRESIDENT'S CUP AND "PILLAR OF STRENGTH" AWARD.

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

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1463 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE JAY HAAS ON HIS MOST IMPRESSIVE WIN OF THE 2006 SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

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

The following Bill was introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committee:

H. 5277 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Ballentine, Clark, Frye, Haley, Huggins, McLeod, Ott, E. H. Pitts and Toole: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 378 OF 2004, RELATING TO THE LEXINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DATE WHEN THE ACT EXPIRES AND WHEN THE SPECIAL ONE PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX IF IMPLEMENTED, SHALL NO LONGER BE AUTHORIZED.
On motion of Rep. BINGHAM, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

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

Allen                  Anderson               Anthony
Bailey                 Bales                  Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Battle
Bingham                Bowers                 Brady
Branham                Breeland               G. Brown
J. Brown               R. Brown               Cato
Chalk                  Chellis                Clark
Clemmons               Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Cooper                 Dantzler               Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Emory
Frye                   Funderburk             Govan
Hagood                 Haley                  Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Harvin                 Hayes                  Herbkersman
J. Hines               M. Hines               Hinson
Hiott                  Hodges                 Hosey
Huggins                Jefferson              Kennedy
Kirsh                  Leach                  Limehouse

Littlejohn             Loftis                 Mahaffey
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
McLeod                 Merrill                Miller
Mitchell               Moody-Lawrence         J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Norman
Ott                    Owens                  Parks
Perry                  Phillips               E. H. Pitts
M. A. Pitts            Rhoad                  Rice
Rivers                 Sandifer               Scarborough
Scott                  Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            F. N. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            Stewart
Talley                 Taylor                 Thompson
Toole                  Townsend               Tripp
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Walker
Whipper                White                  Whitmire
Witherspoon            Young

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Thursday, June 1.

Paul Agnew                        John Altman
Creighton Coleman                 Bill Cotty
Ralph Davenport                   David Weeks
Ted Vick                          Thad Viers
Lewis E. Pinson                   James Lucas
David Mack                        Doug Smith
Gloria Haskins                    Leon Howard
Todd Rutherford                   Marty Coates

The SPEAKER granted Rep. JENNINGS a leave of absence for the day due to a death in the family.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. CEIPS a leave of absence yesterday and today due to illness in the family.

Announcement was made that Dr. H. Del Schutte of Charleston is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

Rep. COOPER made a statement relative to Rep. TOWNSEND'S service in the House.

Rep. TOWNSEND made a statement relative to his service in the House.

Reps. KIRSH, LITTLEJOHN and DELLENEY made a statement relative to Rep. MCCRAW'S service in the House.

Rep. MCCRAW made a statement relative to his service in the House.

Reps. HARRELL, LIMEHOUSE, SCARBOROUGH, MILLER and MERRILL made a statement relative to Rep. ALTMAN'S service in the House.

Rep. ALTMAN made a statement relative to his service in the House.

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

S. 1302 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE PARENT OF A STUDENT SHIFTED FROM ONE SCHOOL

S. 1138 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SEX OFFENDER ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROTECTION OF MINORS ACT OF 2006" BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PUNISHMENT FOR MURDER, SO AS TO ADD TO THE LIST OF AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THE MURDER WAS COMMITTED BY A PERSON DEEMED A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-655, RELATING TO CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINOR, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-460, RELATING TO ANNUAL REGISTRATION FOR LIFE FOR PURPOSES OF THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REGISTRATION EVERY SIX MONTHS RATHER THAN ANNUALLY; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-530, RELATING TO THE PROTOCOL MANUAL DEVELOPED BY THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION FOR THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN NONEXCLUSIVE REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE PROTOCOL MANUAL; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-540, RELATING TO THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF SEX OFFENDERS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE PERSONS WHO SHALL OR MAY BE ELECTRONICALLY MONITORED AND TO ESTABLISH THE PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING SUCH PERSONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-550, RELATING TO HARBORING OR CONCEALING SEX OFFENDERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE OFFENSE OF ASSISTING OR HARBORING UNREGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS.

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

H. 5263 (Word version) -- Reps. Hinson, Merrill, Dantzler, Umphlett and Limehouse: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT FOR PURPOSES OF THE BONDING LIMITATIONS OF THE BERKELEY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, THAT A TRANSFEREE OF THE DISTRICT

H. 4515 (Word version) -- Reps. Parks, Clyburn, McLeod, Agnew, Frye, Hodges, Pinson, M. A. Pitts and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 63 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL ISSUE SPECIAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GLEAMNS HUMAN RESOURCES COMMISSION FOR PRIVATE PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES OWNED BY THEM.

Rep. PARKS explained the Bill.

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were read the third time, passed and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title of each be changed to that of an Act, and that they be enrolled for ratification:

S. 1436 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, RELATING TO PRIVATE SECURITY AND PRIVATE INVESTIGATION BUSINESSES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3064, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 1044 (Word version) -- Senator O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-45-430, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF TAX RECEIPTS BY A COUNTY TREASURER UPON FULL PAYMENT OF THE TAXES AND CHARGES DUE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY TREASURER MAY ACCEPT A LESSER AMOUNT THAN THE ORIGINAL TAX BILL TOGETHER WITH ANY APPLICABLE PENALTIES, COSTS, AND CHARGES WHENEVER A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING AUTHORIZES A LESSER AMOUNT TO BE PAID, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE

S. 1059 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Gregory, Hawkins, Campsen, Cleary, Lourie, Alexander, Martin and Short: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 19, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 19-1-190, RELATING TO AN EXPRESSION OF APOLOGY BETWEEN AND AMONG PARTIES OR POTENTIAL PARTIES TO A CIVIL ACTION, SO AS TO ENCOURAGE A STATEMENT OF APOLOGY BETWEEN A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, HEALTH CARE INSTITUTION, AND PATIENTS EXPERIENCING AN UNANTICIPATED OUTCOME RESULTING FROM THEIR MEDICAL CARE.

S. 1435 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3060, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

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

H. 5020 (Word version) -- Reps. Whipper, Bales, J. Hines, Sinclair and J. R. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-7425 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CHILD OR THE CHILD'S PARENT OR GUARDIAN MAY NOT WAIVE THE CHILD'S RIGHT TO COUNSEL WHEN THE FAMILY COURT PROCEEDING MAY RESULT IN DETENTION OR CONFINEMENT OF THE CHILD; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-7-7215 AND 20-7-7415, RELATING TO FAMILY COURT DETENTION HEARINGS AND PREHEARING INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS, RESPECTIVELY, BOTH SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS ALLOWING A CHILD TO WAIVE THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

S. 960 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Leatherman, Thomas, Hayes, Martin, Short, Alexander, Richardson, Ritchie, Sheheen, Campsen, Williams, Ford, O'Dell and Knotts: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 29, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT TAXES UPON REAL PROPERTY MUST BE ASSESSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE METHODS AS PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ARTICLE X OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1 AND 3 OF ARTICLE X, RELATING TO FINANCE AND TAXATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REQUIREMENT THAT TAXATION OF REAL PROPERTY MUST BE UNIFORM APPLIES TO PROPERTY WITHIN A TAXING JURISDICTION RATHER THAN STATEWIDE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 6 OF ARTICLE X, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL ESTABLISH METHODS OF VALUATION FOR COUNTIES TO SELECT FROM FOR ASSESSMENT OF REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND PROCEDURES TO IMPLEMENT THE ABOVE PROVISIONS.

Rep. COOPER moved to recommit the Joint Resolution to the Committee on Ways and Means, which was agreed to.

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 1028 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Leatherman, Thomas, Hayes, Martin, Short, Alexander, Richardson, Ritchie, Sheheen, Campsen, Williams, Knotts, Courson, Mescher and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 12, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 25 IN CHAPTER 37, ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT REFORM ACT", SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A VALUATION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF THE PROPERTY TAX THAT LIMITS THE INCREASE IN TAXABLE VALUE NOT TO EXCEED

Rep. COOPER moved to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Ways and Means, which was agreed to.

Rep. CATO moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill, which was adopted:

S. 792 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-485 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CREATION OF A PROTECTED CELL DOES NOT CREATE A LEGAL PERSON SEPARATE FROM A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE (SPFC); BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-515 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SECURITIES ISSUED BY A SPFC PURSUANT TO INSURANCE SECURITIZATION MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE INSURANCE OR INSURANCE CONTRACTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-400, RELATING TO THE REPORT REQUIRED TO BE FILED DISCLOSING MATERIAL ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS OR MATERIAL NONRENEWALS, CANCELLATIONS, OR REVISIONS OF CEDED REINSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-410, RELATING TO REPORTING AN INSURER'S ACQUISITIONS OR DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS, SO AS TO ADD HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-420, RELATING TO REPORTING NONRENEWALS, CANCELLATIONS, OR REVISIONS OF CEDED REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS, SO AS TO ADD HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-880, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MEDICAL AND SURGICAL BENEFITS AND MENTAL BENEFITS COVERAGE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF BENEFITS FOR SERVICES FURNISHED; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-1410, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SMALL EMPLOYER INSURER REINSURANCE PROGRAM, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CODE REFERENCES FOR SELECTING A LICENSED ADMINISTRATOR INSTEAD OF AN ADMINISTERING INSURER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-220, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR INSURANCE RATE LEVEL CHANGES, SO AS TO CHANGE CODE REFERENCES FROM THE ARTICLE TO THE CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-240, RELATING TO RATE FILINGS WHERE THE LINE OF INSURANCE IS DECLARED COMPETITIVE, SO AS TO CHANGE CODE REFERENCES FROM ARTICLE TO CHAPTER; TO

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 1030 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, McConnell, Martin, Peeler, Bryant, Mescher, Grooms, Hayes, Ryberg, Richardson, Fair, Leatherman, Alexander, Scott, Gregory, Thomas, Courson, O'Dell, Ritchie, Verdin, Leventis, Ford and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 1 TO TITLE 28 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION ACT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 28-2-60 AND 28-2-210, RELATING TO EMINENT DOMAIN BY SUBSTITUTING "PUBLIC USE" FOR "PUBLIC PURPOSE"; TO AMEND SECTION 28-11-30, RELATING TO ACQUISITIONS OF REAL PROPERTY BY STATES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "PUBLIC BODY" FOR "ENTITY"; TO AMEND SECTION 4-9-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A COUNTY'S POWERS UNDER THE ALTERNATE FORMS OF GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO REQUIRE A COUNTY TO ADHERE TO STATEWIDE STANDARDS OF EXERCISING EMINENT DOMAIN AND DELETE PROVISIONS

Rep. HARRISON moved to commit the Bill to the Committee on Judiciary, which was agreed to.

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

H. 3789 (Word version) -- Reps. M. A. Pitts, Taylor and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 779 OF 1988, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ELECTION OF LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARDS OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO SET THE ELECTIONS AT THE TIME OF THE GENERAL ELECTION AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERMS OF TRUSTEES WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE PRIOR TO THE ELECTION OF NEW TRUSTEES ARE EXTENDED UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS ARE ELECTED AND TAKE OFFICE.

Rep. M. A. PITTS moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Friday, June 2, which was agreed to.

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

H. 4692 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-1-150, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF

Rep. G. M. SMITH proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name COUNCIL\MS\7496AHB06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting in its entirety SECTION 3, page 2, lines 24 through 33.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

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

H. 3921 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-15-172 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MOBILE DENTAL FACILITIES OR PORTABLE DENTAL OPERATIONS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE STATE BOARD OF DENTISTRY, TO PROVIDE REGISTRATION CRITERIA, AND TO ESTABLISH FACILITY OPERATION REQUIREMENTS.

Rep. CLEMMONS explained the Senate Amendments.

The House refused to agree to the Senate amendments and a message was ordered sent accordingly.

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

H. 4831 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Young, Simrill and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 43-1-260, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COMMUNITY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCILS AND THEIR PURPOSE, MEMBERSHIP, AND DUTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT SOLICITOR, RATHER THAN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SHALL FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE COUNCILS IN EACH COUNTY OR JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, TO ADD A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE RECOMMENDED PARTICIPANTS ON THE COUNCILS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS ON SUCH COUNCILS SHALL ESTABLISH MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT AMONG AND BETWEEN THESE MEMBERS.

Reps. COBB-HUNTER and HARRISON proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\AGM\18568MM06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Section 43-1-260 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 92 of 2003, is amended to read:

"Section 43-1-260.   (A)   The Department of Social Services circuit solicitor shall facilitate the development of community domestic violence coordinating councils in each county or multi-county area judicial circuit based upon public-private sector collaboration.

(B)   The purpose of a domestic violence coordinating council is to:

(1)   increase the awareness and understanding of domestic violence and its consequences;

(2)   reduce the incidence of domestic violence in the county or area served;

(3)   enhance and ensure the safety of battered women and their children.

(C)   The duties and responsibilities of a domestic violence coordinating council include, but are not limited to:

(1)   promoting effective strategies of intervention for identifying the existence of domestic violence and for intervention by public and private agencies;

(2)   establishing interdisciplinary and interagency protocols for intervention with survivors of domestic violence;

(3)   facilitating communication and cooperation among agencies and organizations that are responsible for addressing domestic violence;

(4)   monitoring, evaluating, and improving the quality and effectiveness of domestic violence services and protections in the community;

(5)   providing public education and prevention activities;

(6)   providing professional training and continuing education activities.

(D)   Membership on a domestic violence coordinating council may include, but is not limited to, representatives from magistrates court, family court, law enforcement, solicitor's office, probation and parole, batterer intervention programs or services, nonprofit battered women's program advocates, counseling services for children, legal services, victim assistance programs, the medical profession, substance abuse counseling programs, the clergy, survivors of domestic violence, local department of social services, and the education community. Members on the council shall develop memoranda of agreement among and between themselves to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities in providing services to victims of domestic violence.

(E)   Each coordinating council is responsible for generating revenue for its operation and administration."
SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

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

H. 4773 (Word version) -- Reps. Sinclair, Rivers, Harrison, G. M. Smith, Davenport, Mitchell, McLeod, Allen, Delleney, Mahaffey, McGee, W. D. Smith, Talley and White: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 62-5-504, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH A HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY, SO AS TO CONFORM THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATUTORY FORM FOR THE HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY TO PROVIDE FURTHER FOR A SUCCESSOR AGENT, TO INCLUDE A HIPAA (HEALTH INFORMATION PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996) AUTHORIZATION, TO CLARIFY DESIGNATION CHOICES IN CONNECTION WITH TUBE FEEDING, AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN OPTIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY A NOTARY PUBLIC.

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. 4301 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Bailey, Harrison, Altman, Vaughn, G. R. Smith, Battle, Kirsh, M. A. Pitts, Coates, Moody-Lawrence, Toole, Vick, Littlejohn, Sandifer, Owens, Ceips, Funderburk, Weeks, Rice, Simrill, Chellis, Viers and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 16 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY ACT", TO DEFINE THE TERMS "DWELLING", "GREAT BODILY INJURY", "RESIDENCE", AND "VEHICLE", TO AUTHORIZE THE LAWFUL USE OF DEADLY FORCE AGAINST AN INTRUDER OR ATTACKER IN A PERSON'S DWELLING, RESIDENCE, OR OCCUPIED VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT THERE IS NO

Rep. G. M. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Senate Amendments, which was agreed to.

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

H. 4808 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-4-130, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE "EMERGENCY HEALTH POWERS ACT", SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "QUALIFYING HEALTH CONDITION" AND "TRIAL COURT"; TO AMEND SECTION 44-4-530, RELATING TO ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE OF INDIVIDUALS AND PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, SO AS TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES OF A MAXIMUM FINE OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OR THIRTY DAYS IN PRISON, OR BOTH, FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, TO PROVIDE THAT AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT FIRE OR DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE SUBJECT TO ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE ORDERS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN EMPLOYER MAY REQUIRE AN EMPLOYEE SUBJECT TO ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE TO USE ANNUAL OR SICK LEAVE TO COMPLY WITH SUCH AN ORDER; TO AMEND SECTION 44-4-540, RELATING TO ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE PROCEDURES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BEFORE THE DECLARATION OF A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE ORDERS ISSUED MUST BE UNDERTAKEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EMERGENCY HEALTH POWERS ACT; TO AMEND

Rep. G. M. SMITH proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name COUNCIL\MS\7494AHB06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting in its entirety Section 44-4-570(C)(1), as contained in SECTION 5, page 4, lines 25 through 32, and inserting:
/   (C)(1)   Any in-state or out-of-state health care provider appointed by DHEC pursuant to this section is immune from civil liability for damages resulting from medical care or treatment including, but not limited to, trauma care and triage assessment, related to the emergency response, so long as the actions taken in rendering the care or treatment meet applicable standards of care and do not constitute gross negligence, recklessness, wilfulness, or wantonness. /
Amend the bill further, by deleting in its entirety Section 44-4-570(D)(3), as contained in SECTION 5, page 5, lines 17 through 22, and inserting:

/ (3)   Any emergency assistant medical examiner or coroner appointed pursuant to this section is immune from civil liability for damages resulting from services relating to and performed during the period of appointment so long as their actions taken in rendering the services meet applicable standards of care and do not constitute gross negligence, recklessness, wilfulness, or wantonness." /
Amend the bill further, by deleting in its entirety SECTION 6, page 5, lines 24 through 33.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

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

S. 1058 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Gregory, Hawkins, Campsen, Cleary, Lourie, Alexander, Martin and Short: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-71-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN RECORDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT A FACILITY OR ACTIVITY LICENSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL HAS A DUTY TO REPORT ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS PURSUANT TO THE DEPARTMENT'S REGULATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-30-60, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION ACQUIRED OR PRODUCED BY THE EXPERT REVIEW PANEL, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT A FACILITY OR ACTIVITY LICENSED BY THE DEPARTMENT HAS A DUTY TO REPORT ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS PURSUANT TO THE DEPARTMENT'S REGULATIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-315, RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION REGARDING A FACILITY OR HOME, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT DISCLOSE ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT REPORTS, FACILITY RECORDS, OR COPIES OF FACILITY RECORDS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT BY A FACILITY OR ACTIVITY LICENSED OR SUBJECT TO INSPECTION BY THE DEPARTMENT.

Rep. BRANHAM 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. 3803 (Word version) -- Reps. Edge and Wilkins: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 15, CHAPTER 53, TITLE 44 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PRESCRIPTION MONITORING ACT" AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, BUREAU OF DRUG CONTROL TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM TO MONITOR THE PRESCRIBING AND DISPENSING OF SCHEDULE II-V CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND TO PROVIDE THE MANNER AND PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH DISPENSERS ARE TO PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF THIS INFORMATION, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

Rep. EDGE proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\12648AC06), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/SECTION   __.   Section 44-53-360(e) of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 365 of 2002, is further amended to read:

"(e)   Prescriptions for controlled substances in Schedules II through V, IV, inclusive, with the exception of transdermal patches, must not exceed a thirty-one day supply. Prescriptions for Schedule II substances must be dispensed within sixty days of the date of issue, after which time they are void. Prescriptions for controlled substances in Schedule V must not exceed a ninety-day supply."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

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

H. 3285 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Clemmons, Harrison and Loftis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-23-380, 1-23-390, 1-23-600, ALL AS AMENDED, AND 1-23-610, ALL RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT JUDICIAL REVIEW OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION MUST BE MADE BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE, TO PROVIDE THAT DECISION MAY BE APPEALED TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-650, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROMULGATION OF RULES GOVERNING THE OPERATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE HEARING OF CONTESTING CASES OR APPEALS BY INDIVIDUAL AGENCIES ARE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT IN PROCEEDINGS BEFORE AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; TO AMEND SECTION 14-8-200, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO ADD THAT THE COURT OF APPEALS HAS JURISDICTION OVER ANY CASE IN WHICH AN APPEAL IS TAKEN FROM A FINAL DECISION OF AN AGENCY AND A FINAL DECISION OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-320, RELATING TO AN ORDER OF THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPEAL FROM A FINAL DECISION OF THE COMMISSION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS AS PROVIDED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA APPELLATE COURT RULES; TO AMEND SECTION 41-35-750, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A DECISION OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPEAL WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF A FINAL DECISION BY THE COMMISSION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS AS PROVIDED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA APPELLATE COURT RULES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 58-5-330, 58-5-340, 58-5-990, 58-9-1410, AND 58-27-2310, ALL RELATING TO AN ORDER OR DECISION BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPEAL FROM A FINAL DECISION OF THE COMMISSION TO

Rep. HARRISON 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. 4847 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Barfield, Edge, Hardwick, Hayes, Viers and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-710, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SELLING TICKETS TO AN ATHLETIC CONTEST, SPORTING, ENTERTAINMENT, OR AMUSEMENT EVENT FOR MORE THAN THE PRESCRIBED AMOUNT, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR THE SALE OR OFFER FOR SALE OF A TICKET WHEN AUTHORIZED BY AN OPERATOR OF THE EVENT OR THE VENUE.

Rep. CLEMMONS 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. 3166 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Leach, Vaughn, Bailey, Scarborough and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-11-53 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF A POLITICAL PARTY TO NAME A REPLACEMENT CANDIDATE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND TO PROVIDE IF THE REPLACEMENT CANDIDATE IS NOT NAMED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, THE PARTY IS PROHIBITED FROM NAMING A REPLACEMENT CANDIDATE FOR THAT OFFICE.

Rep. TALLEY 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. 4456 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Haley: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 50 TO TITLE 23 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMESTOPPERS ACT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CRIMESTOPPER ORGANIZATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS OF VARIOUS TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER, TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMESTOPPERS COUNCIL AND ITS DUTIES, TO PROVIDE THAT A COURT MAY ORDER A DEFENDANT TO REPAY TO A CRIMESTOPPERS ORGANIZATION OR TO THE CRIMESTOPPERS COUNCIL A REWARD ISSUED BY EITHER ENTITY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES PAID BY CRIMESTOPPERS ORGANIZATION OR THE CRIMESTOPPERS COUNCIL FOR INFORMATION THAT RESULTS IN THE ARREST OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHERE MONIES ARE CONFISCATED AND FORFEITED PURSUANT TO

Rep. G. M. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Senate Amendments, which was agreed to.

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

H. 4410 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty and Brady: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1510, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PENALTY FOR LATE FILING OF OR FAILURE TO FILE A REPORT OR STATEMENT REQUIRED BY THE ETHICS ACT, SO AS TO CAP THE FINE AT FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.

Rep. HARRISON explained the Senate Amendments.

Rep. TRIPP spoke against the Senate Amendments.

The question then recurred to concur or non-concur in the Senate Amendments.

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Altman                 Bailey                 Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bingham                Brady
Breeland               G. Brown               R. Brown
Cato                   Chalk                  Chellis
Clark                  Clemmons               Cooper
Dantzler               Davenport              Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Emory
Frye                   Hagood                 Haley
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Harvin                 Haskins                Herbkersman
J. Hines               Hinson                 Hiott
Huggins                Leach                  Limehouse
Littlejohn             Lucas                  Mack
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
Merrill                Miller                 Mitchell
Moody-Lawrence         J. M. Neal             Neilson
Owens                  Perry                  Pinson
E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts            Rhoad
Rice                   Sandifer               Scarborough
Scott                  Skelton                D. C. Smith
F. N. Smith            G. M. Smith            J. R. Smith
W. D. Smith            Stewart                Taylor
Thompson               Toole                  Townsend
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Viers
Walker                 Weeks                  Whipper
White                  Whitmire               Witherspoon
Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Anderson               Anthony
Bowers                 J. Brown               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Funderburk             Hayes
M. Hines               Hodges                 Hosey

Jefferson              Kirsh                  Loftis
Mahaffey               McLeod                 J. H. Neal
Norman                 Ott                    Parks
Phillips               Rivers                 Rutherford
Simrill                Talley                 Tripp
Vick

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. 4678 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Weeks and Coates: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-85, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INFANTS VOLUNTARILY LEFT AT A HOSPITAL BY A PARENT OR AT THE DIRECTION OF A PARENT AND PROVIDING IMMUNITY TO SUCH PACT OR PERSON UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INFANT MAY ALSO BE LEFT AT A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR A CHURCH OR SYNAGOGUE, TO DEFINE HOSPITALS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND CHURCHES AND SYNAGOGUES AS "SAFE HAVENS", TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH IMMUNITY ATTACHES WHEN AN INFANT IS LEFT AT A SAFE HAVEN, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, CHURCH, OR SYNAGOGUE MUST TRANSPORT AN INFANT TO A HOSPITAL WHEN THE INFANT IS LEFT AT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, CHURCH, OR SYNAGOGUE.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the Senate Amendments.

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

H. 4735 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-410, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DETERMINING THE FITNESS OF A PERSON CHARGED WITH A CRIME TO STAND TRIAL, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM FIFTEEN DAYS TO SIXTY DAYS THE TIME WITHIN WHICH THE MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION OF THE PERSON MUST BE COMPLETED AND TO AUTHORIZE THE COURT ON GOOD CAUSE SHOWN TO GRANT AN EXTENSION OF UP TO THIRTY DAYS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-420, RELATING TO THE FITNESS TO STAND TRIAL REPORT OF A MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION EXAMINER, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM FIVE TO TEN DAYS THE TIME WITHIN WHICH THE EXAMINER MUST SUBMIT HIS REPORT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-430, RELATING TO COMPETENCY HEARINGS AND DISPOSITION OF CASES IN SUCH HEARINGS, SO AS TO DECREASE FROM SIXTY DAYS TO FOURTEEN DAYS THE TIME WITHIN WHICH THE SOLICITOR MUST INITIATE JUDICIAL COMMITMENT PROCEEDINGS FOR A PERSON FOUND TO BE UNFIT TO STAND TRIAL AND IN ADDITION TO HOSPITALIZING THE PERSON, TO AUTHORIZE THE COURT IN SUCH A PROCEEDING TO CONTINUE THE PERSON IN DETENTION OR ON BOND.

Rep. DELLENEY proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name COUNCIL\AGM\18567MM06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Section 44-23-410 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 44-23-410.   Whenever a judge of the Circuit Court or Family Court has reason to believe that a person on trial before him,

(1)   order examination of the person by two examiners designated by the Department of Mental Health if the person is suspected of having a mental illness or designated by the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs if the person is suspected of being mentally retarded or having a related disability or by both sets of examiners if the person is suspected of having both mental illness and mental retardation or a related disability; the examination must be made within fifteen forty-five days after the receipt of the court's order and may be conducted in any suitable place unless otherwise designated by the court; or

(2)   order the person committed for examination and observation to an appropriate facility of the Department of Mental Health or the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs for a period not to exceed fifteen days. If at the end of fifteen days the examiners have been unable to determine whether the person is fit to stand trial, the director of the facility shall request in writing an additional period for observation not to exceed fifteen days. If the person or his counsel requests, the person may be examined additionally by a designated examiner of his choice. The report of the examination is admissible as evidence in subsequent hearings pursuant to Section 44-23-430. However, the court may prescribe the time and conditions under which the independent examination is conducted Before the expiration of the forty-five day period provided for examination in item (1), the examiners may request, and upon a showing of good cause the judge may grant, an extension of time of up to fifteen days to complete the examination. The report of examination is admissible as evidence in subsequent hearings pursuant to Section 44-23-430. If the person or his counsel request, the court may authorize the person to be examined additionally by a designated examiner of his choice. However, the court may prescribe the time and conditions under which the independent examination is conducted. If the examiners designated by the Department of Mental Health find indications of mental retardation or a related disability but not mental illness, the department shall not render an evaluation on the person's mental capacity, but shall inform the court that the person is 'not mentally ill' and recommend that the person should be evaluated for competency to stand trial by the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. If the examiners

"Section 44-23-420.   Within five ten days of examination under Section 44-23-410(1), excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, or at the conclusion of the observation period under Section 44-23-410(2), the designated examiners shall make a written report to the court which shall include:

(1)   A diagnosis of the person's mental condition; and

(2)   Clinical findings bearing on the issues of whether or not the person is capable of understanding the proceedings against him and assisting in his own defense, and if there is a substantial probability that he will attain that capacity in the foreseeable future.

