Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

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

Beloved, hear more words from Psalm 46, verse 10:

"Be still, and know that I am God,

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!"

Let us pray.

Father, You are the ETERNAL ONE! We who are pilgrims of time and eternity pause to dedicate this day's labor to You!

Let nothing deaden the SOUND of the Psalmist's message, "Be still and know that I am God."

May we be so completely under the control of Your Spirit and our dreams of reality that we may go where You want us to go!

Give us the thrill of being one who dreams and prays and labors for a true "Brotherhood of all Mankind."
Amen!

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

Senator LOURIE introduced Dr. Leo Walker of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Senator KNOTTS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

S. 593 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, J. Verne Smith, Bryant, Cromer, Hayes, Knotts, Ritchie, Grooms, Peeler, Richardson, Verdin, O'Dell, Hawkins, Fair, Courson, Alexander, Martin, Gregory, Elliott, Hutto, Jackson, Land, Leventis, Lourie, Matthews, McGill, Malloy, Moore, Patterson, Pinckney, Reese, Setzler, Sheheen, Short, Williams and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH

On motion of Senator FORD, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator FORD was added as a co-sponsor of S. 593.

On motion of Senator McCONNELL, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to go into Executive Session.

The following were introduced:

S. 607 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, J. Verne Smith, Anderson, Hayes, Land, Malloy, Ford, Elliott, Richardson, Matthews, Patterson, Grooms, McConnell, Short, Williams, Cleary, Leventis, Martin, Hutto, Scott, Thomas and Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 7 TO TITLE 37 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING IN THIS STATE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS INCLUDING DEFINITIONS, LICENSING REQUIREMENTS, A WRITTEN CONTRACT, A THOROUGH BUDGET ANALYSIS, A TRUST ACCOUNT WITH AT LEAST QUARTERLY ACCOUNTINGS TO THE CONSUMER, A SURETY BOND, A LIMITATION ON FEES, REPORTS TO THE DEPARTMENT, A LIST OF PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES, CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR A VIOLATION, AND MAKING A VIOLATION AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE SUBJECT TO THE UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

S. 608 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE STRONG BELIEF OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE GENOCIDE IN DARFUR, SUDAN, SHOULD BE ENDED AND TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR SPECIFIC STEPS TO ACCOMPLISH THIS PURPOSE.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the General Committee.

S. 609 (Word version) -- Senators Patterson, Jackson, Lourie and Courson: A SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND HONORING MRS. CORINNE B. BURTON ON THE OCCASION OF HER SEVENTY YEARS AS A LOYAL AND OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, A PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATION, AND ACKNOWLEDGING THAT SHE IS A CHARTER MEMBER OF ALPHA XI CHAPTER.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 610 (Word version) -- Senators Fair, Campsen, O'Dell, Scott, Bryant, Cleary, Rankin, Williams, Thomas, Hayes and Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-440, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES THAT INDICATE THAT A PERSON HAS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY CERTAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT ALLOWS CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFICATION AS CLASS II-SCO (DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS) IN ANY COUNTY WITH A PRISON SYSTEM THAT BORDERS ANOTHER STATE TO HOLD A DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUED BY ANY JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO REPLACE IT WITH A PROVISION THAT ALLOWS CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFICATION AS STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS TO HOLD A DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUED BY ANY JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Penology.

S. 611 (Word version) -- Senators Fair, Campsen, O'Dell, Scott, Richardson, Hayes, Williams, Cleary, Thomas and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY AMENDING SECTION 17-1-40, RELATING TO DESTRUCTION OF CRIMINAL RECORDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CUSTODIAN OF THE LOCAL JAIL SHALL DESTROY ONLY THAT INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE MADE PUBLIC PURSUANT TO THE STANDARDS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-9-20.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 612 (Word version) -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF CHIROPRACTORS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY AND ORGANIZATIONAL FRAME WORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL BOARDS IN CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF CHIROPRACTORS, INCLUDING AUTHORIZING THE TREATMENT OF ARTICULATION AND EXTREMITIES AND THE USE OF ACUPUNCTURE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, CLARIFYING THAT ONLY CHIROPRACTORS MAY PERFORM SPINAL ADJUSTMENT AND EXAMINATIONS TO EVALUATE FOR TREATMENT, PROVIDING FOR PRECEPTORSHIP TRAINING, AUTHORIZING DELEGATION OF CERTAIN TREATMENT, ALLOWING OUT-OF-STATE CHIROPRACTORS TO OBTAIN LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT AND TO SERVE AS CONSULTANTS, REQUIRING MALPRACTICE INSURANCE, AUTHORIZING THE BOARD TO OBTAIN CERTAIN MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORDS ON APPLICANTS, AND ESTABLISHING BOARD IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

