South Carolina General Assembly
116th Session, 2005-2006
Journal of the Senate

Wednesday, June 1, 2005
(Statewide Session)


Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 10:30 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, what a time to read these words from the Book called Hebrews (10:22):

"Let us draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith."

Let us pray.

Father, You are the God of Grace! You are the God of Glory!

Blessed Lord, Blessed Lord, we have just two days to go... just two days to make the decisions most needed by our people. We bring our burdens to You. Help us to link our needs to Your will!

We claim the promise of the Psalmist when he proclaimed to the ages, "Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you."
Amen!

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

Leave of Absence

At 10:50 A.M., Senator FORD requested a leave of absence beginning at 7:00 P.M. and lasting until 10:00 A.M. Thursday morning.

Leave of Absence

At 11:10 A.M., Senator RANKIN requested a leave of absence beginning at 4:30 P.M. and lasting until 9:00 A.M. Thursday morning.

RECALLED AND READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 4044 (Word version) -- Rep. Ott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-32 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HUNT WATERFOWL IN CALHOUN COUNTY ON CERTAIN PORTIONS OF LAKE MARION WITHIN TWO HUNDRED YARDS OF A RESIDENCE WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE OWNER AND OCCUPANT AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

Senator LAND asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

There was no objection.

The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

On motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent, the Bill was taken up for immediate consideration.

On motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

H. 4044--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator LAND, with unanimous consent, H. 4044 was ordered to receive a third reading on Thursday, June 2, 2005.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 906 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Alexander, Anderson, Bryant, Campsen, Cleary, Courson, Cromer, Drummond, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Gregory, Grooms, Hawkins, Hayes, Hutto, Jackson, Knotts, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Lourie, Malloy, Martin, Matthews, McGill, Mescher, Moore, O'Dell, Patterson, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Richardson, Ritchie, Ryberg, Scott, Setzler, Sheheen, Short, J. Verne Smith, Thomas, Verdin and Williams: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE HONORABLE DAVID HORTON WILKINS OF GREENVILLE FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS SPEAKER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SINCE 1994 AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED STATES TO CANADA.
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Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate have learned with deep and sincere regret that one of the longest serving House Speakers in the country, the Honorable David Horton Wilkins, will retire this year from the House of Representatives to embark on a new venture as the Ambassador of the United States to Canada; and

Whereas, Speaker Wilkins has served his district, Greenville County, and the State of South Carolina with ability and distinction since his first election in 1980; and

Whereas, he and his wife, Susan, are blessed with two wonderful children, James and Robert; and

Whereas, Speaker Wilkins holds an undergraduate degree from Clemson University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has also received honorary degrees from Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, The Citadel, Francis Marion University, and the Medical University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, after serving in the United States Army, Speaker Wilkins returned to Greenville, established a well respected law firm, and played a vital part in the community for more than thirty years; and

Whereas, his public service career began by being elected to represent District Twenty-Four in the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1980. His talents were quickly recognized by his colleagues who chose him to serve six years as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and two years as Speaker Pro Tempore before being elected as the first Republican Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives in a century on December 6, 1994; and

Whereas, during his twenty-five years in the Legislature, Speaker Wilkins' imprint has been on most major reform initiatives enacted by the General Assembly. He was instrumental in crafting the legislation on South Carolina's historic welfare reform and property tax relief packages, the cutting-edge education accountability reform, establishment of LIFE scholarships, as well as reforms to our judicial system, government structure, and truth-in-sentencing laws. He also played a key role in solving many contentious issues facing our State; and

Whereas, throughout his distinguished career, Speaker Wilkins has received numerous awards including the 2004 Excellence in State Legislative Leadership Award from the National Conference of State Legislatures, 2004 Distinguished Service Award from the South Carolina Municipal Association, 2001 Distinguished Service Award from the South Carolina Association of Counties, and the 2000 Palmetto Leadership Award from the South Carolina Policy Council; and

Whereas, Speaker Wilkins is known for his friendship and strong support of President George W. Bush, having served as Co-Chair of the South Carolina Bush for President campaign in 2000 and as State Chairman of the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign. And in 2002, President Bush tapped Speaker Wilkins for a seat on the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy at West Point; and

Whereas, we in the Senate will miss the steadfast leadership that Speaker Wilkins has brought to the Legislature as well as his willingness to listen and ability to act in a fair and responsive manner; and

Whereas, Speaker Wilkins' significant diplomatic and persuasive skills will continue to be utilized as he embarks on his new career as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Canada, and although his presence in the General Assembly will be greatly missed, we are proud that one of the Palmetto State's most prominent citizens has been selected to become our nation's personal representative in Canada. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, commend the Honorable David Horton Wilkins of Greenville for his distinguished service as Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives upon the occasion of his retirement from the House and wish him Godspeed as he becomes the Ambassador of the United States to Canada.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to David H. Wilkins, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

Privilege of the Floor

Senator MARTIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Privilege of the Floor be extended to Speaker Wilkins.

Presentation of Resolution

On behalf of the entire Senate, the PRESIDENT Pro Tempore presented a Resolution to Speaker David Wilkins extending the Senate's congratulations upon his appointment as the new United States Ambassador to Canada and wishing him well in his new career.

Speaker Wilkins addressed the Senate with brief remarks.

S. 907 (Word version) -- Senator Scott: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE NOELLE THOMPSON OF DORCHESTER COUNTY FOR HER IMPRESSIVE FIRST PLACE AWARD IN THE THIRD GRADE CATEGORY OF THE 2005 READING RAINBOW YOUNG WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS CONTEST AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES TO HER IN THE NATIONAL READING RAINBOW COMPETITION AND IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 908 (Word version) -- Senator McGill: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE REBECCA FLEMING FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS AS AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT, MOST RECENTLY AS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ANDRÉ BAUER, AND TO EXTEND TO HER BEST WISHES IN ALL FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 909 (Word version) -- Senators Fair, Bryant, Campsen, Verdin and Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-5-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL IMPLEMENT POLICIES AND A CURRICULUM THAT PROVIDES A QUALITY SCIENCE EDUCATION THAT ADEQUATELY PREPARES STUDENTS TO DISTINGUISH DATA AND TESTABLE THEORIES OF SCIENCE FROM RELIGIOUS OR PHILOSOPHICAL CLAIMS THAT ARE MADE IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

S. 910 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts and Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-33-39 SO AS TO REQUIRE NURSES TO WEAR AN IDENTIFICATION BADGE; TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-32, RELATING TO NURSING LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE TYPE OF DOCUMENT THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR PROOF OF IDENTITY AND AGE; TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-34, RELATING TO THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE AUTHORIZED FOR VARIOUS LEVELS OF NURSING AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN SPECIFIED ACTS OF NURSING, SO AS TO CLARIFY INFORMATION THAT MUST BE PROVIDED BY NURSES WITH PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY WHEN WRITING PRESCRIPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-35, RELATING TO LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUT-OF-STATE NURSES, SO AS TO REVISE THE TYPE OF DOCUMENT THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR PROOF OF IDENTITY AND AGE; TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-36, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF NURSING LICENSES, INCLUDING REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY AND LIMITED LICENSES, SO AS TO ALSO APPLY THESE REQUIREMENTS TO TEMPORARY AND LIMITED LICENSES OF ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-33-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPETENCY FOR INITIAL AND RENEWAL LICENSURE, SO AS TO CLARIFY CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AND TO APPLY CERTAIN OF THESE REQUIREMENTS TO INDIVIDUALS SEEKING REINSTATEMENT OF A LAPSED OR INACTIVE STATUS OR LICENSURE OF A PERSON WHO IS AUTHORIZED TO PRACTICE OUT-OF-STATE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-190, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF COMPLAINTS, HEARINGS, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO ALLEGED VIOLATIONS CONCERNING THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF NURSES, SO AS TO FURTHER CLARIFY THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THESE MATTERS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

S. 911 (Word version) -- Senators Pinckney and Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 584 OF 1946, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WALTERBORO-COLLETON COUNTY AIRPORT COMMISSION, SO AS TO ALLOW THE COLLETON COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION TO APPOINT THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTION OF NEW COMMISSIONERS.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

S. 912 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE ELIANA YVETTE PINCKNEY OF JASPER COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER FIRST BIRTHDAY AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES TO HER FOR CONTINUED GROWTH, HEALTH, AND HAPPINESS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 913 (Word version) -- Senator Anderson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND BISHOP ETHEL M. TALBERT-SPEARMAN, FOUNDER AND PASTOR OF FAITH CATHEDRAL, INC. AND THE BISHOP OF THE LOOK UP AND LIVE MINISTRIES, FOR HER DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE AND HER UNYIELDING COMMITMENT TO THE LORD ALMIGHTY.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 914 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WIILIAM M. MACKIE, JR. UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT LOAN CORPORATION AND EXTEND BEST WISHES TO HIM IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 915 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Matthews and Pinckney: A SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE HONORABLE WILLIAM HARRY CONE, JR. OF COLLETON COUNTY FOR SIXTEEN YEARS OF SERVICE AS MAYOR OF WALTERBORO UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AND TO EXTEND TO HIM BEST WISHES IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 4188 (Word version) -- Reps. Townsend, Agnew, Cooper, Martin, Thompson and White: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-80, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN ANDERSON COUNTY, SO AS TO ADD AND REVISE CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS IN ANDERSON COUNTY, TO REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO CORRECT ARCHAIC LANGUAGE.

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

H. 4190 (Word version) -- Rep. Leach: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-280, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN GREENVILLE COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF GREENVILLE COUNTY, TO REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO CORRECT ARCHAIC LANGUAGE.

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

H. 4221 (Word version) -- Rep. Miller: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HUNT MIGRATORY WATERFOWL IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY IN CERTAIN PORTIONS OF MURRELL'S INLET CREEK WITHIN ONE HUNDRED YARDS OF A RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS.

Read the first time and, on motion of Senator CLEARY, with unanimous consent, H. 4221 was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 4248 (Word version) -- Rep. Edge: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE DIANNA BROUTHERS OF HORRY COUNTY FOR HER SELECTION AND SERVICE AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE REAL ESTATE EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION AND HER SERVICE TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(r), THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(r), AND THE GRAND STRAND ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(r) AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE JUNE 21, 2005, AS "DIANNA BROUTHERS AND THE REAL ESTATE EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION APPRECIATION DAY".

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

H. 4249 (Word version) -- Rep. Barfield: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPON THE DEATH OF HARVEY A. HOUSAND OF HORRY COUNTY ON MAY 23, 2005, AND TO CONVEY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

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

H. 4253 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Coates, G. Brown, J. H. Neal and Weeks: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE OVERPASS LOCATED ON I-95 WHERE IT INTERSECTS WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 527 IN SUMTER COUNTY THE "TROOPER JONATHAN W. PARKER MEMORIAL OVERPASS", AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG I-95.

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

H. 4258 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION ON ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY AND ON THE SERVICES IT HAS PROVIDED TO THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE FOR MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED YEARS, TO EXPRESS THE CONFIDENCE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE ASSOCIATION WILL CONTINUE ITS GREAT TRADITION OF SERVICE UNDER ITS NEW NAME, THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION, AND TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE GRATITUDE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE MEN AND WOMEN AND WHO SERVE AS CAREER AND VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND WHO PROTECT OUR STATE.

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

H. 4259 (Word version) -- Reps. Mack, Breeland, Whipper and R. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE LOCAL SWEETGRASS BASKET MAKERS AS THEY EXHIBIT THIS ANCIENT AFRICAN ART FORM AT THE SWEETGRASS CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL IN MOUNT PLEASANT.

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

H. 4260 (Word version) -- Reps. Parks, 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, 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, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, 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, Wilkins, Witherspoon and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE THE REVEREND DR. WILLIE S. HARRISON OF GREENWOOD COUNTY FOR HIS FAITHFUL SERVICE TO HIS CONGREGATION AND COMMITMENT TO HIS COMMUNITY UPON HIS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY AS PASTOR OF MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH.

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

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Senator RYBERG from the Committee on Transportation polled out H. 3897 favorable:

H. 3897 (Word version) -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, RELATING TO MOTORIST INSURANCE IDENTIFICATION DATABASE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2957, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Poll of the Transportation Committee
Polled 17; Ayes 16; Nays 0; Not Voting 1

AYES

Ryberg                    Land                      Leatherman
McGill                    Rankin                    Grooms
Richardson                Hawkins                   Verdin
Drummond                  Malloy                    Knotts
Short                     Pinckney                  Campsen
Cleary

Total--16

NAYS

Total--0

NOT VOTING

Elliott

Total--1

H. 3897--Read the Second Time

Senator RYBERG asked unanimous consent to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution, the question being the second reading of the Resolution.

Senator RYBERG asked unanimous consent to give the Resolution a second reading.

There was no objection.