The report of the designated examiners shall not contain any findings nor shall the examiners testify on the question of insanity should it be raised as a defense unless further examination on the question of insanity is ordered by the court."
SECTION   3.   Section 44-23-430 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 44-23-430.   Upon receiving the report of the designated examiners the court shall set a date for and notify the person and his counsel of a hearing on the issue of his fitness to stand trial. If, in the judgment of the designated examiners or the superintendent of the facility if the person has been detained, the person is in need of hospitalization, the court with criminal jurisdiction over the person may authorize his detention in a suitable facility until the hearing. The person shall be entitled to be present at the hearings and to be

(1)   The person is fit to stand trial, it shall order the criminal proceedings resumed; or

(2)   The person is unfit to stand trial for the reasons set forth in Section 44-23-410 and is unlikely to become fit to stand trial in the foreseeable future, the solicitor responsible for the criminal prosecution shall initiate judicial admission proceedings pursuant to Sections 44-17-510 through 44-17-610 or Section 44-20-450 within sixty fourteen days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, during which time the court shall may order him the person hospitalized, may order the person to continue in detention if detained or, if on bond, may permit the person to remain on bond; or

(3)   The person is unfit to stand trial but likely to become fit in the foreseeable future, the court shall order him hospitalized for up to an additional sixty days. If the person is found to be unfit at the conclusion of the additional period of treatment the solicitor responsible for the criminal prosecution shall initiate judicial admission proceedings pursuant to Sections 44-17-510 through 44-17-610 or Article 1 of Chapter 21 of this title Section 40-20-450 within fourteen days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, during which time the person shall remain hospitalized.

Subject to the provisions of Section 44-23-460, patients persons against whom criminal charges are pending shall have all the rights and privileges of other involuntarily hospitalized patients persons.

Persons against whom criminal charges are pending but who are not ordered hospitalized involuntarily committed following judicial admission proceedings shall be released."
SECTION   4.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

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

H. 4723 (Word version) -- Reps. Mitchell, Whipper, Davenport, Moody-Lawrence, Hosey, J. H. Neal, Haley, Breeland, Kennedy, Hodges, Haskins, Rivers, Mack, Allen, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bowers, Branham, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Emory, Funderburk, Hamilton, Howard, Jefferson, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Parks, Perry, Phillips, F. N. Smith, J. E. Smith, W. D. Smith, Tripp, Viers, Weeks and Harvin: A BILL TO CREATE A SOUTH CAROLINA AFFORDABLE HOUSING STUDY COMMITTEE COMPRISED OF INDIVIDUALS FROM A VARIETY OF DISCIPLINES WHO ARE TRAINED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS, AND TO RECOMMEND LEGISLATIVE CHANGES, IF APPROPRIATE, RELATED TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUES IN THE STATE.

Rep. MITCHELL 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.

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

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1466 (Word version) -- Senators Anderson, Fair, Verdin and Thomas: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME OLD PARIS MOUNTAIN ROAD IN GREENVILLE COUNTY "FELICIA THELMA HAWKINS ELLIOTT ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS HIGHWAY

The following was received from the Senate:

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it nonconcurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4503:

H. 4503 (Word version) -- Reps. Edge, Harrison, Harrell, Merrill, Bingham, Young, Loftis, Perry, Haskins, Witherspoon, Bailey, Cato, Vaughn, Altman, Sandifer, G. R. Smith, Walker, Jefferson, Mack, Vick, Hardwick, Clemmons, Bales, Neilson, Mahaffey, Clark, Simrill, Viers, Duncan, Thompson, G. M. Smith, Lucas, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Hinson and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO REFORM CERTAIN EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURES BY ADDING SECTION 4-9-32 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES REQUIRED OF A COUNTY BEFORE IT MAY EXERCISE EMINENT DOMAIN; BY ADDING SECTIONS 28-2-65 AND 28-2-67 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OWNER OF CONDEMNED PROPERTY HAS THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL TO REDEEM HIS PROPERTY IF THE CONDEMNING ENTITY DOES NOT USE THE PROPERTY FOR THE INTENDED PUBLIC USE OR IT CONTEMPLATES A SALE TO ANOTHER PARTY; BY ADDING SECTION 28-3-25 SO AS TO REQUIRE WRITTEN APPROVAL BEFORE CERTAIN PUBLIC BODIES MAY EXERCISE EMINENT DOMAIN; BY ADDING CHAPTER 4 TO TITLE 28 SO AS TO ENACT THE "JUST COMPENSATION FOR LAND USE RESTRICTIONS ACT" PROVIDING A PROCESS FOR CALCULATING AND OBTAINING JUST COMPENSATION WHEN A LAND USE REGULATION AFFECTS A LAND'S VALUE; BY ADDING SECTION 31-7-26 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING ACT (TIF) FOR COUNTIES DOES NOT APPLY TO AGRICULTURAL REAL PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTION 4-9-30, RELATING TO A COUNTY'S

Very respectfully,
President

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, the House insisted upon its amendments.

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred: (P:\LEGWORK\SENATE\AMEND\NBD\12634AC06.DOC)
S. 680 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen and Ryberg: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 39-41-295 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL MAY BE DISPENSED AT UNATTENDED SERVICE STATIONS IF THE DISPENSING DEVISE HAS AN AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT IS ACTIVATED WHEN THE SALE REACHES FIFTY DOLLARS.

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Chapter 41, Title 39 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 39-41-295.   Notwithstanding Section 39-41-260, or any other provision of law, motor fuel, as defined in Section 12-28-110(39), may be dispensed at an unattended service station if the dispensing device has an automatic shut-off valve that is activated when the sale of the motor fuel reaches thirty gallons. In addition, the dispensing device shall be equipped with emergency controls pursuant to Chapter 22 Section 2204.3.3 of the International Fire Code. The service station shall be equipped with a 2A-20B-C fire extinguisher within seventy-five feet of the pump as required in Chapter 22, Section 2205.5 of the International Fire Code."

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

Amend the bill further, by striking all before the enacting words and inserting:

/TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 39-41-295 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MOTOR FUEL MAY BE DISPENSED AT UNATTENDED SERVICE STATIONS IF THE DISPENSING DEVICE HAS AN

/s/Sen. W. Greg Ryberg            /s/Rep. C. David Umphlett
/s/Sen. Lawrence K. Grooms        /s/Rep. Jeffrey D. Duncan
/s/Sen. Vincent A. Sheheen        /s/Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

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

The Report of the Committee of 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.

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

H. 3700 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons and Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-7-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ACTIONS WHICH MUST BE TRIED WHERE THE SUBJECT MATTER IS SITUATED, SO AS TO ADD THAT ALL MATTERS BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT MUST BE TRIED WHERE THE SUBJECT MATTER OR SOME PART OF THE PROPERTY IS SITUATED.

Rep. G. M. SMITH 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 COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred: (P:\LEGWORK\SENATE\AMEND\SWB\6938CM06.DOC)

H. 3726 (Word version) -- Reps. Ott, Clark, J.E. Smith, McGee, Witherspoon, Branham, Cobb-Hunter, Duncan, Hayes, Lucas, M.A. Pitts, Taylor and R. Brown: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ENACT "CHANDLER'S LAW" BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION, REGISTRATION, AND TITLING OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON UNDER SIXTEEN MUST COMPLETE A DRIVING SAFETY COURSE BEFORE HE MAY OPERATE AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS.

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/ SECTION   1.   Title 50 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 50-26-10.   This chapter may be cited as 'Chandler's Law'.

Section 50-26-20.   For the purposes of this chapter 'all-terrain vehicle' or 'ATV' means a motorized vehicle designed primarily for off-road travel on low-pressure tires which has a saddle seat and three or more wheels and handle bars for steering but does not include lawn tractors or battery-powered children's toys or any vehicle that is required to be licensed or titled for highway use.

Section 50-26-30.   (A)   A person at least nine years of age but not over sixteen years of age may not operate an all-terrain vehicle within this State unless the person:

(1)   has successfully completed an all-terrain vehicle safety education course approved by the department, and has been issued a safety certificate; or

(2)   is operating the all-terrain vehicle as part of a prescribed all-terrain vehicle safety education, training, and skills program and is

(B)   It is unlawful for a parent or legal guardian to knowingly permit his child or ward eight years of age or younger to operate an all-terrain vehicle.

(C)   The department may not issue an all-terrain vehicle operator's safety certificate to a person unless the person has successfully completed the all-terrain vehicle safety education course. A certificate of successful completion of an all-terrain vehicle safety education course issued by other states or territories of the United States, Canadian provinces, or other nations is valid for the purposes of this chapter if the department approves the course as comparable to the program required by this chapter.

(D)   A person sixteen years of age or younger may not operate, ride, or otherwise be propelled on an all-terrain vehicle within this State unless the person wears a safety helmet and eye protection meeting United States Department of Transportation standards for motorcycles.

Section 50-26-40.   (A)   The restrictions in this section apply to operation of all-terrain vehicles on those lands open to the public and are in addition to the requirements of Section 50-26-30.

(B)   It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle except in compliance with the local regulations and restrictions for all-terrain vehicle operation.

(C)   A person sixteen years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

(D)   It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle between one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless it is equipped with operational headlights and they are on.

(E)   It is unlawful to cross an unbridged stream except at a designated ford or crossing. Riding in any water bodies or watercourses is unlawful.

(F)   An all-terrain vehicle must have an effective muffler system in good working condition; a USDA Forest Service approved spark arrester in good working condition and a brake system in good operating condition.

(G)   It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.

(H)   It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle in a negligent or reckless manner.

(I)   It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle in a manner that damages flora or fauna, roads, trails, firebreaks, signs, gates, guardrails, bridges, fencing, or other public property.

Section 50-26-50.   All-terrain vehicles are exempt from ad valorem personal property taxes beginning with calendar year 2007.

Section 50-26-60.   A person violating this chapter, unless otherwise specified, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred dollars."

SECTION   2.   Chapter 3, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section   56-3-1420.   An owner of an ATV may make application to the Department of Motor Vehicles for a title for the vehicle accompanied by the required fee and upon the appropriate form prescribed and furnished by the department. The application must be accompanied by a manufacturer's certificate of origin or previous title properly assigned to the applicant.

Section 56-3-1425.   When a person who is not a licensed ATV dealer receives by purchase, gift, trade, or by another means a vehicle that was titled in this State, the person who receives the vehicle may make application to the department for a title. The application must be accompanied by the required documents and fee for title. The department shall issue a certificate of title once it has received a properly completed application. An owner of an ATV, before the enactment of this article, who cannot provide proof of ownership, may request an affidavit from the sheriff in the county in which he resides. The affidavit shall state that the sheriff finds the person making application for the title is the legal owner of the ATV. Before issuing the affidavit, the sheriff must verify through the National Crime Information Center that the ATV is not stolen. The department shall issue a title application to the owner upon presentation of the affidavit, application, and fee.

Section 56-3-1430.   The title fee for an ATV is contained in Section 56-19-420(A). For purposes of this article, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is defined as provided in Section 50-26-20."

SECTION   3.   This act takes effect July 1, 2007.   /
Amend title to read:

/ TO AMEND TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ENACT "CHANDLER'S LAW" BY

/s/Sen. C. Bradley Hutto          /s/Rep. Jeffrey D. Duncan
/s/Sen. Ronnie W. Cromer          /s/Rep. Michael A. Pitts
Sen. Kevin L. Bryant              /s/Rep. Harry L. Ott, Jr.
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

Rep. OTT explained the Conference Report.

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

The Report of the Committee of 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.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it requests the return of S. 1264:

S. 1264 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 470 OF 1971, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SCHOOL FOR SUMTER COUNTY AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CAREER CENTER BOARD, SO

Very respectfully,
President

On motion of Rep. G. M. SMITH, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from Legislative Council:

S. 1264 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 470 OF 1971, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SCHOOL FOR SUMTER COUNTY AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CAREER CENTER BOARD, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CAREER CENTER SHALL BECOME AN ADVISORY BOARD TO THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2 AND 17 AND THE DUTIES, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CAREER CENTER ARE DEVOLVED JOINTLY UPON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2 AND 17 ON JULY 1, 2006, AND TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING JULY 1, 2006, THE SUPERINTENDENTS OF SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2 AND 17 SHALL TOGETHER EMPLOY A DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER WHO SHALL SERVE AS SUPERVISOR AND FISCAL AGENT OF THE SCHOOL UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SUPERINTENDENTS.

Rep. G. M. SMITH moved to reconsider the vote whereby the House concurred in the Senate Amendments and enrolled the following Bill, which was agreed to:

S. 1264 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 470 OF 1971, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SCHOOL FOR SUMTER COUNTY AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CAREER CENTER BOARD, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CAREER CENTER SHALL BECOME AN ADVISORY BOARD TO THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2 AND 17 AND THE DUTIES, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CAREER CENTER ARE DEVOLVED JOINTLY UPON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2 AND 17 ON JULY 1, 2006, AND TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING JULY 1, 2006, THE SUPERINTENDENTS OF SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2 AND 17 SHALL TOGETHER EMPLOY A DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER WHO SHALL SERVE AS SUPERVISOR AND FISCAL AGENT OF THE SCHOOL UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SUPERINTENDENTS.

The Bill was ordered returned to the Senate per their request.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustained the veto by the Governor on R. 317, H. 4938 by a vote of 24 to 14:

(R317) H. 4938 (Word version) -- Reps. Cooper, Walker, Harrell, Cato, Townsend, White, Coates and J. E. Smith: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-3-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE GUARD, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE ADJUTANT GENERAL TO ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY AIR WING WITHIN THE STATE

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received from the Senate:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon its amendments to H. 3640:

H. 3640 (Word version) -- Reps. White and Cooper: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-1-145 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT GROUND BEEF PREPARED BY A FOOD SERVICE PROVIDER FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION MUST BE COOKED TO AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE DEGREES FAHRENHEIT UNLESS OTHERWISE ORDERED BY THE IMMEDIATE CONSUMER, TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR SERVING BEEF COOKED BELOW ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE DEGREES FAHRENHEIT UPON REQUEST OF THE PURCHASER IF THE

Very respectfully,
President

Whereupon, the Chair appointed Reps. M. A. PITTS, WHITE and BRANHAM to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The following was received from the Senate:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon its amendments to S. 613:

S. 613 (Word version) -- Senators Fair and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-8000, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FEES FOR THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES MUST BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE ORGANIZATION THAT SPONSORS THE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE, AND TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF PREPAID APPLICATIONS FOR A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE AND THE DEPOSIT THAT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES FROM A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION BEFORE A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE MAY BE PRODUCED.
and asks for a Committee of Conference and has appointed Senators Hutto, Fair and Grooms of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate.

Whereupon, the Chair appointed Reps. J. M. NEAL, PINSON and MILLER to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

Rep. HERBKERSMAN moved to reconsider the vote whereby the House amended the Senate Amendments to following Bill, which was agreed to:

H. 4831 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Young, Simrill and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 43-1-260, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COMMUNITY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCILS AND THEIR PURPOSE, MEMBERSHIP, AND DUTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT SOLICITOR, RATHER THAN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SHALL FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE COUNCILS IN EACH COUNTY OR JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, TO ADD A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE RECOMMENDED PARTICIPANTS ON THE COUNCILS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS ON SUCH COUNCILS SHALL ESTABLISH MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT AMONG AND BETWEEN THESE MEMBERS.

Rep. HERBKERSMAN moved to reconsider the vote whereby Amendment 1A was adopted, which was agreed to.

Reps. COBB-HUNTER and HARRISON proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name COUNCIL\AGM\18568MM06), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Section 43-1-260 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 92 of 2003, is amended to read:

"Section 43-1-260.   (A)   The Department of Social Services circuit solicitor shall facilitate the development of community domestic violence coordinating councils in each county or multi-county area judicial circuit based upon public-private sector collaboration.

(B)   The purpose of a domestic violence coordinating council is to:

(1)   increase the awareness and understanding of domestic violence and its consequences;

(2)   reduce the incidence of domestic violence in the county or area served;

(3)   enhance and ensure the safety of battered women and their children.

(C)   The duties and responsibilities of a domestic violence coordinating council include, but are not limited to:

(1)   promoting effective strategies of intervention for identifying the existence of domestic violence and for intervention by public and private agencies;

(2)   establishing interdisciplinary and interagency protocols for intervention with survivors of domestic violence;

(3)   facilitating communication and cooperation among agencies and organizations that are responsible for addressing domestic violence;

(4)   monitoring, evaluating, and improving the quality and effectiveness of domestic violence services and protections in the community;

(5)   providing public education and prevention activities;

(6)   providing professional training and continuing education activities.

(D)   Membership on a domestic violence coordinating council may include, but is not limited to, representatives from magistrates court, family court, law enforcement, solicitor's office, probation and parole, batterer intervention programs or services, nonprofit battered women's program advocates, counseling services for children, legal services, victim assistance programs, the medical profession, substance abuse counseling programs, the clergy, survivors of domestic violence, local department of social services, and the education community. Members on the council shall develop memoranda of agreement among and between themselves to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities in providing services to victims of domestic violence.

(E)   Each coordinating council is responsible for generating revenue for its operation and administration."

Rep. HERBKERSMAN moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.

Rep. HERBKERSMAN proposed the following Amendment No. 2A (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\12659AC06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting SECTION 3 of the bill in its entirety beginning on page 3, line 4 through page 19, line 11.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Sheheen, Campsen and Gregory of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on H. 4503:

H. 4503 (Word version) -- Reps. Edge, Harrison, Harrell, Merrill, Bingham, Young, Loftis, Perry, Haskins, Witherspoon, Bailey, Cato, Vaughn, Altman, Sandifer, G. R. Smith, Walker, Jefferson, Mack, Vick, Hardwick, Clemmons, Bales, Neilson, Mahaffey, Clark, Simrill, Viers, Duncan, Thompson, G. M. Smith, Lucas, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Hinson and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO REFORM CERTAIN EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURES BY ADDING SECTION 4-9-32 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES REQUIRED OF A COUNTY BEFORE IT MAY EXERCISE EMINENT DOMAIN; BY ADDING SECTIONS 28-2-65 AND 28-2-67 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OWNER OF CONDEMNED PROPERTY HAS THE RIGHT OF

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

Rep. COOPER moved that the House recede until 2:15 p.m., which was agreed to.

At 2:15 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. GOVAN a leave of absence for the remainder of the day.

The question of a quorum was raised.
A quorum was later present.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to S. 1302:

S. 1302 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE PARENT OF A STUDENT SHIFTED FROM ONE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN SUMTER COUNTY TO ANOTHER SCHOOL

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to S. 1138:

S. 1138 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SEX OFFENDER ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROTECTION OF MINORS ACT OF 2006" BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PUNISHMENT FOR MURDER, SO AS TO ADD TO THE LIST OF AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THE MURDER WAS COMMITTED BY A PERSON DEEMED A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-655, RELATING TO CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINOR, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-460, RELATING TO ANNUAL REGISTRATION FOR LIFE FOR PURPOSES OF THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REGISTRATION EVERY SIX MONTHS RATHER THAN ANNUALLY; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-530, RELATING TO THE PROTOCOL MANUAL DEVELOPED BY THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION FOR THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN NONEXCLUSIVE REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE PROTOCOL MANUAL; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-540, RELATING TO THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF SEX OFFENDERS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE PERSONS WHO SHALL OR MAY BE ELECTRONICALLY MONITORED AND TO ESTABLISH THE PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING SUCH PERSONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-550, RELATING TO

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has receded from its amendments on H. 3921:

H. 3921 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-15-172 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MOBILE DENTAL FACILITIES OR PORTABLE DENTAL OPERATIONS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE STATE BOARD OF DENTISTRY, TO PROVIDE REGISTRATION CRITERIA, AND TO ESTABLISH FACILITY OPERATION REQUIREMENTS.

Very respectfully,
President

A message having been received from the Senate that it had receded from its amendments, it was ordered that the title of the Bill be changed to that of an Act and that the Act be enrolled for ratification.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Conference on:

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

H. 3831 (Word version) -- Reps. Talley and Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-910, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PLACES WHERE ELECTORS ARE REGISTERED AND VOTE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION ELECTORS MAY VOTE IN A LOCATION OR AT A POLLING PLACE NOT WITHIN THE PRECINCT WHERE THE ELECTOR IS REGISTERED TO VOTE, AND TO PROVIDE CONDITIONS WHEN AN ALTERNATE POLLING PLACE MAY BE DESIGNATED.

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 7-7-910 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 466 of 1996, is further amended to read:

"Section 7-7-910.   (A)   Subject to the provisions of Section 7-7-920 and Section 7-5-440 and except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, every each elector must be registered and, unless otherwise

(B)(1)   For purposes of this subsection, an 'emergency situation' means the designated polling place is not available for use as a polling place on the election day after the first notice of the election is published.

(2)   If a designated polling place in a precinct is unavailable for use during an election as a result of an emergency situation, the authority charged by law with conducting the election shall designate an alternative polling place to be used for the electors in that precinct for any election occurring during the emergency situation. An alternative polling place for an emergency situation must be approved by the majority of the legislative delegation if the designation occurs more than seven days prior to the election. If an alternative polling place for an emergency situation is designated seven days or less prior to the election, the authority charged by law with conducting the election must notify the members of the legislative delegation of the alternative polling place.

(3)   The alternative polling place is not required to be within the precinct of the elector's residence; however, the authority charged by law with conducting the election may designate an alternative polling place outside the precinct only if no other location within the precinct is available for use as a polling place. If an alternative polling place is outside the precinct, it must be located in an adjoining precinct. The alternative polling place must be selected with consideration of the distance the electors would be required to travel in order to vote.

(4)   Every attempt must be made to notify electors of the alternative polling place before the election and on the day of the election through the media and by posted notice at the designated polling place.

(C)   If an alternative polling place outside of the precinct is selected pursuant to subsection (B) of this section, the authority charged by law with conducting the election shall certify in writing to the State Election Commission that no other location within the precinct is available for use as a polling place and that the selection of a polling place was made with consideration of the distance electors would have to travel to vote."

SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and must not be put into practice until it receives preclearance by the United States Department of Justice.   /

Amend title to conform.

/s/Sen. Larry A. Martin           /s/Rep. Scott Talley
/s/Sen. Vincent A. Sheheen        /s/Rep. James Todd Rutherford
/s/Sen. G. E. "Chip" Campsen III  /s/Rep. Thad T. Viers
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

Rep. TALLEY explained the Conference Report.

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

The Report of the Committee of 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.

The Committee of Conference, to whom was referred (L:\Jud\amend\crjud4671.doc):

H. 4671 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Delleney and Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-600, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEARINGS AND PROCEEDINGS THAT AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL PRESIDE OVER, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT EXCLUDES CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE RELATED HEARINGS AND PROCEEDINGS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CLERK OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT MUST FILE A CERTIFIED COPY OF A FINAL ORDER WITH A CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE THIS ORDER HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS A JUDGMENT OF THE COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-660, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 1-23-600 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 202 of 2004, is further amended to read:

"Section 1-23-600.   (A)   A full and complete record must be kept of all contested cases and regulation hearings before an administrative law judge. All testimony shall be reported, but need not be transcribed unless a transcript is requested by any party. The party requesting a transcript is responsible for the costs involved. Proceedings before administrative law judges are open to the public unless confidentiality

(B)   An administrative law judge shall preside over all hearings of contested cases as defined in Section 1-23-310 involving the departments of the executive branch of government in which a single hearing officer is authorized or permitted by law or regulation to hear and decide such cases, except those arising under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, those matters which are otherwise provided for in Title 56, or those other cases or hearings which are prescribed for or mandated by federal law or regulation, unless otherwise by law specifically assigned to the jurisdiction of the Administrative Law Court.

(C)   All requests for a hearing before the Administrative Law Court must be filed in accordance with the court's rules of procedure. Any party that files a request for a hearing with the Administrative Law Court must simultaneously serve a copy of the request on the affected agency. Upon the filing of the request, the chief judge shall assign an administrative law judge to the case.

(D)   An administrative law judge also shall preside over all hearings of appeals from final decisions of contested cases before professional and occupational licensing boards or commissions within the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, or as otherwise provided by law, pursuant to Section 1-23-380.

(E)   If a petition for judicial review of a final order of the Administrative Law Court is not filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 1-23-600, upon request of a party to the proceedings, the clerk of the Administrative Law Court must file a certified copy of the final order with a clerk of the circuit court, as requested, or court of competent jurisdiction, as requested. After filing, the certified order has the same effect as a judgment of the court where filed and may be recorded, enforced, or satisfied in the same manner as a judgment of that court."

SECTION   2.   Section 1-23-660 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 128 of 2005, is further amended to read:

"Section 1-23-660.   There is created within the Administrative Law Court the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings. The chief judge of the Administrative Law Court shall serve as the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings. The duties, functions, and responsibilities of

The Budget and Control Board shall assist with all necessary actions to be taken to accomplish this transfer in consultation with the agency head of the transferring and receiving agencies.

Notwithstanding another provision of law, the hearing officers shall conduct hearings in accordance with Chapter 23 of Title 1, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the rules of procedure for the Administrative Law Court, at suitable locations as determined by the chief judge. For purposes of this section, any law enforcement agency that employs an officer who requested a breath test and any law enforcement agency that employs a person who acted as breath test operator resulting in a suspension pursuant to Sections 56-1-286 or

SECTION   3.   Section 56-1-10 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 170 of 2005, is further amended by adding at the end:

"(23)   'Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings' means the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings created by Section 1-23-660. The Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings conducts all hearings or administrative hearings arising from department actions.

(24)   'Administrative hearing' means a 'contested case hearing' as defined in Section 1-23-310. It is a hearing conducted pursuant to the South Carolina Administrative Procedures Act."

SECTION   4.   Section 56-1-370 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-1-370.   The licensee may, within ten days after notice of suspension, cancellation, or revocation, except in cases where the suspension, cancellation, or revocation is made mandatory upon the Department of Motor Vehicles, request in writing a review and upon receipt of the request the department shall afford him a review an administrative hearing with the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings in accordance with the rules of procedure of the Administrative Law Court and the State Administrative Procedures Act, in the judicial circuit where the licensee was arrested unless the department Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings and the licensee agree that the review hearing may be held in some other another jurisdiction. The review may hearing must be held heard by a duly authorized agent of the

SECTION   5.   Section 56-1-1030 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-1-1030.   When a person is convicted of one or more of the offenses listed in Section 56-1-1020(a), (b), or (c), the Department of Motor Vehicles must review its records for that person. If the department's department determines after review of its records shows that the person is an habitual offender as defined in Section 56-1-1020, the department must institute agency proceedings in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act to revoke or suspend the person's driver's license except that appeals under this section must be made to the appropriate magistrate's court as set forth below revoke or suspend the person's driver's license.

If after appropriate proceedings, the department finds the person to be an habitual offender, the department shall direct the person not to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of this State and to surrender his driver's license or permit to the department. A resident of South Carolina found to be an habitual offender may appeal the decision to the chief magistrate in the county in which the appellant resides Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings in accordance with its rules of procedure. A nonresident person found to be an habitual offender may appeal to the chief magistrate of Richland County. In any appeal, the magistrate shall hear and determine the matter de novo."

SECTION   6.   Section 56-1-1090 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-1-1090.   No license to operate motor vehicles in this State may be issued to an habitual offender nor shall a nonresident habitual offender operate a motor vehicle in this State:

(a)   for a period of five years from the date of a final decision by the Department of Motor Vehicles that a person is an habitual offender and if, upon appeal, the finding is sustained by a magistrate unless the period is reduced to two years as permitted in item (c);

(b)   until financial responsibility requirements are met;

(c)   until, upon petition to the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings and for good cause shown, the department hearing officer may restore to the person the privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this State upon terms and conditions as the department may prescribe, subject to other

SECTION   7.   Section 56-5-2951(F) and (G) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(F)   An administrative hearing must be held within thirty days after the request for the hearing is received by the Department of Motor Vehicles Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings. If the department Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings does not hold the hearing within thirty days, the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings must issue a written order must be issued by the department within thirty days. The order must set forth,stating the reasons why the hearing was not held within thirty days, and a new providing a schedule date for the hearing must be scheduled. If the department Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings does not issue a written order within thirty days or fails within thirty days to notify the defendant person of a new hearing date, the person must have his driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege reinstated. The scope of the hearing must be is 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;

(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 all parties either reversing or 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.

(G)   An administrative hearing is a contested case proceeding under the Administrative Procedures Act, and a person has a right to judicial review appeal the decision of the hearing officer pursuant to that act to the Administrative Law Court in accordance with its appellate rules. The filing of a petition for review an appeal stays the suspension until a final decision is issued on appeal."

SECTION   8.   Section 56-1-286(O) and (P) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

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

(1)   was lawfully arrested or detained;

(2)   was advised in writing of the rights enumerated in subsection (I);

(3)   refused to submit to a test pursuant to this section; or

(4)   consented to taking a test pursuant to this section, and the:

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

(b)   individual who administered the test or took samples was qualified pursuant to this section;

(c)   test administered and samples taken were conducted pursuant to this section; and

(d)   the machine was operating 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 all parties either reversing or 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.

(P)   An administrative hearing is a contested proceeding under the Administrative Procedures Act, and a person has a right to judicial review appeal the decision of the hearing officer pursuant to that act to the Administrative Law Court in accordance with its appellate rules. The filing of a petition for review an appeal shall stay the suspension until a final decision is issued."

