Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr., as follows:

Our thought for today is from Psalm 116:7: "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."
Let us pray. O Lord, Your gracious acts of love and compassion have sustained us during our time of hard work and through the trials of living. Continue to be present with each of these, Your people, as we struggle with doing what is good for the people of this State. Give us strength and courage to carry on. Bless our Nation, President, State, Governor, Speaker and all who serve in these halls of government. Hold in Your protective arms our defenders of freedom as they protect us. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

Rep. ANTHONY moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Paul Glenn of Union, which was agreed to.

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

S. 330 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Peeler, Short and Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-530, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN YORK COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF YORK COUNTY, AND TO REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3034 (Word version) -- Reps. Brady, Haskins, Cobb-Hunter, Cotty, Funderburk, Hagood, Stavrinakis, Gullick and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 48-52-690 TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACT SO AS TO REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF "GREEN BUILDING" OR COMPARABLE STANDARDS TO STANDARDS OR MEASURES OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION TO BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED ON STATE PROPERTY WITH CONSTRUCTION BUDGETS OF MORE THAN FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS AND TO PROVIDE EXEMPTIONS OF CERTAIN STATE-FUNDED STRUCTURES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3456 (Word version) -- Reps. M. A. Pitts, Pinson and Parks: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 31, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT, BY ADDING CHAPTER 20 ENACTING THE "ABANDONED MANUFACTURED HOME REMOVAL ACT" SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR DEMOLITION AND DISPOSAL OF ABANDONED MANUFACTURED HOMES AND PROVIDE THE APPROPRIATE NOTICE AND OTHER PROCEDURES NECESSARY FOR THIS ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-49-85, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO UNCOLLECTIBLE REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES, SO AS TO ALLOW THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO WAIVE AND REMOVE FROM THE TAX DUPLICATE CURRENT AND DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES, ASSESSMENTS, COSTS, AND FEES FROM A MANUFACTURED HOME DEMOLISHED AND DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO THE ABANDONED MANUFACTURED HOME REMOVAL ACT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

H. 3481 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, G. Brown, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Dantzler, Haley, Huggins, Leach, Owens, Skelton, G. M. Smith and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-10-230, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS WHOM THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 10, TITLE 40, REGULATING FIRE SPRINKLER CONTRACTORS, DO NOT APPLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CHAPTER 10 DOES NOT APPLY TO PERSONS WHO ARE EMPLOYED BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS TO REPAIR, ALTER, MAINTAIN, OR INSPECT FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. WITHERSPOON, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 132 (Word version) -- Senator Mescher: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-13-390, TO PROVIDE THAT NO MORE THAN ONE ARKANSAS BLUE CATFISH OVER THIRTY-FOUR INCHES MAY BE TAKEN FROM THE WATERS OF LAKES MARION AND MOULTRIE BY ANY ONE PERSON IN ONE DAY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION APPLY TO COMMERCIAL AS WELL AS RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. WITHERSPOON, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3021 (Word version) -- Reps. Coleman and Anthony: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-3-185 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT TO THE EXTENT THE BOARD OR THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HAS THE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER LAW TO SET THE OPEN AND CLOSED SEASONS FOR THE TAKING OF FISH OR GAME, THE BAG OR SIZE LIMITS FOR FISH OR GAME TAKEN, OR ANY OTHER CONDITIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THE TAKING OF FISH OR GAME,

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 294 (Word version) -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-8303, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THOSE OFFENSES COMMITTED BY JUVENILES FOR WHICH RELEASE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE IS DETERMINED BY THE BOARD OF JUVENILE PAROLE OR THE DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT RELEASE FOR THE OFFENSE OF ASSAULT AND BATTERY OF A HIGH AND AGGRAVATED NATURE MUST BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-8305, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REVIEW AND RELEASE PROCEDURES FOR THE BOARD AND DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATUTORY PROCEDURES APPLY TO THE BOARD AND THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTABLISH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS REVIEW AND RELEASE PROCEDURES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3490 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, E. H. Pitts, Delleney, Harrison, Hart, Lucas, Rutherford, Sandifer, Stavrinakis, Thompson, Weeks, Whitmire and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 22, TITLE 17, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM BY DESIGNATING THE EXISTING SECTIONS AS ARTICLE 1 AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 SO AS TO CREATE THE "ALCOHOL EDUCATION PROGRAM ACT", TO PROVIDE THAT EACH SOLICITOR HAS THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WHO COMMIT CERTAIN ALCOHOL-RELATED OFFENSES,