The Joint Resolution was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2005

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3741 (Word version) -- Reps. Ballentine, Wilkins, Harrell, Merrill, Ott, Hinson, Mack, Bowers, Taylor, Sinclair, Bales, Norman, Martin, Rutherford, Funderburk, Hiott, Cotty, Harrison, Haley, Govan, Scott, Vick, McGee, Anderson, Hardwick, Frye, W.D. Smith, Leach, J.H. Neal, G.R. Smith, Huggins, Skelton, McLeod, Cato, Witherspoon, Clemmons, Clark, Agnew, Barfield, Bingham, Brady, Branham, J. Brown, Ceips, Chalk, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Duncan, Herbkersman, Howard, Jefferson, Mahaffey, Neilson, Owens, Parks, Pinson, E.H. Pitts, M.A. Pitts, Rice, Sandifer, J.E. Smith, Talley, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, White, Umphlett, Allen, Simrill and Bailey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 43-21-200 SO AS TO ESTABLISH WITHIN THE DIVISION OF AGING THE STATE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM, TO REIMBURSE THE STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS OF PHYSICIANS COMPLETING FELLOWSHIPS IN GERIATRICS OR GEROPSYCHIATRY, WHO CONTRACT TO PRACTICE IN THIS STATE FOR NO FEWER THAN FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS, TO ESTABLISH THE PHYSICIAN ADVISORY BOARD TO ASSIST THE DIVISION IN REVIEWING APPLICATIONS AND PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, AND DUTIES, TO ESTABLISH A LIMIT ON PARTICIPATING PHYSICIANS AND PROVIDE AN ANNUAL AND OVERALL LIMIT OF AMOUNTS THAT MAY BE REIMBURSED, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM CONTRACT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE PROGRAM IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2005

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 4035 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Wilkins, Chellis, Thompson, Cotty, Huggins, Clark, Bales, Neilson, Hosey, J.E. Smith, Frye, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Battle, Bowers, Branham, Cato, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Davenport, Delleney, Hagood, Hardwick, Haskins, J. Hines, Hinson, Kirsh, Leach, Mahaffey, McLeod, Miller, J.H. Neal, Norman, Ott, Owens, Rhoad, Rice, Scarborough, Scott, D.C. Smith, G.R. Smith, Talley, Taylor, Vaughn, Walker, White, Witherspoon and Young: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 45, TITLE 11, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ACT, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A VENTURE CAPITAL AUTHORITY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO SOLICIT INVESTMENT PLANS FOR RAISING AND INVESTING VENTURE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO THE VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ACT AND TO REVISE AND FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS, AND REQUIREMENTS UNDER WHICH VENTURE CAPITAL IS RAISED AND INVESTORS RECEIVE STATE TAX CREDITS FOR THEIR INVESTMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-710, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE VENTURE CAPITAL AUTHORITY, AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MATTERS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO EXEMPT PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND OTHER PROPRIETARY FINANCIAL DATA PROVIDED TO THE VENTURE CAPITAL AUTHORITY BY A DESIGNATED INVESTOR GROUP OR AN INVESTOR.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2005

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 95 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Sheheen, Knotts and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-445, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REGULATION OF UNSOLICITED CONSUMER TELEPHONE CALLS AND SECTION 34-36-40, RELATING TO LOAN BROKERS, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO REQUEST A HEARING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY REQUEST THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION IMPOSE A CIVIL FINE FOR A VIOLATION; TO AMEND SECTION 37-6-106, RELATING TO THE INVESTIGATORY POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY APPLY TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, RATHER THAN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING COMPLIANCE WITH A SUBPOENA; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-6-108 AND 37-6-113, RELATING TO AN ORDER OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR TO REQUEST A HEARING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT AND TO PROVIDE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT'S ORDER AS PROVIDED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT AND THE RULES GOVERNING PRACTICE BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-6-401, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PROVISIONS OF PART 4, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 37 AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT MUST BE RESOLVED IN FAVOR OF THE LATTER; TO AMEND SECTION 37-6-414, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF CASES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO HAS EXHAUSTED ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATOR AND WHO IS AGGRIEVED IS ENTITLED TO BRING A CONTESTED CASE HEARING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-11-100, RELATING TO LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO REQUEST A HEARING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT AND TO PROVIDE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW'S ORDER AS PROVIDED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT AND THE RULES GOVERNING PRACTICE BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-16-70, RELATING TO PREPAID LEGAL SERVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR A HEARING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT BY A PREPAID LEGAL SERVICES COMPANY FOR A VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHAPTER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS MAY ISSUE AN ORDER REQUIRING THE CLUB REPRESENTATIVE TO CEASE AND DESIST FROM THE VIOLATION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CLUB REPRESENTATIVE MAY REQUEST A HEARING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 39-61-100 AND 39-61-130, BOTH RELATING TO MOTOR CLUB SERVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO REQUEST A HEARING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT AND TO PROVIDE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT'S ORDER AS PROVIDED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT AND THE RULES GOVERNING PRACTICE BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-39-150, RELATING TO PAWNBROKERS, SECTIONS 40-58-55, 40-58-80, AND 40-58-90, AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO MORTGAGE LOAN BROKERS, SECTION 40-68-160, RELATING TO REGULATION OF STAFF LEASING SERVICES, SECTION 44-79-80, RELATING TO PHYSICAL FITNESS SERVICES, SECTION 56-28-110, RELATING TO NOTIFICATION OF SUBSEQUENT PURCHASERS OF A REPURCHASED MOTOR VEHICLE, AND SECTIONS 59-102-70 AND 59-102-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF ATHLETE AGENTS, ALL SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR A HEARING BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT AND TO PROVIDE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT'S ORDER AS PROVIDED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT AND THE RULES GOVERNING PRACTICE BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 37-6-415 AND 37-11-110, RELATING TO APPEALS OF DECISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2005

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the Report of the Committee of Conference on:

S. 1 (Word version) -- Senators Ryberg, Hutto, Lourie, Drummond, Land, Moore, Matthews, McGill, O'Dell, Reese, Hayes, Gregory, Jackson, Martin, Rankin, Short, Richardson, Ritchie, Cromer, J. Verne Smith, Leatherman, Fair and Patterson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6450, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A FINE FOR A VIOLATION OF THE LAW MUST NOT BE WAIVED AND TO PROVIDE THAT COURT COSTS, ASSESSMENTS, OR SURCHARGES MAY NOT BE ASSESSED AGAINST A PERSON WHO VIOLATES A PROVISION RELATING TO THE USE OF A CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6525, RELATING TO LIMITS ON THE USE OF CHECKPOINTS OR ROADBLOCKS TO ENFORCE THE STATE'S MANDATORY USE OF SAFETY BELT PROVISIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MUST NOT BE ISSUED A CITATION AT ANY CHECKPOINT ESTABLISHED TO STOP ALL DRIVERS ON A ROAD FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOR REMOVING THEIR SAFETY BELTS IN ORDER TO RETRIEVE DOCUMENTATION THAT MUST BE PRODUCED AT THE CHECKPOINT; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS TO THE MANDATORY USE OF SAFETY BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DRIVER OR OCCUPANT FREQUENTLY STOPPING OR LEAVING A MOTOR VEHICLE FOR PICK UP OR DELIVERY PURPOSES, OCCUPANTS OF THE BACK SEAT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND CERTAIN CHILDREN UNDER SIX YEARS OF AGE ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THE SAFETY BELT REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE SAFETY BELT LAW AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO SAFETY BELT USE MUST BE REPORTED TO THE OFFENDER'S MOTOR VEHICLE INSURER, TO PROVIDE THAT A VEHICLE, DRIVER, OR OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE MUST NOT BE SEARCHED PURSUANT TO THIS PROVISION, TO PROVIDE THAT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MUST NOT ISSUE A CITATION TO A DRIVER OR PASSENGER UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PRIMARY ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS THAT REQUIRE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TO BE RESTRAINED BY A SAFETY BELT, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS PROVISION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A DECISION RENDERED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION; TO ADD SECTION 56-5-6560 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANYTIME A MOTOR VEHICLE IS STOPPED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WITHOUT A CITATION BEING ISSUED OR AN ARREST BEING MADE, THE OFFICER WHO INITIATED THE STOP MUST COMPLETE A DATA COLLECTION FORM THAT CONTAINS CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT MUST BE PLACED IN A DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DATABASE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO WITHHOLD CERTAIN FUNDS FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THAT FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVIEW OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION BY CERTAIN COMMITTEES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO ADD SECTION 56-5-6565 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO CREATE AWARENESS OF THE STATE'S SAFETY BELT LAWS AND TO INCREASE SAFETY BELT USE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-5-6430, RELATING TO EXEMPTING CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE PASSENGERS FROM WEARING A VEHICLE RESTRAINT DEVICE..
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2005

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that 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:

S. 1 (Word version) -- Senators Ryberg, Hutto, Lourie, Drummond, Land, Moore, Matthews, McGill, O'Dell, Reese, Hayes, Gregory, Jackson, Martin, Rankin, Short, Richardson, Ritchie, Cromer, J. Verne Smith, Leatherman, Fair and Patterson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6450, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A FINE FOR A VIOLATION OF THE LAW MUST NOT BE WAIVED AND TO PROVIDE THAT COURT COSTS, ASSESSMENTS, OR SURCHARGES MAY NOT BE ASSESSED AGAINST A PERSON WHO VIOLATES A PROVISION RELATING TO THE USE OF A CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6525, RELATING TO LIMITS ON THE USE OF CHECKPOINTS OR ROADBLOCKS TO ENFORCE THE STATE'S MANDATORY USE OF SAFETY BELT PROVISIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MUST NOT BE ISSUED A CITATION AT ANY CHECKPOINT ESTABLISHED TO STOP ALL DRIVERS ON A ROAD FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOR REMOVING THEIR SAFETY BELTS IN ORDER TO RETRIEVE DOCUMENTATION THAT MUST BE PRODUCED AT THE CHECKPOINT; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS TO THE MANDATORY USE OF SAFETY BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DRIVER OR OCCUPANT FREQUENTLY STOPPING OR LEAVING A MOTOR VEHICLE FOR PICK UP OR DELIVERY PURPOSES, OCCUPANTS OF THE BACK SEAT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND CERTAIN CHILDREN UNDER SIX YEARS OF AGE ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THE SAFETY BELT REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE SAFETY BELT LAW AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO SAFETY BELT USE MUST BE REPORTED TO THE OFFENDER'S MOTOR VEHICLE INSURER, TO PROVIDE THAT A VEHICLE, DRIVER, OR OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE MUST NOT BE SEARCHED PURSUANT TO THIS PROVISION, TO PROVIDE THAT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MUST NOT ISSUE A CITATION TO A DRIVER OR PASSENGER UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PRIMARY ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS THAT REQUIRE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TO BE RESTRAINED BY A SAFETY BELT, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS PROVISION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A DECISION RENDERED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION; TO ADD SECTION 56-5-6560 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANYTIME A MOTOR VEHICLE IS STOPPED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WITHOUT A CITATION BEING ISSUED OR AN ARREST BEING MADE, THE OFFICER WHO INITIATED THE STOP MUST COMPLETE A DATA COLLECTION FORM THAT CONTAINS CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT MUST BE PLACED IN A DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DATABASE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO WITHHOLD CERTAIN FUNDS FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THAT FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVIEW OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION BY CERTAIN COMMITTEES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO ADD SECTION 56-5-6565 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO CREATE AWARENESS OF THE STATE'S SAFETY BELT LAWS AND TO INCREASE SAFETY BELT USE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-5-6430, RELATING TO EXEMPTING CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE PASSENGERS FROM WEARING A VEHICLE RESTRAINT DEVICE..
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 31, 2005

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Hinson, Cobb-Hunter and McGee to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

H. 3006 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, Harrell, W.D. Smith, J. Brown, Cato, Chellis, Harrison, Townsend, Witherspoon, Bailey, G.R. Smith, Vaughn, Davenport, Sandifer, Barfield, Young, Owens, Kirsh, Leach, E.H. Pitts, Battle, Viers, Clyburn, Littlejohn, Taylor, Rice, Hinson, Clark, Walker, Bales, Cobb-Hunter, Simrill, Chalk, Duncan, Stewart, Talley, Harvin, J.E. Smith, Altman, Skelton, Mahaffey, Vick, Hagood, Martin, Neilson and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 63 TO TITLE 12 SO AS TO ENACT THE 2005 JOBS CREATION ACT, PROVIDING FOR A CREDIT OF UP TO TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT AGAINST THE STATE INCOME TAX THE AMOUNT INVESTED BY AN INVESTOR IN THE EQUITY, NEAR-EQUITY, OR SEED CAPITAL OF A QUALIFIED BUSINESS, TO DEFINE "QUALIFIED BUSINESS" AND PROVIDE THAT THE COORDINATING COUNCIL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE HAS SOLE DISCRETION TO MAKE DETERMINATIONS OF "QUALIFIED BUSINESS", TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR CLAIMING THE CREDIT INCLUDING ANNUAL REGISTRATION AND FEE PAYMENTS, TO REQUIRE THAT APPLICATIONS INCLUDE INFORMATION AS TO THE APPLICANT'S STATUS AS A SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS, TO PROVIDE FOR REVOCATION OF THE CREDIT AND RECAPTURE OF THE TAX OTHERWISE DUE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESERVATION OF TWO MILLION DOLLARS OF THE CREDIT CAP FOR CERTAIN CITED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS; BY ADDING ARTICLE 10 TO CHAPTER 37 OF TITLE 33 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A CAPITAL ACCESS PROGRAM PROVIDING FOR FLEXIBILITY IN THE MAKING OF LOANS BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO SMALL BUSINESSES WHO FAIL TO QUALIFY FOR CONVENTIONAL OR OTHER GUARANTEED OR ASSISTED FINANCING, AND TO PROVIDE FOR FUNDING OF A LOAN LOSS RESERVE TO REPAY PARTICIPATING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WHO SUFFER A LOSS ON A LOAN, ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM BY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING LOAN RECIPIENTS, RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF RESERVE FUNDS UPON TERMINATION OF INSTITUTIONAL PARTICIPATION OR THE CAPITAL ACCESS PROGRAM ITSELF; TO AMEND SECTION 33-37-460, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON A LOAN TO A CORPORATION BY A MEMBER, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REFERENCE TO THE LOAN CALL AGREEMENT AND TO DISALLOW A LOAN WHICH RESULTS IN OBLIGATIONS THAT EXCEED TEN TIMES THE GREATER OF THE NET WORTH OF THE CORPORATION OR THE AMOUNT PAID IN ON OUTSTANDING CAPITAL STOCK; TO AMEND SECTION 33-37-465, RELATING TO A SHORT-TERM LOAN TO A CORPORATION BY A MEMBER, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS DO NOT APPLY TO A SHORT-TERM LOAN; BY ADDING SECTION 12-2-110 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A FIVE-YEAR SUNSET PROVISION FOR TAX INCENTIVES ENACTED AFTER THIS ACT AND FOR EXCEPTIONS AND REVIEW; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DETERMINATION OF A NEXUS WITH THIS STATE FOR PURPOSES OF INCOME TAX AND CORPORATE LICENSE FEE IN CONNECTION WITH A DISTRIBUTION FACILITY AND TO DEFINE "DISTRIBUTION FACILITY"; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3362 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TAX CREDIT IN CONNECTION WITH HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HIRING OF NEW EMPLOYEES; BY ADDING SECTION 12-36-2690 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DETERMINATION OF A NEXUS WITH THIS STATE FOR SALES AND USE TAX PURPOSES IN CONNECTION WITH A DISTRIBUTION FACILITY AND TO DEFINE "DISTRIBUTION FACILITY"; TO AMEND CHAPTER 62 OF TITLE 12, 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; 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; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO ALLOW THE CREDIT TO AN EMPLOYER WHO INCREASES EMPLOYMENT BY FIVE, INSTEAD OF TEN, NEW FULL-TIME JOBS; AND TO MAKE THIS ACT APPLICABLE TO TAXABLE YEARS BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2006.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

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

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The following Bill was read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3730 (Word version) -- Reps. Lucas, Cotty, Sinclair, Loftis and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-19-560 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UPON AN OWNER OF A MANUFACTURED HOME MEETING ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR RETIRING THE TITLE CERTIFICATE ON HIS MANUFACTURED HOME AND HAVING THE MANUFACTURED HOME AND THE REAL PROPERTY TO WHICH IT IS AFFIXED CLASSIFIED AS REAL PROPERTY, THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OR CLERK OF COURT IN THE COUNTY WHERE IT IS LOCATED MUST TREAT THIS PROPERTY FOR ALL PURPOSES AS REAL PROPERTY AND MAY NOT IN ANY PARTICULARS STILL TREAT THE MANUFACTURED HOME AS PERSONAL PROPERTY.