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.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 614 (Word version) -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Thomas, Fair, O'Dell, Ford, Gregory, Richardson and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-1335 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL SUSPEND A VEHICLE'S REGISTRATION AND NOT REGISTER OR REREGISTER A MOTOR VEHICLE THAT WAS OPERATED WHEN ITS DRIVER FAILED TO PAY A TOLL AND WHOSE OWNER HAS AN OUTSTANDING JUDGMENT FOR FAILURE TO PAY A TOLL ENTERED AGAINST HIM, TO PROVIDE A FIFTY-DOLLAR REINSTATEMENT FEE THAT MUST BE USED TO DEFRAY THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 57-5-1495, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF TOLLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UPON AN ADJUDICATION OF LIABILITY FOR FAILURE TO PAY A TOLL, THE COURT MUST MAIL A COPY OF THE JUDGMENT TO THE VEHICLE'S OWNER OR OPERATOR, TO PROVIDE THAT, IF THE JUDGMENT IS NOT SATISFIED WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME, THE COURT SHALL NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES OF THIS INCIDENT WHICH SHALL SUSPEND THE REGISTRATION OF THE VEHICLE THAT WAS OPERATED WHEN THE TOLL WAS NOT PAID AND DENY THE VEHICLE'S REGISTRATION OR REREGISTRATION UNTIL THE JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED, TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT REFERS TO THE CITATION AS A TRAFFIC CITATION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A "FAILURE

Senator J. VERNE SMITH spoke on the Bill.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 615 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Cleary, Scott, McConnell, Cromer, Grooms, Richardson, Verdin, Sheheen, Bryant, Rankin, Ryberg, Alexander, Hawkins, Thomas, Hayes, Fair, Martin and Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 3, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 11, RELATING TO AGREEMENTS AND RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA GRANTS ITS AUTHORITY DELEGATED BY THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO REGULATE CERTAIN GAMBLING VESSELS PURSUANT TO THE JOHNSON ACT OF 1992, AS AMENDED, 15 U.S.C. SECTIONS 1171 THROUGH 1177, TO COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS MAY PROHIBIT OR REGULATE THE OPERATION OF GAMBLING VESSELS BY ORDINANCE WITHIN THE DELEGATED POWER PROVIDED, TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY AND MUNICIPALITY MAY ASSESS ONLY CIVIL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE THAT CIVIL PENALTIES SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER PASSENGER WITHIN A TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR PERIOD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ASSUMES THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFENDING THE STATE, COUNTY, OR MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT FROM CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES OF THE PROVISIONS HEREIN, TO PROVIDE THAT PASSENGER CRUISE LINERS MEETING CERTAIN CRITERIA ARE EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS HEREIN, AND TO PROVIDE THAT NOTHING IN THIS SECTION MUST BE CONSTRUED TO REPEAL OR MODIFY ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW RELATING TO GAMBLING.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 616 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts, Grooms, Williams, McConnell, Mescher, Matthews, Scott and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-3-155 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR PURPOSES OF PROVISIONS OF LAW REQUIRING THE CESSATION OF ALIMONY AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT UPON THE REMARRIAGE OF THE SUPPORTED SPOUSE, A REMARRIAGE OF THE SUPPORTED SPOUSE WHICH IS LATER ANNULLED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER A NINETY-DAY PERIOD OF CONTINUED COHABITATION SHALL CAUSE THE CESSATION OF ALIMONY OR SPOUSAL SUPPORT.
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Senator KNOTTS spoke on the Bill.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H. 3412 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, Bales, Cotty, Brady, Whipper, Vaughn, Branham, Toole, Taylor, D. C. Smith and Bailey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-17-410, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EMERGENCY ADMISSIONS TO MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF A PATIENT DOES NOT REQUIRE INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT, THE COURT, UPON PROPER NOTICE, SHALL DISMISS THE PETITION FOR COMMITMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-17-430, RELATING TO TAKING PERSONS WHO ARE BELIEVED TO BE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS INTO CUSTODY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ORDER AUTHORIZING SUCH CUSTODY IS VALID ONLY FOR SEVENTY-TWO HOURS; TO ADD SECTION 44-13-05 SO AS TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO TAKE A PERSON WHO THE OFFICER BELIEVES TO BE MENTALLY ILL INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY AND TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 44-17-580, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR JUDICIAL COMMITMENT TO A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY, SO AS TO CLARIFY THESE PROCEDURES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE COURT TO ORDER OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT FOLLOWING IN-PATIENT COMMITMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-24-150, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE FAMILY COURT TO COMMIT CERTAIN CHILDREN FOR PSYCHIATRIC