SECTION   9.   Section 56-9-363 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-9-363.   The Department of Motor Vehicles may in the administration of this article prescribe such form as it may deem necessary and require individuals to file sworn affidavits substantiating any claims for damages should the need arise. Any person whose driving privilege becomes subject to suspension or is suspended under the provisions of this article may request an informal administrative hearing with the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings prior to the suspension or within thirty days after written notice of the suspension in order that he might prove to the Department that no reasonable possibility exists that a civil court might enter a judgment against him as a result of the accident in question. The hearing so conducted shall not be bound by the rules of the law and shall be informal. The petitioner may present witnesses and any other evidence which he deems necessary to produce and he shall bear the costs thereof. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Department hearing officer

SECTION   10.   Section 56-15-350 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-15-350.   Any license issued under this chapter may be denied, suspended, or revoked, if the applicant or licensee or an agency of the applicant or licensee acting for the applicant or licensee is determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles to have:

(a)   Made made a material misstatement in the application for the license;

(b)   Violated violated any provision of this chapter;

(c)   Been been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have committed any fraud connected with the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle;

(d)   Employed employed fraudulent devices, methods, or practices in connection with meeting the requirements placed on dealers and wholesalers by the laws of this State;

(e)   Been been convicted of any violation of law involving the acquisition or transfer of a title to a motor vehicle or of any violation of law involving tampering with, altering, or removing motor vehicle identification numbers or markings;

(f)   Been been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have violated any federal or state law regarding the disconnecting, resetting, altering, or other unlawful tampering with a motor vehicle odometer, including the provisions of 15 U.S.C. Sections 1981-1991;

(g)   Refused refused or failed to comply with the department's reasonable requests to inspect or copy the records, books, and files of the dealer or wholesaler or failed to maintain records of each motor vehicle transaction as required by this chapter or by state and federal law pertaining to odometer records; or

(h)   Given given, loaned, or sold a dealer license plate to any person or otherwise to have allowed the use of any dealer license plate in any way not authorized by Section 56-3-2320. Any dealer license plate issued to a dealer or wholesaler pursuant to Section 56-3-2320 which is determined by the department to be improperly displayed on any vehicle or in the possession of any unauthorized person is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section by the dealer or wholesaler to whom the license plate was originally issued.

The Department department shall notify the licensee or applicant in writing at the mailing address provided in his application of its

Upon the a denial, suspension, or revocation of a license, the licensee shall immediately return to the department the license and all dealer license plates."

SECTION   11.   Sections 56-1-410, 56-5-2952, and 56-9-320 of the 1976 Code are repealed.

SECTION   12.   Section 56-5-4160 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-5-4160.   (A)   An officer or agent of the Department of Public Safety having reason to believe that the weight of a vehicle and load is unlawful may require the driver to stop and submit to a weighing of the vehicle and load either by means of portable or stationary scales and may require that the vehicle be driven to the nearest public scales. Whenever an officer upon weighing a vehicle and load determines that the weight is unlawful, he may require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place and remain standing until the portion of the load necessary to reduce the axle weight, or gross weight of the vehicle, or both, to the limits permitted under this chapter is removed. All material unloaded must be cared for by the owner or operator of the vehicle at his own risk. In determining whether the limits established by Section 56-5-4130 or 56-5-4140 have been exceeded, the scaled weights of the gross weight of vehicles and combinations of vehicles are considered to be not closer than ten percent to the true gross weight, except as otherwise provided in Section 56-5-4140.

(B)   A person who operates a vehicle on a public highway whose axle weight is in excess of the limits imposed by Section 56-5-4130 or 56-5-4140 is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars five cents per pound or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both. If a vehicle does not exceed the gross weight limits provided for by this article, and the axle weight limits are not exceeded by more than five percent including

(C)   A person who operates a vehicle found to exceed the excess gross weight limitations imposed by Section 56-5-4130 or 56-5-4140 is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall pay to the Department of Public Safety a fine based on the following scale:

POUNDS OF EXCESS AMOUNT OF FINE

WEIGHT IN DOLLARS

(1) 500-- 1500 lbs.: $25.00

(2) 1501-- 2500 lbs.: 45.00

(3) 2501-- 3500 lbs.: 60.00

(4) 3501-- 4250 lbs.: 135.00

(5) 4251-- 5250 lbs.: 180.00

(6) 5251-- 6250 lbs.: 300.00

(7) 6250-- 7250 lbs.: 460.00

(8) 7251-- 8250 lbs.: 600.00

(9) 8251--10250 lbs.: 700.00

(10) 10251--lbs. and over: 10 cents for each pound

(1)   500-3,500 pounds: four cents per pound over weight limit;

(2)   3,501-6000 pounds: six cents per pound over weight limit, beginning with the first pound in excess;

(3)   6,001 pounds and over: ten cents per pound over weight limit, beginning with the first pound in excess.

The fine imposed pursuant to items (1), and (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) must be equal to one-half the rate for vehicles transporting raw farm or forest products from the farm or forest to the first market, or by fully enclosed motor vehicles designed specifically for collecting, compacting, and hauling garbage from residences or from garbage dumpsters, or by motor vehicles operating open top trailers used for hauling recyclables, scrap, and waste materials from sites without facilities for weighing, when operating for those purposes. If an operator is found to be in violation of both gross and axle limits, only one citation may be issued, the fine being for the greater of the two, for that load. No fine may be issued for violation of the vehicle registration statues if that vehicle is registered for the maximum allowable weight for that class of vehicle as provided in Section 56-5-4140.

If the operator of the vehicle, upon conviction, fails to remit the fine imposed by this subsection to the Department of Public Safety, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for remitting the fine. The court is prohibited from suspending any portion of this fine.

(D)(1)   A person who operates a vehicle found to have out-of-service violations, other than violations of brakes out of adjustment and lighting violations which can be repaired at the scene, detected during a roadside inspection, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall pay to the Department of Public Safety a fine of two hundred dollars.

(2)(a)   An individual who operates a commercial motor vehicle on a public highway whose vehicle or driver is in violation of the out-of-service order as defined in 49 CFR 390.5 is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined five hundred dollars.

(b)   A company or individual who operates or allows a commercial motor vehicle to be operated on a public highway in violation of a motor carrier operation out-of-service order, or order to cease operation, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined one thousand dollars.

(3)   If the operator of the vehicle, upon conviction, fails to remit the fine imposed by this subsection to the Department of Public Safety, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for remitting the fine. The court is prohibited from suspending any portion of this fine.

(D)(E)   At the time that a uniform size, and weight, and safety citation is issued pursuant to this section, the officer or agent who is authorized to issue the citation must inform the individual receiving the citation that he has the option, at that time, to elect to pay his fine directly to the Department of Public Safety or to receive a hearing in magistrates magistrate's court. If the individual at the time the citation is issued elects to pay his fine directly to the department within fourteen twenty-eight days, as specified on the citation, no assessments may be added to the original fine pursuant to this section. The fine may be deposited with the arresting officer or a person the department may designate. The fine must be deposited in full or other arrangements satisfactory to the department for payment must be made before the operator is allowed to move the vehicle. If there is no conviction, the fine must be returned to the owner promptly.

(E)(F)   Magistrates have jurisdiction of all contested violations of this section. All monies collected pursuant to Section 56-5-4160 must be forwarded to the Department of Public Safety as provided for in this section. A magistrate, within forty-five days, must forward all monies collected to the department for deposit in the account established in this section. The department shall use these monies to establish and maintain automated data bases, to upgrade and refurbish existing weigh stations, to purchase and maintain portable scales, to hire additional

'Conviction', as used in this section, also includes the entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere and the forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure a defendant's presence in the court.

If the fine is not paid in full to the Department of Public Safety within forty-five days after conviction, the license and registration of the vehicle found to violate Section 58-23-1120 or Regulations 38-423 et seq. or exceed the limits imposed by Section 56-5-4130 or 56-5-4140 must be suspended. The owner of the vehicles immediately shall return the license and registration of the vehicle to the Department of Motor Vehicles. If a person fails to return them as provided in this section, the Department of Motor Vehicles may secure possession of them by a commissioned trooper or officer. The suspension continues until the fine is paid in full.

(F)(G)   The Department of Public Safety shall provide a separate uniform citation to be used by the Size and Weight State Transport Police Division of the Department of Public Safety. The uniform citation must be used for all size, and weight, and safety violations which the Size and Weight State Transport Police Division of the Department of Public Safety is primarily is responsible for enforcing.

(G)(H)   The issuance of a uniform citation to the operator of a vehicle for a violation of this section, Section 58-23-1120, or Regulations 38-423 et seq. constitutes notice to the owner of the violation. The uniform citation must include the following language in bold letters to be printed across the bottom of the citation 'THE ISSUANCE OF SIZE, AND WEIGHT, AND SAFETY UNIFORM CITATION TO THE OPERATOR OF A VEHICLE CONSTITUTES NOTICE TO THE OWNER OF A SIZE, AND WEIGHT OR SAFETY VIOLATION'.

(I)   An individual who fails to conduct a safety inspection of a vehicle as required by Part 396 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or fails to have in his possession documentation that an

(J)   Motor carriers, officers, or agents in charge of them, who fail or refuse to permit authorized State Transport Police representatives or employees to examine and inspect their books, records, accounts and documents, or their plants, property, or facilities, as provided by law and with reasonable notice, are guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day of such failure or refusal constitutes a separate offense and each offense is punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars.

(H)(K)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all fines collected pursuant to this section must be deposited into an account in the Office of the State Treasurer and called the 'Size, and Weight, and Safety Revitalization Program Fund for Permanent Improvements.' Monies credited to the fund may only be expended as authorized in item (E)(F) of this section."

SECTION   13.   The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, releases, or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION   14.   SECTION 12 of this act takes effect ninety days after approval by the Governor. The remaining SECTIONS contained in this act take effect upon approval by the Governor.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

/s/ Sen. John Hawkins             /s/ Rep. James Harrison
/s/ Sen. Jim Ritchie              /s/ Rep. Fletcher Smith, Jr.
/s/ Sen. Linda H. Short           /s/ Rep. G. Murrell Smith, Jr.
On Part of the Senate.             On Part of the House.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the Conference Report.

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred (P:\LEGWORK\SENATE\AMEND\AGM\18590MM06.DOC):

S. 572 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE SUPERSEDES ANY OTHER CONFLICTING LAW; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3850 SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THE FORMER SECTION 11-35-4020 PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF UNSERVICEABLE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT BY A GOVERNMENTAL BODY; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-4420 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER AND THE AFFECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL BODY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN MATTERS PENDING BEFORE OR APPEALED FROM THE PROCUREMENT REVIEW PANEL; TO AMEND SECTIONS 11-35-40, 11-35-45, 11-35-210, 11-35-310, 11-35-410, 11-35-450, 11-35-510, 11-35-540, 11-35-710, 11-35-810, 11-35-820, 11-35-830, 11-35-845, 11-35-1030, 11-35-1210, 11-35-1220, 11-35-1230, 11-35-1240, 11-35-1410, 11-35-1510, 11-35-1520, ALL AS AMENDED, SECTIONS 11-35-1525 and 11-35-1528; AND SECTIONS 11-35-1530, 11-35-1550, 11-35-1560, 11-35-1575, 11-35-1825, 11-35-2010, 11-35-2030, 11-35-2210, 11-35-2410, 11-35-2440, 11-35-2710, 11-35-2720, 11-35-3020, 11-35-3030, 11-35-3040, 11-35-3060, 11-35-3220, 11-35-3230, 11-35-3240, 11-35-3245, 11-35-3410, 11-35-3510, 11-35-3820, 11-35-3840, 11-35-4210, 11-35-4220, 11-35-4230, 11-35-4330, 11-35-4410, 11-35-5220, 11-35-5230, 11-35-5240, 11-35-5260, AND 11-35-5270, ALL AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DELETE REFERENCES TO THE OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES OR DIVISION OF GENERAL SERVICES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Article 1, Chapter 35, Title 11 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 11-35-25.   If this code applies to a procurement, the provisions of this code supersede all laws or parts of laws in conflict with it to the extent of the conflict including, but not limited to, the principles of law and equity, the common law, and the Uniform Commercial Code of this State."

SECTION   2.   Subarticle 3, Article 15, Chapter 35, Title 11 of the 1976 Code, is amended by adding:

"Section 11-35-3850.   Governmental bodies approved by the board may sell any supplies owned by it after such the supplies have become entirely unserviceable and can properly be classified as 'junk', in accordance with procedures established by the Office of General Services designated board office. All sales of unserviceable supplies by the governmental body shall must be made in public to the highest bidder, after advertising for fifteen days, and the funds from such the sales shall must be credited to the account of the governmental body owning and disposing of such the unserviceable supplies."

SECTION   3.   Subarticle 3, Article 17, Chapter 35, Title 11 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 11-35-4420.     The appropriate chief procurement officer and an affected governmental body shall have the opportunity to participate fully as a party in a matter pending before the Procurement Review Panel and in an appeal of a decision of the Procurement Review Panel, whether administrative or judicial."

SECTION   4.   Section 11-35-40(2) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"(2)   Application to State Procurement. This code shall apply applies to every procurement or expenditure of funds by this State under contract acting through a governmental body as herein defined irrespective of the source of the funds, including federal assistance monies, except as specified in Section 11-35-40(3) (Compliance with Federal Requirements) and except that this code does not apply to gifts, to the issuance of grants, or to contracts between public procurement

SECTION   5.   Section 11-35-45(A) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"(A)   All vouchers for payment of purchases of goods or services, supplies, or information technology shall must be delivered to the Comptroller General's office within thirty work days from acceptance of the goods or services and proper invoice. After the thirtieth work day, following acceptance or the postmark on the invoice, the Comptroller General shall levy an amount not to exceed fifteen percent per annum each year from the funds available to the agency, such this amount to be applied to the unpaid balance to be remitted to the vendor unless the vendor waives imposition of the interest penalty."

SECTION   6.   Section 11-35-210 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-210.   Written determinations and findings expressly required by the code or regulations shall must be retained in an official contract file of the governmental body administering the contract. Such These determinations shall must be documented in sufficient detail to satisfy the requirements of audit as provided for in Section 11-35-1230."

SECTION   7.     Section 11-35-310(8), (17), (19), (20), (24), (28), (35), and (36) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 356 of 2002, is further amended to read:

"(8)   'Contract' means all types of state agreements, regardless of what they may be called, for the procurement or disposal of supplies, services, information technology, or construction.

(17)   'General Services' means the Office of the Budget and Control Board. (Reserved)

(19)   'Grant' means the furnishing by the State or the United States government of assistance, whether financial or otherwise, to any a person to support a program authorized by law. It does not include an award, the primary purpose of which is to procure specified end products, whether in the form of supplies, services, information technology, or construction. A contract resulting from such an award shall must not be deemed considered a grant but a procurement contract.

(20)   'Invitation for bids' means a written or published solicitation issued by an authorized procurement officer for bids to contract for the procurement or disposal of stated supplies, services, information technology, or construction, which will ordinarily result in the award of the contract to the responsible bidder making the lowest responsive bid.

(24)   'Procurement' means buying, purchasing, renting, leasing, or otherwise acquiring any supplies, services, information technology, or construction. It also includes all functions that pertain to the obtaining of any supply, service, or construction, including description of requirements, selection, and solicitation of sources, preparation and award of contracts, and all phases of contract administration.

(28)   'Request for proposals (RFP)' means a written or published solicitation issued by an authorized procurement officer for proposals to provide supplies, or services, information technology, or construction which ordinarily result in the award of the contract to the responsible bidder making the proposal determined to be most advantageous to the State. The award of the contract must be made on the basis of evaluation factors which that must be stated in the RFP.

(35)   'Term contract' means a contract contracts established by the chief procurement officer for a specific product or service supplies, services, or information technology for a specified time and for which it is mandatory that all governmental bodies procure their requirements for the goods and services during its term. If a governmental body As provided in the solicitation, if a public procurement unit is offered goods and services the same supplies, services, or information technology at a price that is at least ten percent less than the term contract price for the same goods or services, it may purchase from the vendor offering the lower price after first offering the vendor holding the term contract the option to meet the lower price. The solicitation used to establish the term contract must specify contract terms applicable to a purchase from the vendor offering the lower price. If the vendor holding the term contract meets the lower price, then the governmental body must shall purchase from the contract vendor. All decisions to purchase from the vendor offering the lower price must be documented by the procurement officer in sufficient detail to satisfy the requirements of an external audit. A term contract may be a multi-term contract as provided in Section 11-35-2030.

(36)   'Using agency' means any governmental body of the State which utilizes any supplies, services, information technology, or construction purchased under this code."

SECTION   8.   Section 11-35-310 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 356 of 2002, is further amended by adding:

"(37)   'Designated board office' and 'Designated board officer' means the office or officer designated in accordance with Section 11-35-540(5)."

SECTION   9.   Section 11-35-410 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-410.   (A)   Procurement information shall must be a public record to the extent required by Chapter 4 of Title 30 (The Freedom of Information Act) with the exception that commercial or financial information obtained in response to a 'request for proposals' or any type of bid solicitation which that is privileged and confidential need not be disclosed.

(B)   Privileged and confidential information is information in specific detail not customarily released to the general public, the release of which might cause harm to the competitive position of the party supplying the information. Examples of this type of information would include:

(1)   customer lists;

(2)   design recommendations and identification of prospective problem areas under an RFP;

(3)   design concepts, including methods and procedures;

(4)   biographical data on key employees of the bidder.

(C)   For all documents submitted in response or with regard to a solicitation or other request, the documents need not be disclosed if an award is not made.

(D)   Evaluative documents predecisional in nature such as inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda containing technical evaluations and recommendations are exempted so long as the contract award does not expressly adopt or incorporate the inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda reflecting the predecisional deliberations.

(E)   At the time of submitting a proposal or bid, the party supplying a bid or proposal must identify any portions of the proposal or bid considered by the party to be a trade secret and thus eligible to be withheld from public inspection and copying. If the information identified by the party is a trade secret, as defined in Section 30-4-40(a)(1), it may be withheld from public inspection and copying. If the party fails to identify information as a trade secret, the entire bid or proposal is to be made available for public inspection and copying. For all documents submitted in response or with regard to any solicitation or other request, the person submitting the documents shall

SECTION   10.   The first paragraph of Section 11-35-450(A) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"The purchase of furniture, floor coverings, wall coverings, or any other decorative or ornamental item by a governmental body for at least one of the following uses must be reported to the governing board, commission, or council of the respective governmental body before the purchase, when the cost of the furniture, covering, or item exceeds five hundred one thousand dollars, before the purchase and it is to be used in:

(1)   an office or adjoining reception area utilized by an agency director or assistant agency director; or

(2)   a board room or a conference room used as a board room."

SECTION   11.   Section 11-35-510 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-510.   All rights, powers, duties, and authority relating to the procurement of supplies, services, and information technology and to the management, control, warehousing, sale and disposal of supplies, construction, information technology, and services now vested in or exercised by any a state governmental body under pursuant to the provisions of law relating thereto, and regardless of source of funding, are hereby vested in the Office of General Services appropriate chief procurement officer. This vesting of authority shall be is subject to Sections 11-35-710 (Exemptions), 11-35-1250 (Authority to Contract for Auditing Services), 11-35-1260 (Authority to Contract for Legal Services), 11-35-1270 (Authority to Contract for Certain Services), Section 11-35-1550 (Small Purchases), Section 11-35-1570 (Emergency Procurements), 11-35-3230 (Exception for Small Architect-Engineer, and Land Surveying Services Contracts), and Section 11-35-3620 (Management of Warehouses and Inventory)."

SECTION   12.   Section 11-35-540 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-540.   (1)   Authority to Promulgate Regulations. Except as otherwise provided in this code, the board shall have the authority and responsibility to may promulgate regulations, consistent with this code, governing the procurement, management, control, and disposal of any and all supplies, services, information technology, and

(2)   Nondelegation. The board shall may not delegate its power to promulgate regulations.

(3)   Approval of Operational Procedures. Governmental bodies shall be authorized to develop internal operational procedures consistent with this code; provided except, that such the operational procedures shall must be certified approved in writing by the appropriate chief procurement officer as being consistent with this chapter. The operational procedures must be consistent with this chapter. Operational procedures adopted pursuant to this chapter are exempt from the requirements of Section 1-23-140.

(4)   The board as a whole or acting through its procurement policy committee shall consider and decide matters of policy within the provisions of this code including those referred to it by the chief procurement officers. The board shall have has the power to audit and monitor the implementation of its regulations and the requirements of this code.

(5)   For every reference in this code to a 'designated board office', the chief executive officer of the board shall designate the office or other subdivision of the board that is responsible for the referenced statutory role. For every reference in this code to a 'designated board officer', the chief executive officer of the board shall designate the board officer or other board position that is responsible for the referenced statutory role. More than one office or officer may be designated for any referenced statutory role. All designations pursuant to this subparagraph must be submitted in writing to the chief procurement officers."

SECTION   13.   Section 11-35-710 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 264 of 2000, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-710.   The board, upon the recommendation of the Office of General Services designated board office, may exempt governmental bodies from purchasing certain items through the respective chief procurement officer's area of responsibility. The board may exempt specific supplies, or services, information technology, or construction from the purchasing procedures required in this section chapter and for just cause by unanimous written decision limit or may withdraw exemptions provided for in this section. The following exemptions are granted in from this chapter:

(1)   the construction, maintenance, and repair of bridges, highways, and roads; vehicle and road equipment maintenance and repair; and

(2)   the purchase of raw materials by the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries;

(3)   S.C. South Carolina State Ports Authority;

(4)   Division of Public Railways of the Department of Commerce;

(5)   S.C. South Carolina Public Service Authority;

(6)   expenditure of funds at state institutions of higher learning derived wholly from athletic or other student contests, from the activities of student organizations, and from the operation of canteens and bookstores, except as the funds are used for the procurement of construction, architect-engineer, construction-management, and land surveying services;

(7)   livestock, feed, and veterinary supplies;

(8)   articles for commercial sale by all governmental bodies;

(9)   fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, milk, and eggs;

(10)   South Carolina Arts Commission and South Carolina Museum Commission for the purchase of one-of-a-kind items such as paintings, antiques, sculpture, and similar objects. Before any a governmental body procures the objects, the head of the purchasing agency shall prepare a written determination specifying the need for the objects and the benefits to the State. The South Carolina Arts Commission shall review the determination and forward a recommendation to the board for approval;

(11)   published books, periodicals, and technical pamphlets;

(12)   South Carolina Research Authority;

(13)   the purchase of goods, products, and services supplies, services, or information technology by state offices, departments, institutions, agencies, boards, and commissions or the political subdivisions of this State from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries.;

(14)   Medical University Hospital Authority, provided if the Medical University Hospital Authority has promulgated a procurement process in accordance with its enabling provision."

SECTION   14.   Section 11-35-810 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-810.   There is hereby created, within the Office of General Services board, a Materials Management Office to be headed by the Materials Management Officer."

SECTION   15.   Section 11-35-820 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-820.   There is hereby created within the Office of General Services board, the Information Technology Management Office to be headed by the Information Technology Management Officer. All procurements involving information technology, and any pre-procurement and post-procurement activities in this area, shall must be conducted in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the board, except as otherwise provided for in this code by specific reference to the Information Technology Management Office."

SECTION   16.   Section 11-35-830 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-830.   There is hereby created within the Office of General Services board, the State Engineer's Office to be headed by the State Engineer. All procurements involving construction, architectural and engineering, construction management, and land surveying services, as defined in Section 11-35-2910, and any pre-procurement and post-procurement activities in this area, shall must be conducted in accordance with the 'Manual for Planning and Execution of State Permanent Improvements' and with any regulations promulgated by the board, except as unless otherwise provided for in this code by specific reference to the State Engineer's Office."

SECTION   17.   Section 11-35-845 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-845.   Each agency of state government that has total management capability as defined and certified by the Office of General Services shall State Engineer's Office must be allowed to oversee the administration of permanent improvement construction projects with the State Engineer's Office serving as an audit function. The State Engineer's Office shall assist those small agencies who do not have the necessary expertise in permanent improvements."

SECTION   18.   Section 11-35-1030 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1030.   The Office of General Services chief procurement officers shall develop a system of training for procurement in accordance with regulations by the board. Such The training shall must encompass the latest techniques and methods of public procurement. If deemed considered appropriate by the Office of General Services chief procurement officers, such the training shall must include a requirement for the certification of the procurement officer of each purchasing agency."

SECTION   19.   Section 11-35-1210(1) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"(1)   Authority.   The board may assign differential dollar limits below which individual governmental bodies may make direct procurements not under term contracts. The Office of General Services designated board office shall review the respective governmental body's internal procurement operation, shall certify in writing that it is consistent with the provisions of this code and the ensuing regulations, and recommend to the board those dollar limits for the respective governmental body's procurement not under term contract."

SECTION   20.   Section 11-35-1220 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1220.   The Office of General Services shall chief procurement officers are authorized to prepare statistical data concerning the procurement, use, and disposition of all supplies, services, information technology, and construction. All using agencies shall furnish such these reports as the Office of General Services chief procurement officers may require concerning use, needs, and stocks on hand, and the chief procurement officers shall prescribe forms to be used by the using agencies in requisitioning, ordering, and reporting supplies, services, information technology, and construction. The chief procurement officers shall limit requests for information to those items necessary for the effective operation of the purchasing system, but using agencies shall must be required to provide information as requested."

SECTION   21.   Section 11-35-1230(1) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"(1)   The Office of General Services designated board office, through consultation with the chief procurement officers, shall develop written plans for the auditing of state procurements.

In procurement audits of governmental bodies thereafter, the auditors from the Office of General Services designated board office shall review the adequacy of the system's internal controls in order to ensure compliance with the requirement of this code and the ensuing regulations. Any A noncompliance discovered through audit must be transmitted in management letters to the audited governmental body and the Budget and Control Board. The auditors shall provide in writing proposed corrective action to governmental bodies. Based upon audit recommendations of the Office of General Services designated board office, the board may revoke certification as provided for in Section 11-35-1210 and require the governmental body to make

SECTION   22.   Section 11-35-1240 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1240.   (A)   The board shall prescribe administrative penalties for violation of the provisions of this code and of regulations promulgated thereunder under it, excluding those matters under the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission as provided by law.

(B)   Violation of these provisions shall be is grounds for loss of or reduction in authority delegated by either the board or this code."

SECTION   23.   Section 11-35-1410(2)(c) and (4) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"(c)   states prices at which sales are currently or were last made to a significant number of buyers constituting the general buying public for the supplies, or services, or information technology involved.

(4)   'Purchase description' means specifications or any other document describing the supplies, services, information technology, or construction to be procured."

SECTION   24.   Section 11-35-1510 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 387 of 2000, is further amended to read:

"Section   11-35-1510.   Unless otherwise provided by law, all state contracts shall must be awarded by competitive sealed bidding, pursuant to Section 11-35-1520, except as provided in:

(1)   Section 11-35-1250 (Authority to Contract for Auditing Services);

(2)   Section 11-35-1260 (Authority to Contract for Legal Services);

(3)   Section 11-35-1525 (Fixed Priced Bidding);

(2)( 4)   Section 11-35-1528 (Competitive Best Value Bidding);

(3)   Section 11-35-1250 (Authority to Contract for Auditing Services);

(4)   Section 11-35-1260 (Authority to Contract for Legal Services);

(5)   Section 11-35-1270 (Authority to Contract for Certain Services) Section 11-35-1529 (Competitive On-line Bidding);

(6)   Section 11-35-1530 (Competitive Sealed Proposals);

(7)   Section 11-35-1540 (Negotiations After Unsuccessful Competitive Sealed Bidding);

(8)   Section 11-35-1550 (Small Purchases);

(9)   Section 11-35-1560 (Sole Source Procurements);

(10)   Section 11-35-1570 (Emergency Procurements);

(11)   Section 11-35-1575 (Procurements at Participation in Auction or Bankruptcy Sale);

(12)   Section 11-35-1580 (Procurement of Information Technology); (Reserved)

(13)   Section 11-35-3020 (Construction Procurement Procedures);

(14)   Section 11-35-3220 (Architect-Engineer, Construction Management and Land Surveying Services Procurement Procedures);

(15)   Section 11-35-3230 (Exception for Small Architect-Engineer and Land Surveying Services Contracts)

(16)   Section 11-35-1529 (Competitive On-line Bidding)."

SECTION   25.   Section 11-35-1520 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1520.     (1)   Condition for Use. Contracts amounting to twenty-five greater than fifty thousand dollars or more shall must be awarded by competitive sealed bidding except as otherwise provided in Section 11-35-1510.

(2)   Invitation for Bids.   An invitation for bids shall must be issued in an efficient and economical manner and shall must include specifications and all contractual terms and conditions applicable to the procurement.