HOUSE BILLS RETURNED

H. 3400 (Word version) -- Rep. Anthony: A BILL TO ABOLISH THE LOCKHART SCHOOL DISTRICT HEALTH COMMISSION IN UNION COUNTY AND TO REPEAL ACT 1171 OF 1948 ESTABLISHING THIS HEALTH COMMISSION.

On motion of Senator PEELER

The following House Bills and Joint Resolution were read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:

H. 3107 (Word version) -- Reps. M.A. Pitts, Viers, Taylor, Mahaffey, Duncan and Umphlett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR TWO ADDITIONAL LAY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, ONE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE AND ONE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

H. 3325 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 61-4-1115, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN AN IMPORTER AND A FOREIGN BREWER, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT A FOREIGN BREWER INCLUDES ITS SUCCESSOR OR ASSIGNEE.

H. 3799 (Word version) -- Rep. Cooper: A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STATE AGENCIES TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL ACCOUNT TO FUND THE AGENCY'S NONRECURRING IMPLEMENTATION EXPENSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENTERPRISE INFORMATION SYSTEM AND PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND MONITORING OF THESE ACCOUNTS.

H. 3250 (Word version) -- Reps. White, Weeks, Hamilton, Leach, Walker, Davenport, Mahaffey, Young and Allen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 25 TO TITLE 37 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR LIMITATIONS ON THE DISPENSING OF OPHTHALMIC LENSES WITHOUT A VALID UNEXPIRED PRESCRIPTION FROM A LICENSED DISPENSER, TO PROVIDE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A PRESCRIPTION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A CIVIL PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION AND ENFORCEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS.

H. 3778 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, Wilkins, Cato, W.D. Smith, Merrill, Jennings, J.E. Smith and Chellis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 15-38-15 SO AS TO PROVIDE IN AN ACTION TO RECOVER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM PERSONAL INJURY, WRONGFUL DEATH, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, OR TO RECOVER DAMAGES FOR ECONOMIC LOSS OR NONECONOMIC LOSS, JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY DOES NOT APPLY TO A DEFENDANT WHO IS LESS THAN FIFTY PERCENT AT FAULT; TO PROVIDE FOR APPORTIONMENT OF PERCENTAGES OF FAULT AMONG DEFENDANTS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION DO NOT APPLY TO A DEFENDANT WHOSE CONDUCT IS WILFUL, WANTON, RECKLESS, GROSSLY NEGLIGENT, INTENTIONAL, OR CONDUCT INVOLVING THE USE, SALE, OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL OR ILLICIT DRUGS.

AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME
RETURNED TO THE HOUSE

H. 3905 (Word version) -- Rep. Chellis: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 11, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE AUDITOR, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, AND OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE AUDITOR INCLUDING THE USE OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRMS AND GENERALLY ACCEPTED AUDITING STANDARDS TO PERFORM AUDITS OF STATE AGENCIES AND ENTITIES, THE STATE'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FEDERAL PROGRAM COMPLIANCE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPLIANCE IN COLLECTING AND REMITTING FINES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR DISSEMINATION OF AUDIT REPORTS, INDEPENDENCE AND OBJECTIVITY OF THE AUDIT FUNCTION, AND THE USE OF A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM TO CONDUCT A PORTION OF THE AUDIT OF THE STATE'S COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT, THE COST OF WHICH IS SHARED EQUITABLY AMONG STATE AGENCIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-11-20, RELATING TO DIVISIONS OF THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD; 2-7-62 AND 2-7-69, BOTH RELATING TO REPORTS MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSIDERATION OF THE GENERAL APPROPRIATION ACT; 8-11-135, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PAYMENT OF MOVING EXPENSES OF NEW STATE EMPLOYEES; 10-1-140, AS AMENDED, AND 10-3-30, BOTH RELATING TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY; 11-9-110 AND 11-9-125, AS AMENDED, BOTH RELATING TO USE OF CONTRIBUTED FUNDS; 11-11-420, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH STATE PERMANENT EMPLOYEES LIMITATION; 11-35-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STATE CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE; 11-39-50, RELATING TO OIL OVERCHARGE FUNDS; 11-49-100, RELATING TO REPORTING BY THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT REVENUE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY; 12-28-2725, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUDIT OF THE STATE'S REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITIES; 20-7-5020 AND 20-7-9710, AS AMENDED, BOTH RELATING TO THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND AND FIRST STEPS TO SCHOOL READINESS, RESPECTIVELY; 23-47-50, AS AMENDED, AND 23-47-65, AS AMENDED, BOTH RELATING TO THE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM; 25-21-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND; 38-79-470, RELATING TO THE MEDICAL MALPRACTICE FUND; 43-33-320, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY SYSTEM FOR THE HANDICAPPED, INC.; 44-96-165, RELATING TO SOLID WASTE TRUST FUNDS; 46-17-380, RELATING TO THE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES MARKETING BOARD; 48-5-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE WATER QUALITY REVOLVING FUND AUTHORITY; 49-6-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT TRUST FUND; 50-3-760, 50-3-950, AND 50-11-20, AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO FUNDS ESTABLISHED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; 52-5-110, RELATING TO THE SPRINGDALE FUND; 56-10-660, RELATING TO THE DISCLOSURE OF MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE DATABASE INFORMATION; 59-2-100, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA INVESTMENT PROGRAM; 59-4-70, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA TUITION PREPAYMENT PROGRAM; 59-109-170, RELATING TO THE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY; AND 59-150-90 AND 59-150-320, BOTH RELATING TO THE EDUCATION LOTTERY COMMISSION, ALL SO AS TO CONFORM THOSE SECTIONS TO, AND OTHERWISE TO REFLECT THE CHANGES TO, THE STATE AUDITOR'S DUTIES AS DESCRIBED IN CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 11; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 1-7-408, RELATING TO THE REPORTING OF EXPENDITURES BY A COUNTY SOLICITOR, AND SECTION 51-22-40, RELATING TO AN AUDIT OF THE LEGACY TRUST FUND.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the previously proposed amendment.

Senators PINCKNEY, FORD and GROOMS proposed the following amendment (3905-PINCKNEY), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 20, after line 30, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

/     SECTION   __.   Section 12-36-2120 is amended by adding an appropriately numbered paragraph at the end to read:

"( )   Sweetgrass Baskets made by artist of South Carolina using locally grown sweetgrass."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator ALEXANDER explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the third time, passed and ordered returned to the House of Representatives with amendments.

THIRD READING BILLS

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

S. 810 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, J. Verne Smith, Leventis, Hawkins, Fair, Anderson and Ryberg: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-3-750 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SEIZURE AND IMPOUNDMENT OF A DANGEROUS ANIMAL, TO PROVIDE THAT ANY DANGEROUS ANIMAL THAT ATTACKS A HUMAN BEING OR DOMESTIC ANIMAL MUST BE SEIZED AND IMPOUNDED WHILE ANY PROCEEDING PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE IS PENDING.

S. 592 (Word version) -- Senator Moore: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-111-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FREE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, OR TECHNICAL COLLEGE TUITION FOR CERTAIN VETERANS' CHILDREN, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CHILD OF CERTAIN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED SERVICES ALSO QUALIFY FOR FREE TUITION.

SECOND READING BILL

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

H. 4157 (Word version) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION-BOARD OF DENTISTRY, RELATING TO GUIDELINES FOR SEDATION AND GENERAL ANESTHESIA, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2961, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

By prior motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent

AMENDMENT PROPOSED, READ THE SECOND TIME
CARRYING OVER ALL AMENDMENTS TO THIRD READING

H. 3847 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND SHALL CONSIST NOT ONLY OF THREE PERCENT OF THE GENERAL FUND REVENUE OF THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR BUT ALSO THE FIRST TEN PERCENT OF ANY SURPLUS GENERAL FUND REVENUES ACCRUING FOR ANY FISCAL YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-320, RELATING TO THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO REVISE WHEN APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND TAKE EFFECT; BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-335 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING JULY 1, 2005, SURPLUS GENERAL FUND REVENUES FOR ANY FISCAL YEAR NOT OTHERWISE OBLIGATED AND APPROPRIATIONS TO THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND ARE DEEMED TO HAVE OCCURRED AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR EXPENDITURE AFTER SEPTEMBER FIRST OF THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR AND AFTER THE STATE'S FINANCIAL BOOKS FOR THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR HAVE BEEN CLOSED; BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-345 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING JULY 1, 2006, IF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL DETERMINES UPON THE CLOSING OF THE STATE'S FINANCIAL BOOKS FOR A FISCAL YEAR THAT THE STATE HAS A NEGATIVE GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FUND BALANCE (GAAP FUND DEFICIT), ANY APPROPRIATIONS CONTAINED IN A GENERAL OR SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT WHICH EXPENDS SURPLUS GENERAL FUND REVENUES OR IN A CAPITAL RESERVE FUND APPROPRIATIONS ACT TO BE EFFECTIVE DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR ARE SUSPENDED AND MUST BE USED TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO OFFSET THE GAAP FUND DEFICIT IN THE MANNER THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PROVIDE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-350 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH STATE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION, OR ENTITY RECEIVING IN THE AGGREGATE THREE PERCENT OR MORE OF THE STATE'S GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS FOR ANY FISCAL YEAR SHALL PROVIDE TO THE OFFICE OF STATE BUDGET AN ESTIMATE OF ITS PLANNED GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES FOR THE NEXT THREE FISCAL YEARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS DATA, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BOARD OF ECONOMIC ADVISORS' LONG-TERM REVENUE ESTIMATE, SHALL BE COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF STATE BUDGET INTO A THREE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN THAT WILL ASSIST THE STATE IN DETERMINING AND PLANNING FOR ITS LONG-TERM FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the previously proposed amendment.

On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the amendment was carried over.

Senator CAMPSEN asked unanimous consent to take up Amendment No. 7 for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

Amendment No. 7

Senators LEATHERMAN, CAMPSEN and CROMER proposed the following amendment (BBM\10968MM05):

Amend the bill, as amended by Senate Finance Committee Report (3847.R001.HKL) adopted 5/26/05, as and if amended by inserting an appropriately numbered SECTION immediately after the enacting words at line 23 the following:

/ SECTION   .   Section 11-11-320(D)(1) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 385 of 1988, is further amended to read:

"(D)(1)   Any appropriation of monies from the Capital Reserve Fund as provided in subsection (C) of this section must be ranked in priority of expenditure and is effective thirty days after completion of the fiscal year on September first of the following fiscal year. If it is determined that the fiscal year has ended with an operating deficit, then the monies appropriated from the Capital Reserve Fund must be reduced by the State Budget and Control Board based on the rank of priority, beginning with the lowest priority, to the extent necessary and applied by the board to the year-end operating deficit before withdrawing monies from the General Reserve Fund." /

Amend the bill further by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION at the end to read:

/ SECTION   .   A.   The first ten percent of any surplus General Fund Revenues must be applied to fully restore all funds previously transferred and appropriated from any earmarked or restricted accounts classified as trust funds in the Statewide Accounting and Reporting System (STARS). The trust accounts and subfunds that are the subject of this SECTION are included among those identified in (a) Part 1B, Section 72.109 of the 2001-02 Appropriations Act; (b) Part 1B, Sections 72.97 and 72.98 of the 2002-03 Appropriations Act; (c) Part 1B, Section 73.2 of the 2003-04 Appropriations Act; and (d) Part 1B, Section 73.8 of the 2004-05 Appropriations Act. From among the accounts and subfunds identified within these Appropriations Act sections, the Waste Tire Grant Trust Fund, the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund, and the Recreation Land Trust Fund must be designated for fund restoration in the same manner as those designated as trust accounts pursuant to STARS. The Office of State Budget shall certify each fiscal year the accounts and subfunds that must be replenished and the amount that must be restored to each of the designated accounts and subfunds. All of the funds previously transferred out of these trust accounts beginning in fiscal year 2001-02 shall be restored to each trust account on a pro rata basis.

B.   This SECTION takes effect July 1, 2006, and applies to any surplus general fund revenues reported by the Comptroller General beginning in fiscal year 2006-2007 and thereafter. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.

Senator MOORE asked unanimous consent to give the Bill a second reading, carrying over all amendments to third reading.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator MOORE, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to accept further amendments on third reading.

READ THE SECOND TIME
CARRYING OVER ALL AMENDMENTS TO THIRD READING

H. 3813 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 25-1-3235 AND 25-1-3240, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE NATIONAL GUARD PENSION FUND AND ELIGIBILITY FOR THE NATIONAL GUARD PENSION AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF PENSIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AS TRUSTEE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD PENSION FUND AND PROVIDE FOR THE INVESTMENT OF ITS FUNDS AS THE FUNDS OF OTHER STATE RETIREMENT FUNDS ARE INVESTED, PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THOSE PENSIONS BY THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND PROVIDE FOR THE EXPENSES OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE PAID FROM EARNINGS.

Senator ALEXANDER asked unanimous consent to give the Bill a second reading, carrying over all amendments to third reading.

There was no objection.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to accept further amendments on third reading.