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

H. 3734 (Word version) -- Reps. Perry, W. D. Smith, Harrell, Wilkins, Cobb-Hunter, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, 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, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO WELCOME INTO THE WORLD MADELINE ANNE MARTIN, DAUGHTER OF JOHN AND CASEY MARTIN OF COLUMBIA, AND TO WISH HER GOOD HEALTH, IMMENSE HAPPINESS, AND EVERY SUCCESS IN THE WORLD AS SHE EMBARKS ON HER LIFE JOURNEY.

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

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

S. 67 (Word version) -- Senators Short, Elliott and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-11-1460 SO AS TO ENACT THE "VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER JOB PROTECTION ACT", PROHIBITING AN EMPLOYER FROM FIRING A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER WHO MISSES TIME AT WORK AS A RESULT OF RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY IN THE COURSE OF PERFORMING HIS DUTIES AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER, ALLOWING THE EMPLOYER TO REQUIRE A WRITTEN STATEMENT AND REASONABLE NOTICE AND TO DEDUCT TIME LOST FROM THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR PAY, TO CREATE A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION FOR VIOLATION OF THIS ACT AND PROVIDE REMEDIES, AND TO MAKE THIS ACT APPLICABLE TO A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER FOR A FIRE AUTHORITY SERVING A POPULATION OF THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED OR LESS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator J. VERNE SMITH from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 117 (Word version) -- Senators Ritchie, Fair and Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-150-350, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION OF THE EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A SCHOLARSHIP RESERVE ACCOUNT, FUNDED BY EXCESS LOTTERY PROCEEDS AND INVESTMENT EARNINGS, FOR THE EXCLUSIVE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING FUNDING OF CERTAIN SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND ASSISTANCES IF CERTIFIED NET LOTTERY PROCEEDS AND INVESTMENT EARNINGS ARE INSUFFICIENT TO FUND THEM, TO DEFINE "EXCESS", AND TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF THE RESERVE TO THREE PERCENT OF THE EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT REVENUE FOR THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 348 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 45-2-70 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE POSTING OF RULES IN LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS, TO REQUIRE THE POSTING OF A NOTICE REQUIRED BY SECTION 45-5-80; TO AMEND CHAPTER 5, TITLE 45 BY ADDING SECTION 45-5-80 TO PROVIDE THAT ALL LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS WITHOUT A SPRINKLER SYSTEM MUST POST A NOTICE IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT OR NEAR THE GUEST REGISTRATION DESK; TO AMEND CHAPTER 5, TITLE 45 BY ADDING SECTION 45-5-90 TO REQUIRE THAT INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT PROVIDE PROPERTY INSURANCE FOR HOTELS THAT HAVE WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS THAT ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION STANDARDS MUST INCLUDE A STATEMENT IN THE INSURED'S INSURANCE RENEWAL NOTICE THAT CALCULATES THE PREMIUM SAVINGS THE INSURED WOULD REALIZE IF THE MOTEL'S SPRINKLER SYSTEM WAS COMPLIANT WITH THOSE STANDARDS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator J. VERNE SMITH from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 483 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews, Knotts, J. Verne Smith, Sheheen, Land, Patterson, Scott, Hutto and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO CHAPTER 127, TITLE 59 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES BOND ACT", WHICH PRESCRIBES THE MANNER IN WHICH AND CONDITION UNDER WHICH SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY MAY ISSUE CERTAIN REVENUE BONDS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 499 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 69, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, SO AS TO CONFORM THE CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 FOR BOARDS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF THE STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, REVISING PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING HEARINGS, PROVIDING FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT, AUTHORIZING STUDENT PRECEPTOR PROGRAMS, AND ESTABLISHING CERTAIN STANDARDS FOR EMERGENCY CARE FACILITIES AND MOBILE CARE REQUIREMENTS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 509 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-7-255 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF PERSONS WHO PRACTICE HAIR BRAIDING, INCLUDING REQUIRING A REGISTRATION FEE, A SIX-HOUR BOARD-APPROVED HAIR BRAIDING COURSE, AND AN EXAMINATION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-7-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF BARBERS, SO AS TO DEFINE "HAIR BRAIDING".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 581 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 14 TO TITLE 41 SO AS TO ENACT THE "BOILER SAFETY ACT" TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS FOR THE SAFE INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF BOILERS IN THIS STATE, INCLUDING STANDARDS FOR