(3)   Notice.     Adequate notice of the invitation for bids shall must be given at a reasonable time prior to before the date set forth therein in it for the opening of bids. Such The notice shall must include publications in a newspaper of general circulation in the State such as 'South Carolina Business Opportunities' or through a means of central electronic advertising as approved by the Office of General Services designated board office. Governmental bodies may charge vendors the cost incurred for copying and mailing bid or proposal documents requested in response to a procurement.

(4)   Receipt and Safeguarding of Bids.   All bids, (including modifications), received prior to before the time of opening shall must be kept secure and unopened, except as provided for by regulation of the board.

(5)   Bid Opening.   Bids shall must be opened publicly in the presence of one or more witnesses, at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids and in the manner prescribed by regulation of the board. The amount of each bid, and such other relevant information as may be specified by regulation, together with the name of each bidder, shall must be tabulated. The tabulation shall must be open to the public inspection at that time.

(6)   Bid Acceptance and Bid Evaluation. Bids shall must be accepted unconditionally without alteration or correction, except as otherwise authorized in this code. The invitation for bids shall must set forth the evaluation criteria to be used. No criteria may Criteria must not be used in bid evaluation that are not set forth in the invitation for bids. Bids shall must be evaluated based on the requirements set forth in the invitation for bids and in accordance with the regulations of the board.

(7)   Correction or Withdrawal of Bids; Cancellation of Awards. Correction or withdrawal of inadvertently erroneous bids before bid opening, withdrawal of inadvertently erroneous bids after award, or cancellation and reaward of awards or contracts, after award but prior to before performance, may be permitted in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board. After bid opening, no changes in bid prices or other provisions of bids prejudicial to the interest of the State or fair competition shall must not be permitted. After opening, bids must not be corrected or withdrawn except in accordance with the provisions of this code and the regulations promulgated pursuant to it. Except as otherwise provided by regulation, all decisions to permit the correction or withdrawal of bids, or to cancel awards, or contracts, after award but prior to before performance, shall must be supported by a written determination of appropriateness made by the chief procurement officers or head of a purchasing agency.

(8)   Discussion with Bidders. As provided in the invitation for bids, discussions may be conducted with apparent responsive bidders for the purpose of clarification to assure full understanding of the requirements of the invitation for bids. All bids, in the procuring agency's sole judgment, needing clarification shall must be accorded such an that opportunity. Clarification of any a bidder's bid must be documented in writing by the procurement officer and shall must be included with the bid. Documentation concerning the clarification shall must be subject to disclosure upon request as required by Section 11-35-410.

(9)   Tie Bids. If two or more bidders are tied in price while otherwise meeting all of the required conditions, awards are determined as follows in the following order of priority:

(a)   If there is a South Carolina firm tied with an out-of-state firm, the award must be made automatically to the South Carolina firm.

(b)   Tie bids involving South Carolina produced or manufactured products, when known, and items produced or manufactured out of the State must be resolved in favor of the South Carolina commodity.

(c)   Tie bids involving a business certified by the South Carolina Office of Small and Minority Business Assistance as a Minority Business Enterprise must be resolved in favor of the Minority Business Enterprise.

(d)   Tie bids involving South Carolina firms must be resolved in favor of the South Carolina firm located in the same taxing jurisdiction as the governmental body's consuming location.

(d)   Tie bids involving South Carolina firms in the same taxing jurisdiction as the governmental body's consuming location must be resolved by the flip of a coin in the office of the chief procurement officer or the head of a purchasing agency or either officer's designee witnessed by all interested parties.

(e)   In all other situations where in which bids are tied, the award will must be made by the purchasing agency to the tied bidder offering the quickest delivery time, or if the tied bidders have offered the same delivery time, the tie shall must be resolved by the flip of a coin in the office of the chief procurement officer or the head of a purchasing agency or either officer's designee witnessed by all interested parties the procurement officer. All responding vendors must be invited to attend.

(10)   Award. Unless there is a compelling reason to reject bids as prescribed by regulation of the board, notice of an award or an intended award of a contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders whose bid meets the requirements set forth in the invitation for bids shall must be given by posting such the notice at a location specified in the invitation for bids. For contracts with a total or potential value in excess of fifty thousand dollars but less than one hundred thousand dollars, notice of the award of a contract must be given by posting and must be sent to all bidders responding to the solicitation on the same day that the notice is posted in accordance with this section. For contracts with a total or potential value of one hundred thousand dollars or greater, notice of an intended award of a contract must be given by posting the notice for ten days before entering into a contract and must be sent to all bidders responding to the solicitation on the same day that the notice is posted in accordance with this section. The posting date shall appear on the face of all these notices. Prior to Before the posting of the award, the procuring agency may negotiate with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder to lower his bid within the scope of the invitation for bids. The invitation for bids and the posted notice a notice of award or notice of intent to award must contain a statement of a bidder's right to protest under pursuant to

When a contract has a total or potential value in excess of fifty thousand dollars, sixteen days after notice is given the agency may enter a contract with the bidder named in the notice in accordance with the provisions of this code and of the bid solicited. When only one response is received, the notice of intended intent to award and the sixteen-day delay of award may be waived. A determination of responsibility must be made before award in accordance with Section 11-35-1810.

(11)   Request for Qualifications.     (a)   Prior to Before soliciting bids, the procuring agency, acting through the authorized procurement officer, may issue a request for qualifications from prospective bidders. Such The request shall must contain, at a minimum, a description of the goods or services scope of work to be solicited by the invitation for bids, the general scope of the work, the deadline for submission of information, and how prospective bidders may apply for consideration. The request shall must require information concerning the prospective bidders' product specifications, qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the requirements of the contract. Adequate public notice of the request for qualifications shall must be given in the manner provided in Section 11-35-1520(3). The use of the request for qualifications is subject to the approval of the Office of General Services.

(b)   After receipt of the responses to the request for qualifications from prospective bidders, the prospective bidders shall be ranked rank of the prospective bidders must be determined in writing from most qualified to least qualified on the basis of the information provided. Bids shall then must be solicited from at least the top two prospective bidders by means of an invitation for bids. The failure of a prospective bidder to be selected to receive the invitation for bids shall not be grounds for protest under Section 11-35-4210. The determination regarding how many bids to solicit is not subject to review under Article 17.

(12)   Provisions Not to Apply. The provisions of this section shall not apply to maintenance services for aircraft of the Division of Aeronautics of the Department of Commerce. (Reserved)

(13)   Minor Informalities and Irregularities in Bids. A minor informality or irregularity is one which is merely a matter of form or is some immaterial variation from the exact requirements of the invitation for bids having no effect or merely a trivial or negligible effect on total bid price, quality, quantity, or delivery of the supplies or performance of the contract, and the correction or waiver of which would not be prejudicial to bidders. The procurement officer shall either give the bidder an opportunity to cure any deficiency resulting from a minor informality or irregularity in a bid or waive any such deficiency when it is to the advantage of the State. Such communication or determination shall be in writing. Examples of minor informalities or irregularities include, but are not limited to:

(a)   failure of a bidder to return the number of copies of signed bids required by the solicitation;

(b)   failure of a bidder to furnish the required information concerning the number of the bidder's employees or failure to make a representation concerning its size;

(c)   failure of a bidder to sign its bid, but only if the firm submitting the bid has formally adopted or authorized the execution of documents by typewritten, printed, or rubber stamped signature and submits evidence of such that authorization, and the bid carries such a that signature or the unsigned bid is accompanied by other material indicating the bidder's intention to be bound by the unsigned document, such as the submission of a bid guarantee with the bid or a letter signed by the bidder with the bid referring to and identifying the bid itself;

(d)   failure of a bidder to acknowledge receipt of an amendment to a solicitation, but only if:

(i)     the bid received indicates in some way that the bidder received the amendment, such as where the amendment added another item to the solicitation and the bidder submitted a bid, thereon, provided that on it, if the bidder states under oath that it received the amendment prior to before bidding and that the bidder will stand by its bid price; or,

(ii)   the amendment has no effect on price or quantity or merely a trivial or negligible effect on quality or delivery, and is not prejudicial to bidders, such as an amendment correcting a typographical mistake in the name of the governmental body;

(e)   failure of a bidder to furnish an affidavit concerning affiliates;

(f)   failure of a bidder to execute the certifications with respect to equal opportunity and affirmative action programs;

(g)   failure of a bidder to furnish cut sheets or product literature;

(h)   failure of a bidder to furnish certificates of insurance;

(i)     failure of a bidder to furnish financial statements;

(j)     failure of a bidder to furnish references;

(k)   failure of a bidder to furnish its bidder number; and

(l)     notwithstanding Section 40-11-180 Title 40, the failure of a bidder to indicate his contractor's license number or other evidence of licensure, provided that no except that a contract shall must not be awarded to the bidder unless and until the bidder is properly licensed under the laws of South Carolina."

SECTION   26.   Section 11-35-1525(2) and (4) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 153 of 1997, is amended to read:

"(2)   Fixed Price Bidding. The purpose of fixed price bidding is to provide multiple sources of supply for specific goods or services, supplies, or information technology based on a preset maximum price which the State will pay for such goods or services, supplies, or information technology.

(4)   Pricing. The State shall establish, prior to before issuance of the fixed price bid, a maximum amount the State will pay for the goods or services, supplies, or information technology desired."

SECTION   27.   Section 11-35-1528(2) and (5) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 153 of 1997, is amended to read:

"(2)   Best Value Bidding.   The purpose of best value bidding is to allow factors other than price to be considered in the determination of award for specific goods or supplies, services, or information technology based on pre-determined criteria identified by the State.

(5)   Evaluation Factors.   The best value bid shall must state the factors to be used in determination of award and the numerical weighting for each factor. Cost must be a factor in determination of award and cannot be weighted at less than sixty percent. Best value bid evaluation factors may include, but are not limited to, any of the following as determined by the purchasing agency procurement officer in its sole discretion and not subject to protest:

(a)   operational costs that the State would incur if the bid is accepted;

(b)   quality of the product or service, or its technical competency;

(c)   reliability of delivery and implementation schedules;

(d)   maximum facilitation of data exchange and systems integration;

(e)   warranties, guarantees, and return policy;

(f)   vendor financial stability;

(g)   consistency of the proposed solution with the state's planning documents and announced strategic program direction;

(h)   quality and effectiveness of business solution and approach;

(i)     industry and program experience;

(j)     prior record of vendor performance;

(k)   vendor expertise with engagement of similar scope and complexity;

(l)     extent and quality of the proposed participation and acceptance by all user groups;

(m)   proven development methodologies and tools; and

(n)   innovative use of current technologies and quality results."

SECTION   28.   Section 11-35-1530 of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1530.   (1)   Conditions for Use. When If a purchasing agency determines in writing that the use of competitive sealed bidding is either not practicable or not advantageous to the State, a contract may be entered into by competitive sealed proposals subject to the provisions of Section 11-35-1520 and the ensuing regulations, unless otherwise provided for in this section. Subject to the requirements of Section 11-35-3220, the board may provide by regulation that it is either not practicable or not advantageous to the State to procure specified types of supplies, services, information technology, or construction by competitive sealed bidding.

(2)   Public Notice. Adequate public notice of the request for proposals shall must be given in the same manner as provided in Section 11-35-1520(3).

(3)   Receipt of Proposals. Proposals shall must be opened publicly in accordance with regulations of the board. A tabulation of proposals shall must be prepared in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board and shall must be open for public inspection after contract award.

(4)   Request for Qualifications. Prior to (a)   Before soliciting proposals, the procuring agency, acting through the authorized procurement officer, may issue a request for qualifications from prospective offerors. Such The request shall must contain at a minimum a description of the goods or services scope of the work to be solicited by the request for proposals and the general scope of the work

(b)   After receipt of the responses to the request for qualifications from prospective offerors, the perspective offerors shall be ranked rank of the prospective offerors must be determined in writing from most qualified to least qualified on the basis of the information provided. Proposals shall then must be solicited from at least the top two prospective offerors by means of a request for proposals. The failure of a prospective offeror to be selected to receive the request for proposals shall not be grounds for protest under Section 11-35-4210. The determination regarding how many proposals to solicit is not subject to review pursuant to Article 17.

(5)   Evaluation Factors. The request for proposals shall must state the relative importance of the factors to be considered in evaluating proposals but shall may not require a numerical weighting for each factor. Price may, but need not, be an evaluation factor.

(6)   Discussion with Offerors. As provided in the request for proposals, and under regulations, discussions may be conducted with apparent responsive offerors who submit proposals determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award for the purpose of clarification to assure full understanding of the requirements of, and responsiveness to, the request for proposals solicitation requirements. All offerors, whose proposals, in the procuring agency's procurement officer's sole judgment, need clarification shall must be accorded such an that opportunity.

(7)   Selection and Ranking. Proposals shall must be evaluated using only the criteria stated in the request for proposals and there must be adherence to any weightings that have been assigned previously assigned. Once evaluation is complete, all responsive offerors shall must be ranked from most advantageous to least advantageous to the State, considering only the evaluation factors stated in the request for proposals. If price is an initial evaluation factor, award shall must be made in accordance with Section 11-35-1530(9) below.

(8)   Negotiations. Whether price was an evaluation factor or not, the procuring agency, through the appropriate procurement official officer, may, in its his sole discretion and not subject to challenge through a protest filed under Section 11-35-4210, review under Article 17, may proceed in any of the manners indicated below, except that in

(a)   negotiate price with the highest ranked offeror. If a satisfactory price cannot be agreed upon, price negotiations may be conducted, in the sole discretion of the procuring agency, with the second, and then the third, and so on, ranked offerors to such level of ranking as determined by the procuring agency in its sole discretion; or

(b)   negotiate with the highest ranking offeror on price, on matters affecting the scope of the contract, so long as the overall nature and intent of the contract is not changed changes are within the general scope of the request for proposals, or on both. If a satisfactory contract cannot be negotiated with the highest ranking offeror, negotiations may be conducted, in the sole discretion of the procuring agency procurement officer, with the second, and then the third, and so on, ranked offerors to such the level of ranking as determined by the procuring agency procurement officer in its his sole discretion; or

(c)(b)   during the negotiation process as outlined in subsections (a) and (b) item (a) above, if an agency the procurement officer is unsuccessful in its his first round of negotiations, it he may reopen negotiations with any offeror with whom it he previously negotiated; or

(d)(c)   if, after following the procedures set forth in Section 11-35-1530(8), a contract is not able to be negotiated, the procurement officer may make changes within the general scope of the request for proposals may be changed in an effort to reduce the cost to a fair and reasonable amount, and may provide all responsive offerors must be allowed an opportunity to submit their best and final offers.

In conducting negotiations, there must be no disclosure of any confidential information derived from proposals and negotiations submitted by competing offerors.

(9)   Award. Award must be made to the responsive responsible offeror whose proposal is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the State, taking into consideration price and the evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposals, unless the procuring agency procurement officer determines to utilize one of the options provided in Section 11-35-1530(8). The contract file shall must contain the basis on which the award is made and must be sufficient to satisfy external audit. Procedures and requirements for the notification of intent to award the contract shall must be the same as those stated provided in Section 11-35-1520(10)."

SECTION   29.   Section 11-35-1550 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1550.   Authority.   (1)   The following small purchase procedures may be utilized only in conducting procurements for governmental bodies that are less than twenty-five up to fifty thousand dollars in actual or potential value. An agency A governmental body may conduct its own procurement under five up to fifty thousand dollars in actual or potential value, and an agency a governmental body that has received procurement certification pursuant to Section 11-35-1210 to handle the type and estimated value of the procurement may conduct the procurement under its own authority in accordance with the procedures prescribed in this section; however, procurement code. Procurement requirements must not be artificially divided by governmental bodies so as to constitute a small purchase under pursuant to this section.

(2)   Competition and Price Reasonableness. (a) Purchases not in excess of One two thousand five hundred dollars. Small purchases not exceeding one two thousand five hundred dollars may be accomplished without securing competitive quotations if the prices are considered to be reasonable. The purchasing office shall must annotate the purchase requisition: 'Price is fair and reasonable' and sign. The purchases must be distributed equitably among qualified suppliers. When practical, a quotation must be solicited from other than the previous supplier before placing a repeat order. The administrative cost of verifying the reasonableness of the price of purchase 'not in excess of' may more than offset potential savings in detecting instances of overpricing. Action to verify the reasonableness of the price need be taken only when the procurement officer of the governmental body suspects that the price may not be reasonable, comparison to previous price paid, or personal knowledge of the item involved.

(b)   Purchases from one thousand five hundred one dollars to five thousand dollars. Solicitations of verbal or written quotes from a minimum of three qualified sources of supply must be made and documentation of the quotes attached to the purchase requisition. The award shall be made to the lowest responsive and responsible source.

(c)   Purchases from five over two thousand one five hundred dollars to ten thousand dollars. Solicitation of written quotes from a minimum of three qualified sources of supply must be made and documentation of the quotes attached to the purchase requisition for a small purchase over two thousand five hundred dollars but not in excess of ten thousand dollars. The award must be made to the lowest responsive and responsible sources.

(d)(c)   Purchases from over ten thousand one dollars up to twenty-five fifty thousand dollars. Written solicitation of written quotes, bids, or proposals shall must be made for a small purchase over ten thousand dollars but not in excess of fifty thousand dollars. The procurement must be advertised at least once in the South Carolina Business Opportunities publication or through a means of central electronic advertising as approved by the Office of General Services designated board office. A copy of the written solicitation and written quotes must be attached to the purchase requisition. The award shall must be made to the lowest responsive and responsible source or, when a request for proposal process is used, the highest ranking offeror.

(3)   Protest rights. The provisions of Section 11-35-4210 do not apply to contracts awarded under the procedures set forth in this section.

(4)   All competitive procurements above twenty-five ten thousand dollars must be advertised at least once in the South Carolina Business Opportunities publication or through a means of central electronic advertising as approved by the Office of General Services designated board office. Governmental bodies may charge vendors the cost incurred for copying and mailing bid or proposal documents requested in response to a procurement advertised in the "South Carolina Business Opportunities" publication.

(4)   The Division of Aeronautics of the Department of Commerce may act as its own purchasing agency for all procurements of maintenance services for aircraft and these procurements may be conducted pursuant to Section 11-35-1550(2)(b)."

SECTION   30.   Section 11-35-1560 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1560.   (A)   A contract may be awarded for a supply, service, information technology, or construction item without competition when if, under regulations promulgated by the board, the chief procurement officer, the head of a purchasing agency, or a designee of either officer, above the level of the procurement officer, determines in writing that there is only one source for the required supply, service, information technology, or construction item.

(B)   These regulations must include the requirements contained in this paragraph. Written documentation must include the determination and basis for the proposed sole source procurement. Any A delegation of authority by either the chief procurement officer or the head of a governmental body with respect to sole source determinations must be submitted in writing to the Materials Management Officer. In cases of

(C)   Any A violation of these regulations by a purchasing agency shall, upon recommendation of the Office of General Services designated board office with approval of the majority of the Budget and Control Board, must result in the temporary suspension, not to exceed one year, of the violating agency's governmental body's ability to procure supplies, services, information technology, or construction items under pursuant to this section."

SECTION   31.   Section 11-35-1575 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 153 of 1997, is amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1575.   A governmental body having knowledge of either an auction or a sale of supplies from a bankruptcy may elect to participate. The governmental body shall (a) survey the needed items being offered at auction to ascertain their condition and usefulness, (b) determine a fair market value for new like items through informal quotes, (c) determine the fair market value from similar items considering age and useful life, and (d) estimated repair cost and delivery cost, if any, of the desired items. Using this information, the governmental body shall determine the maximum price that it can pay for each item desired. At the auction or sale, the governmental body shall not exceed the maximum price so determined."

SECTION   32.   RESERVED.

SECTION   33.   Section 11-35-1825 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-1825.   The State Engineer's Office shall develop a procedure and a list of criteria for pre-qualifying prequalifying construction bidders and sub-bidders. The criteria shall must include, but not be limited to, prior performance, recent past references on all aspects of performance, financial stability, and experience on similar construction projects. A governmental body may use the prequalification process only for projects where the construction involved is unique in nature or over ten million dollars in value as determined by and subject to the approval of the State Engineer's Office. All prequalification projects shall must be under the supervision of the State Engineer's Office, unless the project falls within the governmental body's procurement certification limits.

When the prequalification process is employed, only those bidders or sub-bidders who are prequalified through this procedure are entitled to

SECTION   34.   Section 11-35-2010 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-2010.   (1)   Types of Contracts. Subject to the limitations of this section, any type of contract which that will promote the best interests of the State may be used, except that the use of a cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contract shall must be approved by the Office of General Services appropriate chief procurement officer. A cost-reimbursement contract, including a cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contract, shall may be used only when a determination sufficient for external audit is prepared showing that such the contract is likely to be less costly to the State than any other type or that it is impracticable to obtain the supplies, services, information technology, or construction required except under such a that contract.

(2) Contract Forms. The board shall promulgate by regulation the form of the contracts to be used in connection with state purchasing and construction. The forms as shall be developed for Article 9 of this chapter shall be printed as a part of those regulations. A governmental body may enter into a contract or agreement without using the form promulgated pursuant to the board's regulation when the contract or agreement is for the rental of equipment valued at ten thousand dollars or less and the duration of the contract or agreement does not exceed ninety days.

(2)(a)   As used in this section:

(i)     'Contracting document' means a standardized or model instrument, or a component part of it, for use as a contract, invitation for bids, request for proposals, request for qualifications, or instruction to bidders including, but not limited to, a contract clause or solicitation provision.

(ii)   'Usage instructions' means directions regarding (1) conditions for use of a contracting document, (2) completion of a contracting document, and (3) the process for obtaining permission, if possible, to omit or depart from the contracting document's established content for a particular solicitation or contract.

(b)   The chief procurement officers may develop contracting documents for their respective areas of responsibility. Contracting

(c)   The board may adopt formally a contracting document, as developed by the appropriate chief procurement officer, for mandatory use by all governmental bodies only after notice of the proposed adoption has been published in the State Register and the board has provided the public at least sixty days to make written comments. If a contracting document is adopted by the board, the contracting document must be published in the State Register, accompanied by usage instructions, and used by all governmental bodies in accordance with its usage instructions. The chief procurement officers are not required to submit for board approval contracting documents used in connection with either solicitations issued or contracts awarded by the board or its offices.

(d)   Notwithstanding item (c) above, the board may promulgate contracting documents as regulations."

SECTION   35.   Section 11-35-2030 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-2030.   (1)   Specified Period. Unless otherwise provided by law, a contract for supplies, or services, or information technology shall must not be entered into for any a period of more than one year unless approved in a manner prescribed by regulation of the board;. provided, that The term of the contract and conditions of renewal or extension, if any, are must be included in the solicitation and funds are must be available for the first fiscal period at the time of contracting. Payment and performance obligations for succeeding fiscal periods shall must be subject to the availability and appropriation of funds therefore for them.

(2)   Determination Prior to Use. Prior to Before the utilization of a multi-term contract, it shall must be determined in writing by the appropriate governmental body that:

(a)   that estimated requirements cover the period of the contract and are reasonably firm and continuing; and

(b)   that such a contract will serve serves the best interests of the State by encouraging effective competition or otherwise promoting economies in state procurement.

(3)   Cancellation Due to Unavailability of Funds in Succeeding Fiscal Periods. When funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation of performance in a subsequent fiscal period, the contract shall must be canceled.

(4)   The maximum time for any a multi-term contract is five years. Contract terms of up to seven years may be approved by the Director of the Office of General Services designated board officer. Contracts exceeding seven years must be approved by the Budget and Control board."

SECTION   36.   Section 11-35-2210 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-2210.   The Office of General Services shall be appropriate chief procurement officer or his designee is authorized, at reasonable times, to inspect the part of the plant or place of business of a contractor or any subcontractor which is related to the performance of any a contract awarded or to be awarded by the State."

SECTION   37.   Section 11-35-2410 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-2410.   (A)   The determinations required by the following sections and related regulations are final and conclusive, unless clearly erroneous, arbitrary, capricious, or contrary to law: Section 11-35-1520(7) (Competitive Sealed Bidding: Correction or Withdrawal of Bids; Cancellation of Awards), Section 11-35-1520(11) (Competitive Sealed Bidding: Request for Qualifications), Section 11-35-1525(1) (Competitive Fixed Price Bidding: Conditions for Use), Section 11-35-1528(1) (Competitive Best Value Bidding: Conditions for Use), Section 11-35-1528(8) (Competitive Best Value Bidding: Award), Section 11-35-1529(1) (Competitive On-line Bidding: Conditions for Use), Section 11-35-1530(1) (Competitive Sealed Proposals, Conditions for Use), Section 11-35-1530(4) (Competitive Sealed Proposals: Request for Qualifications), Section 11-35-1530(8) (Competitive Sealed Proposals: Negotiations), Section 11-35-1530(9)(7) (Competitive Sealed Proposals, Selection and Ranking of Prospective Offerors), Section 11-35-1530(10)(9) (Competitive Sealed Proposals Award), Section 11-35-1540 (Negotiations After Unsuccessful Competitive Sealed Bidding), Section 11-35-1560 (Sole Source Procurement), Section 11-35-1570 (Emergency Procurement), Section 11-35-1710 (Cancellation of Invitation for Bids or Requests for Proposals), Section 11-35-1810(2) (Responsibility of Bidders and Offerors, Determination of Nonresponsibility), Section 11-35-1825 (Prequalification of Construction Bidders), Section 11-35-1830(3) (Cost or Pricing Data, Cost or Pricing Data Not Required), Section 11-35-2010 (Types and Forms of Contracts), Section 11-35-2020 (Approval of Accounting System), Section 11-35-2030(2) (Multi-Term Contracts, Determination

(B)   The chief procurement officers or their designees shall review samples of such the determinations periodically, and issue reports and recommendations on the appropriateness of the determinations made."

SECTION   38.   Section 11-35-2440 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-2440.   (1)(a)   Contents of Records. Any A governmental body as defined in Section 11-35-310(18) shall submit quarterly a record listing all contracts made under pursuant to Section 11-35-1560 (Sole Source Procurement) or Section 11-35-1570 (Emergency Procurements) to the chief procurement officers. The record shall must contain:

(a)(i)   each contractor's name;

(b)(ii)   the amount and type of each contract;

(c)(iii)   a listing of supplies, services, information technology, or construction procured under each contract.

(b)   The chief procurement officers shall maintain these records for five years.

(2)   Publication of Records. A copy of the record shall must be submitted to the board on an annual basis and shall must be available for public inspection."

SECTION   39.   Section 11-35-2710 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-2710.   The board shall promulgate regulations governing the preparation, maintenance, and content of specifications for supplies, services, information technology, and construction required by the State."

SECTION   40.   Section 11-35-2720 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-2720.   The chief procurement officers shall may prepare or review, issue, revise, and maintain the specifications for supplies, services, information technology, and construction required by the State, except for supplies, services, information technology, and construction items procured by the governmental bodies pursuant to

SECTION   41.   Section 11-35-3020 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3020.   (1)   Source Selection. All state construction contracts shall must be awarded by competitive sealed bidding pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 11-35-1520, subject to the exceptions enumerated in subsection (2) of this section and except as provided in Sections 11-35-1550, 11-35-1560, and 11-35-1570. Competitive sealed proposals as provided in Section 11-35-1530 and multi-step sealed bidding as provided in Section 11-35-1520(11) shall must not be used, except in such cases and in accordance with criteria as may be authorized and prescribed by regulation of the board.

(2)   Exceptions in Competitive Sealed Bidding Procedures. The process of competitive sealed bidding as required by subsection (1) of this section shall must be performed in accordance with the procedures outlined in Article 5 of this code subject to the following exceptions:

(a)   Invitation for Bids. In lieu Instead of Section 11-35-1520(2), Section 11-35-1520(3), and Section 11-35-1520(4), invitations for bids for each state construction project subject to subsection (1) of this section shall must be made in the following manner. Each using agency shall must be responsible for developing a formal invitation for bids for each state construction project subject to subsection (1) of this section. The invitation shall must include, but not be limited to, all contractual terms and conditions applicable to the procurement. A copy of each invitation for bids shall must be filed with the State Engineer's Office and shall must be advertised formally advertised in an official state government publication. The manner in which this official state government publication shall must be published, the content of the publication itself, the frequency of the publication, the method of subscription to the publication, and the manner by which the publication will be is distributed shall must be established by regulation of the board.