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3278 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, Haskins, Bedingfield, Cato, Hamilton, Harrell, Leach, E. H. Pitts, Shoopman, F. N. Smith and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-200 SO AS TO PROVIDE A UNIFORM METHOD OF FILLING VACANCIES IN AN ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICE WHEN A PERSON MOVES HIS RESIDENCE OUTSIDE OF THE AREA FROM WHICH HE WAS ELECTED OR APPOINTED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3212 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, M. A. Pitts, Haley, Crawford, Chellis, G. R. Smith, Owens, Rice, Weeks and Viers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-215, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALABLE WEAPONS PERMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT VALID OUT-OF-STATE PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALABLE WEAPONS HELD BY A RESIDENT OF ANOTHER STATE MUST BE HONORED BY THIS STATE AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT THIS STATE WILL ONLY HONOR OUT-OF-STATE PERMITS ISSUED BY A STATE WITH WHICH SOUTH CAROLINA HAS RECIPROCITY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3310 (Word version) -- Reps. M. A. Pitts, Duncan, Gambrell, Herbkersman, Sandifer, Whipper, White, Bedingfield and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL

Rep. HOWARD, from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3135 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Smith, Funderburk and Cotty: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STUDY COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP A STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PERSONS WITH EPILEPSY IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

The following was introduced:

H. 3553 (Word version) -- Reps. Parks, M. A. Pitts and Pinson: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF THE MAGIC JOHNSON COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT CENTER IN GREENWOOD COUNTY AND TO HONOR EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON FOR HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3554 (Word version) -- Reps. Agnew and Gambrell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. RODDEY STEVENSON ELLIS, JR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS EIGHTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY AND WISH HIM GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN YEARS TO COME.

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

The following was introduced:

H. 3555 (Word version) -- Rep. Hodges: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF MRS. ANNIE MAE KINSEY OF COLLETON COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 460 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND HONOR MAJOR SAMUEL TAYLOR OF PENDLETON DISTRICT FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS A PIONEER, PATRIOT, AND STATESMAN WHOSE DEDICATION TO LIBERTY HELPED ACHIEVE AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE AND WHOSE DEDICATION TO SOUTH CAROLINA ENSURED ITS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY DURING ITS EARLY HISTORY.

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

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 461 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND HONOR GENERAL ANDREW PICKENS OF PENDLETON DISTRICT FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS A PIONEER, PATRIOT, AND STATESMAN WHOSE DEDICATION TO LIBERTY HELPED ACHIEVE AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE AND WHOSE

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

The following was taken up for immediate consideration:

S. 466 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Fair, Vaughn, Peeler, Ford, Cromer, Malloy, O'Dell, Drummond, Williams, Bryant, Moore, Leventis, Verdin, Patterson, Cleary, Grooms, Matthews, Setzler and Ryberg: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007, "HOMETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA DAY" TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT SOUTH CAROLINA CITIES AND TOWNS MAKE TO OUR STATE'S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.

Whereas, cities and towns derive their power from the state constitution and laws adopted by the General Assembly; and

Whereas, there are 269 duly incorporated municipalities within the State, with 1.4 million residents and thirty-five percent of the state's population residing in cities and towns; and

Whereas, cities and towns are valuable resources to state economic development and competitiveness efforts; and

Whereas, considered hometown to their residents, cities and towns provide a sense of place and spirit of community to all within and around their municipal boundaries; and

Whereas, greatly enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of this State, cities and towns provide essential services such as law enforcement, fire protection, health and sanitation, recreation, and growth and development controls; and

Whereas, there are 1,584 mayors and council members who have been duly elected by the residents of their hometowns to serve the needs of their communities; and

Whereas, healthy, financially sound, and economically strong cities and towns are essential to the health and welfare of the State. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, declare Wednesday, February 28, 2007, "Hometown, South Carolina Day" to recognize and honor the valuable contributions that South Carolina cities and towns make to our state's economic prosperity.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Doug Echols, Mayor of the City of Rock Hill and the 2007 President of the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

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

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 468 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND COMMEND RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO ON BEING SELECTED AS ONE OF THREE DISTRICTS IN THE STATE AS A NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION'S 2007 TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP NETWORK SITE VISIT DISTRICT.