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3026 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, G.M. Smith, Edge, Sandifer, Coates, Kirsh and Bales: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ADOPTION AND PROMULGATION OF CERTAIN BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE MODIFICATIONS PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION DO NOT REQUIRE READOPTION BY THE BUILDING CODES COUNCIL FOR SUBSEQUENT EDITIONS OF THE BUILDING CODES, AND TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO RECONSIDER EXISTING MODIFICATIONS.

H. 3026 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, G.M. Smith, Edge, Sandifer, Coates, Kirsh and Bales: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ADOPTION AND PROMULGATION OF CERTAIN BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE MODIFICATIONS PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION DO NOT REQUIRE

Senator LEATHERMAN asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following amendment (H-3026 AMENDMENT), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 6-9-40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 6-9-40.   (A)   The council is authorized to review, adopt, modify, and promulgate the building codes referenced in Section 6-9-50, provided that:

(1)   a notice of intention to adopt a code or a new edition of a code must be published in the State Register as a Notice of General Interest, on web sites published by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and must be provided to each local building department with instructions for its prominent display.

(2)   the notice must include:

(a)   the address to which interested persons may submit written comments; and

(b)   a period of not less than one hundred eighty days during which comments may be received;

(3)   comments must be assigned to a study committee appointed by the council which shall publish Notice of General Interest in the same manner as provided in item (1) setting out the committee's scope of review. The notice must give instructions for filing an intention to appear before or provide evidence or comments to the committee, or both. The committee must be comprised of at least three people with different technical backgrounds;

(4)   the committee shall hold at least one public meeting, accept evidence and comments, and make a written recommendation to the council. Within one hundred eighty days from the end of the comment

(5)   the council shall promulgate modifications to the building codes referenced in Section 6-9-50 using the provisions of Chapter 23, Title 1 (Administrative Procedures Act); and

(6)   the promulgated code becomes effective on the first day of January or July which is more than six months from the effective day of the regulation.

(B)   Modifications promulgated pursuant to this section do not require readoption by the council for subsequent editions of the building codes. Upon submission of a formal request, existing modifications shall be reconsidered each time a new edition of the building code is considered for adoption by the council."

SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and affects modifications authorized from the 2000 code cycle forward./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The committee amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent, H. 3026 was ordered to receive a third reading on Friday, March 11, 2005.

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

H. 3130 (Word version) -- Reps. Scarborough, Harrell, Vaughn and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 18, TITLE 41, TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RIDER SAFETY ACT" SO AS TO REQUIRE RIDERS OF AMUSEMENT AND CARNIVAL DEVICES TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, TO REPORT INJURIES IN A TIMELY MANNER, TO REQUIRE OWNERS OF SUCH DEVICES TO POST