(b)   Bid Acceptance. In lieu Instead of Section 11-35-1520(7)(6), the following provision applies. Bids must be accepted unconditionally without alteration or correction, except as otherwise authorized in this code. The using agency's invitation for bids shall must set forth all requirements of the bid including, but not limited to:

(i)     The using agency, in consultation with the architect-engineer assigned to the project, shall identify by specialty in the invitation for bids all subcontractors, as defined by applicable documents of the American Institute of Architects, who are expected to perform work for the prime contractor to or about the construction when those subcontractors' contracts are each expected to exceed three percent of the prime contractor's total base bid. In addition, the using agency, in consultation with the architect-engineer assigned to the project, may identify by specialty in the invitation for bids any subcontractors who are expected to perform work which is vital to the project. The determination of which subcontractors are included in the list provided in the invitation for bids is not protestable under pursuant to Section 11-35-4210 or any other another provision of this code. Any A bidder in response to an invitation for bids shall set forth in his bid the name of only those subcontractors that will to perform the work as identified in the invitation for bids. If the bidder determines to use his own employees to perform any a portion of the work for which he would otherwise be required to list a subcontractor and if the bidder is qualified to perform such that work under the terms of the invitation for bids, the bidder shall list himself in the appropriate place in his bid and not subcontract any of that work except with the approval of the using agency for good cause shown.

(ii)   Failure to complete the list provided in the invitation for bids renders the bidder's bid unresponsive.

(iii)   No A prime contractor whose bid is accepted shall may not substitute any a person as subcontractor in place of the subcontractor listed in the original bid, except for one or more of the following reasons:

(a)   upon a showing satisfactory to the using agency by the contractor that a subcontractor who was listed is not financially responsible;

(b)   upon a showing satisfactory to the using agency by the contractor that the scope of work bid by a listed subcontractor did not include a portion of the work required in the plans and specifications, and the exclusion is not clearly set forth in the listed subcontractor's original bid;

(c)   upon a showing satisfactory to the using agency made by the contractor within four working days of the bid opening that the subcontractor was listed as a result of an inadvertent clerical error;

(d)   upon a showing satisfactory to the using agency by the contractor that the listed subcontractor failed or refused to submit a

(e)   upon a showing satisfactory to the using agency by the contractor that the listed subcontractor is required to be licensed and does not have the license by the time it is required by law;

(f)   when the listed subcontractor fails or refuses to perform his subcontract;

(g)   when the work of the listed subcontractor is found by the using agency to be substantially unsatisfactory;

(h)   upon mutual agreement of the contractor and subcontractor;

(i)     with the consent of the using agency for good cause shown.

(iv)   The request for substitution must be made to the using agency in writing. This written request does not give rise to any a private right of action against the prime contractor in the absence of actual malice.

(iv)(v)   Where substitution is allowed, the prime contractor, before obtaining prices from any other another subcontractor, must shall attempt in good faith to negotiate a subcontract with at least one subcontractor whose bid was received prior to before the submission of the prime contractor's bid. Nothing in this This section affects does not affect a contractor's ability to request withdrawal of a bid in accordance with the provisions of this code and the regulations promulgated under pursuant to it.

(v)(vi)   The using agency shall send all responsive bidders a copy of the bid tabulation within ten working days following the bid opening.

(c)   In lieu Instead of Section 11-35-1520(10) the following provisions apply. Unless there is a compelling reason to reject bids as prescribed by regulation of the board, notice of an intended award of a contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder whose bid meets the requirements set forth in the invitation for bids shall must be given by posting such the notice at a location which has been that is specified in the invitation for bids. The invitation for bids and the posted notice must contain a statement of the bidder's right to protest under pursuant to Section 11-35-4210(1) and the date and location of posting must be announced at bid opening. In addition to posting notice as provided above, the using agency shall promptly shall send all responsive bidders a copy of the notice of intended award and of the

Sixteen days After ten days' notice is given, the using agency may enter into a contract with the bidder named in the notice in accordance with the provisions of this code and of the bid solicited. A determination of responsibility must be made before award in accordance with Section 11-35-1810. The procurement officer must comply with Section 11-35-1810.

If, at bid opening, only one bid is received and determined to be responsive and responsible and within the agency's construction budget, award may be made without the sixteen-day ten-day waiting period.

(d)   Negotiations after Unsuccessful Competitive Sealed Bidding. In lieu Instead of Section 11-35-1540, the following provisions apply:

(1)   When bids received pursuant to an invitation for bids exceed available funds, and it is determined in writing by the agency that circumstances will do not permit the delay required to resolicit competitive sealed bids, and the base bid, less any deductive alternates, does not exceed available funds by an amount greater than ten percent of the construction budget established for that portion of the work, a contract may be negotiated pursuant to this section with the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, provided that this base bid, less any deductive alternates, does not exceed available funds by an amount greater than five percent of the construction budget established for that portion of the work. The using agency may change the scope of the work to reduce the cost to be within the established construction budget but shall may not reduce the cost below the established construction budget more than ten percent without a written request by the agency and the written approval of the chief procurement officer based on the best interest of the State.

(2)   When the lowest base bid received pursuant to an invitation for bids exceeds approved available funds and the using agency is able to identify additional funds for the project, as certified by the appropriate fiscal officers, in the amount of the difference between the lowest base bid and the approved available funds for the project, the using agency shall submit its request to use such additional funds to the board and the Joint Bond Review Committee in accordance with Sections 2-47-40 and 2-47-50. Sections 3A and 3B of Act 761 of 1976 which were added pursuant to Sections 2-47-40 and 2-47-50."

SECTION   42.   Section 11-35-3030 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 97 of 2005, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3030.   (1)   Bid Security. (a) Requirement for Bid Security. Bid security is required for all competitive sealed bidding for construction contracts in excess of one hundred fifty thousand dollars and such other contracts as may be prescribed by the State Engineer's Office. Bid security is a bond provided by a surety company meeting the criteria established by the regulations of the board or otherwise supplied in a form which that may be established by regulation of the board.

(b)   Amount of Bid Security. Bid security shall must be in an amount equal to at least five percent of the amount of the bid at a minimum.

(c)   Rejection of Bids for Noncompliance with Bid Security Requirements. When the invitation for bids requires security, noncompliance requires that the bid be rejected except that a bidder who fails to provide bid security in the proper amount or a bid bond with the proper rating shall must be given one working day from bid opening to cure such the deficiencies. If the bidder cannot is unable to cure these deficiencies within one working day of bid opening, his bid shall must be rejected.

(d)   Withdrawal of Bids. After the bids are opened, they shall must be irrevocable for the period specified in the invitation for bids. If a bidder is permitted to withdraw its bid before bid opening pursuant to Section 11-35-1520(8) no action shall must not be had against the bidder or the bid security.

(2)   Contract Performance Payment Bonds. (a) When Required-Amounts. When a construction contract is awarded pursuant to Section 11-35-3020, the following bonds or security shall must be delivered to the using agency and shall become binding on the parties upon the execution of the contract:

(i)     a performance bond satisfactory to the State, executed by a surety company meeting the criteria established by the board in regulations, or otherwise secured in a manner satisfactory to the State, in an amount equal to one hundred percent of the price specified in the contract;

(ii)   a payment bond satisfactory to the State, executed by a surety company meeting the criteria established by the board in regulations, or otherwise secured in a manner satisfactory to the State, for the protection of all persons supplying labor and material to the contractor or its subcontractors for the performance of the work

(iii)   in the case of a construction contract valued at one hundred fifty thousand dollars or less, the using agency may waive the requirements of (i) and (ii) above, provided that the using agency has protected the State.

(b)   Authority to Require Additional Bonds. Nothing in subsection Subsection (2) of this section shall be construed to does not limit the authority of the board to require a performance bond or other security in addition to these bonds, or in circumstances other than specified in item (a) of such that subsection in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.

(c)   Suits on Payment Bonds--Right to Institute. Every person who has furnished labor, material, or rental equipment to a bonded contractor or his subcontractors for the work specified in the contract, and who has not been paid in full therefor for it before the expiration of a period of ninety days after the day on which the last of the labor was done or performed by such the person or material or rental equipment was furnished or supplied by such the person for which such the claim is made, shall have has the right to sue on the payment bond for the amount, or the balance thereof of it, unpaid at the time of institution of such the suit and to prosecute such the action for the sum or sums justly due such the person. A remote claimant shall have has a right of action on the payment bond only upon giving written notice to the contractor within ninety days from the date on which such the person did or performed the last of the labor or furnished or supplied the last of the material or rental equipment upon which such the claim is made, stating with substantial accuracy the amount claimed as unpaid and the name of the party to whom the material or rental equipment was furnished or supplied or for whom the labor was done or performed. Such The written notice to the bonded contractor shall must be served personally served or served by mailing the same notice by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, in an envelope addressed to the bonded contractor at any place the bonded contractor maintains a permanent office for the conduct of its business, or at the current address as shown on the records of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. However, in no event shall the The aggregate amount of any a claim against such the payment bond by a remote claimant may not exceed the amount due by the bonded contractor to the person to whom the remote claimant has supplied labor, materials, rental equipment, or services, unless the remote claimant has provided notice of furnishing

No A suit under this section shall must not be commenced after the expiration of one year after the last date of furnishing or providing labor, services, materials, or rental equipment.

For purposes of this section, 'bonded contractor' means the contractor or subcontractor furnishing the payment bond, and 'remote claimant' means a person having a direct contractual relationship with a subcontractor of a bonded contractor, but no contractual relationship expressed or implied contractual relationship with the bonded contractor.

(d)   Suits on Payment Bonds--Where and When Brought. Every suit instituted upon a payment bond shall must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction for the county or circuit in which the construction contract was to be performed, but no such; except that a suit shall must not be commenced after the expiration of one year after the day on which the last of the labor was performed or material was supplied by the person bringing suit. The obligee named in the bond need not be joined as a party in any such the suit.

(3)   Bonds Forms and Copies. (a)     Bond Forms. The board shall promulgate by regulation the form of the bonds required by this section.

(b)   Certified Copies of Bonds. Any A person may request and obtain from the using agency a certified copy of a bond upon payment of the cost of reproduction of the bond and postage, if any. A certified copy of a bond shall be is prima facie evidence of the contents, execution, and delivery of the original.

(4)   (4)   Retention.   (a)   Maximum amount to be withheld. In any a contract or subcontract for construction which contract or subcontract provides for progress payments in installments based upon an estimated percentage of completion, with a percentage of the contract's

(b)   Release of Retained Funds. When the work to be performed on a state construction project or pursuant to a state construction contract is to be performed by multiple prime contractors or by a prime contractor and multiple subcontractors, the work contracted to be done by each individual contractor or subcontractor will be is considered a separate division of the contract for the purpose of retention. As each such division of the contract is certified as having been completed, that portion of the retained funds which is allocable to the completed division of the contract shall must be released forthwith to the prime contractor, who shall, within ten days of its receipt, shall release to the subcontractor responsible for the completed work the full amount of any retention previously withheld from him by the prime contractor.

(5)   Bonds for Bid Security and Contract Performance. The requirement of a bond for bid security on a construction contract, pursuant to subsection (1), and a construction contract performance bond, pursuant to subsection (2), may not include a requirement that the surety bond be furnished by a particular surety company or through a particular agent or broker."

SECTION   43.   Section 11-35-3040 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3040.   (1)   Contract Clauses. State construction contracts and subcontracts promulgated by regulation pursuant to Section 11-35-2010(2) may include clauses providing for adjustments in prices, time of performance, and other appropriate contract provisions including, but not limited to:

(a)   the unilateral right of a governmental body to order in writing:

(i)     all changes in the work within the scope of the contract, and

(ii)   all changes in the time of performance of the contract that which do not alter the scope of the contract work;

(b)   variations occurring between estimated quantities of work in the contract and actual quantities;

(c)   suspension of work ordered by the governmental body;

(d)   site conditions differing from those indicated in the contract or ordinarily encountered, except that differing site condition clauses promulgated by the board need not be included in a contract:

(i)     when the contract is negotiated; or

(ii)   when the parties have otherwise agreed with respect to the risk of differing site conditions.

(2)   Price Adjustments.   (a)   Adjustments in price pursuant to clauses adopted or promulgated under subsection (1) of this section shall pursuant to Section 11-35-2010 must be computed and documented with a written determination. The price adjustment agreed upon shall must approximate the actual cost to the contractor and all costs incurred by the contractor shall must be justifiably compared with prevailing industry standards, including reasonable profit. Costs shall must be properly itemized and supported by substantiating data sufficient to permit evaluation before commencement of the pertinent performance or as soon thereafter after that as practicable, and shall must be arrived at through whichever one of the following ways is the most valid approximation of the actual cost to the contractor:

(i)     by unit prices specified in the contract or subsequently agreed upon;

(ii)   by the costs attributable to the events or situations under such those clauses with adjustment of profits or fee, all as specified in the contract or subsequently agreed upon;

(iii)   by agreement on a fixed price adjustment;

(iv)   in such other another manner as the contracting parties may mutually agree; or

(v)   in the absence of agreement by the parties, through unilateral determination by the governmental body of the costs attributable to the events or situations under such those clauses, with adjustment of profit or fee, all as computed by the governmental body in accordance with applicable sections of the regulations issued under pursuant to this chapter and subject to the provisions of Article 17 of this chapter.

(b)   A contractor shall be is required to submit cost or pricing data if any an adjustment in contract price is subject to the provisions of Section 11-35-1830.

(3)   Additional Contract Clauses. The construction contracts and subcontracts promulgated pursuant to Section 11-35-2010(2) may include clauses providing for appropriate remedies which that cover as a minimum:

(a)   specified excuses for delay or nonperformance;

(b)   termination of the contract for default;

(c)   termination of the contract in whole or in part for the convenience of the governmental body.

(4)   Modification of Required Clauses. The chief procurement officer may vary the clauses promulgated by the board under pursuant to subsection (1) and subsection (3) of this section for inclusion in any a particular construction contract; provided, that any if the variations are supported by a written determination that states the circumstances justifying such the variations; and provided, further, that, if notice of any such a material variation be is stated in the invitation for bids."

SECTION   44.   Section 11-35-3060 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3060.   Every contract modification, change order, or contract price adjustment under a construction contract with the State shall be is subject to the procedures outlined in Sections 3A and 3B of Act 761 of 1976 which were added pursuant to Sections 2-47-40 and 2-47-50."

SECTION   45.   Section 11-35-3220 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3220.   (1)   Agency Selection Committee.   Each using agency shall establish its own architect-engineer, construction management, and land surveying services selection committee, hereinafter referred to as the agency selection committee, which shall that must be composed of those individuals whom the agency head determines to be qualified to make an informed decision as to the most competent and qualified firm for the proposed project. The head of the using agency or his qualified responsible designee shall sit as a permanent member of the agency selection committee for the purpose of coordinating and accounting for the committee's work. To assist an agency selection committee in the selection of firms to be employed for significant or highly technical projects and to facilitate prompt selections, the agency selection committee may invite the State Engineer or his designee to sit as a nonvoting member of the committee.

(2)(a)   Advertisement of Project Description. The agency selection committee shall be is responsible for:

(a)(i)developing a description of the proposed project,;

(b)(ii)   enumerating all required professional services for that project,; and

(c)(iii)   preparing a formal invitation to firms for submission of information.

(b)   The invitation shall must include, but not be limited to, the project title, the general scope of work, a description of all professional services required for that project, the submission deadline, and how

(3)   Response to Invitation. The date for submission of information from interested persons or firms in response to an invitation shall must not be not less than fifteen days after publication of the invitation. Interested architect-engineer, construction management, and land surveying persons or firms shall be required to respond to the invitation with the submission of a current and accurate Federal Standard Form 254, Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire, and Federal Standard Form 255, Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire for Specific Project, or their successor forms or such similar information as the board may prescribe by regulation, and any other information which that the particular invitation may require.

(4)   Interviews with Interested Firms. Following receipt of information from all interested persons and firms, the agency selection committee shall hold interviews with at least five three persons or firms who have responded respond to the committee's advertisement and who are deemed considered most qualified on the basis of information available prior to before the interviews. A list of firms selected for interview shall must be sent to all firms that submitted information in response to the advertisement, prior to before the date selected for the interviews. If less than five three persons or firms have responded respond to the advertisement, the committee shall hold interviews with those that did respond. The agency selection committee's determination as to which will are to be interviewed shall must be in writing and shall be based upon its review and evaluation of all submitted materials. The written report of the committee shall must specifically list specifically the names of all persons and firms that responded to the advertisement and enumerate the reasons of the committee for selecting those to be interviewed. The purpose of the interviews shall be is to provide such the further information as that may be required by the agency selection committee to fully acquaint itself with the relative qualifications of the several interested firms.

(5)   Selection and Ranking of the Five Three Most Qualified.

(a)   The agency selection committee shall evaluate each of the persons or firms interviewed in view of their:

(a)(i)   past performance;

(b)(ii)   the ability of professional personnel;

(c)(iii)   demonstrated ability to meet time and budget requirements;

(d)(iv)   location and knowledge of the locality of the project if the application of this criterion leaves an appropriate number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project;

(e)(v)   recent, current, and projected workloads of the firms;

(f)(vi)   creativity and insight related to the project; and

(g)(vii)   related experience on similar projects.;

(viii)   volume of work awarded by the using agency to the person or firm during the previous five years, with the objective of effectuating an equitable distribution of contracts by the State among qualified firms including Minority Business Enterprises certified by the South Carolina Office of Small and Minority Business Assistance and firms that have not had previous state work; and

(ix)   any other special qualification required pursuant to the solicitation of the using agency.

(b)   Based upon these evaluations, the agency selection committee shall select the five three persons or firms which that, in its judgment, are the best qualified, ranking the five three in priority order. The agency selection committee's report ranking the five three chosen persons or firms shall must be in writing and shall include data substantiating its determinations.

(6)   Notice of Selection and Ranking. When it is determined by the agency that the ranking report is final, written notification of the election immediately shall highest ranked person or firm must be sent immediately to all firms interviewed.

(7)   Negotiation of Contract. The governing body of the using agency or its designee shall negotiate a contract for services with the most qualified person or firm at a compensation which that is fair and reasonable to the State. Should If the governing body of the using agency or its designee be is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with this person or firm, negotiations shall must be terminated formally terminated. Negotiations shall must commence in the same manner with the second and then the third, fourth and fifth most qualified until a satisfactory contract has been is negotiated. If no an agreement is not reached with one of the five three, additional persons or firms in order of their competence and qualifications shall must be selected after

(8)   State Engineer's Office Review. The head of the using agency shall submit the following documents to the State Engineer's Office for its review:

(a)   the written report of the agency selection committee, listing the persons or firms that responded to the invitation to submit information and enumerating the reasons of the committee for selecting the particular ones to be interviewed;

(b)   the written ranking report of the agency selection committee and all data substantiating the determinations made in that report; and

(c)   the tentative contract between the using agency and the selected person or firm.

(9)   Approval or Disagreement by State Engineer's Office. The State Engineer's Office shall have has ten days to review the data submitted by the agency selection committee, to determine the volume of work previously awarded to the firm by the State, with the object of effecting an equitable distribution of contracts among qualified firms, and to determine its position with respect to the particular person or firm recommended for approval by the agency. If the State Engineer's Office disagrees with the proposal, it may contest the proposal by submitting the matter to the board for decision. In the event of approval, the State Engineer's Office shall notify immediately notify in writing the using agency and the person or firm selected of the award and thereby authorize the using agency to execute a contract with the selected person or firm. In the event of disagreement, the State Engineer's Office immediately shall notify immediately notify the using agency in writing of its intention to contest the ranking and the reasons therefore for it. All contract negotiations by the governing body shall must be suspended pending a decision by the board concerning a contested ranking. The board shall hear any such contests at its next regularly scheduled meeting subsequent to after notification of the using agency. If the board rules in support of the State Engineer's Office position, the using agency shall submit the name of another person or firm to the State Engineer's Office for consideration, selected in accordance with the procedures prescribed herein in this section. If the board rules in support of the using agency, the using agency shall must be notified in writing and thereby authorized to execute a contract with the selected person or firm."

SECTION   46.   Section 11-35-3230 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3230.   (1)   Procurement Procedures for Certain Contracts. All A governmental bodies body securing architect-engineer or land surveying service which is estimated not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars may employ the architects, engineers, or land surveyors award contracts by direct negotiation and selection, taking into account:

(a)   the nature of the project,;

(b)   the proximity of the architect-engineer or land surveying services to the project,;

(c)   the capability of the architect, engineer, or land surveyor to produce the required service within a reasonable time,;

(d)   past performance,; and

(e)   ability to meet project budget requirements.

(2)   Maximum Fees Payable to One Person or Firm. Fees paid during the twenty-four month period immediately preceding negotiation of the contract by any a single governmental body for professional services performed by any one an architectural-engineering or land surveying firm pursuant to Section 11-35-3230(1) shall may not exceed seventy-five thousand dollars. All persons Persons or firms seeking to render professional services pursuant to this section shall furnish the governmental body with whom the firm is negotiating a list of professional services, including fees paid therefore for them, performed for the governmental body during the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the negotiations are occurring and during the fiscal year in which the negotiations are occurring.

(3)   Approval Submission of Contracts by to State Engineer's Office. All Copies of contracts, including the negotiated scope of services and fees, awarded pursuant to this section shall must be submitted for approval to the State Engineer's Office in accordance with regulations to be established by the board prior to the awarding and execution of the contracts for information.

(4)   Splitting of Larger Projects Prohibited. No using A agency may not break a project into small projects for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of Section 11-35-3220 and this section."

SECTION   47.   Section 11-35-3240 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3240.   As relates to this code and the ensuing regulations, a 'Manual for Planning and Execution of State Permanent Improvements' shall may be published by the board or its designee for use by governmental bodies and included, by reference, in the

SECTION   48.   Section 11-35-3245 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3245.   (a)   No An architect or engineer performing design work, or construction manager performing construction management services as described in Section 11-35-2910(3), pursuant to under a contract awarded under any provision of this chapter pursuant to the provisions of Section 11-35-3220 or Section 11-35-3230, may not perform other work, by later amendment or separate contract award, on that project as a contractor or subcontractor either directly or through a business in which he or his architectural engineering or construction management firm has greater than a five percent interest.

(b)   For purposes of this section, safety compliance and other incidental construction support activities performed by the construction manager are not considered work performed as a contractor or subcontractor. Should If the construction manager perform or be performs or is responsible for safety compliance and other incidental construction support activities, and these support activities are in noncompliance with the provisions of Section 41-15-210, then the construction management firm is subject to all applicable fines and penalties."

SECTION   49.   Section 11-35-3410(1) and (3) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"(1)   Contract Clauses.   The board may promulgate regulations requiring the inclusion in state supplies, and services, and information technology contracts of clauses providing for adjustments in prices, time of performance, or other contract provisions, as appropriate, and covering the following subjects:

(a)   the unilateral right of a governmental body to order in writing changes in the work within the scope of the contract and temporary stopping of the work or delaying performance; and

(b)   variations occurring between estimated quantities of work in a contract and actual quantities.

(3)   Additional Contract Clauses. The board shall be authorized to promulgate regulations requiring the inclusion in state supplies, and

(a)   specified excuses for delay or nonperformance;

(b)   termination of the contract for default; and

(c)   termination of the contract in whole or in part for the convenience of the governmental body."

SECTION   50.   Section 11-35-3510 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3510.   The board may promulgate regulations setting forth cost principles which shall that must be used to determine the allowability of incurred costs for the purpose of reimbursing costs under provisions in supplies, and services, and information technology contracts which that provide for the reimbursement of costs."

SECTION   51.   Section 11-35-3820 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 or 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3820.   Except as provided in Section 11-35-1580 and Section 11-35-3830 and the regulations pursuant thereto to them, the sale of all state-owned supplies, property, or personal property not in actual public use shall must be conducted and directed by the Office of General Services designated board office. Such The sales shall must be held at such places and in such a manner as in the judgment of the Office of General Services shall be designated board office is most advantageous to the State. Unless otherwise determined, sales shall must be by either public auction or competitive sealed bid to the highest bidder. Each governmental body shall inventory and report to the Office of General Services designated board office all surplus personal property not in actual public use held by that agency governmental body for sale. The Office of General Services designated board office shall deposit the proceeds from such the sales, less expense of the sales, in the state general fund or as otherwise directed by regulation. This policy and procedure shall apply applies to all governmental bodies unless exempt by law."

SECTION   52.   Section 11-35-3840 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-3840.   The Office of General Services of the State Budget and Control Board may license for public sale publications and, including South Carolina Business Opportunities, materials pertaining to training programs, and information technology products which that are developed during the normal course of the Office's board's activities. Such The items shall must be licensed at such reasonable costs as are established in accordance with the cost of the items. All

SECTION   53.   Section 11-35-4210 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-4210.   (1)   Right to Protest; Exclusive Remedy.

(a)   Any A prospective bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation of a contract shall protest to the appropriate chief procurement officer in the manner stated in subsection (2)(a) below within fifteen days of the date of issuance of the Invitation For Bids or Requests for Proposals or other solicitation documents, whichever is applicable, or any amendment thereto to it, if the amendment is at issue. An Invitation for Bids or Request for Proposals or other solicitation document, not including an amendment to it, is considered to have been issued on the date required notice of the issuance is given in accordance with this code.

(b)   Any actual bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor who is aggrieved in connection with the intended award or award of a contract shall protest to the appropriate chief procurement officer in the manner stated in subsection (2)(b) below within fifteen ten days of the date award or notification of intent to award, whichever is earlier, is posted in accordance with this code; except that a matter that could have been raised pursuant to (a) as a protest of the solicitation may not be raised as a protest of the award or intended award of a contract.

(c)   The rights and remedies granted in this article to a disappointed bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor bidders, offerors, contractors, or subcontractors, either actual or prospective, are to the exclusion of all other rights and remedies of such disappointed bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor the bidders, offerors, contractors, or subcontractors against the State at common law or otherwise for the loss or potential loss of an award of a contract under the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code.

(d)   The rights and remedies granted by subsection (1) and Section 11-35-4410(1)(b) are not available for contracts with an actual or potential value of up to fifty thousand dollars.

(2)   Protest Procedure.   (a)   A protest under pursuant to subsection (1)(a) above shall must be in writing, submitted to filed with the appropriate chief procurement officer, and shall set forth the grounds of the protest and the relief requested with enough particularity to give notice of the issues to be decided. The protest must be received by the

(b)   A protest pursuant to subsection (1)(b) must be in writing and must be received by the appropriate chief procurement officer within the time limits established by subsection (1)(b). At any time after filing a protest, but no later than fifteen days after the date award or notification of intent to award, whichever is earlier, is posted in accordance with this code, a protestant may amend a protest that was first submitted within the time limits established by subsection (1)(b). A protest, including amendments, must set forth both the grounds of the protest and the relief requested with enough particularity to give notice of the issues to be decided.

(3)   Duty and Authority to Attempt to Settle Protests. Prior to Before commencement of an administrative review as provided in subsection (4), the appropriate chief procurement officer, the head of the purchasing agency, or their designees thereof shall may attempt to settle by mutual agreement a protest of an aggrieved bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor, actual or prospective, concerning the solicitation or award of the contract. The appropriate chief procurement officer, the head of the purchasing agency, or designees thereof shall have his designee has the authority to approve any settlement reached by mutual agreement.

(4)   Administrative Review and Decision. If in the opinion of the appropriate chief procurement officer, after reasonable attempt, a protest cannot be settled by mutual agreement, the appropriate chief procurement officer shall promptly conduct promptly an administrative review. The appropriate chief procurement officer or his designee shall commence the administrative review no later than fifteen business days after the deadline for receipt of a protest has expired and shall issue a decision in writing within ten days of completion of the review. The decision shall must state the reasons for the action taken.

(5)   Notice of Decision. A copy of the decision under subsection (4) of this section along with a statement of appeal rights under pursuant to Section 11-35-4210(6) shall must be mailed or otherwise furnished immediately to the protestant and any other party intervening. The appropriate chief procurement officer, or his designee, shall also shall post a copy of the decision at a date and place communicated to all parties participating in the administrative review, and such the posted decision shall must indicate the date of posting on its face and shall must be accompanied by a statement of the right to appeal provided in Section 11-35-4210(6).

(6)   Finality of Decision. A decision under pursuant to subsection (4) of this section shall be is final and conclusive, unless fraudulent, or unless any a person adversely affected by the decision requests a further administrative review by the Procurement Review Panel under pursuant to Section 11-35-4410(1) within ten days of posting of the decision in accordance with Section 11-35-4210 subsection (5). The request for review shall must be directed to the appropriate chief procurement officer, who shall forward the request to the panel, or to the Procurement Review Panel, and shall must be in writing, setting forth the reasons why the person disagrees for disagreement with the decision of the appropriate chief procurement officer. The person also may also request a hearing before the Procurement Review Panel. The appropriate chief procurement officer and an affected governmental body shall have the opportunity to participate fully in a later review or appeal, administrative or judicial.

(7)   Automatic Stay of Procurement During Protests. In the event of a timely protest under pursuant to subsection (1) above, the State shall not proceed further with the solicitation or award of the contract until ten days after a decision is rendered posted by the appropriate chief procurement officer, or, in the event of timely appeal to the Procurement Review Panel, until a decision is rendered by the panel; provided, however, except that solicitation or award of a protested contract will is not be stayed if the appropriate chief procurement officer, after consultation with the head of the using agency, makes a written determination that the solicitation or award of the contract without further delay is necessary to protect the best interests of the State.