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

The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 3556 (Word version) -- Reps. Umphlett, Merrill, Dantzler and Hinson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-1556 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE CLERK OF COURT TO MAINTAIN FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION A RECORD OF THE AMOUNT OF FEES PAID TO EACH INDIVIDUAL SERVING AS A GUARDIAN AD LITEM IN CASES IN THAT COUNTY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 3557 (Word version) -- Reps. Rice, Hiott and Owens: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-360 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO TAKE OR ATTEMPT TO TAKE ELK EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY REGULATION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 3558 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe, Williams, Branham and Alexander: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF FLORENCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUR IS INCREASED FROM THREE TO FOUR YEARS FOR ALL TRUSTEES ELECTED BEGINNING WITH ELECTIONS HELD ON AND AFTER 2007.
On motion of Rep. LOWE, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3559 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Harrison, Govan, F. N. Smith, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Bedingfield, Bowen, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Chellis, Clyburn, Dantzler, Delleney, Edge, Gambrell, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hardwick, Hiott, Hosey, Huggins, Jefferson, Limehouse, Merrill, Mitchell, J. M. Neal, Owens, Scarborough, Spires, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Umphlett, Weeks and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-770 SO AS TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, CREATE THE OFFENSE OF ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL GRAFFITI VANDALISM,

H. 3560 (Word version) -- Reps. Crawford, Harrell, Bales, Merrill, Mitchell, Simrill, Bingham, Allen, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bowen, Brantley, R. Brown, Chalk, Clemmons, Cooper, Edge, Gullick, Harrison, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hodges, Howard, Jennings, Kelly, Littlejohn, Lowe, Mahaffey, Neilson, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Scarborough, Shoopman, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Talley, Taylor, Witherspoon and Young: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-45-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ACT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE INVESTMENTS IN ACTIVITIES AT CERTAIN STAGES OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THAT REPRESENT VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-45-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SELECTION OF INVESTMENT PLANS BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA VENTURE CAPITAL AUTHORITY, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ACTIVITIES IN CERTAIN STAGES OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BE SELECTED IN CERTAIN PERCENTAGES FOR INVESTMENT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 397 (Word version) -- Senators Patterson, Courson, Jackson and Lourie: A JOINT RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO TRANSFER MONEY TO THE CITY OF COLUMBIA FOR HOMELESS PROGRAMS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 408 (Word version) -- Senators Short and Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY'S DESIGNATION MAY NOT DROP MORE THAN ONE TIER IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR AS A RESULT OF THE ANNUAL RANKING AND DESIGNATION OF COUNTIES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.
On motion of Rep. DELLENEY, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

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

Agnew                  Alexander              Allen
Anderson               Anthony                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Brady                  Branham
Brantley               Breeland               G. Brown
R. Brown               Cato                   Ceips
Chalk                  Clemmons               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Coleman                Cooper
Cotty                  Crawford               Dantzler
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Frye                   Funderburk             Gambrell
Gullick                Hagood                 Haley
Hamilton               Hardwick               Harrell
Harrison               Hart                   Harvin
Haskins                Hayes                  Herbkersman
Hinson                 Hiott                  Hodges
Hosey                  Howard                 Jefferson
Jennings               Kelly                  Kennedy
Kirsh                  Knight                 Limehouse
Littlejohn             Loftis                 Lowe
Lucas                  Mahaffey               McLeod
Merrill                Miller                 Mitchell
Moss                   Mulvaney               J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Ott
Owens                  Parks                  Perry
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Rice                   Rutherford             Sandifer
Scarborough            Scott                  Sellers
Shoopman               Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Spires                 Stavrinakis
Stewart                Talley                 Taylor
Thompson               Toole                  Umphlett
Vick                   Walker                 Weeks
White                  Whitmire               Witherspoon
Young

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, February 21.

Converse Chellis                  Jerry Govan
Jackson "Seth"  Whipper           Chip Huggins
Robert Williams                   David Mack
Thad Viers                        Ralph Davenport
William Bowers                    Fletcher Smith
Doug Smith

The SPEAKER granted Rep. LEACH a leave of absence due to illness.

Rep. SIMRILL signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Tuesday, February 20.

Announcement was made that Dr. Gene Dickerson of Sumter was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

Rep. ANDERSON presented to the House the Carvers Bay High School "Bears" Football Team, the 2006 Class A, Division 1 Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2   Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire

Bill Number:   H. 3089 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   WEEKS

Bill Number:   H. 3509 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   WHITMIRE

Bill Number:   H. 3509 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   FRYE

Bill Number:   H. 3196 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BRANTLEY

Bill Number:   H. 3196 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   SPIRES

Bill Number:   H. 3196 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   CHALK

Bill Number:   H. 3196 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   WALKER

Bill Number:   H. 3196 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BARFIELD

Bill Number:   H. 3196 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MILLER

Bill Number:   H. 3196 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MITCHELL

Bill Number:   H. 3196 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   HARRISON

Bill Number:   H. 3097 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   VIERS