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3152 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Wilkins, Leach, Littlejohn, Young, Bailey, Battle, Rice, Scarborough, Hinson, Simrill, Mahaffey, Sandifer, Hagood and J.E. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 62 OF TITLE 12, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA MOTION PICTURE INCENTIVE ACT, SO AS TO INCLUDE AN EXEMPTION FROM LOCAL, AS WELL AS STATE, SALES AND USE TAXES, TO DEFINE "EMPLOYEE" FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE PERCENT REBATE ON ALL TAXABLE WAGES PAID IN CONNECTION WITH AN EMPLOYEE'S WORK ON A MOTION PICTURE AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR CLAIMING THE REBATE, TO ALLOW UP TO SEVEN PERCENT OF THE GENERAL FUND PORTION OF ADMISSIONS TAX COLLECTED BY THE STATE AND FUNDED TO THE USE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA FILM COMMISSION TO BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MARKETING AND SPECIAL EVENTS, AND TO PROVIDE, FURTHER, THAT THE COMMISSION REPORT ANNUALLY TO THE COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON USE OF ALL ITS FUNDS IN A PUBLIC REPORT, ACCESSIBLE ON ITS WEBSITE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-920, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SALES TAX ON GROSS PROCEEDS FROM RENTALS ON LODGINGS, SO AS TO DELETE A REBATE TO A MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION COMPANY FOR SALES TAX PAID ON ACCOMMODATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-25, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO THE STATE DEVELOPMENT BOARD; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE SALES AND USE TAX, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXEMPTION FOR THE PROCEEDS OF SALES MADE TO A MOTION PICTURE COMPANY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3234 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Wilkins, Harvin, Walker, J.E. Smith, Altman, Bowers and Bailey: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 11 OF TITLE 55, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO STATE FUNDING OF AIR CARRIER HUB TERMINAL FACILITIES, SO AS TO INCLUDE A FACILITY THAT OPERATES TWO OR MORE SPECIAL, STATE-TAXED PLANES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF SPECIAL CARGO, TO INCLUDE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT THAT IS FUNCTIONALLY RELATED TO AIR CARRIER HUB TERMINAL FACILITIES SATISFYING THE CRITERIA, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE MAY DETERMINE CONCLUSIVELY THAT AN AIRPORT TERMINAL FACILITY QUALIFIES AS AN AIR CARRIER HUB TERMINAL FACILITY, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-41-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOND ACT, SO AS TO INCLUDE AS INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDINGS ON ALL QUALIFYING AIR CARRIER HUB TERMINAL FACILITIES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator ALEXANDER from the Committee on Invitations polled out H. 3269 favorable:

H. 3269 (Word version) -- Reps. Ceips, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, 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, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, 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,

Alexander                 Patterson                 McGill
Reese                     Knotts                    O'Dell
Elliott                   Ford                      Grooms
Verdin                    Campsen

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

S. 606 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE HONORABLE WILLIAM T. CULPEPPER III, STATE REPRESENTATIVE FROM EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA, FOR HIS TRULY DISTINGUISHED CAREER AS A MEMBER OF NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND TO RECOGNIZE HIS DEDICATION TO THE PEOPLE OF BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

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

The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:

S. 598 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen and Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 930 OF 1970, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SCHOOL TRUSTEES FOR KERSHAW COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE THE ELECTION DISTRICTS FROM WHICH THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE ELECTED; AND TO DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH THESE LINES OF THE ELECTION DISTRICTS FOR TRUSTEES ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

By prior motion of Senator SHEHEEN

S. 418 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes and Land: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 54 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE ARTS AWARENESS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

S. 20 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Ritchie, Short, Elliott and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 16, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-911, RELATING TO THE RECORDING OF MOTION PICTURES IN A MOTION PICTURE THEATER, SO AS TO MAKE UNLAWFUL THE RECORDING IN A MOTION PICTURE THEATER OF A MOTION PICTURE WITHOUT CONSENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-11-920, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL RECORDING, SO AS TO CREATE PENALTIES FOR SUCH ACTION.

Senator RITCHIE explained the Bill.

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

S. 205 (Word version) -- Senator Courson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, TO ADD THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE TO THE

S. 286 (Word version) -- Senator Hawkins: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF A SURPLUS NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY IN INMAN, SOUTH CAROLINA, TO THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY DISTRICT ONE SCHOOL BOARD.

S. 363 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, Mescher, Setzler, Ford, Knotts, Malloy, Sheheen, Hutto, Short, Patterson, McGill, Leventis, Scott, Drummond, Land, Matthews, Ryberg, Grooms, Moore, Fair, Verdin, Peeler, Leatherman, Thomas, McConnell, Jackson, Campsen and J. Verne Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-45-75, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS.

S. 490 (Word version) -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5-7-300, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX BY A MUNICIPALITY, SO AS TO MAKE A LIEN FOR MUNICIPAL TAXES WHEN PAYING A LIEN FOR STATE OR COUNTY TAXES, A FIRST LIEN WHEN PAYMENT OF A MUNICIPAL LIEN IS NOT MADE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-51-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A TAX TITLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, IF THE TAX SALE OF AN ITEM PRODUCES MORE CASH THAN THE FULL AMOUNT DUE, THE COVERAGE MUST BE APPLIED TO ANY OUTSTANDING MUNICIPAL TAX LIENS ON THE PROPERTY.