(8)   Notice of Chief Procurement Officer Address. Notice of the address of the appropriate chief procurement officer must be included in every notice of an intended award and in every invitation for bids, request for proposals, or other type solicitation."

SECTION   54.   Section 11-35-4220 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-4220.     (1)   Authority. After reasonable notice to the person or firm involved, and a reasonable opportunity for such that person or firm to be heard, the appropriate chief procurement officer shall have has the authority to debar a person for cause from consideration for award of contracts or subcontracts provided that if doing so is in the best interest of the State and there is probable cause for debarment. The appropriate chief procurement officer also may also suspend a person or firm from consideration for award of contracts

(2)   Causes for Debarment or Suspension. The causes for debarment or suspension shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a)   conviction for commission of a criminal offense as an incident to obtaining or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract, or in the performance of such the contract or subcontract;

(b)   conviction under state or federal statutes of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, receiving stolen property, or any other another offense indicating a lack of business integrity or professional honesty which currently, seriously, and directly affects responsibility as a state contractor;

(c)   conviction under state or federal antitrust laws arising out of the submission of bids or proposals;

(d)   violation of contract provisions, as set forth below, of a character which is regarded by the appropriate chief procurement officer to be so serious as to justify debarment action:

( i)   deliberate failure without good cause to perform in accordance with the specifications or within the time limit provided in the contract; or

(ii)   a recent record of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance in accordance with the terms of one or more contracts; provided except, that failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance caused by acts beyond the control of the contractor shall must not be considered to be a basis for debarment;

(e)   violation of an order of a chief procurement officer or the Procurement Review Panel; and

(f)   any other cause the appropriate chief procurement officer determines to be so serious and compelling as to affect responsibility as a state contractor or subcontractor, including debarment by another governmental entity for any cause listed herein in this subsection.

(3)   Decision. The appropriate chief procurement officer shall issue a written decision to debar or suspend within ten days of the completion of his administrative review of the matter. The decision shall must state the action taken, the specific reasons therefore for it, and the period of debarment or suspension, if any.

(4)   Notice of Decision. A copy of the decision under pursuant to subsection (3) of this section and a statement of appeal rights under

(5)   Finality of Decision. A decision under pursuant to subsection (3) of this section shall be is final and conclusive, unless fraudulent, or unless the debarred or suspended person requests further administrative review by the Procurement Review Panel under pursuant to Section 11-35-4410(1), within ten days of the posting of the decision in accordance with Section 11-35-4220(4). The request for review shall must be directed to the appropriate chief procurement officer, who shall forward the request to the panel, or to the Procurement Review Panel, and shall must be in writing, setting forth the reasons why the person disagrees with the decision of the appropriate chief procurement officer. The person may also may request a hearing before the Procurement Review Panel. The appropriate chief procurement officer and any affected governmental body must have the opportunity to participate fully in any review or appeal, administrative or legal.

(6)   Debarment constitutes debarment of all divisions or other organizational elements of the contractor, unless the debarment decision is limited by its terms to specific divisions, organization elements, or commodities. The debarring official may extend the debarment decision to include any principals and affiliates of the contractor if they are specifically named and given written notice of the proposed debarment and an opportunity to respond. For purposes of this section, business concerns, organizations, or individuals are affiliates of each other if, directly or indirectly, either one controls or has the power to control the other, or a third party controls or has the power to control both. Indications of control include, but are not limited to, interlocking management or ownership, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, common use of employees, or a business entity organized following the debarment, suspension, or proposed debarment of a contractor which has the same or similar management, ownership, or principal employees as the contractor that was debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment. For purposes of this section, the term 'principals' means officers, directors, owners, partners, and persons having primary management or

SECTION   55.   Section 11-35-4230 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-4230.   (1)   Applicability. This section applies to controversies between the State a governmental body and a contractor or subcontractor, when the subcontractor is the real party in interest, which arise under or by virtue of a contract between them including, but not limited to, controversies based upon breach of contract, mistake, misrepresentation, or other cause for contract modification or recision. The procedure set forth in this section shall constitute constitutes the exclusive means of resolving a controversy between the State a governmental body and a contractor or subcontractor, when the subcontractor is the real party in interest, concerning a contract solicited and awarded under pursuant to the provisions of the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code.

(2)   Request for Resolution; Time for Filing. Either the contracting state agency or the contractor or subcontractor, when the subcontractor is the real party in interest, may initiate resolution proceedings before the appropriate chief procurement officer by submitting a request for resolution to the appropriate chief procurement officer in writing setting forth the general specific nature of the controversy and the specific relief requested with enough particularity to give notice of the issues every issue to be decided. A request for resolution of contract controversy must be filed within one year of the date the contractor last performs work under the contract; provided, however, except that in the case of latent defects a request for resolution of a contract controversy must be filed within one year three years of the date the requesting party first knows or should know of the grounds giving rise to the request for resolution.

(3)   Duty and Authority to Attempt to Settle Contract Controversies. Prior to Before commencement of an administrative review as provided in subsection (4), the appropriate chief procurement officer or his designee shall attempt to settle by mutual agreement a contract controversy brought under pursuant to this section. The appropriate chief procurement officer shall have has the authority to approve any settlement reached by mutual agreement.

(4)   Administrative Review and Decision. If, in the opinion of the appropriate chief procurement officer, after reasonable attempt, a contract controversy cannot be settled by mutual agreement, the

(5)   Notice of Decision. A copy of the decision under pursuant to subsection (4) of this section and a statement of appeal rights under Section 11-35-4230(6) shall must be mailed or otherwise furnished immediately to all parties participating in the administrative review proceedings. The appropriate chief procurement officer also shall also post a copy of the decision at a time and place communicated to all parties participating in the administrative review, and such the posted decision shall must indicate the date of posting on its face and shall must be accompanied by a statement of the right to appeal provided in Section 11-35-4230(6).

(6)   Finality of Decision. A decision under pursuant to subsection (4) of this section shall be is final and conclusive, unless fraudulent, or unless any a person adversely affected requests a further administrative review by the Procurement Review Panel under pursuant to Section 11-35-4410(1) within ten days of the posting of the decision in accordance with Section 11-35-4230(5). The request for review shall must be directed to the appropriate chief procurement officer, who shall forward the request to the panel, or to the Procurement Review Panel, and shall must be in writing setting forth the reasons why the person disagrees with the decision of the appropriate chief procurement officer. The person also may also request a hearing before the Procurement Review Panel. The appropriate chief procurement officer and any affected governmental body shall have the opportunity to participate fully in a later review or appeal, administrative or legal."

SECTION   56.   Section 11-35-4330 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-4330.   (1)   Signature on Protest Constitutes Certificate. The signature of an attorney or party on a request for review, protest, motion, or other document constitutes a certificate by the signer that the signer has read such the document, that to the best of the signer's his knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, it is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, and that it is not interposed for any an improper purpose, such as to harass, limit competition, or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of the procurement or of the litigation.

(2)   Sanctions for Violations. If a request for review, protest, pleading, motion, or other document that is filed with the chief procurement officer or the Procurement Review Panel is signed in violation of this subsection on or after appeal to the Procurement Review Panel, the Procurement Review Panel, upon motion or upon it's own initiative, may impose upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which that may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the protest, pleading, motion, or other paper, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

(3)   Filing. A motion regarding a matter that is not otherwise before the panel may not be filed until after a final decision has been issued by the appropriate chief procurement officer. A motion for sanctions pursuant to this section must be filed with the panel no later than fifteen days after the later of either the filing of a request for review, protest, motion, or other document signed in violation of this section, or the issuance of an order that addresses the request for review, protest, motion, or other document that is the subject of the motion for sanctions."

SECTION   57.   Section 11-35-4410 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 178 of 1993, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-4410.   (1)   Creation. There is hereby created the South Carolina Procurement Review Panel which shall be is charged with the responsibility to review and determine de novo:

(a)   requests for review of written determinations of the chief procurement officers under Sections 11-35-4210(6), 11-35-4220(5), and 11-35-4230(6); and

(b)   requests for review of other written determinations, decisions, policies, and procedures as arise from or concern the procurement of supplies, services, information technology, or construction procured in accordance with the provisions of this code and the ensuing regulations; provided except that any a matter which that could have been brought before the chief procurement officers in a timely and appropriate manner under pursuant to Sections 11-35-4210, 11-35-4220, or 11-35-4230, but was not, shall must not be the subject of review under this paragraph. Requests for review under this paragraph shall must be submitted to the Procurement Review Panel in writing, setting forth the grounds, within fifteen days of the date of such the written determinations, decisions, policies, and procedures.

(2)   Membership. The panel shall must be composed of:

(a)   [Deleted]

(b)   [Deleted]

(c)   [Deleted]

(d)   the chairman, or his designee, of the Procurement Policy Committee; [Deleted]

(e)   five members appointed by the Governor from the State at large who shall must be representative of the professions governed by this title including, but not limited to:

( i)   goods and services.;

(ii)   information technology procurements.;

(iii)   construction.;

(iv)   architects and engineers.;

(v)   construction management.; and

(vi)   land surveying services.;

(f)   two state employees appointed by the Governor.

(3)   Chairperson and Meetings. The panel shall elect a chairman from the members at large and shall meet as often as necessary to afford a swift resolution of the controversies submitted to it. Five Four members present and voting shall constitute a quorum. In the case of a tie vote, the decision of the chief procurement office is final. At-large members of the panel shall must be paid per diem, mileage, and subsistence as provided by law for members of boards, commissions, and committees. State employee members shall must be reimbursed for meals, lodging, and travel in accordance with current state allowances.

(4)   Jurisdiction. (a)   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1-23-10, et seq. or any other provisions of law, the Administrative Procedures Act does not apply to administrative reviews conducted by either a chief procurement officer or the Procurement Review Panel. the The Procurement Review Panel shall be is vested with the authority to:

(a)( i)   establish its own rules and procedures for the conduct of its business and the holding of its hearings;

(b)(ii)   issue subpoenas;

(c)(iii)   interview any person it deems considers necessary; and

(d)(iv)   record all determinations.

(b)   A party aggrieved by a subpoena issued pursuant to this provision shall apply to the panel for relief.

(5)   Procedure. Within fifteen days of receiving a grievance filed under pursuant to Sections 11-35-4210(6), 11-35-4220(5), 11-35-4230(6), or 11-35-4410(1)(b), the chairman shall either convene the review panel to conduct an administrative review. The or schedule

(6)   Finality.   The Notwithstanding another provision of law, including the Administrative Procedures Act, the decision of the Procurement Review Panel is final as to administrative review and may be appealed to the circuit court under the provisions of the South Carolina Administrative Procedures Act. The filing of an appeal does not automatically stay a decision of the panel."

SECTION   58.   Section 11-35-5220 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"(6)   Fee Waivers. Upon request by an MBE certified by the Small and Minority Business Assistance Office, user or subscription fees for services provided by the chief procurement officers may be waived for an MBE."

SECTION   59.   Section 11-35-5230(A)(5) and (B)(2) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 76 of 1995, is further amended to read:

"(5)   Insuring Ensuring that the price shall have has been determined to be fair and reasonable, and competitive both to the State and to the contractor and results in no loss to the State.

(2)   The tax credit is limited to a maximum of twenty-five fifty thousand dollars annually. A firm shall be is eligible to claim a tax credit for a period of five ten years from the date the first income tax credit is claimed."

SECTION   60.   Section 11-35-5240 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-5240.   (1)   In order to To emphasize the use of minority small businesses, each agency director shall develop a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Utilization Plan. The MBE Utilization Plan shall must include, but not be limited to:

(a)   the name of the governmental body;

(b)   a policy statement expressing a commitment by the governmental body to use MBE's MBEs in all aspects of procurement;

(c)   the name of the coordinator responsible for monitoring the MBE Utilization Plan;

(d)   goals that include a reasonable percentage expending with Minority Business Enterprises certified by the Office of Small and Minority Business Assistance an amount equal to ten percent of each governmental body's total procurements directed toward minority vendors dollar amount of funds expended;

(e)   solicitation of qualified certified minority vendors, a current list of which shall must be supplied by the Office of General Services Small and Minority Business Assistance, in each commodity category for which such the minority vendor is qualified. The current listing of qualified minority vendors shall must be made available by the Office of General Services Small and Minority Business Assistance on a timely basis;

(f)   procedures to be used when it is necessary to divide total project requirements into smaller tasks which will permit increased MBE participation;

(g)   procedures to be used when the governmental body subcontracts the scope of service to another governmental body; the responsible governmental body may set goals for the subcontractor in accordance with the MBE goal and the responsible governmental body may allow the subcontractor to present a MBE Utilization Plan detailing its procedure to obtain minority business enterprise participation.

(2)   MBE utilization plans shall must be submitted to the SMBAO for approval not no later than July thirtieth, annually. Upon petition by the governmental body, SMBAO may authorize an MBE utilization plan that establishes a goal of less than ten percent of the governmental body's total dollar amount of funds expended. Progress reports shall must be submitted to the SMBAO not no later than ten thirty days after the end of each fiscal quarter. and contain the following information:

(a)   number of minority firms solicited;

(b)   number of minority bids received;

(c)   total dollar amount of funds expended on contracts awarded to minority bids awarded firms certified pursuant to Section 11-35-5230; and

(d)   total dollar amount of funds expended.

(3)   For purposes of this section, and notwithstanding the Administrative Procedures Act, the executive director of the board

SECTION   61.   Section 11-35-5260 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 153 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-35-5260.   Each governmental body The Small and Minority Business Assistance Office shall report annually in writing to the board Governor concerning the number and dollar value of contracts awarded for each governmental body to eligible minority businesses a firm certified as a minority firm pursuant to Section 11-35-5230 during the preceding fiscal year. These records shall must be maintained to evaluate the progress of this program."

SECTION   62.   The final two sentences of Section 11-35-5270 of the 1976 Code are amended to read:

"The Governor shall evaluate the role of this office within two years from the date of its creation and shall request recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission. The Governor may propose a more appropriate location of the office should the findings warrant change."

SECTION   63.   Section 12-6-3350(B) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(B)   The credit is limited to a maximum of twenty-five fifty thousand dollars annually. A taxpayer is eligible to claim the credit for six ten taxable years beginning with the taxable year in which the credit is first claimed. After the above six ten taxable years, the taxpayer is no longer eligible for the credit regardless of whether or not the taxpayer claimed the credit in a year subsequent to the year in which the credit was first claimed."

SECTION   64.   Subarticle 11 of Article 1, Chapter 35, Title 11; Section 11-35-1270; and Subarticle 5 of Article 15, Chapter 35, Title 11 of the 1976 Code are repealed.

SECTION   65.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /

/s/Sen. Nikki G. Setzler          /s/Rep. Denny W. Neilson
/s/Sen. William H. O'Dell         /s/Rep. James G. McGee III
/s/Sen. Ronnie W. Cromer          /s/Rep. McLain R. Toole
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

Rep. NEILSON explained the Conference Report.

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

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred (P:\LEGWORK\SENATE\AMEND\GGS\22603SJ06.DOC):

H. 4644 (Word version) -- Rep. Cooper: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE TO SCHEDULE THE ANNUAL STATE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT A FACILITY ON THE CAMPUS OF OTHER COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES WHICH MEET THE SAME SEATING CAPACITY AND OTHER CRITERIA AS THE WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN ORDER TO EXPOSE THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE EVENT TO OTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN WHICH THEY MAY BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING.

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

Amend the concurrent resolution, as and if amended, by striking the concurrent resolution in its entirety and inserting:

/   TO REQUEST THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE TO SCHEDULE THE ANNUAL STATE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT A FACILITY ON THE CAMPUS OF OTHER COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES WHICH MEET THE SAME SEATING CAPACITY AND OTHER CRITERIA AS THE WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN ORDER TO EXPOSE THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE EVENT TO OTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN WHICH THEY MAY BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING.

Whereas, the State High School Football Championships have always been played at the football stadium on the campus of the University of South Carolina, which is currently Williams-Brice Stadium; and

Whereas, by playing the State High School Championships at this venue gives USC a tremendous advantage to recruiting high school athletes to play college football at the university; and

Whereas, the High School League currently conducts state championships in other sports besides football at other locations around the State; and

Whereas, the League should recognize the inequity to other colleges and universities resulting from conducting the State High School Football Championships at Williams-Brice Stadium on the campus of USC; and

Whereas, the State High School Football Championships are statewide contests for all of the citizens of South Carolina to view. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly request the South Carolina High School League to schedule the annual State High School Football Championships at a facility on the campus of other colleges or universities which meet the same seating capacity and other criteria as the Williams-Brice Stadium at the University of South Carolina in order to expose the participants in the event to other colleges and universities in which they may be interested in attending. The game should rotate each year between Williams-Brice Stadium and other stadiums that meet the same seating capacity and other criteria as Williams-Brice Stadium.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Executive Director Jerome P. Singleton and each member of the Board of Directors of the South Carolina High School League.   /

/s/Sen. Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.     /s/Rep. Harry F. Cato
Sen. Randy Scott                  /s/Rep. Michael D. Thompson
/s/Sen. C. Bradley Hutto          Rep. John Graham Altman III
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

Rep. COOPER explained the Conference Report.

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

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 1261 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin, Knotts, Mescher, Alexander, Grooms, Bryant, Peeler, Campsen, Leatherman, McConnell and Ryberg: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALABLE WEAPONS PERMITS, SO AS TO DEFINE "QUALIFIED NON-RESIDENT"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-215, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS OF CONCEALABLE WEAPONS PERMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SLED MUST ISSUE A PERMIT TO CARRY A CONCEALABLE WEAPON TO A RESIDENT OR QUALIFIED NON-RESIDENT UPON PROPER APPLICATION.

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 23-31-210 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-31-210.   As used in this article:

(1)   'Resident' means an individual who is present in South Carolina with the intention of making a permanent home in South Carolina or military personnel on permanent change of station orders.

(2)   'Qualified non-resident' means an individual who owns real property in South Carolina, but who resides in another state.

(2)(3)   'Picture identification' means:

(a)   a valid South Carolina driver's license, or if the applicant is a qualified non-resident, a valid driver's license issued by the State in which the applicant resides; or

(b)   an official photographic identification card issued by the Department of Revenue, a federal or state law enforcement agency, an agency of the United States Department of Defense, or the United States Department of State.

(3)(4)   'Proof of residence' means a person's current address on the original or certified copy of:

(a)   a valid South Carolina driver's license;

(b)   an official identification card issued by the Department of Revenue, a federal or state law enforcement agency, an agency of the United States Department of Defense, or the United States Department of State;

(c)   a voter registration card; or

(d)   another document that SLED may determine that fulfills this requirement.

(4)(5)   'Proof of training' means an original document or certified copy of the document supplied by an applicant that certifies that he is either:

(a)   a person who, within three years before filing an application, has successfully completed a basic or advanced handgun education course offered by a state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency or a nationally recognized organization that promotes gun safety. This education course must be a minimum of eight hours and must include, but is not limited to:

(i)     information on the statutory and case law of this State relating to handguns and to the use of deadly force;

(ii)   information on handgun use and safety;

(iii)   information on the proper storage practice for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that reduces the possibility of accidental injury to a child; and

(iv)   the actual firing of the handgun in the presence of the instructor;

(b)   an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association or another SLED-approved competent national organization that promotes the safe use of handguns;

(c)   a person who can demonstrate to the Director of SLED or his designee that he has a proficiency in both the use of handguns and state laws pertaining to handguns;

(d)   an active duty police handgun instructor;

(e)   a person who has a SLED-certified or approved competitive handgun shooting classification; or

(f)   a member of the active or reserve military, or a member of the National Guard who has had handgun training in the previous three years.

SLED shall promulgate regulations containing general guidelines for courses and qualifications for instructors which would satisfy the requirements of this item. For purposes of subitems (a) and (b), 'proof of training' is not satisfied unless the organization and its instructors

(5)(6)   'Concealable weapon' means a firearm having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its greatest dimension that must be carried in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self-defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property.

(7)   'Proof of ownership of real property' means a certified current document from the county assessor of the county in which the property is located verifying ownership of the real property. SLED must determine the appropriate document that fulfills this requirement."

SECTION   2.   Section 23-31-215 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-31-215.   (A)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except subject to subsection (B) of this section, SLED must issue a permit, which is no larger than three and one-half inches by three inches in size, to carry a concealable weapon to a resident or qualified non-resident who is at least twenty-one years of age and who is not prohibited by state law from possessing the weapon upon submission of:

(1)   a completed application signed by the person;

(2)   one current full face color photograph of the person, not smaller than one inch by one inch nor larger than three inches by five inches;

(3)   proof of residence or if the person is a qualified non-resident, proof of ownership of real property in this State;

(4)   proof of actual or corrected vision rated at 20/40 within six months of the date of application or, in the case of a person licensed to operate a motor vehicle in this State, presentation of a valid driver's license;

(5)   proof of training;

(6)   payment of a fifty-dollar application fee. This fee must be waived for disabled veterans and retired law enforcement officers; and

(7)   a complete set of fingerprints unless, because of a medical condition verified in writing by a licensed medical doctor, a complete set of fingerprints is impossible to submit. In lieu of the submission of fingerprints, the applicant must submit the written statement from a licensed medical doctor specifying the reason or reasons why the applicant's fingerprints may not be taken. If all other qualifications are met, the Director of SLED may waive the fingerprint requirements of

(B)   Upon submission of the items required by subsection (A) of this section, SLED must conduct or facilitate a local, state, and federal fingerprint review of the applicant. SLED must also conduct a background check of the applicant through notification to and input from the sheriff of the county where the applicant resides or if the applicant is a qualified non-resident, where the applicant owns real property in this State. The sheriff must, within ten working days after notification by SLED, submit a recommendation on an application. Before making a determination whether or not to issue a permit under this article, SLED must consider the recommendation provided pursuant to this subsection. The failure of the sheriff to submit a recommendation within the ten-day period constitutes a favorable recommendation for the issuance of the permit to the applicant. If the fingerprint review and background check are favorable, SLED must issue the permit.

(C)   SLED shall issue a written statement to an unqualified applicant specifying its reasons for denying the application within ninety days from the date the application was received; otherwise, SLED shall issue a concealable weapon permit. If an applicant is unable to comply with the provisions of Section 23-31-210(4), SLED shall offer the applicant a handgun training course that satisfies the requirements of Section 23-31-210(4)(a). The course shall cost fifty dollars. SLED shall use the proceeds to defray the training course's operating costs. If a permit is granted by operation of law because an applicant was not notified of a denial within the ninety-day notification period, the permit may be revoked upon written notification from SLED that sufficient grounds exist for revocation or initial denial.

(D)   Denial of an application may be appealed. The appeal must be in writing and state the basis for the appeal. The appeal must be submitted to the Chief of SLED within thirty days from the date the denial notice is received. The chief shall issue a written decision within ten days from the date the appeal is received. An adverse decision shall specify the reasons for upholding the denial and may be reviewed by the Administrative Law Judge Division pursuant to Article 5, Chapter 23 of Title 1, upon a petition filed by an applicant within thirty days from the date of delivery of the division's decision.

(E)   SLED must make permit application forms available to the public. A permit application form shall require an applicant to supply:

(1)   name, including maiden name if applicable;

(2)   date and place of birth;

(3)   sex;

(4)   race;

(5)   height;

(6)   weight;

(7)   eye and hair color;

(8)   current residence address, or if the applicant is a qualified non-resident, current residence address and where the applicant owns real property in this State; and

(9)   all residence addresses for the three years preceding the application date.

(F)   The permit application form shall require the applicant to certify that:

(1)   he is not a person prohibited under state law from possessing a weapon;

(2)   he understands the permit is revoked and must be surrendered immediately to SLED if the permit holder becomes a person prohibited under state law from possessing a weapon;

(3)   he is a resident of this State, or he is military personnel on permanent change of station orders, or is a qualified non-resident; and

(4)   all information contained in his application is true and correct to the best of his knowledge.

(G)   Medical personnel, law enforcement agencies, organizations offering handgun education courses pursuant to Section 23-31-210(4)(a), and their personnel, who in good faith provide information regarding a person's application, must be exempt from liability that may arise from issuance of a permit; provided, however, a weapons instructor must meet the requirements established in Section 23-31-210(4)(b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) in order to be exempt from liability under this subsection.

(H)   A permit application must be submitted in person or by mail to SLED headquarters which shall verify the legibility and accuracy of the required documents.

(I)   SLED must maintain a list of all permit holders and the current status of each permit. Upon request, SLED must release the list of permit holders or verify an individual's permit status. SLED may charge a fee not to exceed its costs in releasing the information under this subsection.

(J)   A permit is valid statewide unless revoked because the person has:

(1)   become a person prohibited under state law from possessing a weapon;

(2)   moved his permanent residence to another state and no longer owns real property in this State;

(3)   voluntarily surrendered the permit; or

(4)   been charged with an offense that, upon conviction, would prohibit the person from possessing a firearm. However, if the person subsequently is found not guilty of the offense, then his permit must be reinstated at no charge.

Once a permit is revoked, it must be surrendered to a sheriff, police department, a SLED agent, or by certified mail to the Chief of SLED. A person who fails to surrender his permit in accordance with this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined twenty-five dollars.

(K)   A permit holder must have his permit identification card in his possession whenever he carries a concealable weapon. When carrying a concealable weapon pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 31 of Title 23, a permit holder must inform a law enforcement officer of the fact that he is a permit holder and present the permit identification card when an officer (1) identifies himself as a law enforcement officer and (2) requests identification or a driver's license from a permit holder. A permit holder immediately must report the loss or theft of a permit identification card to SLED headquarters. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined twenty-five dollars.

(L)   SLED shall issue a replacement for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed permit identification cards after the permit holder has updated all information required in the original application and the payment of a five-dollar replacement fee. Any change of permanent address must be communicated in writing to SLED within ten days of the change accompanied by the payment of a fee of five dollars to defray the cost of issuance of a new permit. SLED shall then issue a new permit with the new address. A permit holder's failure to notify SLED in accordance with this subsection constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a twenty-five dollar fine. The original permit shall remain in force until receipt of the corrected permit identification card by the permit holder, at which time the original permit must be returned to SLED.

(M)   A permit issued pursuant to this section does not authorize a permit holder to carry a concealable weapon into a:

(1)   police, sheriff, or highway patrol station or any other law enforcement office or facility;

(2)   detention facility, prison, or jail or any other correctional facility or office;

(3)   courthouse or courtroom;

(4)   polling place on election days;

(5)   office of or the business meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special purpose district;

(6)   school or college athletic event not related to firearms;

(7)   daycare facility or pre-school facility;

(8)   place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law;

(9)   church or other established religious sanctuary unless express permission is given by the appropriate church official or governing body; or

(10)   hospital, medical clinic, doctor's office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures are performed unless expressly authorized by the employer.

A person who wilfully violates a provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court and have his permit revoked for five years.

Nothing contained herein may be construed to alter or affect the provisions of Sections 10-11-320, 16-23-420, 16-23-430, 16-23-465, 44-23-1080, 44-52-165, 50-9-830, and 51-3-145.

(N)   Valid out-of-state permits to carry concealable weapons held by a resident of a reciprocal state must be honored by this State. SLED shall make a determination as to those states which have permit issuance standards equal to or greater than the standards contained in this article and shall maintain and publish a list of those states as the states with which South Carolina has reciprocity.

(O)   A permit issued pursuant to this article is not required for a person:

(1)   specified in Section 16-23-20, items (1) through (5) and items (7) through (11);

(2)   carrying a self-defense device generally considered to be nonlethal including the substance commonly referred to as 'pepper gas';

(3)   carrying a concealable weapon in a manner not prohibited by law.

(P)   A permit issued pursuant to this article is valid for four years. Subject to subsection (Q) of this section, SLED shall renew a currently valid permit upon:

(1)   payment of a fifty-dollar renewal fee by the applicant. This fee must be waived for disabled veterans and retired law enforcement officers;

(2)   completion of the renewal application; and

(3)   submission of a photocopy of the applicant's valid South Carolina driver's license or South Carolina identification card, or if the applicant is a qualified non-resident, a photocopy of the applicant's valid driver's license or identification card issued by the state in which the applicant resides.

(Q)   Upon submission of the items required by subsection (P) of this section, SLED must conduct or facilitate a local, state, and federal fingerprint review of the applicant. If the background check is favorable, SLED must renew the permit.

(R)   No provision contained within this article shall expand, diminish, or affect the duty of care owed by and liability accruing to, as may exist at law immediately before the effective date of this article, the owner of or individual in legal possession of real property for the injury or death of an invitee, licensee, or trespasser caused by the use or misuse by a third party of a concealable weapon. Absence of a sign prohibiting concealable weapons shall not constitute negligence or establish a lack of duty of care.