OBJECTION

S. 821 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR A STATEWIDE ADVISORY REFERENDUM TO BE HELD AT THE SAME TIME AS THE 2006 GENERAL ELECTION TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THIS STATE FAVOR CHANGING THE STARTING DATE FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF THIS STATE.

Senator RANKIN explained the Joint Resolution.

Senator LEVENTIS objected to further consideration of the Resolution.

ADOPTED

S. 905 (Word version) -- Senator Short: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE ALONG SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 215 THAT CROSSES THE CSX RAILROAD TRACKS IN UNION COUNTY THE "LOUIE JACOB DEHART MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "LOUIE JACOB DEHART MEMORIAL BRIDGE".

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

CARRIED OVER

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.

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

RATIFICATION OF ACTS

Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on June 1, 2005, at 11:30 A.M. and the following Acts and Joint Resolutions were ratified:

(R137, S. 27 (Word version)) -- Senators Leatherman and Elliott: AN ACT TO AMEND CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-4-36 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE NOTIFICATION OF A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY BY THE TOURISM EXPENDITURE REVIEW COMMITTEE IF THE COMMITTEE FINDS AN EXPENDITURE TO BE IN NONCOMPLIANCE, TO PROVIDE FOR A PROCEDURE FOR REFUNDING THE AMOUNT FOUND IN NONCOMPLIANCE, TO PROVIDE FOR ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AGAINST A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY THAT DOES NOT REFUND THE NONCOMPLIANT AMOUNT, TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CERTIFICATION BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY TO THE COMMITTEE THAT NONCOMPLIANT AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN REFUNDED, TO PROVIDE THE FISCAL YEARS TO WHICH THE ABOVE PROVISIONS APPLY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION IS REPEALED JUNE 30, 2006.
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(R138, S. 307 (Word version)) -- Senators Peeler, Verdin, Cromer, Ryberg, Knotts, Alexander and Thomas: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-1885 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN IT IS LAWFUL TO DRIVE A VEHICLE IN THE LEFT LANE OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, AND TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A TRAFFIC TICKET MAY BE ISSUED FOR THE VIOLATION OF THIS PROVISION.
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(R139, S. 347 (Word version)) -- Senators Lourie, Jackson, Mescher, Ford, Knotts, Cleary, Scott, Short, Patterson, Land, Cromer, Elliott, Ryberg, Grooms and Gregory: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-25-210 SO AS TO MAKE IT A CRIME TO DEFACE, VANDALIZE, TAMPER WITH, OR REMOVE A LAWFULLY PLACED POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SIGN PRIOR TO THE ELECTION, TO PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION.
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(R140, S. 352 (Word version)) -- Senator Grooms: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 57-23-810 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PORTION OF ROADSIDE VEGETATION ADJACENT TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 95 IN COLLETON COUNTY BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 52 AND 54 MAY BE MOWED BEYOND THIRTY FEET FROM THE PAVEMENT.
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(R141, S. 610 (Word version)) -- Senators Fair, Campsen, O'Dell, Scott, Bryant, Cleary, Rankin, Williams, Thomas, Hayes and Cromer: AN ACT 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 SUBSTITUTE THE TERM "STATE DRIVER'S LICENSE" FOR THE TERM "SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER'S LICENSE", 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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(R142, H. 3244 (Word version)) -- Rep. Talley: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 2-1-230 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN AGENCY REQUIRED BY LAW TO REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PREPARE ITS REPORT AND TRANSMIT ITS REPORT TO THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE PRINTING, INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (LPITS) AND TO THE STATE LIBRARY AND LPITS SHALL NOTIFY THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE.
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(R143, H. 3305 (Word version)) -- Reps. J.E. Smith, Bales, Scott, Rutherford, Cotty, Ballentine, Bingham, Brady, J. Brown, Haley, Harrison, Hayes, J. Hines, Howard, Jennings, J.H. Neal, Neilson, Toole, Viers, Harrell, Ceips, Duncan, Walker, Mahaffey, Chellis and Whipper: AN ACT 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.
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(R144, H. 3412 (Word version)) -- Reps. Harrison, Bales, Cotty, Brady, Whipper, Vaughn, Branham, Toole, Taylor, D.C. Smith and Bailey: AN ACT 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 THE OFFICER BELIEVES TO BE MENTALLY ILL OR CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT, WHO POSES A LIKELIHOOD TO CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO HIMSELF OR OTHERS, INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY AND TO TRANSPORT THE PERSON TO A LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH CENTER OR CRISIS STABILIZATION PROGRAM FOR EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR A CENTER OR PROGRAM TO HOLD SUCH A PERSON; TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY, TO DEFINE "CRISIS STABILIZATION PROGRAM", TO PROVIDE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH PERSONS MAY BE TRANSPORTED BEYOND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S JURISDICTION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH CENTERS AND PROGRAMS EXTEND TO THOSE IN ADJOINING OR THE NEAREST COUNTIES; 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 EVALUATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT MAY ORDER THAT SUCH AN EVALUATION BE CONDUCTED BY A COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER, THAT IF AN IN-PATIENT EVALUATION IS RECOMMENDED, THE COURT MAY COMMIT THE CHILD TO A DESIGNATED HOSPITAL FOR UP TO FIFTEEN DAYS FOR SUCH AN EVALUATION AND TO PROVIDE THAT NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO A VICTIM OF A CHILD ORDERED TO A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY FOR EVALUATION WHEN THE CHILD IS TRANSFERRED TO OR DISCHARGED FROM THE FACILITY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-52-50, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY ADMISSIONS FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT IF A COURT ISSUES AN ORDER TO TAKE A PERSON IN NEED OF SUCH TREATMENT INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY, THE ORDER IS VALID ONLY FOR SEVENTY-TWO HOURS.
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(R145, H. 3479 (Word version)) -- Rep. Davenport: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 87, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CRITERIA FOR ISSUANCE OF ASBESTOS ABATEMENT LICENSES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "ASBESTOS ABATEMENT ENTITY" AND "ASBESTOS PROJECT"; TO DELETE PROVISIONS ESTABLISHING LICENSURE FEES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH SUCH FEES IN REGULATION SUFFICIENT TO COVER REASONABLE COSTS OF ADMINISTERING THE ASBESTOS PROGRAM AND TO DEFINE "COSTS"; AND TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM CIVIL PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS FROM ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.
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(R146, H. 3503 (Word version)) -- Reps. Limehouse and Scarborough: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-2010, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATES ISSUED TO MEMBERS OF FEDERAL COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS EXPIRE JANUARY THIRTY-FIRST EACH YEAR IN WHICH A NEW SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS.
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(R147, H. 3614 (Word version)) -- Reps. Wilkins and Harrison: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1315, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR WITHHOLDING WAGES TO SECURE PAYMENT OF SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS, INCLUDING COLLECTION AND DISBURSEMENT OF THE WITHHELD WAGES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1440, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FAMILY COURT FEES, COSTS, AND ALLOWANCES, INCLUDING THE FIVE PERCENT ADDITIONAL FEE ADDED TO CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS FOR COURT COSTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PAYOR OF THIS ADDITIONAL FIVE PERCENT AGREES, BY PAYING THROUGH THE COURT OR A CENTRALIZED SYSTEM, THAT THIS PAYMENT IS FOR SATISFACTION OF COURT COSTS, AGREES THAT IT IS NOT CHILD SUPPORT, AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL LAW, AND AGREES TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PAYMENT TO THE STATE FOR COURT COSTS.
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(R148, H. 3646 (Word version)) -- Reps. Parks, J.H. Neal, Allen, Davenport, Frye, Jefferson, Lee, Limehouse, Mack, Pinson, M.A. Pitts and F.N. Smith: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF NURSES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "ATTENDANT CARE SERVICES" AND "HEALTH MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CIRCUMSTANCES TO WHICH THE CHAPTER DOES NOT APPLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHAPTER MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED TO PROHIBIT AN UNLICENSED PERSON FROM PROVIDING ATTENDANT CARE SERVICES, WHICH ENABLE A PERSON TO REMAIN AT HOME AND WHICH ENABLE A PERSON TO CARRY OUT FUNCTIONS OF DAILY LIVING.
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(R149, H. 3650 (Word version)) -- Reps. W.D. Smith, Hagood and McLeod: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-750, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BROWNFIELDS VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS ENTERED INTO BY OR ON BEHALF OF A NONRESPONSIBLE PARTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A NONRESPONSIBLE PARTY IS NOT LIABLE FOR THIRD PARTY CLAIMS AND TO FURTHER SPECIFY TO WHOM THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY APPLIES.
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(R150, H. 3768 (Word version)) -- Rep. Kirsh: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-36-140 AND 12-36-2120, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BOTH RELATING TO THE SALES AND USE TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN PROMOTIONAL ADVERTISING DISTRIBUTIONS BY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS BUREAUS; BY ADDING SECTION 12-28-1400 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE REPORTING THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE REQUIRES BY REGULATION FOR PURPOSES OF THE USER FEE ON MOTOR FUELS AND PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL CIVIL PENALTY FOR VIOLATORS; BY ADDING SECTION 12-54-123 SO AS TO PROTECT FROM LIABILITY A PERSON WHO SURRENDERS THE PROPERTY OF ANOTHER LEVIED ON BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; BY ADDING CHAPTER 55 TO TITLE 12, ENACTING THE OVERDUE DEBT COLLECTION ACT AUTHORIZING THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO IMPOSE A COLLECTION ASSISTANCE FEE ON CERTAIN OVERDUE TAX DEBTS EQUAL TO TWENTY PERCENT OF THE OVERDUE AMOUNT AND TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT TO RETAIN A PORTION OF THE COLLECTION ASSISTANCE FEE FOR ITS OPERATION; BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-725 SO AS TO ALLOW A LICENSED WINERY TO SELL, DELIVER, AND PERMIT ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION ON SUNDAYS IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE MINIBOTTLE SALES ARE ALLOWED ON SUNDAYS; TO AMEND SECTION 6-1-320, RELATING TO THE LIMITS ON ANNUAL INCREASES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE METHOD OF CALCULATING THE ALLOWED CONSUMER PRICE INDEX INCREASE IN THE MILLAGE RATE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-6-40 AND 12-6-50, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS AND CONFORMITY PROVISIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX ACT, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE DATE BY WHICH THIS STATE ADOPTS VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986 AND CLARIFY THOSE PROVISIONS NOT ADOPTED; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-6-1110 AND 12-6-1130, RELATING TO CALCULATIONS OF INCOME, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CALCULATIONS WITHOUT SOME OF THE DEDUCTIONS ALLOWED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1140, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA INDIVIDUAL TAXABLE INCOME FOR PURPOSES OF THE STATE INCOME TAX, SO AS TO DELETE AN OBSOLETE DEDUCTION RELATING TO MEDICAL INSURANCE PREMIUMS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-2220, RELATING TO ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE STATE INCOME TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ALLOCATION OF DIVIDENDS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE TARGETED JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "NEW JOB"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3365, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX MORATORIUM FOR JOB CREATION, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF THE MORATORIUM TO INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3480, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE THE MANNER IN WHICH CREDITS ARE ALLOWED AND MAY BE CLAIMED; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-4910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THOSE REQUIRED TO FILE INCOME TAX RETURNS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THOSE NONRESIDENTS REQUIRED TO FILE IN THIS STATE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-6-5020, AS AMENDED, AND 12-6-5030, BOTH RELATING TO THE FILING OF CONSOLIDATED CORPORATE INCOME TAX RETURNS AND COMPOSITE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RETURNS, BOTH SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DETERMINATION OF CREDITS ON A CONSOLIDATED BASIS AND FURTHER PROVIDE FOR COMPOSITE RETURNS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-8-520 RELATING TO STATE INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE WITHHOLDING OF PARTNERSHIP AND SUBCHAPTER "S" CORPORATION INCOME OF NONRESIDENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-8-1520, RELATING TO STATE INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WITHHOLDING AGENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-105, RELATING TO ANNUAL FEES FOR JOB DEVELOPMENT CREDITS FOR PURPOSES OF THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO EXTEND THESE FEES TO JOB RETRAINING CREDITS IN EXCESS OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS AND PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF THESE FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-20-105, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR PURPOSES OF THE CORPORATE LICENSE TAX, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF THESE CREDITS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-21-1090 AND 12-21-6550, BOTH RELATING TO LICENSE TAXES, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PERMISSIVE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS AND FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICATIONS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE ADMISSIONS TAX ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-740, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE MOTOR FUELS USER FEE, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO A CREDIT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1730, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR PURPOSES OF THE MOTOR FUELS TAX, SO AS TO DELETE A CIVIL PENALTY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-530, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE RETURN OF A RETAIL LICENSE WHEN A BUSINESS CLOSES OR IS SOLD, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE TAX IS DUE AT THE TIME OF SALE AND CONSTITUTES A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY IN THE HANDS OF THE PURCHASER; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-1310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SALES AND USE TAX ACT, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICATION OF SALES TAX TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT PRESCRIPTIONS AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES SOLD TO A FREE CLINIC; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2510, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SALES AND USE TAX ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FURTHER FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOR DIRECT PAY AND EXEMPTIONS AND PROVIDE FOR MORE EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF SALES TAXES AND SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO DELETE OBSOLETE REFERENCES IN EXISTING EXEMPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-54-42 AND 12-54-43, AS AMENDED, BOTH RELATING TO THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF STATE LEVIED TAXES, BOTH SO AS TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE WITHHOLDING STATEMENTS, AND CLARIFY AND REVISE THE APPLICATION OF CIVIL PENALTIES FOR FILING GROUNDLESS RETURNS OR FOR MISUSE OF A SALES TAX CERTIFICATE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-90, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF STATE TAXES, SO AS TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO REFUSE TO ISSUE A LICENSE TO A TAXPAYER IN VIOLATION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-54-210 AND 12-54-240, AS AMENDED, BOTH RELATING TO THE COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF STATE TAXES, BOTH SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS, FILE RETURNS, AND COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS, UPDATE REFERENCES RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF RETURNS, AND DELETE AN EXEMPTION TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS SUBPOENAED BY A FEDERAL GRAND JURY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-58-185, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE TAXPAYERS' BILL OF RIGHTS, SO AS TO CLARIFY AND EXTEND THE APPLICATION OF HARDSHIP EXTENSIONS TO PAY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-60-420 AND 12-60-490, BOTH AS AMENDED, BOTH RELATING TO THE REVENUES PROCEDURE ACT, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE APPLICATION OF A DIVISION DECISION OR A DETERMINATION OF DEFICIENCY APPLIES TO LOCAL TAXES ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND REQUIRE THE NOTICE TO PROVIDE THAT FAILURE TO FILE A PROTEST RESULTS IN A DECISION BECOMING FINAL AND TO PROVIDE, FURTHER, FOR SETOFFS AGAINST TAX REFUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 61-4-747, RELATING TO REGULATION OF WINE, SO AS TO REQUIRE OUT-OF-STATE WINE SHIPPERS TO PAY SALES AND EXCISE TAXES ON WINE SHIPPED TO RESIDENTS OF THIS STATE BY JANUARY TWENTIETH OF EACH YEAR FOR THE PRECEDING YEAR; BY ADDING SECTION 33-14-420 SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR CLAIMANTS AGAINST FUNDS OF A DISSOLVED CORPORATION; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ACT IS THE MOST RECENT ACTION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELATING TO ADOPTION OF AND CONFORMITY WITH PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FROM INCOME TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEDUCTION FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS BE DETERMINED AS IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-6-3515, RELATING TO CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR CONSERVATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DETERMINATION MUST BE LIKE SECTION 170 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-232, RELATING TO QUALIFICATION FOR AGRICULTURAL USE FOR PURPOSES OF ASSESSMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERPETUAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT IS AGRICULTURAL REAL PROPERTY; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-5590 SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR ALLOWING A DEDUCTION FOR A CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-44-30, 4-12-30, AND 4-29-67, ALL RELATING TO A FEE IN LIEU OF TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR QUALIFICATION OF A CERTIFIED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT; BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-135 SO AS TO ALLOW A COUNTYWIDE BUSINESS REGISTRATION AND FEE; BY ADDING SECTION 12-45-430 AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-2650, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RECEIPTS FOR PAYMENT OF TAXES, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A RECEIPT MUST NOT BE ISSUED UNLESS ALL TAXES AND OTHER CHARGES HAVE BEEN PAID; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-2730, RELATING TO USE OF A TREASURER'S TAX RECEIPT TO OBTAIN A LICENSE PLATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BOTH MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY TAXES AND OTHER CHARGES MUST BE PAID BEFORE ISSUANCE OF A RECEIPT WHEN A MUNICIPALITY CONTRACTS WITH THE COUNTY FOR THE COLLECTION OF ITS VEHICLE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A SUMMONS BY A CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO ENFORCE COLLECTION OF VEHICLE PROPERTY TAX AND VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAWS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO QUALIFICATION FOR THE FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO, SO AS TO PROVIDE A FURTHER PROVISION FOR QUALIFICATION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-49-950, 12-51-55, AS AMENDED, AND 12-51-130, AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO THE SALE OF PROPERTY FOR NONPAYMENT OF TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL UNPAID TAXES, ASSESSMENT, CHARGES, AND ACTUAL COSTS OF THE DELINQUENCY BE INCLUDED IN A BID AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN ASSESSMENT INCLUDES AMOUNTS OWED TO A SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-25, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REFUND OF AN OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO INTEREST IS DUE IF THE REFUND IS MADE WITHIN SEVENTY-FIVE DAYS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-240, RELATING TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF TAX RETURN INFORMATION, SO AS TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE TO A STATE OR COUNTY AGENT OF COUNTY CODE AND CERTAIN JOINT FILING INFORMATION; BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-712 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MARINA PROVIDE ACCESS TO TAXING AUTHORITIES FOR PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT; TO PROVIDE FOR A POSTPONEMENT FOR ONE YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION OF A TAX EQUALIZATION AND REASSESSMENT PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO ADD TO THE "HOLIDAY" FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES CERTAIN BEDDING AND BATH LINENS; BY ADDING SECTION 12-45-185 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE WAIVER OF PENALTY FOR LATE TAX PAYMENT UPON PROOF OF TIMELY DELIVERY; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3575 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A NONREFUNDABLE CREDIT AGAINST INCOME TAX FOR FIFTY PERCENT OF THE PREMIUM COSTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND WITH CERTAIN LIMITATIONS.
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(R151, H. 3832 (Word version)) -- Reps. J.E. Smith, Cotty, Scott, Haskins, Cato, Davenport, Altman, Anthony, Battle, Brady, Branham, Breeland, J. Brown, R. Brown, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Dantzler, Edge, Funderburk, Hagood, Harrison, Hayes, J. Hines, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kirsh, Lee, Limehouse, Martin, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, J.M. Neal, Ott, Parks, Perry, Pinson, Rivers, D.C. Smith, Thompson, Townsend, Vick, Weeks and Witherspoon: AN ACT TO ENACT THE "LEWIS BLACKMAN HOSPITAL PATIENT SAFETY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 27, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL HOSPITAL CLINICAL STAFF AND TRAINEES TO WEAR BADGES CONTAINING CERTAIN IDENTIFYING INFORMATION; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY HOSPITALS TO PATIENTS PRIOR TO OR ON ADMISSION CONCERNING THE PATIENT'S HOSPITAL CARE, INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE GENERAL ROLE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS, INTERNS, AND RESIDENT PHYSICIANS IN PATIENT CARE, THAT THE PATIENT'S ATTENDING PHYSICIAN IS THE DOCTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PATIENT'S CARE, THAT THE PATIENT'S ATTENDING PHYSICIAN MAY CHANGE, AND WHETHER ANY RESIDENT PHYSICIAN OR MEDICAL STUDENTS MAY BE PARTICIPATING IN THE PATIENT'S CARE, INCLUDING PARTICIPATING IN SURGERY; REQUIRING NURSES TO PLACE A CALL FOR OR TO ASSIST PATIENTS IN CALLING THEIR ATTENDING PHYSICIANS; REQUIRING HOSPITALS TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM THAT IS AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES, WHEREBY PATIENTS CAN ACCESS PROMPT ASSISTANCE FOR RESOLUTION OF THE PATIENT'S PERSONAL MEDICAL CARE CONCERNS; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT APPLY TO HOSPITALS OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DOES NOT CREATE A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SHALL ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE THIS ARTICLE.
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(R152, H. 3885 (Word version)) -- Reps. Hagood, Scarborough, Limehouse, Anderson, Dantzler, Cotty, Brady, Taylor, Perry, R. Brown, Cobb-Hunter, Harrell and Chellis: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3375 SO AS TO PROVIDE EITHER AN ADDITIONAL JOBS TAX CREDIT OR AN ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT FOR COMPANIES USING PORT FACILITIES LOCATED IN THIS STATE WHICH INCREASE THEIR BASE PORT CARGO VOLUME AT THESE FACILITIES BY A MINIMUM OF FIVE PERCENT OVER 2005 TOTALS AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT AND ALLOCATE THESE TAX CREDITS AND TO RECALCULATE BASE PORT CARGO VOLUME.
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(R153, H. 3892 (Word version)) -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO UTILIZATION OF GENERIC TEACHER CERTIFICATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2964, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R154, H. 3940 (Word version)) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, RELATING TO DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO SOUTH CAROLINA HOSPITALS; DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO SUBMISSION OF AMBULATORY ENCOUNTER DATA: DATA RELEASE FOR MEDICAL ENCOUNTER DATA AND FINANCIAL REPORTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2959, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R155, H. 4035 (Word version)) -- Reps. Harrell, Wilkins, Chellis, Thompson, Cotty, Huggins, Clark, Bales, Neilson, Hosey, J.E. Smith, Frye, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Battle, Bowers, Branham, Cato, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Davenport, Delleney, Hagood, Hardwick, Haskins, J. Hines, Hinson, Kirsh, Leach, Mahaffey, McLeod, Miller, J.H. Neal, Norman, Ott, Owens, Rhoad, Rice, Scarborough, Scott, D.C. Smith, G.R. Smith, Talley, Taylor, Vaughn, Walker, White, Witherspoon and Young: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 45, TITLE 11, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ACT, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A VENTURE CAPITAL AUTHORITY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO SOLICIT INVESTMENT PLANS FOR RAISING AND INVESTING VENTURE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO THE VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ACT AND TO REVISE AND FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS, AND REQUIREMENTS UNDER WHICH VENTURE CAPITAL IS RAISED AND INVESTORS RECEIVE STATE TAX CREDITS FOR THEIR INVESTMENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MATTERS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO EXEMPT PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND OTHER PROPRIETARY FINANCIAL DATA PROVIDED TO THE VENTURE CAPITAL AUTHORITY BY A DESIGNATED INVESTOR GROUP OR AN INVESTOR.
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(R156, H. 4086 (Word version)) -- Rep. Hayes: AN ACT TO ENACT THE DILLON COUNTY SCHOOL FACILITIES FINANCING ACT SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPLEMENTATION FOLLOWING REFERENDUM APPROVAL OF A SALES AND USE TAX IN DILLON COUNTY NOT TO EXCEED TWO PERCENT TO OFFSET PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS RELATED TO GENERAL OBLIGATIONS ISSUED TO FINANCE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION, AND RENOVATION OR FOR DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION, AND RENOVATION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO IMPLEMENTING THIS ACT.
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(R157, H. 4096 (Word version)) -- Reps. Clemmons, Barfield, Edge, Hardwick, Hayes, Viers and Witherspoon: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN HORRY COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF HORRY COUNTY AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO CORRECT ARCHAIC REFERENCES.
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(R158, H. 4189 (Word version)) -- Rep. Jennings: AN ACT TO ENACT THE MARLBORO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOND-PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPLEMENTATION, FOLLOWING REFERENDUM APPROVAL, OF A SALES AND USE TAX IN MARLBORO COUNTY NOT TO EXCEED ONE PERCENT FOR NOT MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE YEARS FOR DEBT SERVICE ON GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS ISSUED FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION OR FOR DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION.
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THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