Senator HAYES explained the Bill.

S. 49 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Elliott, Hutto, Leventis, Rankin, Patterson, Land, Short, Richardson, Lourie, McConnell and Courson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-290 SO AS TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR TREATMENT OF MENTAL ILLNESS OR ALCOHOL OR

Senator HAYES asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

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

The Committee on Banking and Insurance proposed the following amendment (DKA\3256MM05), which was adopted:

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

/ SECTION   1.   Chapter 71, Title 38 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 38-71-290.   (A)   As used in this section:

(1)   'Health insurance plan' means a health insurance policy or health benefit plan offered by a health insurer or a health maintenance organization, including a qualified health benefit plan offered or administered by the State or a subdivision or instrumentality of the State, that provides health insurance coverage as defined by Section 38-71-670(6);

(2)   'Mental health condition' means the following psychiatric illnesses as defined by the ' Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), and subsequent editions published by the American Psychiatric Association:

(a)   Bipolar Disorder,

(b)   Major Depressive Disorder,

(c)   Obsessive Compulsive Disorder,

(d)   Paranoid and Other Psychotic Disorder,

(e)   Schizoaffective Disorder,

(f)   Schizophrenia,

(g)   Anxiety Disorder,

(h)   Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and

(i)     Depression in childhood and adolescence.

(3)   'Rate, term, or condition' means lifetime or annual payment limits, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and other cost-sharing requirements, out-of-pocket limits, visit limits, and any other financial component of health insurance coverage that affects the insured.

(4)   'Settings' means either emergency, outpatient, or inpatient care.

(5)   'Modalities' means therapeutic methods or agents including, without limitation, surgery or pharmaceuticals.

(B)   A health insurance plan must provide coverage for treatment of a mental health condition and may not establish a rate, term, or condition that places a greater financial burden on an insured for access to treatment for a mental health condition than for access to treatment for a physical health condition in similar settings and treatment modalities. Any deductible or out-of-pocket limits required under a health insurance plan must be comprehensive for coverage of both mental health and physical health conditions.

(C)   A health insurance plan that does not otherwise provide for management of care under the plan, or that does not provide for the same degree of management of care for all health conditions, may provide coverage for treatment of mental health conditions through a managed care organization if the managed care organization is in compliance with regulations promulgated by the director. The regulations promulgated by the director must ensure that timely and appropriate access to care is available, that the quantity, location, and specialty distribution of health care providers is adequate, and that administrative or clinical protocols do not prevent access to medically necessary treatment for the insured.

(D)   A health insurance plan complies with this section if at least one choice for treatment of mental health conditions provided to the insured within the plan has rates, terms, and conditions that place no greater financial burden on the insured than for access to treatment of physical conditions in similar settings and treatment modalities. The director may disapprove a plan that the director determines to be inconsistent with the purposes of this section.

(E)   To be eligible for coverage under this section for the treatment of mental illness, the treatment must be rendered by a licensed physician, licensed mental health professional, or certified mental health professional in a mental health facility that provides a program for the treatment of a mental health condition pursuant to a written

(F)   The provisions of this section do not:

(1)   limit the provision of specialized medical services for individuals with mental health disorders;

(2)   supersede the provisions of federal law, federal or state Medicaid policy, or the terms and conditions imposed on a Medicaid waiver granted to the State for the provision of services to individuals with mental health disorders; or

(3)   require a health insurance plan to provide rates, terms, or conditions for access to treatment for mental illness that are identical to rates, terms, or conditions for access to treatment for a physical condition."

SECTION   2.   Before July 1, 2008, the Department of Insurance shall report to the General Assembly on:

(1)   an estimate of the impact of this act on health insurance costs;

(2)   actions taken by the department to assure that health insurance plans are in compliance with this act and that quality and access to treatment for mental health conditions provided by the plans are not compromised by providing financial parity for such coverage; and

(3)   identification of any segments of the population of South Carolina that may be excluded from access to treatment for mental health conditions at the level provided by this act, including an estimate of the number of South Carolinians excluded from such access under health benefit plans offered or administered by employers who receive the majority of their annual revenues from contract, grants, or other expenditures by state agencies.