(S)   Once a concealed weapon permit holder is no longer a resident of this State or is no longer a qualified non-resident, his concealed weapon permit is void, and immediately must be surrendered to SLED."

SECTION   3.   Section 23-31-520 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-31-520.   This article does not affect the authority of any county, municipality, or political subdivision to regulate the careless or negligent discharge or public brandishment of firearms, nor does it prevent the regulation of the use, sale, transportation, or public brandishment of firearms during the times of or a demonstrated potential for insurrection, invasions, riots, or natural disasters. This article denies any county, municipality, or political subdivision the power to confiscate a firearm or ammunition unless incident to an arrest."

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

Amend title to conform.

/s/Sen. C. Bradley Hutto          /s/Rep. Harry L. Ott, Jr.
/s/Sen. D.B. "Danny" Verdin III   /s/Rep. G. Murrell Smith, Jr.
/s/Sen. J.M. "Jake" Knotts, Jr.   /s/Rep. Michael A. Pitts
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

Rep. M. A. PITTS explained the Conference Report.

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

The Report of the Committee of 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.

The SPEAKER ordered the following veto printed in the Journal:

May 31, 2006
The Honorable Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, South Carolina 29211

Dear Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

Very reluctantly I am hereby vetoing and returning without my approval H. 4840, R. 343.

H. 4840 (Word version) would allow corporations and individuals to take a nonrefundable tax credit of 100 percent against state income taxes or insurance premium taxes for contributing to the newly created "Industry Partnership Fund" - a fund created to distribute dollars to each of the South Carolina Research Innovation Centers (SCRIC) by the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA).

It is also with this same conviction to grow our economy that I signed just last year H. 3794, R. 133. This piece of legislation created the three Innovation Centers dedicated toward product development in the research areas of biomedical, hydrogen, and automotive at each of the research universities of the State. But most importantly, this Bill dedicated a revenue source of $12 million over the next three years for this initiative while stating in Section 13-17-87(D)(2) that "after the initial three-year period, the State shall explore methods to provide additional funding until the innovation centers have a reasonable opportunity to become self-sustaining". H. 4840, however, breaks from this language by asking for millions more from our taxpayers without taking the original amount of time that we had committed to ensure the best funding mechanism is utilized for this project. And while I continue to believe that expanding our knowledge-based industry is worthwhile, it is also imperative that we make sure the Innovation Centers use the first allotment of money effectively within the original time devoted to ensure in future years the strongest public/private partnership is formed.

Second, this administration continues to believe in the importance of building a strategy to bring the private sector to the table in the overall goal of strengthening our economy. To date, this strategy has been predicated on public dollars drawing down investments from the private sector. This Bill however gives a dollar for dollar state tax credit back to a corporation that might contribute to this fund - or just a backdoor way of state government providing the entire financial support for the Innovation Centers without any real monetary commitment from the private industry. If South Carolina hopes to compete with the likes of a Research Triangle in North Carolina, we must advocate for incentives and policy changes that secure a true private investment.

Finally as an aside, since taking office, this administration has argued that school choice will allow an opportunity for parents to take advantage of the best educational options available for their children. And in past proposals, this opportunity was to be partly funded through private donations into a fund that would later be credited to deserving children so that our academic achievement level may grow. Along the same lines, I find it ironic that to date the majority of the General Assembly sees the value in allowing an individual or corporation contribute to a fund intended to help grow these incubation centers but does not see the same value in allowing the individuals or corporations contribute to a fund that would arguably cause the same level of innovation in our K-12 education system.

This administration will continue to support legislation that will effectively promote economic prosperity for the entire business community. However, I believe it is our duty as advocates of this economic prosperity to first look at all means of financial support for research being done at the Innovation Centers - particularly means that include a true investment by the private sector.

For these reasons, I am returning H. 4840 to you without my signature.

Sincerely,
Mark Sanford
Governor
Received as information.

The Veto on the following Act was taken up:

(R343) H. 4840 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Cooper, Merrill, Ott, Haley, Funderburk, J. R. Smith, Limehouse, Davenport, Bales, Sinclair, Leach, Branham, Kirsh, Bannister, Battle, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Clark, Hosey, Littlejohn, Martin, Miller, Neilson, M. A. Pitts, Rivers, D. C. Smith, G. R. Smith, Vaughn, Mitchell, White, Brady and Hodges: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "INDUSTRY PARTNERS ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 13-17-88, PROVIDING FOR A TARGET PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE WITHIN EACH OF THE THREE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH INNOVATION CENTERS AND TO FOCUS ON THE APPLICATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF THE BASIC RESEARCH BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE CENTERS, FOR FUNDING OF THE PROGRAMS WITH A VIEW TOWARD ATTRACTING INDUSTRY PARTNERS IN THEIR EFFORTS, FOR AN INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP FUND OFFERING TAX CREDITS TO CONTRIBUTORS TOWARD THE EFFORTS, AND ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3585 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PARAMETERS OF THE STATE INCOME TAX, INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX, OR LICENSE FEE CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 13-17-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY, SO AS TO ADD THE DIRECTOR OF THE SAVANNAH RIVER NATIONAL LABORATORY TO THE BOARD AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND DIRECTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 13-17-83, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF EXISTING RESEARCH PARKS SO AS TO ALLOW, BUT NOT REQUIRE, THE STATE RESEARCH DIVISION TO OPERATE THEM; AND TO AMEND SECTION 13-17-87, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH INNOVATION CENTERS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE SCRIC TO FINANCE QUALIFIED COMPANIES, AND TO CLARIFY MATTERS OF LOCATION OF CENTERS AND APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS.

The question was put, shall the Act become a part of the law, the veto of his Excellency, the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding, the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anthony
Bailey                 Bales                  Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Battle
Bowers                 Brady                  Branham
Breeland               G. Brown               R. Brown
Cato                   Chalk                  Chellis
Clark                  Clemmons               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cooper                 Cotty
Dantzler               Delleney               Edge
Emory                  Frye                   Funderburk
Hagood                 Haley                  Hardwick
Harrell                Harvin                 Haskins
Hayes                  Herbkersman            J. Hines
M. Hines               Hinson                 Hiott
Hodges                 Hosey                  Howard
Huggins                Jefferson              Kirsh
Leach                  Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Lucas                  Mahaffey
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
McLeod                 Miller                 Moody-Lawrence
J. H. Neal             Neilson                Ott
Owens                  Perry                  Pinson
E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts            Rhoad
Rice                   Rivers                 Sandifer
Scarborough            Scott                  Simrill
Skelton                D. C. Smith            F. N. Smith
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
Talley                 Taylor                 Thompson
Toole                  Townsend               Umphlett
Vaughn                 Vick                   Viers

Walker                 Weeks                  White
Whitmire               Witherspoon            Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

Hamilton               Norman                 Stewart
Tripp

So, the Veto of the Governor was overridden and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The SPEAKER ordered the following veto printed in the Journal:

May 31, 2006
The Honorable Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, South Carolina 29211

Dear Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am hereby vetoing and returning without my approval H. 4481 (Word version), R.340. This Bill entrusts DOT with the discretion to mow untold acres of natural areas in our interstate right of way at taxpayers' expense. I believe that granting this sweeping discretion to DOT would be ill-advised for the following reasons.

One, it places an agency already on strained financial ground with another tool to spend. In past years, DOT mowed excessively and planted non-native species when minimal management of the natural landscape would suffice. While this may have been a good deal for nurseries and mowers, it certainly wasn't a good deal for the taxpayer. In response, the General Assembly adopted a statutory 30-foot standard - supported by highway maintenance guidelines - that would reduce mowing costs to taxpayers and improve the natural appearance for all those who utilize our highways.

Three, I happen to believe that we live in a unique and beautiful place in South Carolina - one that doesn't need decorative, foreign plant species to crowd out those native species with which we are blessed. I personally believe that it would be a positive step to allow our roadsides to return to a more natural state where safety and other concerns permit such a transition; and using history as a guide, this legislation would move us in the opposite direction.

Also, the current vegetation management policy for billboards informs our position on the general mowing requirements modified by H. 4481. In the decision making process, DOT fails to calculate ways of enhancing the visual appeal for our State as each driver is subjected to the loss of tree lined public highways when the State maintains clear-cuts for billboards. In other words, DOT has not displayed the type of discretion with this vegetation management policy that we believe warrants increased discretion in a related policy.

Finally, I would have been far more amenable to legislation that delegated the power to exceed mowing standards (as well as the corresponding fiscal consequences of increased mowing) to relevant local governments. Consistent with that Home Rule ideal, it is worth noting that we have as a practical matter allowed project specific exceptions to the 30 foot standard as part of federal grants awarded to local governments. However, this legislation only offers the hollow requirement that DOT "consider" comments from local governments when making a vegetation management change in a given jurisdiction.

For the reasons stated above, I am vetoing H. 4481, R. 340 and returning it without my approval.

Sincerely,
Mark Sanford
Governor
Received as information.

The Veto on the following Act was taken up:

(R340) H. 4481 (Word version) -- Reps. Martin, Townsend, J. H. Neal, McLeod, Clark, Agnew, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bingham, Brady, Cato, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Dantzler, Frye, Harrison, Herbkersman, J. Hines, Hosey, Huggins, Jefferson, Miller, Ott, Parks, Pinson, Rhoad, Scott, Sinclair, Umphlett, Vaughn, Walker and White: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 57-23-800, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S MANAGEMENT OF VEGETATION ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAY MEDIANS, ROADSIDES, AND INTERCHANGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY UNDERTAKE THIS ACTIVITY AT ITS DISCRETION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN THE DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTS A NEW VEGETATION MANAGEMENT POLICY, IT MUST CONSIDER COMMENTS FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY THAT HAS JURISDICTION OVER THE PORTION OF HIGHWAY SUBJECT TO THE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT POLICY.

Rep. TOWNSEND explained the Veto.

The question was put, shall the Act become a part of the law, the veto of his Excellency, the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding, the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anthony
Bales                  Ballentine             Bannister
Barfield               Battle                 Bowers
Brady                  Branham                Breeland
Cato                   Chalk                  Chellis
Clark                  Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Cooper                 Dantzler               Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Emory
Frye                   Haley                  Hamilton
Harvin                 Hayes                  J. Hines
M. Hines               Hiott                  Hosey
Howard                 Huggins                Jefferson

Kirsh                  Leach                  Littlejohn
Lucas                  Mack                   Mahaffey
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
McLeod                 Miller                 Moody-Lawrence
J. H. Neal             Neilson                Ott
Owens                  Parks                  Perry
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Rhoad                  Rice                   Rivers
Sandifer               Scarborough            Scott
Simrill                Skelton                G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Talley                 Taylor
Thompson               Townsend               Vick
Walker                 White                  Whitmire

Those who voted in the negative are:

Bailey                 Clemmons               Funderburk
Hagood                 Hardwick               Harrell
Hinson                 Limehouse              Loftis
Norman                 D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith
Stewart                Toole                  Tripp
Umphlett               Viers                  Witherspoon
Young

So, the Veto of the Governor was overridden and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The SPEAKER ordered the following veto printed in the Journal:

May 31, 2006
The Honorable Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, South Carolina 29211

I am hereby vetoing and returning without my approval H. 4595, R-342.

H. 4595 (Word version) would set requirements for the sale and installation of residential heating and air conditioning systems, and would allow the Department of Labor, Licensing and Registration to set civil penalties for violating regulations.

There are many licensed contractors in South Carolina who do a great job in providing heating and air services for people in our state. They are to be commended. Unfortunately, as just mentioned, this bill goes well beyond simple licensing requirements. It is for this reason that I am vetoing this Bill.

I don't believe it is government's role to tell a willing buyer and seller that a transaction is illegal when the consequence of that transaction does not entail material harm to the public at large. If the buyer knows that the installer is not licensed and proceeds anyway, it is the buyer's right to do so. This Bill will eliminate competition, and drive the cost of selling and installing heating and air conditioning systems higher. For example, one legislator happens to have a close family member who graduated from a technical college and has a great deal of knowledge in the area of heating and cooling, but happens not to be licensed. This Bill would make it illegal for this legislator to purchase the services of his own son, even though he is fully cognizant of the fact that his son isn't licensed. Leaving aside the above example, I think that is misguided for anyone not to be able to use their handyman of choice, including those that might be a cousin or relative.

A law saying that a potential buyer must be informed as to whether an installer is licensed, and/or one that makes the fraudulent claim of being licensed may be sufficiently narrow to protect the public interest without severely restricting the right to contract. But this Bill injects the State too firmly into the market. The quality of work of the licensed installers should speak for itself, without the need for the state government to create a captive market.

Therefore, I am returning H. 4595 without my signature.

The Veto on the following Act was taken up:

(R342) H. 4595 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Walker, Jennings, Battle, Cobb-Hunter, Sandifer, Haley, Kennedy, Bales, Ballentine, Branham, Emory, Hayes, J. Hines, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Miller, Neilson, Rivers, Sinclair, Umphlett, Vick and Bingham: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-59-35 SO AS TO PROHIBIT PROVIDING A POTENTIAL BUYER A CONTRACT OR PROPOSAL FOR SALE OR INSTALLATION OF RESIDENTIAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, OTHER THAN A WRITTEN ESTIMATE, BEFORE THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SYSTEM HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY A LICENSED EMPLOYEE OF THE RETAIL SELLER; TO REQUIRE THE PERSON INSTALLING THE SYSTEM TO BE LICENSED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 59, TITLE 40; TO FURTHER SPECIFY CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SALE AND INSTALLATION OF A HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS ESTABLISHING A CIVIL PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS.

Rep. CATO explained the Veto.

The question was put, shall the Act become a part of the law, the veto of his Excellency, the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding, the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Bales                  Ballentine             Battle
Bingham                Cato                   Cobb-Hunter
Emory                  Funderburk             Haley
Hardwick               Hayes                  J. Hines
M. Hines               Huggins                Littlejohn

Mack                   Mahaffey               McCraw
McLeod                 Perry                  M. A. Pitts
Rivers                 Sandifer               Scarborough
Thompson               Walker

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Anthony                Bailey
Bannister              Barfield               Bowers
Brady                  Breeland               G. Brown
J. Brown               R. Brown               Chalk
Chellis                Clark                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Cotty                  Dantzler
Davenport              Delleney               Duncan
Edge                   Frye                   Hagood
Hamilton               Harrell                Harrison
Harvin                 Haskins                Herbkersman
Hinson                 Hiott                  Hodges
Hosey                  Howard                 Jefferson
Kirsh                  Leach                  Limehouse
Loftis                 Lucas                  Martin
McGee                  Merrill                Miller
Mitchell               Moody-Lawrence         Neilson
Norman                 Ott                    Owens
Parks                  Pinson                 E. H. Pitts
Rhoad                  Rice                   Scott
Simrill                Skelton                D. C. Smith
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
Stewart                Talley                 Taylor
Toole                  Townsend               Tripp
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Vick
Viers                  Weeks                  White
Witherspoon            Young

So, the Veto of the Governor was sustained and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

My intent was to override the Governor's veto on H. 4595.

Rep. Joan Brady

The SPEAKER ordered the following veto printed in the Journal:

May 31, 2006
The Honorable Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, South Carolina 29211

Dear Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am hereby vetoing and returning without my approval H. 4965, R. 346.

H. 4965 (Word version) would make it illegal for a person to willfully, knowingly or maliciously disturb or interrupt a funeral service, if the interruption is within: 1,000 feet of the funeral service, and within the time period 30 minutes before or after the service. The penalty for violating this statute would be up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail. In addition, H. 4965 makes it illegal to undertake an activity at a cemetery (other than a funeral or visitation) without the written approval of the owner. The penalty for an infraction is up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail.

While well intentioned, because there indeed are few things more sacred than the burial of a loved one, I have three main concerns with this Bill.

First, as a rule, I believe we should minimize the number of things handled by law or government and maximize personal freedom and the number of things handled by individuals. Accordingly, we shouldn't pass laws in our State for problems that don't yet exist in our State. This Bill appears to be driven by news reports about the misguided actions of Reverend Fred Phelps and his Topeka, Kansas church group at military funerals. There have been no protests at funerals across our State. This Bill, in an attempt to stop protests that don't exist, may have the unintended consequence of, in fact, sparking protests in opposition to the Bill.

Third, the provision prohibiting any activity outside of a ceremony or visitation is overly broad, as 'activity' isn't defined. An activity could include a homeless person sleeping in a cemetery, or children taking an ill-advised shortcut on the way to school. Attaching a potential jail sentence to these activities, especially for a first offense, appears to be unduly harsh.

For these reasons, I am returning H. 4965 without my signature.

Should the circumstances that brought about this legislation change, I commit to revisit this issue because men or women who pay the ultimate price in protecting this country's freedoms are owed a solemn burial service.

Sincerely,
Mark Sanford
Governor
Received as information.

The Veto on the following Act was taken up:

(R346) H. 4965 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Pinson, Hardwick, Barfield, Bannister, Ceips, Clark, Clemmons, Coates, Davenport, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Hamilton, Harrison, Haskins, Hiott, Mahaffey, Merrill, Norman,

Rep. LOFTIS explained the Veto.

Rep. M. A. PITTS spoke against the Veto.

Rep. COTTY spoke against the Veto.

The question was put, shall the Act become a part of the law, the veto of his Excellency, the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding, the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Anthony                Bailey
Bales                  Ballentine             Bannister
Barfield               Battle                 Bingham
Bowers                 Brady                  Branham
Breeland               J. Brown               R. Brown
Cato                   Chalk                  Chellis
Clark                  Clemmons               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cooper                 Cotty
Dantzler               Davenport              Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Frye
Funderburk             Hagood                 Haley
Hamilton               Hardwick               Harrell
Harvin                 Haskins                Hayes
Herbkersman            J. Hines               M. Hines
Hiott                  Hodges                 Hosey
Howard                 Huggins                Jefferson
Kirsh                  Leach                  Limehouse

Littlejohn             Loftis                 Lucas
Mack                   Mahaffey               Martin
McCraw                 McGee                  McLeod
Merrill                Miller                 Mitchell
Moody-Lawrence         J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Neilson                Norman                 Ott
Owens                  Parks                  Perry
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Rhoad                  Rice                   Rivers
Sandifer               Scarborough            Scott
Simrill                Skelton                D. C. Smith
F. N. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Stewart                Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Townsend               Tripp                  Umphlett
Vaughn                 Vick                   Viers
Walker                 Weeks                  White
Whitmire               Witherspoon            Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

So, the Veto of the Governor was overridden and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

I was temporarily out of the House Chamber during the vote to override or sustain the Governor's veto on H. 4965. Had I been present, I would have voted to override the veto of the Governor.

Rep. Marty Coates

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

H. 4419 (Word version) -- Reps. Townsend, Cooper, White, Thompson, Agnew and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-45-430, CODE OF LAWS

Rep. COOPER proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\AGM\18597MM06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Section 12-21-4190(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   The department shall charge and retain sixteen and one-half ten cents for each dollar of face value for each bingo card sold for AA, B, D, and E licenses. The department shall charge and retain five cents for each dollar of face value for each bingo card sold to a F license. There shall be no The department shall charge and retain four cents for each dollar of face values for each bingo card sold for a C license."
SECTION   2.   Section 12-21-4200 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 12-21-4200.   The first nine hundred forty-eight thousand dollars of the total revenues derived from the provisions of this article which is collected from bingo within this State must be deposited monthly in twelve equal amounts into an account in the Office of the State Treasurer and called 'Division on Aging Senior Citizen Centers Permanent Improvement Fund'. All interest earned on monies in the Division on Aging Senior
Citizen Centers Permanent Improvement Fund must be credited to this fund. Of the remaining revenue:

(1) Seven and five one-hundredths percent of the annual revenue derived from the provisions of Section 12-21-4190(2) must be deposited with the State Treasurer to be credited to the account of the Division on Aging, Office of the Governor, but in no case shall this credit be less than six hundred thousand dollars. This amount must be

(a) One-half of the funds must be divided equally among the forty-six counties.

(b) The remaining one-half must be divided based on the percentage of the county's population age sixty and above in relation to the total state population using the latest report of the United States Bureau of the Census.

The aging service providers receiving these funds must be agencies recognized by the Division on Aging of the Office of the Governor and the area agencies on aging.

(2) Twenty and eight-tenths percent of the annual revenue derived from the provisions of Section 12-21-4190(2) must be deposited by the State Treasurer in a separate fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism entitled the Parks and Recreation Development Fund. Interest earned by this fund must be added to it and credited to its various accounts in the same proportion that the annual allocation to each account bears to the total annual distribution to the fund. Unexpended amounts in the various fund accounts must be carried forward to succeeding fiscal years except as provided in Section 51-23-30. Fund proceeds must be distributed as provided in Chapter 23 of Title 51.

(3) Seventy-two and fifteen one-hundredths percent of the annual revenue derived from the provisions of Section 12-21-4190(2) must be deposited with the State Treasurer and credited to the general fund, except that the first one hundred thirty-one thousand of such revenues each year must be transferred to the Commission on Minority Affairs."
SECTION   3.   This act takes effect July 1, 2006. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

The following was introduced:

H. 5278 (Word version) -- Reps. Leach and Neilson: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MR. DENNY HAMLIN ON HIS ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER AS A RACECAR DRIVER, AND TO WISH HIM FURTHER SUCCESS IN COMING SEASONS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5279 (Word version) -- Reps. Leach, Neilson and Lucas: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND COMMEND GREG BIFFLE ON HIS ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER AS A RACECAR DRIVER, AND TO WISH HIM FURTHER SUCCESS IN THE COMING YEARS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5280 (Word version) -- Reps. Leach and Neilson: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE ROCKWELL AUTOMATION FOR ITS OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE FIELD OF AUTO PRODUCT MANUFACTURING AND TO HONOR ROCKWELL AUTOMATION RACING FOR ITS EXCEPTIONAL COMMITMENT TO THE NASCAR BUSCH SERIES.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5281 (Word version) -- Rep. Townsend: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND LENA MARIE LEE, RESEARCH ASSISTANT TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EDUCATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE, FOR HER

Whereas, Lena M. Lee joined the Education and Public Works Committee of the South Carolina House of Representatives as Research Assistant on March 26, 2001; and
Whereas, Lena arrived at the House of Representatives after diligently working for the South Carolina Senate, Office of Senate Research; and

Whereas, prior to her work at the General Assembly, Lena distinguishing herself in the United States Army from June of 1994 until June of 1998, where she obtained the rank of Sergeant and served as an Intelligence Analyst; and

Whereas, Lena is married to Morgan Lee and together, they have an adorable son, Chapman; and

Whereas, her experience and knowledge have proven invaluable to the Education and Public Works Committee as it examines complex legislation, particularly in the areas of higher education and technical education; and

Whereas, the committee and its staff along with everyone at the State House will miss Lena's warmth and friendliness, her genuine concern for others, and her quick wit; and

Whereas, the members of the Education and Public Works Committee express their gratitude to Lena for her diligence and the professionalism with which she performed the work of the committee and House; and

Whereas, her vital presence will be missed by all; however, we wish her all the best in her future endeavors as she focuses on obtaining her Masters in Library Science from the University of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, commend Lena Marie Lee, Research Assistant to the House Education and Public Works Committee, for her

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lena Marie Lee.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5282 (Word version) -- Reps. Hosey, Rhoad, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, 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, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR OLIVIA "LIBBY" D. STILL, OF BARNWELL COUNTY, FOR HER OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC EDUCATION AND FOOD SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER ALL THE BEST UPON HER RETIREMENT.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5283 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham,

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5284 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin, Agnew, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, G. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Coates, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hiott, Huggins, Jennings, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Sandifer, Scarborough, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A

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

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

S. 1022 (Word version) -- Senator Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 10 OF ACT 378 OF 2004, RELATED TO THE IMPOSITION OF SALES AND USE TAXES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF ACT 378 AND THE SPECIAL ONE PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX IMPOSED PURSUANT TO ACT 378 EXPIRE AS OF THE FIRST DAY AFTER THE YEAR IN WHICH A STATEWIDE INCREASE IN THE SALES AND USE TAX ABOVE FIVE PERCENT IS IMPLEMENTED OR A STATEWIDE PROVISION PROVIDING SCHOOL MILLAGE AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX REDUCTIONS TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE COUNTY IN AN AMOUNT AT LEAST EQUAL TO THE TOTAL TAX CREDIT RELIEF PROVIDED BY ACT 378.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 1373 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 3 OF ACT 117 OF 1961, AS LAST AMENDED BY ACT 167 OF 1997, RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS OF THE COLLETON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ANNUAL SALARY AND PER-MEETING EXPENSE ALLOTMENT MUST BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD.
Referred to Colleton Delegation

Rep. CATO moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill, which was adopted:

S. 792 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-485 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CREATION OF A PROTECTED CELL DOES NOT CREATE A LEGAL PERSON SEPARATE FROM A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE (SPFC); BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-515 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SECURITIES ISSUED BY A SPFC PURSUANT TO INSURANCE SECURITIZATION MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE INSURANCE OR INSURANCE CONTRACTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-400, RELATING TO THE REPORT REQUIRED TO BE FILED DISCLOSING MATERIAL ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS OR MATERIAL NONRENEWALS, CANCELLATIONS, OR REVISIONS OF CEDED REINSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-410, RELATING TO REPORTING AN INSURER'S ACQUISITIONS OR DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS, SO AS TO ADD HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-420, RELATING TO REPORTING NONRENEWALS, CANCELLATIONS, OR REVISIONS OF CEDED REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS, SO AS TO ADD HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-880, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MEDICAL AND SURGICAL BENEFITS AND MENTAL BENEFITS COVERAGE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF BENEFITS FOR SERVICES FURNISHED; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-1410, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SMALL EMPLOYER INSURER REINSURANCE PROGRAM, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CODE REFERENCES FOR SELECTING A LICENSED ADMINISTRATOR INSTEAD OF AN ADMINISTERING INSURER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-220, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR INSURANCE RATE LEVEL CHANGES, SO AS TO CHANGE CODE REFERENCES FROM THE ARTICLE TO THE CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-240, RELATING TO RATE FILINGS WHERE THE LINE OF INSURANCE IS DECLARED COMPETITIVE, SO AS TO CHANGE CODE REFERENCES FROM ARTICLE TO CHAPTER; TO

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

H. 4301 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Bailey, Harrison, Altman, Vaughn, G. R. Smith, Battle, Kirsh, M. A. Pitts, Coates, Moody-Lawrence, Toole, Vick, Littlejohn, Sandifer, Owens, Ceips, Funderburk, Weeks, Rice, Simrill, Chellis, Viers and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 16 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY ACT", TO DEFINE THE TERMS "DWELLING", "GREAT BODILY INJURY", "RESIDENCE", AND "VEHICLE", TO AUTHORIZE THE LAWFUL USE OF DEADLY FORCE AGAINST AN INTRUDER OR ATTACKER IN A PERSON'S DWELLING, RESIDENCE, OR OCCUPIED VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT THERE IS NO DUTY TO RETREAT IF THE PERSON IS IN A PLACE WHERE HE HAS A RIGHT TO BE, INCLUDING THE PERSON'S PLACE

Rep. G. M. SMITH proposed the following Amendment No. 2A (Doc Name COUNCIL\MS\7498AHB06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting Section 16-23-415, as contained in SECTION 3, beginning on page 5, beginning on line 22, and inserting:

/ "Section 16-23-415.   An individual who takes a firearm, stun gun, or taser device from the person of a law enforcement officer or a corrections officer is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than five years, or fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both, if all of the following circumstances exist at the time the firearm is taken:

(1)   the individual knows or has reason to believe the person from whom the weapon is taken is a law enforcement officer or a corrections officer;

(2)   the law enforcement officer or corrections officer is performing his duties as a law enforcement officer or a corrections officer, or the individual's taking of the weapon is directly related to the law enforcement officer's or corrections officer's professional responsibilities;

(3)   the individual takes the weapon without consent of the law enforcement officer or corrections officer;

(4)   the law enforcement officer is authorized by his employer to carry the weapon in the line of duty; and

(5)   the law enforcement officer or corrections officer is authorized by his employer to carry the weapon while off duty and has identified himself as a law enforcement officer." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

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

H. 4456 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Haley: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 50 TO TITLE 23 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMESTOPPERS ACT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CRIMESTOPPER ORGANIZATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS OF VARIOUS TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER, TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMESTOPPERS COUNCIL AND ITS DUTIES, TO PROVIDE THAT A COURT MAY ORDER A DEFENDANT TO REPAY TO A CRIMESTOPPERS ORGANIZATION OR TO THE CRIMESTOPPERS COUNCIL A REWARD ISSUED BY EITHER ENTITY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES PAID BY CRIMESTOPPERS ORGANIZATION OR THE CRIMESTOPPERS COUNCIL FOR INFORMATION THAT RESULTS IN THE ARREST OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHERE MONIES ARE CONFISCATED AND FORFEITED PURSUANT TO AN ARREST, TO PROVIDE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS REIMBURSED TO A CRIMESTOPPERS ORGANIZATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMISSIBILITY OF CERTAIN EVIDENCE, PROTECTED INFORMATION, AND PROTECTED IDENTITIES IN A COURT PROCEEDING, TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN PERSONS WHO COMMUNICATE WITH, ACT ON PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION, OR ARE OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES OF A CRIMESTOPPERS ORGANIZATION OR THE CRIMESTOPPERS COUNCIL; AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MATTERS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE BY A PUBLIC BODY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PUBLIC BODY MAY NOT DISCLOSE A PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION, PROTECTED INFORMATION, OR A PROTECTED IDENTITY EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 44-53-583,

Rep. G. M. SMITH proposed the following Amendment No. 3 (Doc Name COUNCIL\MS\7497AHB06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/ SECTION   ___.   Section 16-3-1525(N) of the 1976 Code, as added by ACT 106 of 2005, is amended to read:

"(N)(1)   Notification of a victim pursuant to the provisions of this section may not be only by electronic or other automated communication or recording. However, after three unsuccessful attempts to reach the victim by electronic or other automated communication or recording pursuant to the provisions of this section, in cases involving criminal domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, and stalking and harassment, and those cases when physical injury has occurred as a result of a physical or sexual assault and in cases where a pattern of conduct exists by the offender or suspected offender that would cause a reasonable person to believe he may be at risk of physical assault the appropriate agency or diversion program shall attempt to make personal contact with the victim, or the victim's guardian, upon the judicial or administrative release or the escape of the offender.