Bill Number:   H. 3146 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   FUNDERBURK

Bill Number:   H. 3427 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MULVANEY

Bill Number:   H. 3509 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   SIMRILL

Bill Number:   H. 3509 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   WHITE

Bill Number:   H. 3509 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MULVANEY

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   RICE

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   VICK

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   WHITMIRE

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BRANTLEY

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   ALLEN

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   DAVENPORT

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   HARDWICK

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   F. N. SMITH

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   ANTHONY

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   GULLICK

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BREELAND

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MACK

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BATTLE

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   WILLIAMS

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   SANDIFER

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   R. BROWN

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   GOVAN

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   HOSEY

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   EDGE

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   SELLERS

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MCLEOD

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   HART

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   SCOTT

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   HAYES

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   JENNINGS

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   AGNEW

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   GAMBRELL

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   J. H. NEAL

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   WEEKS

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BOWEN

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   HARRISON

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   SPIRES

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MOSS

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   RUTHERFORD

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BALES

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BRANHAM

Bill Number:   H. 3136 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MITCHELL

Bill Number:   H. 3034 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BOWERS

Bill Number:   H. 3284 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   DUNCAN

Bill Number:   H. 3427 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   GULLICK

Bill Number:   H. 3453 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   BATTLE

Bill Number:   H. 3486 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   SIMRILL

Bill Number:   H. 3499 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   SHOOPMAN

Bill Number:   H. 3499 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   RICE

Bill Number:   H. 3512 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MAHAFFEY

Bill Number:   H. 3516 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   MAHAFFEY

Bill Number:   H. 3522 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/21/07   TALLEY

The SPEAKER granted Rep. COTTY a temporary leave of absence for official legislative business.

On motion of Rep. COOPER, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means:

H. 3514 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Toole, Pinson, Dantzler, Hayes, Leach, J. R. Smith and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO DELETE THE DEFINITION FOR "OFFICE"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-1524, RELATING TO VENDOR PREFERENCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PREFERENCES FOR END PRODUCTS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA AND FROM THE UNITED STATES AND FOR CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS WHO EMPLOY INDIVIDUALS DOMICILED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, PROVIDE FOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PREFERENCES, PROVIDE FOR APPLICATION FOR THE PREFERENCES AND PENALTIES FOR FALSE APPLICATION, AND TO MAKE EXCEPTIONS TO THE PREFERENCES.

Rep. HOSEY asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3479 (Word version) from the Committee on Ways and Means.
Rep. COOPER objected.

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. LIMEHOUSE.

Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of Amendment No. 6:

H. 3097 (Word version) -- Reps. Rice, Walker, G. R. Smith, Shoopman, Cobb-Hunter, Mahaffey, Cotty, Owens, D. C. Smith, Bedingfield, Bales and Viers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 16 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM, PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM, PROVIDE FOR COURSES OFFERED FOR CERTAIN CREDIT, PROVIDE FOR THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM'S TEACHERS, PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, PROVIDE FOR A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS, PROVIDE FOR AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND PROVIDE FOR AN ON-LINE PROGRAM IN A CHARTER SCHOOL; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-40-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION IF A CHARTER SCHOOL OFFERS A PROGRAM OF ON-LINE INSTRUCTION AND PROVIDE THAT CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY ENROLL IN THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM PURSUANT TO PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

Rep. OWENS proposed the following Amendment No. 6 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20124SD07), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-16-15 as contained in SECTION 1, by striking subsection (C) and inserting:
/   (C)   Students may be awarded such credits per school year and throughout high school as determined by the governing body of the student's school district.   /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

Rep. HARRISON moved to reconsider the vote whereby Amendment No. 5 was tabled.

Rep. WEEKS moved to table the motion to reconsider.

Rep. SIMRILL demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anthony
Bales                  Battle                 Bowers
Branham                Breeland               G. Brown
R. Brown               Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Coleman                Funderburk             Gambrell
Govan                  Hart                   Harvin
Hayes                  Hiott                  Hodges
Hosey                  Jefferson              Jennings
Kennedy                Kirsh                  Littlejohn
Mack                   McLeod                 Miller
Mitchell               Moss                   J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Ott
Parks                  Perry                  Pinson
Rutherford             Sandifer               Scott
Sellers                Skelton                D. C. Smith
Stavrinakis            Thompson               Vick
Walker                 Weeks                  Whipper
Whitmire               Williams

Those who voted in the negative are:

Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  Brantley               Cato
Chalk                  Chellis                Clemmons
Cooper                 Crawford               Dantzler
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Frye                   Gullick                Hagood

Haley                  Hamilton               Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Haskins
Herbkersman            Hinson                 Huggins
Kelly                  Limehouse              Loftis
Lowe                   Lucas                  Mahaffey
Merrill                Mulvaney               Owens
E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts            Rice
Scarborough            Shoopman               Simrill
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
Spires                 Stewart                Talley
Taylor                 Toole                  Umphlett
Viers                  White                  Witherspoon
Young

So, the House refused to table the motion to reconsider.