SECTION   3.   The State Employee Insurance Program shall continue to provide mental health parity in the same manner and with the same management practices as included in the plan beginning in 2002, and is not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Insurance.

SECTION   4.   This act does not apply to a health insurance plan that is individually underwritten and does not apply to a health insurance plan provided to a small employer, as defined by Section 38-71-1330(17) of the 1976 Code.

SECTION   5.   This act takes effect June 30, 2006, and applies to health insurance plans issued or renewed on or after the effective date of this act. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HAYES explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

S. 543 (Word version) -- Senator Courson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PALMETTO GIRLS STATE TO USE THE CHAMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2005, AND FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2005.

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

H. 3510 (Word version) -- Reps. McGee, Duncan and Owens: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PALMETTO BOYS STATE TO USE THE CHAMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2005.

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

S. 289 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2420, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COMMERCIAL FUR LICENSES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE LICENSE FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2460, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE TRAPPING OF FURBEARERS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE TYPES OF TRAPS WHICH MAY BE USED; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2475, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A FUR PROCESSOR'S LICENSE, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A LICENSE AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2480, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO ARE NOT REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A FUR BUYER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION; TO

Senator ELLIOTT explained the Bill.

On motion of Senator ELLIOTT, the Bill was carried over.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Senate agreed to dispense with the Motion Period.

S. 83 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Moore, Campsen, Ryberg, O'Dell, Elliott, Alexander, Gregory, Leatherman, Richardson and Bryant: A BILL TO ENACT THE "TORT REFORM ACT OF 2005 RELATING TO MEDICAL MALPRACTICE" BY AMENDING TITLE 15, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CIVIL REMEDIES AND PROCEDURES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 32, SO AS TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE AWARD OF NONECONOMIC DAMAGES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 35, TITLE 15, RELATING TO CIVIL REMEDIES AND PROCEDURES, BY ADDING SECTION 15-35-400, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR OFFERS OF JUDGMENT AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF ANY CIVIL ACTION BASED ON CONTRACT OR SEEKING THE RECOVERY OF MONEY DAMAGES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 36, TITLE 15, RELATING TO CIVIL REMEDIES AND PROCEDURES, BY ADDING SECTION 15-36-100, SO AS TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR EXPERT WITNESSES IN PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE ACTIONS; TO AMEND TITLE 15, RELATING TO CIVIL REMEDIES AND PROCEDURES, BY ADDING CHAPTER 79, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR MANDATORY MEDIATION AND TO PERMIT BINDING ARBITRATION IN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACTIONS; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 79, TITLE 38, RELATING TO THE JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR THE PATIENTS' COMPENSATION FUND, BY ADDING SECTION 38-79-40, SO AS TO PROHIBIT A PERSON SERVING IN THESE AGENCIES FROM BEING EMPLOYED OR COMPENSATED BY EITHER OF THESE AGENCIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-79-460, RELATING TO THE PATIENTS' COMPENSATION FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE FUND SHALL BE MANAGED BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS RATHER THAN THE STATE TREASURER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-79-470, RELATING TO THE PATIENTS' COMPENSATION FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MONEY SHALL BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE FUND UPON SIGNATURE OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-211, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.

Senator McCONNELL spoke on the Bill.

On motion of Senator McCONNELL, the Bill was carried over.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE SPECIAL ORDERS.

S. 305 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, J. Verne Smith, Short, Alexander, Hayes, Moore, Lourie and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA MEDICAID MODERNIZATION ACT" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO ADD ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SHALL IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT MEDICAID CARE MANAGEMENT, AND TO MAKE CERTAIN OTHER CHANGES. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)

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

Senator THOMAS proposed the following Amendment No. P-1 (305R002.DLT), which was adopted:

Amend the committee amendment, as and if amended, page [305-2], by striking lines 16 through 29 and inserting:

//     Amend the bill, page 12, by striking SECTION 6 and inserting:

/   SECTION   6.   Article 1, Chapter 71, Title 38 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 38-71-270.   (A)   The Department of Health and Human Services must be the payer of last resort for every Medicaid beneficiary that has third party health coverage or insurance. Every insurer must pay or every Plan Administrator must authorize payment of benefits for a Medicaid beneficiary with third party health coverage or insurance