(2)   For purposes of this section, 'pattern' means two or more acts occurring over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. G. M. SMITH proposed the following Amendment No. 4 (Doc Name COUNCIL\MS\7499AHB06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/ SECTION ___.   Section 16-3-1230 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 16-3-1230.   (1)   A claim may be filed by a person eligible to receive an award, as provided in Section 16-3-1210, or, if

(2)   A claim must be filed by the claimant not later than one hundred eighty days after the latest of the following three events:

(a)   the occurrence of the crime upon which the claim is based;

(b)   the death of the victim; or

(c)   the discovery by the law enforcement agency that the occurrence was the result of crime; or

(d)   the manifestation of a mental or physical injury is diagnosed as a result of a crime committed against a minor.

(3)   Upon good cause shown, the time for filing may be extended for a period not to exceed four years after the occurrence, diagnosed manifestation, or death. 'Good cause' for the above purposes includes reliance upon advice of an official victim assistance specialist who either misinformed or neglected to inform a victim of rights and benefits of the Victim's Compensation Fund but does not mean simply ignorance of the law.

(3)(4)   Claims must be filed in the office of the deputy director by mail or in person. The deputy director shall accept for filing all claims submitted by persons eligible under pursuant to subsection (1) of this section and meeting the requirements as to the form of the claim contained in the regulations of the board." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

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

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. G. M. SMITH.

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

Rep. BOWERS, from the Committee on Colleton Delegation, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1373 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 3 OF ACT 117 OF 1961, AS LAST AMENDED BY ACT 167 OF 1997, RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS OF THE COLLETON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ANNUAL SALARY AND PER-MEETING EXPENSE ALLOTMENT MUST BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. LEACH, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1466 (Word version) -- Senators Anderson, Fair, Verdin and Thomas: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME OLD PARIS MOUNTAIN ROAD IN GREENVILLE COUNTY "FELICIA THELMA HAWKINS ELLIOTT ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "FELICIA THELMA HAWKINS ELLIOTT ROAD".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill, which was adopted:

S. 792 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-485 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CREATION OF A PROTECTED CELL DOES NOT CREATE A LEGAL PERSON SEPARATE FROM A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE (SPFC); BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-515 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SECURITIES ISSUED BY A SPFC PURSUANT TO INSURANCE SECURITIZATION MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE INSURANCE OR INSURANCE CONTRACTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-400, RELATING TO THE REPORT REQUIRED TO BE FILED DISCLOSING MATERIAL ACQUISITIONS AND

Rep. WALKER asked unanimous consent to recall S. 1448 (Word version) from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. TRIPP objected.

Rep. LITTLEJOHN asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3136 (Word version) from the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. RUTHERFORD objected.

Rep. KIRSH asked unanimous consent to recall H. 5050 (Word version) from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. VIERS objected.

Rep. J. H. NEAL asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3262 (Word version) from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Rep. LITTLEJOHN objected.

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred (P:\LEGWORK\SENATE\AMEND\NBD\12660AC06.DOC):

H. 3640 (Word version) -- Reps. White and Cooper: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-1-145 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT GROUND BEEF PREPARED BY A FOOD-SERVICE PROVIDER FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION MUST BE COOKED TO AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE DEGREES FAHRENHEIT UNLESS OTHERWISE ORDERED BY THE IMMEDIATE CONSUMER AND TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Chapter 1, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 44-1-145.   (A)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, ground beef or any food containing ground beef prepared by a food service provider for public consumption must be cooked to heat all parts of the food to at least one hundred fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit (sixty-eight degrees Celsius), unless otherwise ordered by the immediate consumer.

(B)   The food service provider, its business or its employees or agents, are not liable for any adverse affects to the purchaser or anyone else for providing a ground beef product cooked at an internal temperature less than one hundred fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit (sixty-eight degrees Celsius), if providing the product is at the request of the purchaser and if the food service provider has notified the purchaser in advance that a possible health risk may exist by eating the product. The notice must state that a possible health risk may exist in eating undercooked ground beef at an internal temperature less than one hundred fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit (sixty-eight degrees Celsius), and be given to the purchaser:

(1)   in writing;

(2)   as stated on the menu; or

(3)   by visible sign warning.

(C)   In order for an immediate consumer or purchaser, as used in this section, to request or order ground beef to be cooked to a temperature less than one hundred fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit (sixty-eight degrees Celsius), the individual must be eighteen years of age or older."

SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./
Amend the bill further, by striking all before the enacting words and inserting:

/TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-1-145 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT GROUND BEEF PREPARED BY A FOOD-SERVICE PROVIDER

/s/Sen. Linda H. Short            /s/Rep. W. Brian White
/s/Sen. Michael L. Fair           /s/Rep. Lester P. Branham
/s/Sen. Ray Cleary                /s/Rep. Michael A. Pitts
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

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

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

H. 4471 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Barfield, Vick, Martin, Cotty, Witherspoon, Hardwick, Harrison, Altman, Bales, Edge, Hagood, Hayes, Jennings, Leach, Limehouse, Loftis, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Sinclair, J. E. Smith, Viers and White: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 22-3-10 AND 22-3-30, BOTH AS AMENDED AND BOTH RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN A COMMERCIAL LEASE RELATIONSHIP THE MAGISTRATE SHALL RETAIN JURISDICTION OVER AN EJECTMENT ACTION AND CORRESPONDING COMPULSORY COUNTERCLAIMS, REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT OF THE COUNTERCLAIM; TO AMEND SECTION 27-33-40, RELATING TO CONCURRENT JURISDICTION OF CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN A COMMERCIAL LEASE RELATIONSHIP THE MAGISTRATE SHALL SEVER AND

Rep. CLEMMONS explained the Senate Amendments.

Rep. CLEMMONS continued speaking.

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.

Rep. G. M. SMITH moved that the Committee of Conference on the following Bill be resolved into a Committee of Free Conference and briefly explained the Conference Committee's reasons for this request:

S. 229 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-655 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF ENGAGING IN A HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT OR A HOG-DOG RODEO, TO DEFINE THE TERMS "HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT" AND "HOG-DOG RODEO", AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anderson
Anthony                Bailey                 Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Bingham                Bowers                 Brady
J. Brown               R. Brown               Cato
Chellis                Clark                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Coleman                Cooper
Dantzler               Davenport              Delleney
Emory                  Frye                   Funderburk
Haley                  Hardwick               Harrell
Harrison               Harvin                 Hayes
J. Hines               Hinson                 Hodges
Hosey                  Howard                 Jefferson
Kirsh                  Limehouse              Littlejohn
Lucas                  Mack                   Mahaffey
Martin                 McCraw                 McGee
McLeod                 Merrill                Miller
Mitchell               J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Ott                    Owens                  Parks
Perry                  Pinson                 M. A. Pitts
Rhoad                  Rice                   Rivers
Rutherford             Sandifer               Scarborough
Simrill                D. C. Smith            F. N. Smith
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
Stewart                Talley                 Thompson
Toole                  Townsend               Umphlett
Vaughn                 Vick                   Viers
Walker                 Weeks                  Whipper
White                  Whitmire               Witherspoon
Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

Coates                 Hamilton               Norman

So, the motion to resolve the Committee of Conference into a Committee of Free Conference was agreed to.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4831:

H. 4831 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Young, Simrill and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 43-1-260, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COMMUNITY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCILS AND THEIR PURPOSE, MEMBERSHIP, AND DUTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT SOLICITOR, RATHER THAN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SHALL FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE COUNCILS IN EACH COUNTY OR JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, TO ADD A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE RECOMMENDED PARTICIPANTS ON THE COUNCILS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS ON SUCH COUNCILS SHALL ESTABLISH MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT AMONG AND BETWEEN THESE MEMBERS.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
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

S. 229 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-655 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF ENGAGING IN A HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT OR A HOG-DOG RODEO, TO DEFINE THE TERMS "HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT" AND "HOG-DOG RODEO", AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 229 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-655 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF ENGAGING IN A HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT OR A HOG-DOG RODEO, TO DEFINE THE TERMS "HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT" AND "HOG-DOG RODEO", AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION.

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 16-17-650 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 16-17-650.   (A)   It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to engage in or be present at cockfighting in this State and any person found guilty shall be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars or

(1)   misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year for a first offense; or

(2)   misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years for a second or subsequent offense.

(B)   For purposes of this section, 'illegal game fowl testing' means allowing game fowl to engage in physical combat:

(1)   with or without spurs or other artificial items while in the presence of more than five spectators;

(2)   under any circumstances while employing spurs or other artificial items or with the injection or application of a stimulant substance; or

(3)   for purposes of or in the presence of wagering or gambling.

(C) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A)(1) must be tried exclusively in summary court.

(D)   A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A)(2) is subject to the forfeiture of monies, negotiable instruments, and securities specifically gained or used to engage in or further a violation of this section pursuant to Section 16-27-55.

(E)   All game fowl breeders and game fowl breeder testing facilities must comply with the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the State Veterinarian's regulations, policies, and procedures regarding avian influenza preparedness and testing. In the event of an avian influenza outbreak in South Carolina, all game fowl breeders and game fowl breeder testing facilities must allow the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the State Veterinarian to conduct avian influenza testing of all game fowl."

SECTION   2.   Section 16-27-50 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 16-27-50.   Whenever an indictment is returned charging a violation of any provision of this chapter, or if an indictment is waived, the court shall order the animal or animals involved seized and held until final disposition of the charges and shall provide for the appropriate and humane care or disposition of the animal or animals. The provisions of this section may not be construed as a limitation on the authority under law to seize any animal as evidence at the time of the arrest. If any animal seized pursuant to the provision of this section

(B)   For purposes of a hearing to determine whether the owner is able to provide adequately for the animal and is fit to have custody of the animal, any animal found to be owned, trained, possessed, purchased, sold, transported, or bred in violation of this chapter must be considered cruelly treated and the owner must be deemed unfit."

SECTION   3.   Chapter 27, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 16-27-55.   (A)   A person who violates a provision of this chapter is subject to forfeiture of:

(1)   property, both real and personal, which is knowingly used to engage in a violation or to further a violation of this chapter; and

(2)   monies, negotiable instruments, securities, or other things of value furnished or intended to be furnished by a person to engage in or further a violation of this chapter.

(B)   Property subject to forfeiture pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be seized by the appropriate law enforcement agency with a warrant properly issued by a court with jurisdiction over the property. Property may be seized without a warrant if the:

(1)   seizure is incident to an arrest or a search with a search warrant or an inspection under an administrative inspection warrant;

(2)   property subject to seizure was the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the State in a criminal injunction or forfeiture proceeding pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;

(3)   law enforcement agency has probable cause to believe that the property is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety; or

(4)   law enforcement agency has probable cause to believe that the property was used or is intended to be used in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

(C)   Forfeiture proceedings instituted pursuant to the provisions of this section are subject to the procedures and requirements for forfeiture as set out in Section 44-53-530.

(D)   Property taken or detained pursuant to the provisions of this section is not subject to replevin but is considered to be in the custody

(E)   For purposes of this section, when the seizure of property subject to forfeiture is accomplished as a result of a joint effort by more than one law enforcement agency, the law enforcement agency initiating the investigation is considered to be the agency making the seizure.

(F)   A law enforcement agency seizing property pursuant to the provisions of this section shall take reasonable steps to maintain the property. Equipment and conveyances seized must be removed to an appropriate place for storage. Monies seized must be deposited in an interest bearing account pending final disposition by the court unless the seizing agency determines the monies to be of an evidential nature and provides for appropriate security in another manner.

(G)   When property, monies, negotiable instruments, securities, or other things of value are seized pursuant to the provisions of subsection (A), the law enforcement agency making the seizure, within ten days or a reasonable period of time after the seizure, shall submit a report to the appropriate prosecuting agency.

(1)   The report must include the following information:

(a)   a description of the property seized;

(b)   the circumstances of the seizure;

(c)   the present custodian and where the property is being stored or its location;

(d)   the name of the owner of the property;

(e)   the name of any lienholders of the property; and

(f)   the seizing agency.

(2)   If the property is a conveyance, the report must include the:

(a)   make, model, serial number, and year of the conveyance;

(b)   person in whose name the conveyance is registered; and

(c)   name of any lienholders.

(3)   In addition to the report provided for in items (1) and (2) of this subsection, the appropriate law enforcement agency shall prepare for dissemination to the public, upon request, a report providing the following information:

(a)   a description of the quantity and nature of the property and money seized;

(b)   the seizing agency;

(c)   the make, model, and year of a conveyance; and

(d)   the law enforcement agency responsible for the property or conveyance seized.

(H)   Property or conveyances seized by a law enforcement agency may not be used by officers or employees of the agency for personal purposes.

(I)(1)   An innocent owner or a manager or owner of a licensed rental agency or a common carrier or carrier of goods for hire may apply to the court of common pleas for the return of an item seized pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Notice of hearing or rule to show cause accompanied by copy of the application must be directed to all persons and agencies entitled to notice as provided in Section 44-53-530. If the court denies the application, the hearing may proceed as a forfeiture hearing held pursuant to the provisions of Section 44-53-530.

(2)   The court may return a seized item to the owner if the owner demonstrates to the court by a preponderance of the evidence:

(a)   in the case of an innocent owner, that the person or entity was not a consenting party to, or privy to, or did not have knowledge of, the use of the property which made it subject to seizure and forfeiture; or

(b)   in the case of a manager or an owner of a licensed rental agency, a common carrier, or a carrier of goods for hire, that an agent, servant, or employee of the rental agency or of the common carrier or carrier of goods for hire was not a party to, or privy to, or did not have knowledge of, the use of the property which made it subject to seizure and forfeiture.

(3)   If the licensed rental agency demonstrates to the court that it has rented the seized property in the ordinary course of its business and that the tenant or tenants were not related within the third degree of kinship to the manager or owner, or any agents, servants, or employees of the rental agency, then it is presumed that the licensed rental agency was not a party to, or privy to, or did not have knowledge of, the use of the property which made it subject to seizure and forfeiture.

(4)   The lien of an innocent person or other legal entity, recorded in public records, continues in force upon transfer of title of a forfeited item, and a transfer of title is subject to the lien if the lienholder demonstrates to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that he was not a consenting party to, or privy to, or did not have knowledge of, the involvement of the property which made it subject to seizure and forfeiture."

SECTION   4.   Section 16-27-80 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 16-27-80.   (A)   This chapter shall does not apply to dogs used for the purpose of hunting, including, but not limited to, hunting

(B)   Except as otherwise provided in Section 16-27-60, this chapter applies to events more commonly known as 'hog-dog fights', 'hog-dog rodeos', or 'hog-dogging' in which bets are placed, or cash, points, titles, trophies, or other awards are given based primarily on the ability of a dog to catch a hog using physical contact in the controlled environment of an enclosure."

SECTION   5.   Section 44-53-530(a) of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a new undesignated paragraph at the end to read:

"( )   If a defendant or his attorney sends written notice to the petitioner or the seizing agency of his interest in the subject property, service may be made by mailing a copy of the petition to the address provided and service may not be made by publication. In addition, service by publication may not be used for a person incarcerated in a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility, a county detention facility, or other facility where inmates are housed for the county where the seizing agency is located. The seizing agency shall check the appropriate institutions after receiving an affidavit of non-service before attempting service by publication."

SECTION   6.   The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release, or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION   7.   If any section, subsection, item, subitem, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed

SECTION   8.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./
Amend title to conform.

/s/Sen. John D. Hawkins           /s/Rep. G. Murrell Smith, Jr.
/s/Sen. J.M. "Jake" Knotts, Jr.   /s/Rep.W. G. "Bill" Herbkersman
/s/Sen. Joel Lourie               /s/Rep. Ted Martin Vick
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

The Free Conference Report was adopted by a division vote of 65 to 8 and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

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

H. 3051 (Word version) -- Reps. Sinclair, Harrison, Mahaffey and Umphlett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 39-15-1190, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL USE OF COUNTERFEIT MARKS, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE A "COUNTERFEIT MARK", TO ESTABLISH FELONIES FOR THE USE OF, TRAFFICKING IN, AND PRODUCTION OF A COUNTERFEIT MARK, TO PROVIDE FOR SEIZURE AND SALE OF ITEMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF A COUNTERFEIT MARK, AND TO PROVIDE FOR INVESTIGATORY POWERS OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Rep. TALLEY explained the Senate Amendments.

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

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Conference on:

H. 3640 (Word version) -- Reps. White and Cooper: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-1-145 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT GROUND BEEF PREPARED BY A FOOD SERVICE PROVIDER FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION MUST BE COOKED TO AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE DEGREES FAHRENHEIT UNLESS OTHERWISE ORDERED BY THE IMMEDIATE CONSUMER, TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR SERVING BEEF COOKED BELOW ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE DEGREES FAHRENHEIT UPON REQUEST OF THE PURCHASER IF THE FOOD SERVICE PROVIDER PROVIDES ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE RISKS OF EATING SUCH GROUND BEEF, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A CONSUMER OR PURCHASER MUST BE EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO ORDER BEEF COOKED BELOW ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The Report of the Committee of 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.

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

H. 3773 (Word version) -- Reps. Vick, W. D. Smith, Littlejohn, Agnew, Ballentine, Haley, Lucas, Ott, Hardwick, Witherspoon, Cobb-Hunter and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT FROM SALES TAX THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES OR SALES PRICE OF GOLD, SILVER, AND PLATINUM BULLION, COINS, AND CURRENCY AND TO REQUIRE THE RETAILER TO MAINTAIN PROPER DOCUMENTATION AS REQUIRED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOR EACH EXEMPT SALE.

Rep. OTT 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. 3711 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter and Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 17, TITLE 37, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS, SO AS TO ENACT THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARD REGISTRATION ACT, PROVIDING FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS OF PERSONS AND REPRESENTATIVES ENGAGED IN THE SALE, MARKETING, PROMOTION, ADVERTISEMENT, OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS OR OTHER PURCHASING DEVICES; EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATION UNDER THE ACT; REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ACT, IN ADDITION TO, AND CUMULATIVE OF, OTHER PENALTIES

Rep. COBB-HUNTER 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. 3274 (Word version) -- Rep. Altman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-2220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO APPEALS AND THE EFFECT OF PENDENCY OF AN APPEAL IN CERTAIN FAMILY COURT MATTERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO TEN DAY AUTOMATIC STAY APPLIES IN SUCH CASES.

Rep. G. M. SMITH proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\12657AC06), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 20-3-240 page 2, line 9 by deleting /their attorneys of record/ and inserting /attorneys/.
Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTION 3 of the bill on page 2 and inserting:
/SECTION   3.   This act takes effect January 1, 2007./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

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

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
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. 229:

S. 229 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-655 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF ENGAGING IN A HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT OR A HOG-DOG RODEO, TO DEFINE THE TERMS "HOG-DOG FIGHTING EVENT" AND "HOG-DOG RODEO", AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION.

Very respectfully,
President

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.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4419:

H. 4419 (Word version) -- Reps. Townsend, Cooper, White, Thompson, Agnew and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-45-430, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF TAX RECEIPTS BY A COUNTY TREASURER UPON FULL PAYMENT OF THE TAXES AND CHARGES DUE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY TREASURER MAY ACCEPT A LESSER AMOUNT THAN THE ORIGINAL TAX BILL TOGETHER WITH ANY APPLICABLE PENALTIES, COSTS, AND

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4692:

H. 4692 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-1-150, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL RULINGS AND ORDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT VIOLATIONS OF RULINGS AND ORDERS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE DEPARTMENT'S GENERAL AUTHORITY PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 44-1-140 ARE SUBJECT TO A CIVIL PENALTY NOT TO EXCEED ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS A DAY FOR EACH VIOLATION AND THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT THESE FINES TO THE STATE GENERAL FUND.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 3803:

H. 3803 (Word version) -- Reps. Edge and Wilkins: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 15, CHAPTER 53, TITLE 44 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PRESCRIPTION MONITORING ACT" AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, BUREAU OF DRUG CONTROL TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM TO MONITOR THE PRESCRIBING AND DISPENSING OF SCHEDULE II-V CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND TO PROVIDE THE MANNER AND PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH DISPENSERS ARE TO PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF THIS INFORMATION, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
and has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4301:

H. 4301 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Bailey, Harrison, Altman, Vaughn, G. R. Smith, Battle, Kirsh, M. A. Pitts, Coates, Moody-Lawrence, Toole, Vick, Littlejohn, Sandifer, Owens, Ceips, Funderburk, Weeks, Rice, Simrill, Chellis, Viers and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 16 SO AS TO ENACT THE

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received from the Senate:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it nonconcurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4735:

H. 4735 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-410, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DETERMINING THE FITNESS OF A PERSON CHARGED WITH A CRIME TO STAND TRIAL, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM FIFTEEN DAYS TO SIXTY DAYS THE TIME WITHIN WHICH THE MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION OF THE PERSON MUST BE COMPLETED AND TO AUTHORIZE THE COURT ON GOOD CAUSE SHOWN TO GRANT AN EXTENSION OF UP TO THIRTY DAYS; TO AMEND SECTION

Very respectfully,
President

On motion of Rep. G. M. SMITH, the House insisted upon its amendments.

Whereupon, the Chair appointed Reps. G. M. SMITH, DELLENEY and F. N. SMITH to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4456:

H. 4456 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Haley: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 50 TO TITLE 23 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMESTOPPERS ACT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CRIMESTOPPER ORGANIZATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS OF VARIOUS TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER, TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMESTOPPERS COUNCIL AND ITS DUTIES, TO PROVIDE

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

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

S. 1264 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 470 OF 1971, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SCHOOL FOR SUMTER COUNTY AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CAREER CENTER BOARD, SO

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

The following was received from the Senate:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it nonconcurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4808:

H. 4808 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-4-130, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE "EMERGENCY HEALTH POWERS ACT", SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "QUALIFYING HEALTH CONDITION" AND "TRIAL COURT"; TO AMEND SECTION 44-4-530, RELATING TO ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE OF INDIVIDUALS AND PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, SO AS TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES OF A MAXIMUM FINE OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OR THIRTY DAYS IN PRISON, OR BOTH, FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, TO PROVIDE THAT AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT FIRE OR DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE SUBJECT TO ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE ORDERS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN EMPLOYER MAY REQUIRE AN

Very respectfully,
President

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, the House insisted upon its amendments.

Whereupon, the Chair appointed Reps. HARRISON, DELLENEY and SCOTT to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that the Report of the Committee of Conference, having been adopted by both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for ratification:

S. 572 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that the Report of the Committee of Conference, having been adopted by both

H. 4671 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Delleney and Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-600, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEARINGS AND PROCEEDINGS THAT AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL PRESIDE OVER, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT EXCLUDES CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE RELATED HEARINGS AND PROCEEDINGS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CLERK OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT MUST FILE A CERTIFIED COPY OF A FINAL ORDER WITH A CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE THIS ORDER HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS A JUDGMENT OF THE COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-660, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLE HEARINGS, SO AS TO GIVE THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT THE AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES BEFORE THE DIVISION WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE SUPREME COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS CONTAINED IN THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR CERTAIN TERMS THAT RELATE TO THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLE HEARINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-370, RELATING TO THE REVIEW OF THE CANCELLATION, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT ALLOWS THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO CONDUCT THE REVIEW AND PROVIDE THAT THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLE HEARINGS SHALL CONDUCT THESE PROCEEDINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-410, RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES ORDER THAT CANCELS, SUSPENDS, OR REVOKES A DRIVER'S LICENSE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISIONS THAT RELATE TO THE REVIEW OF A DECISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVIEW OF A DECISION ISSUED BY A HEARING OFFICER OF THE

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has overridden the veto by the Governor on R. 343, H. 4840 by a vote of 42 to 2:

(R343) H. 4840 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Cooper, Merrill, Ott, Haley, Funderburk, J. R. Smith, Limehouse, Davenport, Bales, Sinclair, Leach, Branham, Kirsh, Bannister, Battle, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Clark, Hosey, Littlejohn, Martin, Miller, Neilson, M. A. Pitts, Rivers, D. C. Smith, G. R. Smith, Vaughn, Mitchell, White, Brady and Hodges: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "INDUSTRY PARTNERS ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 13-17-88, PROVIDING FOR A TARGET PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE WITHIN EACH OF THE THREE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH INNOVATION CENTERS AND TO FOCUS ON THE APPLICATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF THE BASIC RESEARCH BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE CENTERS, FOR FUNDING OF THE PROGRAMS WITH A VIEW TOWARD ATTRACTING INDUSTRY PARTNERS IN THEIR EFFORTS, FOR AN INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP FUND OFFERING TAX CREDITS TO CONTRIBUTORS TOWARD THE EFFORTS, AND ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3585 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PARAMETERS OF THE STATE INCOME TAX, INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX, OR LICENSE FEE CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 13-17-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY, SO AS

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustained the veto by the Governor on R. 340, H. 4481 by a vote of 24 to 18:

(R340) H. 4481 (Word version) -- Reps. Martin, Townsend, J. H. Neal, McLeod, Clark, Agnew, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bingham, Brady, Cato, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Dantzler, Frye, Harrison, Herbkersman, J. Hines, Hosey, Huggins, Jefferson, Miller, Ott, Parks, Pinson, Rhoad, Scott, Sinclair, Umphlett, Vaughn, Walker and White: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 57-23-800, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S MANAGEMENT OF VEGETATION ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAY MEDIANS, ROADSIDES, AND INTERCHANGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY UNDERTAKE THIS ACTIVITY AT ITS DISCRETION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN THE DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTS A NEW VEGETATION MANAGEMENT POLICY, IT MUST CONSIDER COMMENTS FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY THAT HAS

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

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

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 5236 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Cato: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO ADVANCE THE NEED FOR ELECTRIC UTILITIES TO BUILD NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO URGE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO ENCOURAGE SUCH CONSIDERATION.

H. 5266 (Word version) -- Reps. Bowers, Hodges, R. Brown, McLeod and Limehouse: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE CONVENING OF THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JACKSONBOROUGH, SOUTH CAROLINA, IN JANUARY OF 1782, AS A RESULT OF THE CONTINUED BRITISH OCCUPATION OF CHARLESTON, SUBSEQUENT TO THE DEFEAT OF THE BRITISH AT YORKTOWN IN OCTOBER OF 1781, AND TO CONSIDER HOLDING A COMMEMORATIVE EVENT IN 2007 IN JACKSONBOROUGH TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE THE CONVENING OF THE JACKSONBOROUGH ASSEMBLY.

H. 5275 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Witherspoon, Townsend, J. R. Smith, J. Hines, Leach, Harrison, Cato, J. Brown, Vaughn, Chellis, Cooper, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Ceips, Chalk, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman,

H. 5276 (Word version) -- Reps. Rivers and Bowers: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MR. JAMES F. BLACK OF HAMPTON COUNTY FOR HIS COUNTLESS CONTRIBUTIONS AND SINCERE DEDICATION TO ENHANCING THE LIVES OF THE YOUTH AND CITIZENS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS GREAT SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, THIS STATE, AND THE UNITED STATES.

At 5:00 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. HAYES, adjourned in memory of Elizabeth Jennings, mother of Representative Jennings, and in accordance with S. 1445, the Sine Die Adjournment Resolution, to meet at 12:00 noon in Statewide Session Wednesday, June 14.

This web page was last updated on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 9:45 A.M.