The question then recurred to the motion to reconsider.

Rep. SIMRILL demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Cato                   Chalk                  Chellis
Clemmons               Cooper                 Crawford
Dantzler               Delleney               Duncan
Edge                   Frye                   Gullick
Hagood                 Haley                  Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Haskins                Herbkersman            Hinson
Huggins                Limehouse              Loftis
Lowe                   Lucas                  Mahaffey
Merrill                Mulvaney               Owens
E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts            Rice
Scarborough            Scott                  Shoopman
Simrill                G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Spires                 Stewart

Talley                 Taylor                 Toole
Umphlett               Viers                  White
Witherspoon            Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Alexander              Allen
Anderson               Anthony                Bales
Battle                 Bowers                 Branham
Breeland               G. Brown               R. Brown
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Funderburk             Gambrell               Govan
Hart                   Harvin                 Hayes
Hiott                  Hodges                 Hosey
Jefferson              Jennings               Kelly
Kennedy                Kirsh                  Littlejohn
Mack                   McLeod                 Miller
Mitchell               Moss                   J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Ott
Parks                  Perry                  Pinson
Rutherford             Sandifer               Sellers
Skelton                D. C. Smith            Stavrinakis
Thompson               Vick                   Walker
Weeks                  Whipper                Whitmire
Williams

So, the motion to reconsider was agreed to.

Pursuant to the provisions of House Rule 7.8, Rep. JENNINGS cast a proxy vote on behalf of Rep. J. E. SMITH against the motion to reconsider on Amendment No. 5.

Rep. MERRILL moved to adjourn debate on the amendment, which was agreed to.

(1)   through the use of technology South Carolina can create educational opportunities for the students of this State that may not exist without this technology; and

(2)   using technology to deliver instruction can provide effective alternatives for credit recovery, meeting graduation requirements, resolving scheduling conflicts, delivering curriculum content when there is a shortage of certified personnel, providing a more flexible and individualized instructional pace, and offering low-incidence courses.

(B)   It is the purpose of the General Assembly in this chapter to establish the South Carolina Virtual School Program to ensure consistent high quality education for the students of South Carolina utilizing technology-delivered courses.

(C)   It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide opportunities for teachers, parents, and students to:

(1)   improve student learning;

(2)   increase learning opportunities for all students;

(3)   encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods;

(4)   provide parents and students with expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system; and

(5)   provide rigorous competition within the public school system to stimulate continual improvements in public schools.

(D)   Through virtual schools, the State seeks to achieve:

(1)   equity in education, providing every student with equal access to educational opportunities, regardless of where the student lives or the size of the school the student attends;

(2)   quality in education, through the creative application of telecommunications, as students are given the opportunity to interact with students from other cultures and geographical locations;

(3)   enhanced curriculum to meet the needs of high-risk students who would be likely to drop out of traditional classroom programs; and

(4)   expended course offerings in subjects that schools are currently unable to provide.   /
Amend further, Section 59-16-15(F), as contained in SECTION 1, by deleting subsection (F) and inserting:
/   (F)   The State shall provide home computer equipment and internet access for enrollment in courses provided by the South Carolina Virtual School Program to each participant whose family income falls below two hundred percent of the Federal poverty level./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. GOVAN explained the amendment.

Rep. WALKER moved to table the amendment.

Rep. GOVAN demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  Brantley               Ceips
Chellis                Clemmons               Cooper
Crawford               Dantzler               Delleney
Duncan                 Gambrell               Gullick
Hagood                 Haley                  Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Haskins                Herbkersman            Hinson
Hiott                  Huggins                Kelly
Kirsh                  Littlejohn             Lowe
Lucas                  Mahaffey               Merrill
Owens                  Perry                  Pinson
E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts            Scarborough
Shoopman               Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Spires                 Stavrinakis
Stewart                Talley                 Taylor
Thompson               Toole                  Umphlett

Viers                  Walker                 White
Whitmire               Witherspoon            Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Alexander              Allen
Anderson               Anthony                Bales
Battle                 Bowers                 Branham
Breeland               G. Brown               R. Brown
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Edge                   Frye                   Funderburk
Govan                  Hart                   Harvin
Hayes                  Hodges                 Hosey
Jefferson              Jennings               Kennedy
Loftis                 Mack                   McLeod
Miller                 Mitchell               Moss
Mulvaney               J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Neilson                Ott                    Parks
Rice                   Rutherford             Scott
Sellers                Vick                   Weeks
Whipper                Williams

So, the amendment was tabled.