MOTION ADOPTED

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

RECESS

At 12:03 P.M., on motion of Senator McCONNELL, the Senate receded from business until 2:30 P.M.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The Senate reassembled at 2:37 P.M. and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
State of South Carolina
Office of the Governor
P. O. Box 11369
Columbia, SC 29211
June 1, 2005

The Honorable André Bauer
President of the Senate
State House, 1st Floor, East Wing
Columbia, South Carolina 29202

Dear Mr. President and Members of the Senate:

I am hereby returning without my approval S. 746 (Word version), R. 122, an Act:
TO ABOLISH THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY BOARD OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION AND TO CREATE THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION AND REGISTRATION.

This veto is based on my belief that this Bill is unconstitutional. S. 746, R. 122 proposes to abolish the Orangeburg County Board of Voter Registration and create the Orangeburg County Board of Election and Registration. As such, S. 746, R. 122 affects only Orangeburg County and is, therefore, clearly an Act for a specific county. Such Acts are in violation of Article VIII, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of South Carolina, which provides that "[n]o laws for a specific county shall be enacted." Acts similar to S. 746, R. 122 have been struck down by the South Carolina Supreme Court as violative of Article VIII, Section 7.

For this reason, I am returning S. 746, R. 122 to you without my signature.

Sincerely,
/s/Mark Sanford

VETO OVERRIDDEN

(R122, S746 (Word version)) -- Senators Matthews and Hutto: AN ACT TO ABOLISH THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY BOARD OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION AND TO CREATE THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION AND REGISTRATION.

The veto of the Governor was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator HUTTO, on behalf of Senator MATTHEWS, moved that the veto of the Governor be overridden.

The question was put, "Shall the Act become law, the veto of the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding?"

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 46; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Anderson                  Bryant
Campsen                   Cleary                    Courson
Cromer                    Drummond                  Elliott
Fair                      Ford                      Gregory
Grooms                    Hawkins                   Hayes
Hutto                     Jackson                   Knotts
Land                      Leatherman                Leventis
Lourie                    Malloy                    Martin
Matthews                  McConnell                 McGill
Mescher                   Moore                     O'Dell
Patterson                 Peeler                    Pinckney
Rankin                    Reese                     Richardson
Ritchie                   Ryberg                    Scott
Setzler                   Sheheen                   Short
Smith, J. Verne           Thomas                    Verdin
Williams

Total--46

NAYS

Total--0

The necessary two-thirds vote having been received, the veto of the Governor was overridden, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEES OF CONFERENCE AND FREE CONFERENCE.

S. 165--Status Report from the Committee of Conference

S. 165 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Hayes, Alexander, Fair and Richardson: A BILL TO IMPLEMENT THE TRANSITION FROM THE USE OF MINIBOTTLES TO LIQUOR BY THE DRINK RELATING TO THE TAXATION, DISTRIBUTION, LICENSING OF SALES, PERMITS TO SELL ALCOHOL, TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR A VIOLATION OF THE ACT, TO AMEND DEFINITIONS USED IN THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ACT, AND MISCELLANEOUS OTHER PROVISIONS. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)

On behalf of the Committee of Conference on S. 165, Senator MARTIN presented a status report on the Bill.

S. 305--Status Report from the Committee of Conference

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, INCLUDING ADMINISTERING CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR ROUTINE CARE AND IMPLEMENTING CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR CHRONIC DISEASE CARE; TO PROVIDE FOR EFFECTIVE MEDICAID PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS COMMITTEE, WHICH SHALL RECOMMEND CLASSES OF DRUGS THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON A PREFERRED DRUG LIST AND CRITERIA FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A PREFERRED DRUG LIST PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE FOR EFFECTIVE MEDICAID STATE AGENCY SERVICE MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING PERIODIC MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS OF ALL STATE AGENCIES RECEIVING MEDICAID FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTROLLING THE GROWTH OF MEDICAID AND IMPROVING THE STATE MEDICAID PROGRAM AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON MEDICAID EXPENDITURES AND TO CONDUCT PERIODIC AUDITS AND REVIEWS OF STATE AGENCIES RECEIVING MEDICAID FUNDS; TO ADD SECTION 44-6-110 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DEVELOP MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION CRITERIA, TO CENTRALIZE MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY PROCESSING, AND TO CONDUCT AUDITS OF ELIGIBILITY FILES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-6-80, RELATING TO REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO FURTHER SPECIFY THE CONTENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE REPORTS; TO AMEND ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 44, RELATING TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, SO AS TO DELETE THESE PROVISIONS AND TO PROVIDE FOR MEDICAID FRAUD AND ABUSE MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING PROVISIONS REQUIRING AUDITS, SANCTIONS, AND CONTRACTING WITH OTHER ENTITIES TO PREVENT MEDICAID FRAUD, ABUSE, AND WASTE; TO ADD SECTION 38-71-270 SO AS TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURERS TO SUBMIT NAMES AND OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO BE PROVIDED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO USE IN IDENTIFYING MEDICAID RECIPIENTS WHO HAVE OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE; TO ADD SECTION 44-6-112 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO FUND THE NET COSTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY LIABILITY AND DRUG REBATE COLLECTION EFFORTS FROM THE REVENUE COLLECTED IN THOSE EFFORTS; TO AMEND SECTION 43-3-65, RELATING TO COUNTIES PROVIDING OFFICE SPACE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SO AS TO ALSO REQUIRE COUNTIES TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ELIGIBILITY PROCESSING; AND TO REPEAL JOINT RESOLUTION 370 OF 2002 RELATING TO NURSING HOME BED FRANCHISE FEES.