(B)   The department is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with insurers to establish mutually agreeable procedures for the exchange of information related to determining whether a Medicaid beneficiary has third party coverage that should pay claims prior to Medicaid. The department must develop technology to allow the determination of third party coverage to be made online. No more than twice a year, the department must provide data tapes containing the names on the Medicaid rolls to every insurer on the Market Share Listing maintained by the Department of Insurance. Within forty-five days of receiving the list of Medicaid recipients, each insurer must identify to the department all of the insurers' subscribers, policyholders, and covered dependents whose names also appear on the Medicaid rolls. Information furnished to the department is limited to that information the department determines is necessary to decide whether benefits are available to Medicaid beneficiaries so that future claims can be cost avoided and previously paid claims may be reimbursed to the department."   /       //

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator PEELER spoke on the amendment.

Senator THOMAS explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (NBD\11314AC05), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting Section 44-6-1310(A) on page 6 and inserting:

/Section 44-6-1310.   (A)   The director of the department periodically shall convene, but not less than quarterly and no more than monthly, meetings of the directors of all state agencies receiving general fund appropriations for the purpose of state matching funds for

(1)   methods to contain the growth of Medicaid spending;

(2)   methods to improve the quality of and recipient satisfaction with Medicaid state agency services;

(3)   opportunities for consolidation and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of existing service delivery;

(4)   opportunities for education and prevention;

(5)   annually the number of persons on waiting lists to receive services and the type of services for each list; and

(6)   the collective priority of critical needs for the Medicaid population. /

Amend the bill, further, by deleting Section 44-6-80(A) on page 9, line 28 through line 40 and inserting:

/(A)   Within six months of the end of the state fiscal year, the department shall submit to the Governor and the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Medical Affairs Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, and House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee an annual report on the status of operations of the Medicaid program for that fiscal year. The report must include, but is not limited to:

(1)   changes to the state's Medicaid plan or other changes requiring federal approval;

(2)   significant policy and procedural changes;

(3)   annual eligibility enrollment; and

(4)   annual total expenditures by service category and the associated administrative expenses. /

Amend the bill further, SECTION 6 of the bill page 13, immediately after line 3 by inserting:

/"Section 38-71-272.   Upon the request of the Department of Health and Human Services, every health insurer doing business in this State shall provide to the department, in a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant format, or in such manner and form as the department may require, information on policyholders and their covered family members sufficient to enable the department to conduct matches that will identify instances of possible dual coverage. This information must be provided to the department for the sole purpose of assisting the department in determining dual coverage of its Medicaid beneficiaries. The disclosure of this information is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act."/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Bill.

Senator MOORE spoke on the Bill.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, S. 305 was ordered to receive a third reading on Friday, March 11, 2005.

On motion of Senator McCONNELL, the seal of secrecy was removed, so far as the same relates to appointments made by the Governor and the following names were reported to the Senate in open session:

Having received a favorable report from the Committee on Corrections and Penology, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, with term to commence March 15, 2005, and to expire March 15, 2011

6th Congressional District:

Dwayne M. Green, Hampton Green, LLC, 602 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, S.C. 29403 VICE Sanco K. Rembert

Having received a favorable report from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Social Work Examiners, with term to commence November 27, 2002, and to expire November 27, 2006

LISW:

Jane Anker, 155 Jefferson Place, Columbia, S.C. 29212 VICE Carl Lee Algood

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Social Work Examiners, with term to commence November 27, 2004, and to expire November 27, 2008

Social Work:

Lynn Melton, Santee Wateree Mental Health Center, 1175 North Guignard Dr., VICE Mary Frances Brown Curlee

Reappointment, South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology, with term to commence March 20, 2004, and to expire March 20, 2009

Nail Technician:

Melanie C. Thompson, 3251 Plattmoor Dr., Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29588

Having received a favorable report from the Committee on Transportation, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, Maritime Security Commission, with term to commence July 31, 2003, and to expire July 31, 2005

Coast Guard Officer - Retired:

Captain Marvin J. Pontiff, USCG (Ret.), Mediterranean Shipping Co., Inc., 550 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29464

Initial Appointment, Maritime Security Commission, with term to commence July 31, 2003, and to expire July 31, 2007

Naval Officer - Retired:

RADM James H. Flatley III, 488 Rice Hope Drive, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29464

At 12:44 P.M., on motion of Senator McCONNELL, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.

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