Pursuant to the provisions of House Rule 7.8, Rep. JENNINGS cast a proxy vote on behalf of Rep. J. E. SMITH against the motion to table Amendment No. 7.

Rep. WALKER proposed the following Amendment No. 8 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20148SD07), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-16-15 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking subsection (A) and inserting:
/   (A)   The State Board of Education is authorized to establish the South Carolina Virtual School Program to provide South Carolina students access to distance, on-line, or virtual learning courses offered for an initial unit of credit. Additionally, the South Carolina Virtual

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

Rep. OWENS proposed the following Amendment No. 11 (Doc Name COUNCIL\AGM\18771MM07), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-16-15 as contained in SECTION 1, by striking subsection (C) and inserting:
/   (C)   A student may be awarded such credits in a school year and throughout high school as determined by the governing body of the student's school district; except that a school district must allow a participating student at least three on-line credits in a school year and twelve on-line credits throughout high school. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

Rep. WALKER proposed the following Amendment No. 12 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20149SD07), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-16-15 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking subsection (B) and inserting:
/   (B)   A public, private, or home school student residing in South Carolina who is twenty-one years of age or younger is eligible to enroll in the South Carolina Virtual School Program. Of the seats available in courses offered through the South Carolina Virtual School Program, ninety percent shall be allocated to public schools for student enrollment. The remaining ten percent shall be allocated for student enrollment from private schools or home schools. However, if either

Rep. WALKER explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted by a division vote of 46 to 20.

Rep. OWENS proposed the following Amendment No. 5 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20123SD07), which was reconsidered and tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-16-15(B) as contained in SECTION 1, by striking the second sentence of the subsection which reads: /However, public school students must be given enrollment priority./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

Rep. GOVAN spoke against the Bill.
Rep. COBB-HUNTER spoke against the Bill.
Rep. MACK spoke against the Bill.
Rep. OTT spoke against the Bill.
Rep. J. H. NEAL spoke against the Bill.

Further proceedings were interrupted by the Joint Assembly the pending question being consideration of the Bill.

At 12:00 noon the Senate appeared in the Hall of the House. The President of the Senate called the Joint Assembly to order and announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses.

The Reading Clerk of the House read the following Concurrent Resolution:

H. 3338 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, Harrell, W. D. Smith, Delleney, Agnew, Bannister, Clemmons, Coleman, Cotty, Funderburk, Hagood, Hart, Jennings, Kelly, Lucas, McLeod, Rutherford, Sellers, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, J. E. Smith, Stavrinakis, Talley, Viers, Weeks and Whipper: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO INVITE THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT, THE HONORABLE JEAN HOEFER TOAL, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION ON THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY AT 12:00 NOON ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2007.

Chief Justice Toal and her distinguished party were escorted to the rostrum by Senators Leatherman, Vaughn, Malloy, and Mescher and Representatives HARRISON, DELLENEY, COLEMAN, HASKINS, CEIPS, and JENNINGS.

Lieutenant Governor Bauer, President Pro Tempore McConnell, SPEAKER HARRELL, Speaker Pro Tempore SMITH, Members of the Joint Assembly, my brothers and sisters of the South Carolina Judiciary, ladies and gentlemen:
Your generosity in extending to me the privilege of this podium is a mark of respect for the judicial branch and a recognition of our partnership which sends a needed encouragement to the men and women in South Carolina who labor as filing clerks, court reporters, baliffs, clerks of court, magistrates, and judges. Most notably, it assures us all that the rule of law works and is at work in our beloved State.
Your Supreme Court has served together since March of 2000. Seven years represents the longest tenure of our court without change in modern times.
E. C. Burnett
At the time of his retirement, Justice E. C. Burnett will have served as a South Carolina judge for 30 years. No member of the judiciary in South Carolina has served in a broader range of judicial responsibilities than Justice Burnett. E. C. began his judicial career as a Probate Judge,

Upon conclusion of her address, Chief Justice Toal and her escort party retired from the Chamber.

The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the PRESIDENT announced that under the terms of the Concurrent Resolution the Joint Assembly would recede from business.
The Senate accordingly retired to its Chamber.

At 12:30 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

Rep. HAGOOD moved that the House recede until 2:00 p.m., which was agreed to.