On behalf of the Committee of Conference on S. 305, Senator J. Verne Smith presented a status report on the Bill.

H. 3328--REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE ADOPTED

H. 3328 (Word version) -- Reps. Brady, Ceips, Cobb-Hunter, Funderburk, Haley, Haskins, Hinson, Lee, Martin, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Neilson, Parks, Young and Clark: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-410, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY BY THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (SLED), SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SLED SHALL INCLUDE AND CROSS-REFERENCE ALIAS NAMES IN THE REGISTRY; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-430, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MUST BE REFERRED TO AS SEX OFFENDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SEX OFFENDER WHOSE NAME IS CONTAINED ON THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, AND WHO HAS BEEN GRANTED A PARDON, MUST REMAIN ON THE REGISTRY AND MUST REGISTER ANNUALLY; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-440, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE NOTIFICATION A SHERIFF MUST RECEIVE FROM CERTAIN CORRECTIONAL AGENCIES REGARDING THE RELEASE OF A SEX OFFENDER, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN OFFENDER'S PHOTOGRAPH MUST BE PROVIDED TO SLED BEFORE HE IS RELEASED; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-450, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIRING A SEX OFFENDER TO REGISTER WITH THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH HE RESIDES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFENDER ALSO MUST REGISTER WITH THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY WHERE HE OWNS REAL PROPERTY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-460, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIRING A SEX OFFENDER TO REGISTER ANNUALLY FOR LIFE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER WHO ACQUIRES REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THIS STATE MUST PROVIDE NOTICE OF THE ADDRESS TO THE SHERIFF IN THE COUNTY WHERE THE REAL PROPERTY IS LOCATED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER WHO MOVES TO THIS STATE, ACQUIRES REAL PROPERTY IN THIS STATE, AND IS NOT UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CERTAIN CORRECTIONAL AGENCIES, MUST REGISTER WITHIN TEN DAYS OF ACQUIRING PROPERTY WITHIN THIS STATE.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the Report of the Committee of Free Conference was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator MARTIN spoke on the report.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Report of the Committee of Free Conference to H. 3328 was adopted as follows:

H. 3328 -- Free Conference Report
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2005

The COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

H. 3328 (Word version) -- Reps. Brady, Ceips, Cobb-Hunter, Funderburk, Haley, Haskins, Hinson, Lee, Martin, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Neilson, Parks, Young and Clark: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-410, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY BY THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (SLED), SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SLED SHALL INCLUDE AND CROSS-REFERENCE ALIAS NAMES IN THE REGISTRY; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-430, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MUST BE REFERRED TO AS SEX OFFENDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SEX OFFENDER WHOSE NAME IS CONTAINED ON THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, AND WHO HAS BEEN GRANTED A PARDON, MUST REMAIN ON THE REGISTRY AND MUST REGISTER ANNUALLY; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-440, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE NOTIFICATION A SHERIFF MUST RECEIVE FROM CERTAIN CORRECTIONAL AGENCIES REGARDING THE RELEASE OF A SEX OFFENDER, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN OFFENDER'S PHOTOGRAPH MUST BE PROVIDED TO SLED BEFORE HE IS RELEASED; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-450, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIRING A SEX OFFENDER TO REGISTER WITH THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH HE RESIDES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFENDER ALSO MUST REGISTER WITH THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY WHERE HE OWNS REAL PROPERTY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-460, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIRING A SEX OFFENDER TO REGISTER ANNUALLY FOR LIFE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER WHO ACQUIRES REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THIS STATE MUST PROVIDE NOTICE OF THE ADDRESS TO THE SHERIFF IN THE COUNTY WHERE THE REAL PROPERTY IS LOCATED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER WHO MOVES TO THIS STATE, ACQUIRES REAL PROPERTY IN THIS STATE, AND IS NOT UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CERTAIN CORRECTIONAL AGENCIES, MUST REGISTER WITHIN TEN DAYS OF ACQUIRING PROPERTY WITHIN THIS STATE

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

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

(Reference is to Printer's Version [SEC 5/24/05 11:30 AM].)

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 23-3-410 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 384 of 1998, is further amended to read:

"Section 23-3-410.   (A)   The registry is under the direction of the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and shall contain information the chief considers necessary to assist law enforcement in the location of persons convicted of certain offenses. SLED shall develop and operate the registry to: collect, analyze, and maintain information; to make information available to every enforcement agency in this State and in other states; and to establish a security system to ensure that only authorized persons may gain access to information gathered under this article.

(B)   SLED shall include and cross-reference alias names in the registry."

SECTION   2.   Section 23-3-430 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 208 of 2004, is further amended to read:

"Section 23-3-430.   (A)   Any person, regardless of age, residing in the State of South Carolina who in this State has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent for, pled guilty or nolo contendere to an offense described below, or who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere, or found not guilty by reason of insanity in any comparable court in the United States, or a foreign country, or who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere, or found not guilty by reason of insanity in the United States federal courts of a similar offense, or who has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent for, pled guilty or nolo contendere, or found not guilty by reason of insanity to an offense for which the person was required to register in the state where the conviction or plea occurred, shall be required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article. A person who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity shall not be required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article unless and until the person is declared to no longer be insane or is ordered to register by the trial judge. A person who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere, or found not guilty by reason of insanity in any court in a foreign country may raise as a defense to a prosecution for failure to register that the offense in the foreign country was not equivalent to any offense in this State for which he would be required to register and may raise as a defense that the conviction, adjudication, plea, or finding in the foreign country was based on a proceeding or trial in which the person was not afforded the due process of law as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and this State.

(B)   For purposes of this article, a person who remains in this State for a total of thirty days during a twelve-month period is a resident of this State.

(C)   For purposes of this article, a person who has been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or been adjudicated delinquent for any of the following offenses shall be referred to as an offender:

(1)   criminal sexual conduct in the first degree (Section 16-3-652);

(2)   criminal sexual conduct in the second degree (Section 16-3-653);

(3)   criminal sexual conduct in the third degree (Section 16-3-654);

(4)   criminal sexual conduct with minors, first degree (Section 16-3-655(1));

(5)   criminal sexual conduct with minors, second degree. If evidence is presented at the criminal proceeding and the court makes a specific finding on the record that the conviction obtained for this offense resulted from consensual sexual conduct, as contained in Section 16-3-655(3) provided the offender is eighteen years of age or less, or consensual sexual conduct between persons under sixteen years of age, the convicted person is not an offender and is not required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article;

(6)   engaging a child for sexual performance (Section 16-3-810);

(7)   producing, directing, or promoting sexual performance by a child (Section 16-3-820);

(8)   criminal sexual conduct: assaults with intent to commit (Section 16-3-656);

(9)   incest (Section 16-15-20);

(10)   buggery (Section 16-15-120);

(11)   committing or attempting lewd act upon child under sixteen (Section 16-15-140);

(12)   peeping, voyeurism, or aggravated voyeurism (Section 16-17-470);

(13)   violations of Article 3, Chapter 15 of Title 16 involving a minor;

(14)   a person, regardless of age, who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in this State, or who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in a comparable court in the United States, or who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in the United States federal courts of indecent exposure or of a similar offense in other jurisdictions is required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article if the court makes a specific finding on the record that based on the circumstances of the case the convicted person should register as a sex offender;

(15)   kidnapping (Section 16-3-910) of a person eighteen years of age or older except when the court makes a finding on the record that the offense did not include a criminal sexual offense or an attempted criminal sexual offense;

(16)   kidnapping (Section 16-3-910) of a person under eighteen years of age except when the offense is committed by a parent;

(17)   criminal sexual conduct when the victim is a spouse (Section 16-3-658);

(18)   sexual battery of a spouse (Section 16-3-615);

(19)   sexual intercourse with a patient or trainee (Section 44-23-1150).;

(20)   criminal solicitation of a minor if the purpose or intent of the solicitation or attempted solicitation was to:

(a)   persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the person solicited to engage or participate in sexual activity as defined in Section 16-15-375(5); or

(b)   perform a sexual activity in the presence of the person solicited (Section 16-15-342).; or

(21)   administering, distributing, dispensing, delivering, or aiding, abetting, attempting, or conspiring to administer, distribute, dispense, or deliver a controlled substance or gamma hydroxy butyrate to an individual with the intent to commit a crime listed in Section 44-53-370(f), except petit larceny or grand larceny.

(D)   Upon conviction, adjudication of delinquency, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere of a person of an offense not listed in this article, the presiding judge may order as a condition of sentencing that the person be included in the sex offender registry if good cause is shown by the solicitor.

(E)   SLED shall remove a person's name and any other information concerning that person from the sex offender registry immediately upon notification by the Attorney General that the person's adjudication, conviction, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere for an offense listed in Section 23-3-430(C) subsection (C) was reversed, overturned, or vacated on appeal and a final judgment has been rendered.

(F)   If an offender receives a pardon for the offense for which he was required to register, the offender may not be removed from the registry except:

(1)   as provided by the provisions of subsection (E); or

(2)   if the pardon is based on a finding of not guilty specifically stated in the pardon.

(G)   If an offender files a petition for a writ of habeas corpus or a motion for a new trial pursuant to Rule 29 (b), South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure, based on newly discovered evidence, the offender may not be removed from the registry except:

(1)   as provided by the provisions of subsection (E); or

(2)(a)   if the circuit court grants the offender's petition or motion and orders a new trial; and

(b)   a verdict of acquittal is returned at the new trial or entered with the state's consent."

SECTION   3.   Section 23-3-440 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 384 of 1998, is further amended to read:

"Section 23-3-440.   (1)   Prior to Before an offender's release from the Department of Corrections after completion of the term of imprisonment, from the Department of Juvenile Justice after completion of the term of confinement, or being placed on parole, the Department of Corrections or the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, as applicable, SLED, based upon information provided by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Juvenile Parole Board, or the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, shall notify the sheriff of the county where the offender intends to reside and SLED that the offender is being released and has provided an address within the jurisdiction of the sheriff for that county. The Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Juvenile Parole Board, and the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall provide verbal and written notification to the offender that he must register with the sheriff of the county in which he intends to reside within twenty-four hours one business day of his release. Further, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Juvenile Parole Board shall obtain descriptive information of the offender, including a current photograph prior to release. The offender's photograph must be provided to SLED before he is released.

(2)   The Based upon information provided by the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, shall notify SLED shall notify and the sheriff of the county where an offender is residing when the offender is sentenced to probation or is a new resident of the State who must be supervised by the department. The Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services also shall provide verbal and written notification to the offender that he must register with the sheriff of the county in which he intends to reside. An offender who is sentenced to probation must register within ten days one business day of sentencing. Further, the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services shall obtain descriptive information of the offender, including a current photograph that is to be updated annually prior to expiration of the probation sentence.

(3)   The Based upon information provided by the Department of Juvenile Justice, shall notify or the Juvenile Parole Board SLED shall notify and the sheriff of the county where an offender is residing when the offender is released from a Department of Juvenile Justice facility or the Juvenile Parole Board, or when the Department of Juvenile Justice or the Juvenile Parole Board is required to supervise the actions of the juvenile. The Department of Juvenile Justice or the Juvenile Parole Board must provide verbal and written notification to the juvenile and his parent, legal guardian, or custodian that the juvenile must register with the sheriff of the county in which the juvenile resides. The juvenile must register within twenty-four hours one business day of his release or within ten days if he was not confined to a Department of Juvenile Justice's facility. The parents or legal guardian of a person under seventeen years of age who is required to register under this chapter must ensure that the person has registered.

(4)   The Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, and the Department of Juvenile Justice shall provide to SLED the initial registry information regarding the offender prior to his release from imprisonment or relief of supervision. This information shall be collected in the event the offender fails to register with his county sheriff."

SECTION   4.   Section 23-3-450 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-3-450.   The offender shall register with the sheriff of the each county in which he resides, owns real property, or attends any public or private school, including, but not limited to, a secondary school, adult education school, college or university, and any vocational, technical, or occupational school. To register, the offender must provide information as prescribed by SLED. The sheriff in the county in which the offender resides, owns real property, or attends any public or private school shall forward all required registration information to SLED within five business days. A copy of this information must be kept by the sheriff's department. The county sheriff shall ensure that all information required by SLED is secured and shall establish specific times of the day during which an offender may register. An offender shall not be considered to have registered until all information prescribed by SLED has been provided to the sheriff. The sheriff in the county in which the offender resides, owns real property, or attends any public or private school shall notify all local law enforcement agencies, including college or university law enforcement agencies, within five business days of an offender who resides, owns real property, or attends any public or private school within the local law enforcement agency's jurisdiction."

SECTION   5.   Section 23-3-460 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-3-460.   Any A person required to register under this article shall be is required to register annually for life. For purposes of this article, 'annually' means each year within thirty days after the anniversary date of the offender's last registration. The offender shall register at the sheriff's department in the each county where he resides, owns real property, or attends any public or private school, including, but not limited to, a secondary school, adult education school, college or university, and any vocational, technical, or occupational school. A person determined by a court to be a sexually violent predator pursuant to state law is required to verify registration and be photographed every ninety days by the sheriff's department in the county in which he resides unless the person is committed to the custody of the State, whereby verification shall be held in abeyance until his release.

If any a person required to register under this article changes his address within the same county, that person must send written notice of the change of address to the county sheriff within ten days of establishing the new residence. If a person required to register under this article owns or acquires real property within a county in this State, or attends any public or private school, including, but not limited to, a secondary school, adult education school, college or university, and any vocational, technical, or occupational school, he must register with the sheriff in each county where the real property or the public or private school is located within ten days of acquiring the real property or attending the public or private school.

If any a person required to register under this article changes his address into another county in South Carolina, the person must register with the county sheriff in the new county within ten days of establishing the new residence. The person must also provide written notice within ten days of the change of address in the previous county to the county sheriff with whom the person last registered.

Any A person required to register under this article and who is employed by, attends, is enrolled at, or carries on a vocation at an institution of higher education any public or private school, including, but not limited to, a kindergarten, elementary school, middle school or junior high, high school, secondary school, adult education school, college or university, and any vocational, technical, or occupational school must provide written notice within ten days of each change in attendance, enrollment, employment, or vocation status at an institution of higher education any public or private school in this State. For purposes of this section: 'employed and carries on a vocation' means employment that is full time or part time for a period of time exceeding fourteen days or for an aggregate period of time exceeding thirty days during any calendar year, whether financially compensated, volunteered, or for the purpose of government or educational benefit; and 'student' means a person who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis, in any public or private educational institution, including any secondary school, trade, professional institution, or institution of higher education school, including, but not limited to, a kindergarten, elementary school, middle school or junior high, high school, secondary school, adult education school, college or university, and any vocational, technical, or occupational school.

If any a person required to register under this article moves outside of South Carolina, the person must provide written notice within ten days of the change of address to a new state to the county sheriff with whom the person last registered.

Any A person required to register under this article who moves to South Carolina from another state, establishes residence, acquires real property, attends or is enrolled at, or is employed by or carries on a vocation at any public or private school, including, but not limited to, a kindergarten, elementary school, middle school or junior high, high school, secondary school, adult education school, college or university, and any vocational, technical, or occupational school in South Carolina, and is not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, or the Department of Juvenile Justice, or the Juvenile Parole Board at the time of moving to South Carolina must register within ten days of establishing residence, acquiring real property, attending or enrolling at, or being employed by or carrying on a vocation at any public or private school in this State.

The sheriff of the county in which the person resides must forward all changes to any information provided by a person required to register under this article to SLED within five business days.

A sheriff who receives registration information, notification of change of address, or notification of change in attendance, enrollment, employment, or vocation status at any public or private school, including, but not limited to, a kindergarten, elementary school, middle school or junior high, high school, secondary school, adult education school, college or university, and any vocational, technical, or occupational school, must notify all local law enforcement agencies, including college or university law enforcement agencies, within five business days of an offender whose address, real property, or public or private school is within the local law enforcement agency's jurisdiction.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, shall inform, in writing, any new resident who applies for a driver's license, chauffeur's license, vehicle tag, or state identification card of the obligation of sex offenders to register. The department also shall inform, in writing, a person renewing a driver's license, chauffeur's license, vehicle tag, or state identification card of the requirement for sex offenders to register."

SECTION   6.   Section 23-3-470 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-3-470.   (A)   It is the duty of the offender to contact the sheriff in order to register, provide notification of change of address, or notification of change in attendance, enrollment, employment, or vocation status at any public or private school, including, but not limited to, a kindergarten, elementary school, middle school or junior high, high school, secondary school, adult education school, college or university, and any vocational, technical, or occupational school. If an offender fails to register, provide notification of change of address, or notification of change in attendance, enrollment, employment, or vocation status at any public or private school, as required by this article, he must be punished as provided in subsection (B).

(B)(1)   A person convicted for a first offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of ninety days, no part of which shall be suspended nor probation granted.

(2)   A person convicted for a second offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of one year, no part of which shall be suspended nor probation granted.

(3)   A person convicted for a third or subsequent offense is guilty of a felony and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of five years, three years of which shall not be suspended nor probation granted."

SECTION   7.   Article 7, Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-3-525.   A real estate brokerage and its affiliated licensees is immune from liability for any act or omission related to the disclosure of information under this chapter if the brokerage or its affiliated licensees in a timely manner provides to its clients and customers written notice that they may obtain information about the sex offender registry and persons registered with the registry by contacting the county sheriff. The notice may be included as part of a listing agreement, buyer representation agreement, or sales agreement."

SECTION   8.   Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-3-540.   (A)   Prior to an offender's release after completion of a term of imprisonment, being placed on parole, being placed under community supervision, being placed under a community supervision program, or when an offender is sentenced to probation, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall place the offender under a system of active electronic monitoring that identifies the location of the offender and that can produce, upon request, reports or records of the offender's presence near or within a crime scene or prohibited area or the offender's departure from a specified geographic location.

(B)   An offender who violates a term of probation, parole, community supervision, or a community supervision program must be ordered by the court to be placed by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services under a system of active electronic monitoring that identifies the location of the offender and that can produce, upon request, reports or records of the offender's presence near or within a crime scene or prohibited area or the offender's departure from a specified geographic location.

(C)   This section applies to an offender who has been:

(1)   convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or been adjudicated delinquent for any of the following offenses:

(a)   criminal sexual conduct with minors, first degree (Section 16-3-655(1));

(b)   criminal sexual conduct with minors, second degree. If evidence is presented at the criminal proceeding and the court makes a specific finding on the record that the conviction obtained for this offense resulted from consensual sexual conduct, as contained in Section 16-3-655(3) provided the offender is eighteen years of age or less, or consensual sexual conduct between persons under sixteen years of age, the convicted person is not an offender and is not required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article;

(c)   engaging a child for sexual performance (Section 16-3-810);

(d)   producing, directing, or promoting sexual performance by a child (Section 16-3-820);

(e)   criminal sexual conduct: assaults with intent to commit (Section 16-3-656) involving a minor;

(f)   committing or attempting lewd act upon child under sixteen (Section 16-15-140);

(g)   violations of Article 3, Chapter 15 of Title 16 involving a minor;

(h)   kidnapping (Section 16-3-910) of a person under eighteen years of age except when the offense is committed by a parent;

(i)     criminal solicitation of a minor if the purpose or intent of the solicitation or attempted solicitation was to:

(i)     persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the person solicited to engage or participate in sexual activity as defined in Section 16-15-375(5);

(ii)   perform a sexual activity in the presence of the person solicited (Section 16-15-342);

(2)   ordered as a condition of sentencing to be included in the sex offender registry pursuant to Section 23-3-430(D) for an offense involving a minor.

(D)   The offender shall remain under the system of active electronic monitoring for the duration of the time the offender is required to remain on the sex offender registry pursuant to the provisions of this article, unless the offender is committed to the custody of the State.

(E)   The offender shall follow instructions provided by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to maintain the electronic monitoring device in working order. Incidental damage or defacement of the electronic monitoring device must be reported to the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services within two hours. An offender who fails to comply with the reporting requirement of this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years.

(F)   The offender shall abide by any other conditions set forth by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services with regard to the electronic monitoring.

(G)   The offender must be charged a fee in accordance with Section 24-21-85.

(H)   A person who intentionally removes, tampers with, defaces, alters, damages, or destroys an electronic monitoring device is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years. This subsection does not apply to a person or agent authorized by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to perform maintenance and repairs to the electronic monitoring devices."

SECTION   9.   Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-3-550.   A person who knowingly and willfully protects, harbors, or conceals an offender who the person knows is not in compliance with the requirements of this article, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years."

SECTION   10.   Section 40-57-180(E) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(E)   No cause of action may arise against an owner of real estate or licensed real estate agent of any party to a transaction for failure to disclose in a transaction:

(1)   that the subject real estate is or was occupied by an individual who was infected with a virus or any other disease which has been determined by medical evidence as being highly unlikely to be transmitted through occupancy of a dwelling place either presently or previously occupied by the infected individual;

(2)   that the death of an occupant of a property has occurred or the manner of the death;

(3)   the location of any registered sex offender;

(4)(3)   any offsite condition or hazard that does not directly impact the property being transferred; or

(5)(4)   any psychological impact that has no material impact on the physical condition of the property being transferred."

SECTION   11.   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   12.   If any section, subsection, 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, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.

SECTION   13.   All SECTIONS of this act take effect on January 1, 2006, except the appropriately numbered new SECTION adding Section 23-3-540 goes into effect upon the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services' receipt of the funds necessary to implement Section 23-3-540.   /

Amend title to conform.

/s/ Sen. Larry A. Martin          /s/ Rep. J. Todd Rutherford
/s/ Sen. C. Bradley Hutto         /s/ Rep. G. Murrell Smith, Jr.
/s/ Sen. George E. "Chip" Campsen III   /s/Rep. Joan B. Brady
On Part of the Senate.                    On Part of the House.

, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.

HOUSE AMENDMENTS AMENDED
RETURNED TO THE HOUSE WITH AMENDMENTS

S. 227 (Word version) -- Senators Fair, Campsen and Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1695, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS FROM WHOM CONSENT OR RELINQUISHMENT FOR ADOPTION IS REQUIRED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CONSENT OR RELINQUISHMENT IS NOT REQUIRED IF THE CHILD WHO IS THE SUBJECT OF THE ADOPTION PROCEEDING WAS CONCEIVED AS A RESULT OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT OR INCEST; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1572, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS A GROUND FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IF THE CHILD WAS CONCEIVED AS A RESULT OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT OR INCEST.
The House returned the Bill with amendments.

Senator FAIR proposed the following amendment (JUD0227.007), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   This act may be cited as "Autumn's Law".

SECTION   2.   Section 20-7-1695(A) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 653 of 1988, is amended to read:

"(A)   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 20-7-1690, consent or relinquishment for the purpose of adoption is not required of the following persons:

(1)   a parent whose rights with reference to the adoptee have been terminated pursuant to Subarticle 3, Article 11, Chapter 7 of Title 20; or

(2)   a parent whom the family court finds to be mentally incapable of giving consent or relinquishment for the purpose of adoption and whom the court finds to be unlikely to provide minimally acceptable care of the adoptee and whose capacity is unlikely to be restored for a reasonable period of time, and, in the court's judgment, it would be detrimental to the adoptee to delay adoption. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for an incompetent parent for whom there has been no prior appointment and shall appoint independent counsel for an incompetent parent who is indigent. However, upon good cause shown, the court may waive the requirement for the appointment of independent counsel for an incompetent and indigent parent.;

(3)   the biological parent of a child conceived as a result of that parent's criminal sexual conduct or incest as found by a court of competent jurisdiction unless, with respect to a conviction for criminal sexual conduct, the sentencing court makes specific findings on the record that the conviction resulted from consensual sexual conduct where neither the victim nor the actor were younger than fourteen years of age nor older than eighteen years of age at the time of the offense."

SECTION   3.   Section 20-7-1572 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 104 of 1999, is amended by adding an appropriately numbered item at the end to read:

"( )   conception of a child as a result of the criminal sexual conduct of a biological parent, as found by a court of competent jurisdiction, is grounds for terminating the rights of that biological parent, unless the sentencing court makes specific findings on the record that the conviction resulted from consensual sexual conduct where neither the victim nor the actor were younger than fourteen years of age nor older than eighteen years of age at the time of the offense."

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

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FAIR explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was ordered returned to the House with amendments.

HOUSE AMENDMENTS AMENDED
RETURNED TO THE HOUSE WITH AMENDMENTS

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.

The House returned the Joint Resolution with amendments.

Senator HAWKINS proposed the following amendment (286R002.JDH), which was adopted:

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 in its entirety as found on page 1, lines 31 through 41 and page 2, lines 1 through 7 and inserting:

/     SECTION   1.   Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 25-1-1660 and 1-11-58, and Act 248 of 2004, the State Budget and Control Board is directed to transfer ownership of the surplus National Guard Armory located on the Oakland Avenue Extension, Inman, South Carolina, to the Spartanburg County District One School Board./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HAWKINS explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Joint Resolution was ordered returned to the House with amendments.

CONCURRENCE

H. 3906 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Bales and Neilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-104-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE ALTERNATE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

On motion of Senator SETZLER, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

CONCURRENCE

S. 348 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas and J. Verne Smith: 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.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

On motion of Senator THOMAS, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

CONCURRENCE

H. 3767 (Word version) -- Rep. Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-2-75, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SIGNATORIES TO TAX RETURNS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A QUALIFIED TAX PREPARER TO SIGN ELECTRONICALLY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-4-30, RELATING TO COMPOSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO DELETE OUT-DATED LANGUAGE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-4-540, RELATING TO APPRAISAL, ASSESSMENT, AND EQUALIZATION OF TAXABLE VALUES OF CORPORATE PROPERTY, SO AS TO MAKE A GRAMMATICAL CHANGE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SECTIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE NOT ADOPTED BY SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO ADD A CROSS REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1170, RELATING TO INCOME DEDUCTION FROM TAXABLE RETIREMENT INCOME, SO AS TO ADD CLARIFYING LANGUAGE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1720, RELATING TO TAXABLE INCOME REPORTABLE BY A NONRESIDENT, SO AS TO INCLUDE LOTTERY AND BINGO WINNINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JOB TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO CORRECT A CROSS REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3570, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR A MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION COMPANY, SO AS TO CORRECT A CROSS REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JOB DEVELOPMENT CREDITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COUNTY DESIGNATION IS EFFECTIVE AS OF THE DATE THE APPLICATION FOR CREDITS IS RECEIVED; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-55, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INTEREST ON THE UNDERPAYMENT OF ESTIMATED TAX, SO AS TO INCLUDE SMALL AMOUNT PROVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-70, RELATING TO THE EXTENSION OF TIME FOR FILING TAX RETURNS, SO AS TO CLARIFY A CROSS REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE POWER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO SUMMON A PERSON, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE HOLD A CONTEMPT HEARING ON FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A SUMMONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-60-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SANCTIONS AGAINST A PERSON AUTHORIZED TO REPRESENT A TAXPAYER ADMINISTRATIVELY, SO AS TO INCLUDE A MONETARY PENALTY AND MAKE A CLARIFICATION.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

On motion of Senator HAYES, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 899 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE RECENTLY COMPLETED INTERCHANGE LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAYS 52 AND 78 IN THE CITY OF NORTH CHARLESTON "THE ANTLERS INTERCHANGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THE INTERCHANGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "THE ANTLERS INTERCHANGE".