At 2:00 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

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

Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of the Bill:

H. 3097 (Word version) -- Reps. Rice, Walker, G. R. Smith, Shoopman, Cobb-Hunter, Mahaffey, Cotty, Owens, D. C. Smith, Bedingfield, Bales and Viers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 16 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM, PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM, PROVIDE FOR COURSES OFFERED FOR CERTAIN CREDIT, PROVIDE FOR THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM'S TEACHERS, PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, PROVIDE FOR A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS, PROVIDE FOR AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND PROVIDE FOR AN ON-LINE PROGRAM IN A CHARTER SCHOOL; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-40-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION IF A CHARTER SCHOOL OFFERS A PROGRAM OF ON-LINE INSTRUCTION AND PROVIDE THAT CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY ENROLL IN THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM PURSUANT TO PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

Rep. WALKER moved to table the motion.

Rep. OTT demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Anthony                Ballentine             Bannister
Barfield               Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Brantley               Cato
Ceips                  Chalk                  Chellis
Clemmons               Coleman                Cooper
Crawford               Dantzler               Davenport
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Frye                   Gambrell               Gullick
Hagood                 Haley                  Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Haskins
Herbkersman            Hinson                 Hiott
Kelly                  Kirsh                  Littlejohn
Lowe                   Lucas                  Mahaffey
Merrill                Moss                   Mulvaney
J. M. Neal             Owens                  Perry
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Rice                   Sandifer               Scarborough
Shoopman               Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            F. N. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            W. D. Smith
Spires                 Stavrinakis            Stewart
Talley                 Taylor                 Thompson
Toole                  Umphlett               Viers
Walker                 White                  Whitmire
Witherspoon            Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Alexander              Allen
Anderson               Bales                  Battle

Bowers                 Branham                Breeland
G. Brown               R. Brown               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Funderburk             Govan
Hart                   Harvin                 Hayes
Hodges                 Hosey                  Jefferson
Jennings               Kennedy                Knight
Mack                   McLeod                 Miller
Mitchell               J. H. Neal             Neilson
Ott                    Parks                  Rutherford
Scott                  Sellers                Vick
Weeks                  Whipper                Williams

So, the motion to recommit the Bill was tabled.

Pursuant to the provisions of House Rule 7.8, Rep. JENNINGS cast a proxy vote on behalf of Rep. J. E. SMITH against the motion to table the motion to recommit H. 3097.

Rep. CLYBURN spoke against the Bill.
Rep. OTT spoke against the Bill.
Rep. HOSEY spoke against the Bill.
Rep. MERRILL spoke in favor of the Bill.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the Yeas and Nays were taken resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Anthony                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Brantley               Cato
Ceips                  Chalk                  Chellis
Clemmons               Coleman                Cooper
Cotty                  Crawford               Dantzler
Davenport              Delleney               Duncan
Edge                   Frye                   Funderburk
Gambrell               Gullick                Hagood

Haley                  Hamilton               Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Haskins
Hayes                  Herbkersman            Hinson
Hiott                  Huggins                Kelly
Kirsh                  Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Lowe                   Lucas
Mahaffey               McLeod                 Merrill
Moss                   Mulvaney               J. M. Neal
Neilson                Owens                  Perry
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Rice                   Sandifer               Scarborough
Shoopman               Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
W. D. Smith            Spires                 Stavrinakis
Stewart                Talley                 Taylor
Thompson               Toole                  Umphlett
Vick                   Viers                  Walker
White                  Whitmire               Witherspoon
Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

Alexander              Allen                  Anderson
Bowers                 Branham                Breeland
G. Brown               R. Brown               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Govan                  Hart
Harvin                 Hodges                 Hosey
Howard                 Jefferson              Jennings
Kennedy                Knight                 Mack
Miller                 Mitchell               J. H. Neal
Ott                    Parks                  Rutherford
Scott                  Sellers                F. N. Smith
Weeks                  Whipper                Williams

So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

Pursuant to the provisions of House Rule 7.8, Rep. JENNINGS cast a proxy vote on behalf of Rep. J. E. SMITH against H. 3097.