Returned with concurrence

Received as information

AMENDMENT PROPOSED, DEBATE INTERRUPTED

H. 3381 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Skelton, Jennings, W.D. Smith, Townsend, Merrill, Ott, Rice, Mack, Clark, Simrill, Harrison, Davenport, M. Hines, Harvin, Bailey, Bingham, Chellis, Clemmons, Cooper, Dantzler, Duncan, Edge, Harrell, Haskins, Herbkersman, Hinson, Kirsh, Leach, Lloyd, Loftis, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, Owens, Perry, E.H. Pitts, Sandifer, Scott, Stewart, Thompson, Toole, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, White, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Young, Viers and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 14 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA LANDOWNER AND ADVERTISING PROTECTION AND PROPERTY VALUATION ACT", TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE ACT, TO EMPOWER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO REQUIRE THE REMOVAL OF NONCONFORMING OFF-PREMISES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS AND TO REGULATE THE USE OF THEM, TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH SIGN OWNERS TO RELOCATE AND RECONSTRUCT SIGNS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF JUST COMPENSATION WHEN A SIGN IS REMOVED WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ARBITRATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES WHEN THEY FAIL TO REACH AN AGREEMENT.

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

Amendment No. 1

Senator LEVENTIS proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (GGS\22180HTC05):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in SECTION 2, page 6, by adding immediately after Section 39-14-30:

/   Section 39-14-40.   (A)   The fair market value of off-premises outdoor advertising signs for purposes of the property tax must be determined using the 'just compensation' valuation method provided pursuant to Section 39-14-20(3).

(B)   The fair market value of the sign as reported on the sign owner's annual business personal property tax return filed with the South Carolina Department of Revenue must be the value as determined pursuant to subsection (A) of this section.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator LEVENTIS argued in favor of the adoption of the amendment.

Motion Under Rule 15A Failed

Senator MARTIN moved under Rule 15A to vote on the entire matter of H. 3381.

At 4:05 P.M.,   the "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 16; Nays 22

AYES

Alexander                 Bryant                    Campsen
Cromer                    Fair                      Hawkins
Leatherman                Martin                    McConnell
Mescher                   O'Dell                    Peeler
Ryberg                    Smith, J. Verne           Thomas
Verdin

Total--16

NAYS

Anderson                  Cleary                    Courson
Drummond                  Ford                      Hayes
Hutto                     Jackson                   Knotts
Land                      Leventis                  Lourie
Malloy                    Matthews                  McGill
Moore                     Patterson                 Reese
Setzler                   Sheheen                   Short
Williams

Total--22

Having failed to receive the necessary vote, the motion under Rule 15A failed.

Senator LEVENTIS argued in favor of the adoption of the amendment.

Motion Under Rule 15A Failed

Senator MARTIN moved under Rule 15A to vote on the entire matter of H. 3381.

At 4:33 P.M., the "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 20; Nays 23

AYES

Alexander                 Bryant                    Campsen
Cleary                    Cromer                    Fair
Grooms                    Hawkins                   Leatherman
Martin                    McConnell                 Mescher
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Rankin
Ritchie                   Ryberg                    Smith, J. Verne
Thomas                    Verdin

Total--20

NAYS

Anderson                  Courson                   Drummond
Elliott                   Ford                      Hayes
Hutto                     Jackson                   Land
Leventis                  Lourie                    Malloy
Matthews                  McGill                    Moore
Patterson                 Pinckney                  Reese
Scott                     Setzler                   Sheheen
Short                     Williams

Total--23

Having failed to receive the necessary vote, the motion under Rule 15A failed.

Senator LEVENTIS argued in favor of the adoption of the amendment.

With Senator LEVENTIS retaining the floor, on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent, debate was interrupted by the recess.

RECESS

At 4:41 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate receded from business subject to the Call of the Chair.

At 4:56 P.M., the Senate resumed.

PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE PRESIDES

At 4:56 P.M., the PRESIDENT Pro Tempore assumed the Chair.

S. 184--FREE CONFERENCE POWERS GRANTED
FREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED
FREE CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED

S. 184 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Grooms, Mescher, Williams and McGill: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE FRANCIS MARION TRAIL COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH A HERITAGE AND TOURISM TRAIL HONORING FRANCIS MARION'S REVOLUTIONARY CAMPAIGNS AND TO ESTABLISH THE COMMISSION'S MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND RELATED MATTERS.

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent, Free Conference Powers were granted.

Whereupon, Senators LEATHERMAN, McGILL and GROOMS were appointed to the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Report of the Committee of Free Conference to S. 184 was adopted as follows:

S. 184--Free Conference Report

The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., June 1, 2005

The COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 184 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Grooms, Mescher, Williams and McGill: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE FRANCIS MARION TRAIL COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH A HERITAGE AND TOURISM TRAIL HONORING FRANCIS MARION'S REVOLUTIONARY CAMPAIGNS AND TO ESTABLISH THE COMMISSION'S MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND RELATED MATTERS.

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 joint resolution, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting therein the following:

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

/   SECTION   1.   There is created the Francis Marion Trail Commission for the purpose of establishing a heritage and tourism trail to be designated as the Francis Marion Trail. The commission is authorized to solicit and raise funds for the trail from public or private sources, and, in coordination with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, to designate the location and route of the trail to be included in the department's State Trail System. The commission is empowered and directed to raise private funds, to solicit and receive private and public grants, and to receive gifts to carry out the purpose for which the commission is created. If necessary for proper funding to establish the trail, the commission may recommend an appropriation for the trail. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism shall provide the necessary staff and assistance to the commission. After the trail is established, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism must maintain the trail as part of the State Trail System, however, the commission shall continue to raise public and private funds to assist in maintaining the trail.

SECTION   2.   The commission shall consist of the following seven members:

(1)   the Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism or his designee, ex officio;

(2)   the President of Francis Marion University or his designee, ex officio;

(3)   one member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;

(4)   one member appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(5)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee;

(6)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee; and

(7)   one member appointed by the Governor.

The members of the commission shall serve terms of four years and until their successors are appointed. Vacancies must be filled in the same manner as original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. The commission shall elect one of its members to serve as chairman for a term of two years. Commission members are not entitled to receive the subsistence, mileage, and per diem otherwise provided by law for members of state boards, committees, and commissions.

SECTION   3.   The presidents of the historical societies located in each of the counties identified in this resolution, or their designees, shall serve on an advisory committee in a non-voting capacity.

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

Amend the Joint Resolution further by deleting all before the enacting words and inserting:

/   TO CREATE THE FRANCIS MARION TRAIL COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH A HERITAGE AND TOURISM TRAIL HONORING FRANCIS MARION'S REVOLUTIONARY CAMPAIGNS, TO ESTABLISH THE COMMISSION'S MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND RELATED MATTERS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRESIDENTS OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETIES LOCATED IN CERTAIN COUNTIES SHALL SERVE ON AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Whereas, the campaigns of General Francis Marion in the American Revolution are a source of inspiration and pride to the people of the State of South Carolina and the United States as a whole, and are recognized as having been instrumental in our country's fight for freedom; and

Whereas, the greater part of Francis Marion's campaigns took place in and immediately adjacent to the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina, particularly in the counties of Marion, Florence, Williamsburg, Horry, Georgetown, Berkeley, Charleston, Sumter, Clarendon, and Colleton; and

Whereas, the sites associated with Francis Marion in this area are largely unexplored and undeveloped, and offer little or no access to the public; and

Whereas, it is recognized that an understanding and appreciation of these sites will promote an understanding and appreciation of our heritage and the price of the freedom that we enjoy; and

Whereas, the State of South Carolina believes that a tourism trail focusing on these Francis Marion sites and the area in which they are located will promote such goals as well as tourism in this area of South Carolina. Now, therefore,   /

Amend title to conform.

/s/Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr.   /s/Rep. C. David Umphlett, Jr.
/s/Sen. J. Yancey McGill          /s/Rep. Nelson L. Hardwick
/s/Sen. Lawrence K. Grooms        /s/Rep. Thomas N. Rhoad
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

S. 165--FREE CONFERENCE POWERS GRANTED
FREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

S. 165 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Hayes, Alexander, Fair and Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-33-245, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ALCOHOL TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXCISE TAX ON THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR BY THE DRINK AND TO PROVIDE FOR DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND TO REVISE THE AMOUNT OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO COUNTIES THAT MUST BE USED FOR ALCOHOL EDUCATION AND ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG REHABILITATION BUT TO PROVIDE THAT IN NO CASE MAY THE AMOUNT PROVIDED BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT DISTRIBUTED IN FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-90, RELATING TO THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALE, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE EXCISE TAX FOR ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR BY THE DRINK; TO AMEND SECTIONS 61-4-120, 61-4-570, 61-4-770, AND 61-4-1720, RELATING TO PROVISIONS CONCERNING BEER, ALE, PORTER, AND WINE, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCES TO MINIBOTTLES AND TO REQUIRE THAT WINES OF MORE THAN TWENTY-ONE PERCENT ALCOHOL ARE SOLD IN RETAIL LIQUOR STORES ONLY; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-20, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS USED IN THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION OF "ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR BY THE DRINK" AND "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY THE DRINK"; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-185, RELATING TO THE PROCEDURES TO PROTEST THE ISSUANCE OR RENEWAL OF A RETAIL LIQUOR LICENSE, SO AS TO AMEND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION TO ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-700, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH USE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ONLY IN THE PREPARATION OF FOODS TO BE SERVED BY THE ESTABLISHMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCE TO MINIBOTTLES; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-1500, RELATING TO RETAIL DEALERS' LICENSES, SO AS TO DELETE THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE SIZE OF CONTAINERS OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS TO BE SOLD BY RETAIL DEALERS, TO AMEND THE RESTRICTIONS ON SALE AND DELIVERY OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS TO THE HOURS BETWEEN SEVEN P.M. AND SEVEN A.M., AND TO AMEND THE PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFULLY REFILLING OR TAMPERING WITH ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-1540, RELATING TO NONALCOHOLIC MERCHANDISE, SO AS TO AMEND THE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOLIC PERCENTAGE OF WINE TO BE SOLD IN LIQUOR STORES FROM FOURTEEN PERCENT TO TWENTY-ONE PERCENT IN ORDER TO CONFORM WITH THE DEFINITION OF NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN SECTION 61-4-10; TO AMEND SUBARTICLE 1, ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 61, RELATING TO BIENNIAL MINIBOTTLE LICENSES AND LICENSEES, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCES TO MINIBOTTLES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 61-6-1600 AND 61-6-1610, RELATING TO NONPROFITS AND BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE AUTHORIZATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS IN MINIBOTTLES, TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS BY THE DRINK, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFULLY REFILLING OR TAMPERING WITH BOTTLES OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-1620, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON MINIBOTTLE LICENSEES, SO AS TO DELETE THE RESTRICTIONS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE POSSESSION AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS IN CONTAINERS OTHER THAN MINIBOTTLES ON LICENSED PREMISES; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-1630, RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RETAIL DEALERS WITH FEDERAL WHOLESALE BASIC PERMITS MAY DELIVER ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS TO ESTABLISHMENTS LICENSED TO SELL ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-1825, RELATING TO THE PROCEDURES TO PROTEST THE ISSUANCE OR RENEWAL OF A MINIBOTTLE LICENSE, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "MINIBOTTLE" AND TO MAKE THE PROCEDURES APPLY TO ANY BIENNIAL LICENSE FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 61-6-2000 AND 61-6-2005, BOTH RELATING TO TEMPORARY PERMITS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE LICENSE AUTHORIZES THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS BY THE DRINK; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-2010, RELATING TO TEMPORARY PERMITS AUTHORIZED THROUGH A REFERENDUM, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCES TO ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS "IN SEALED CONTAINERS OF TWO OUNCES OR LESS" AND TO ALLOW A REFERENDUM FOR TEMPORARY PERMITS FOR THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-2200, RELATING TO THE AGE OF THE SERVER OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS IN ON-PREMISES ESTABLISHMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SERVER, WHO IS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, MAY SERVE ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS BY THE DRINK AND TO DELETE THE REFERENCES TO MINIBOTTLES; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-2210, RELATING TO THE BREAKING OF THE SEAL OF A MINIBOTTLE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE BREAKING OF THE SEAL BY THE PURCHASER OR SELLER WHEN THE MINIBOTTLE IS BEING SOLD FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 61-6-2220 AND 61-6-2230, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENTS LICENSED TO SELL ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCES TO MINIBOTTLES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 61-6-2400 AND 61-6-2420, BOTH RELATING TO TAXATION OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND RESTAURANTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCES TO MINIBOTTLES; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-2600, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS IN MINIBOTTLES, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCE TO MINIBOTTLES AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO ACTS TO AVOID THE PAYMENT OF THE SALES TAX ON THE SERVING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY THE DRINK IS SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES OF THIS SECTION; AND TO PROVIDE THAT ALL STATUTES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING MINIBOTTLE LICENSES OR PERMITS APPLY TO THE LICENSE OR PERMIT TO SELL ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS BY THE DRINK AND TO PROVIDE THAT MINIBOTTLE LICENSES OR PERMITS IN EFFECT ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE PERMITS FOR ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR BY THE DRINK AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, with unanimous consent, Free Conference Powers were granted.

Whereupon, Senators MARTIN, KNOTTS and SHEHEEN were appointed to the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Notice of Motion

Senator MARTIN gave notice of a motion on suspending or amending the provisions of Rule 37.

Motion Adopted

Senator MARTIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion that, when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned to meet tomorrow at 10:30 A.M.

There was no objection and the motion was adopted.

OBJECTION

Senator RANKIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the following appointment from the Committee on Judiciary:

Initial Appointment, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, with term to commence May 19, 2002, and to expire May 19, 2009

Horry:

John T. Molnar, 23 South Gate Road, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29572 VICE Vernie Dove

Senator MESCHER objected.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Reverend Timothy Bailey of Ware Shoals, S.C. Reverend Bailey lost his life while saving two of his sons who were drowning.

ADJOURNMENT

At 5:06 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 10:30 A.M.

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