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

The following was introduced:

H. 3561 (Word version) -- Reps. Brantley, Bowers, Breeland, Davenport, Hamilton, Harvin, Mitchell, Scarborough, Simrill, J. R. Smith and Stavrinakis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF MR. RALPH TUTEN, MAYOR OF RIDGELAND, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

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

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 3562 (Word version) -- Reps. Whipper, J. E. Smith, Rutherford, Jefferson, Sellers, Bales, Brantley, R. Brown, Clyburn, Hosey, Mack and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ENACTING THE "HEALTHY COMMUNITIES CAPACITY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 6, TITLE 44 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM ASSISTANCE TO SMALL BUSINESSES FOR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE AT OR UNDER TWO HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL, TO ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, TO REQUIRE ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES TO CONTRIBUTE UP TO FIFTEEN PERCENT OF

H. 3563 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse, Cooper, Scarborough and Thompson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-119-940, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS, SO AS TO RAISE THE OUTSTANDING DEBT LIMIT FOR THESE BONDS TO TWO HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 9 OF ACT 518 OF 1980, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETIC FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS, SO AS TO RAISE THE OUTSTANDING DEBT LIMIT TO TWO HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 3564 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport, Walker, Anthony, Kelly, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Mitchell, W. D. Smith and Talley: A BILL TO CREATE THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY REGISTRATION BOARD SHALL ACT AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE NEW SPARTANBURG COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION UNTIL THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW BOARD ARE APPOINTED, AT WHICH TIME THE TERMS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION AND REGISTRATION BOARD EXPIRES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD, AND TO ABOLISH THE ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD FOR SPARTANBURG COUNTY AND DEVOLVE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD UPON THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION.
On motion of Rep. DAVENPORT, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3565 (Word version) -- Rep. Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-57-142 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN A LICENSEE ACTING IN HIS

H. 3566 (Word version) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, RELATING TO REPORTING FATALITIES AND MULTIPLE

H. 3567 (Word version) -- Rep. Rice: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-620, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TAXATION ON CIGARETTES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF TAX ON EACH CIGARETTE FROM THREE AND ONE-HALF MILLS TO TWO CENTS; TO ADD SECTION 44-6-157 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVENUE GENERATED FROM THE TAXATION ON CIGARETTES MUST BE USED TO EXPAND MEDICAID COVERAGE TO CHILDREN EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER WHOSE FAMILY INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED TWO HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL; AND TO CREATE THE HEALTH CARE TRUST FUND TO PROVIDE MEDICAID BENEFITS TO INDIVIDUALS WHOSE FAMILY INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL AND WHO ARE UNINSURED AND TO PROVIDE THAT REVENUE IN EXCESS OF THE CHILDREN'S MEDICAID COVERAGE FROM THE CIGARETTE TAX MUST BE CREDITED TO THE HEALTH CARE TRUST FUND; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SALES TAXES GENERALLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AS OF JULY 1, 2009, THE THREE PERCENT SALES TAX IS ELIMINATED ON UNPREPARED FOOD WHICH LAWFULLY MAY BE PURCHASED WITH UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD COUPONS, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN GENERAL FUND TRANSFERS TO THE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT FUND FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR TO OFFSET EIA REVENUES LOST AS A RESULT OF THE LOSS OF SALES TAX ON THE SALE OF UNPREPARED FOOD, AND TO REDUCE THE SALES TAX ON UNPREPARED FOOD TO TWO PERCENT AS OF JULY 1, 2007, AND ONE PERCENT AS OF JULY 1, 2008.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 3568 (Word version) -- Rep. Thompson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-

H. 3569 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Loftis, Govan, Merrill, Simrill, Bingham, Shoopman, Bannister, Haley, Bedingfield, Mitchell, Herbkersman, F. N. Smith, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Barfield, Bowen, Bowers, R. Brown, Cato, Cooper, Davenport, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Funderburk, Hardwick, Harrison, Harvin, Hayes, Hinson, Hiott, Howard, Jennings, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lowe, Lucas, Mahaffey, Miller, Neilson, Owens, Pinson, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Sandifer, J. R. Smith, Taylor, Umphlett, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPLEMENTING A STATEWIDE WIRELESS BROADBAND NETWORK AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, AND DUTIES.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 3570 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Govan, J. H. Neal, McLeod, Mitchell, Jennings, Duncan, Bales, Brantley, G. Brown, Hardwick, Howard, Knight, Ott, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Sellers and Spires: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-145, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REQUIRED INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN DIAGNOSTIC AND LABORATORY TESTS, INCLUDING MAMMOGRAMS, ANNUAL PAP SMEARS, AND PROSTATE CANCER, SO AS TO ALSO REQUIRE COVERAGE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER EXAMINATIONS AND LABORATORY TESTS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

Rep. PERRY moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 3550 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Govan, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirsh, Knight, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, Moss, Mulvaney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND MR. BUD TIBSHRANY FOR FORTY-TWO YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE IN THE FIELD OF CABLE TELEVISION UPON HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

At 3:25 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. ANTHONY, adjourned in memory of Paul Glenn of Union, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

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