Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 12:00 noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr., as follows:

Our thought for today is from Ezekiel 2:15: "They shall know that there has been a prophet among them."
Let us pray. Thank You for helping us see Your will and the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to do it. Give to each Representative and staff the desire to make use of the time given for the good of this State. Thank You for the refreshing time off with family and friends. Continue to give Your blessings to each as they strive to do their best. Look in favor on our Nation, President, State, Governor, Speaker and all who serve in government. Protect our defenders of freedom at home and abroad as they protect us. In the name of our Lord. 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 Friday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

Rep. HINSON moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Senator William C. Mescher, which was agreed to.

The House stood in silent prayer for the family of Senator William C. Mescher.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., April 5, 2007
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the Governor's appointment of:

Reappointment, Aiken County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence on June 30, 2007, and to expire on June 30, 2013. The Honorable Robert A. Smoak, Jr., 218 Union Street, S.E., Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Very respectfully,
President of the Senate
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., April 5, 2007
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the Governor's appointment of:

Reappointment, Kershaw County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence on June 30, 2007, and to expire on June 30, 2013. Mr. Jeffery Marc Tzerman, 2105 Forest Drive, Camden, South Carolina 29020

Very respectfully,
President of the Senate
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., April 3, 2007
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has overridden the Veto by the Governor on R. 9, S. 408 by a vote of 41 to 2:

(R9) S. 408 (Word version) -- Senators Short and Leatherman: AN ACT 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 BE LOWERED IN CREDIT AMOUNT MORE THAN ONE TIER IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR AS A RESULT OF THE ANNUAL RANKING AND DESIGNATION OF COUNTIES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; TO MAKE A TRANSITIONAL PROVISION FOR THE 2006 TAX YEAR; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA TAX CODE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF THE 2006 INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., April 3, 2007
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

I am transmitting herewith a reappointment for confirmation. This reappointment is made with advice and consent of the General Assembly and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Local Appointment

Aiken County Master-in-Equity
Term Commencing: June 30, 2007
Term Expiring: June 30, 2013
Seat: Master-in-Equity

Reappointment
The Honorable Robert A. Smoak, Jr.
218 Union Street, S.E.
Aiken, South Carolina 29801
803-642-2025

Respectfully,
Mark Sanford
Governor
The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., March 28, 2007
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

I am transmitting herewith a reappointment for confirmation. This reappointment is made with advice and consent of the General Assembly and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Statewide Appointment

State Ethics Commission
Term Commencing: June 30, 2005
Term Expiring: June 30, 2010
Seat: At-Large

Initial Appointment
Mr. George Carlton Manley
The Manley Company Inc. of Simpsonville
111 Gatewood Avenue
Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681
864-270-2479

Respectfully,
Mark Sanford
Governor

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., March 28, 2007
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

I am transmitting herewith a reappointment for confirmation. This reappointment is made with advice and consent of the General Assembly and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Local Appointment

Kershaw County Master-in-Equity
Term Commencing: June 30, 2007
Term Expiring: June 30, 2013
Seat: Master-in-Equity

Reappointment
The Honorable Jeffrey Marc Tzerman
2105 Forest Drive
Camden, South Carolina 29020
803-432-8459

Respectfully,
Mark Sanford
Governor

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

The SPEAKER ordered the following Veto printed in the Journal:

March 28, 2007
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 vetoing and returning without my approval S. 408, R. 9.
S. 408 (Word version) would restrict changes to a county designation from dropping by more than one classification in any given year. This legislation further complicates and weakens an already flawed approach to the Job Tax Credits program, which seemingly incentivizes poor economic performance rather than rewarding success.
When Job Tax Credits were originally conceived, there were only three categories by which a county could be designated - Developed, Moderately Developed, and Under Developed. Since then, the General Assembly has enacted two additional categories, highlighting bad economic conditions by creating Least Developed and Distressed. Further, legislation has been enacted to lock in the appearance of distress in certain counties at the expense of counties truly in need.
One example is legislation, enacted over my veto in 2006, to make Orangeburg County a "Distressed" county instead of an "Under Developed" county, which it would have been under the statute - a full two tiers higher than its realistic position in the State. This law change gave Orangeburg County a strategic advantage over counties such as Calhoun and Colleton, which were also "Under Developed."
Right now, there seems to be a conflict between goals and outcomes in economic development, particularly from a local perspective. Universally, we all agree on the idea of increasing the number of jobs here in the State and raising income levels. However, too many Bills like this have been sent to my desk to enshrine the appearance of failure on a county by county basis.
I do not believe we will ever be competitive in the global economy if we are not willing to recognize our success and highlight our strengths. At the end of the last legislative session, I asked the Department of Commerce to review our incentive system and make recommendations. In his report back, Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor stated, "[b]usinesses like to locate in counties that are thriving and growing, but our system rewards a county for appearing depressed and economically backward."
The Department of Commerce's recommendation was to consolidate the five county designations back into three tiers and eliminate the special county carveouts that have been enacted over the years. Senator Short, the chief sponsor of this Bill, has also introduced S. 538, which is, in concept, along the lines of the Department of Commerce recommendation.
I would encourage the General Assembly to sustain this veto and, instead, begin work on the broader statewide approach proposed by the Department of Commerce and largely reflected in S. 538.
This administration will continue to support legislation that will effectively, fairly, and uniformly promote economic prosperity for the entire business community of our State. We look forward to working with you and other members of the General Assembly on this front.
For these reasons, I am returning S. 408, R. 9, to you without my signature.

Sincerely,
Mark Sanford
Governor

On motion of Rep. LEACH, with unanimous consent, the following were taken up for immediate consideration and accepted:

April 10, 2007
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Mr. Chairman:

On behalf of the Mechanical Contractors Association of South Carolina, I would like to invite the Members and staff of the House of Representatives to a barbeque. This event will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at "The Coop" located at 1100 Key Road in Columbia.

Sincerely,
Mona Lisa Flowers
Managing Director

March 25, 2007
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Mr. Chairman:
On behalf of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, I would like to invite the Members and staff of the House of Representatives to a Legislative Breakfast. This event will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in Room 208 of the Blatt Building.

Thank you,
Rep. Joe Neal

April 10, 2007
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Mr. Chairman:

On behalf of the State Farm Insurance Companies of SC, I would like to invite the Members and staff of the House of Representatives to a breakfast. This event will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in Room 208 of the Blatt Building.

Thank you,
Rep. Adam Taylor

The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:

Document No. 3120
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 50-1-200, 50-1-210, 50-11-310, 50-11-335, 50-11-350, 50-11-390, 50-11-500, 50-11-520, 50-11-530, 50-11-2200, and 50-11-2210
Seasons, Limits, Methods of Take and Special Use Restrictions on Wildlife Management Areas
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
April 5, 2007
Referred to Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 4, 2008

Document No. 3079
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Board of Medical Examiners
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 40-1-70 and 40-47-10 (I)(3)
Office Based Surgery
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
April 4, 2007
Referred to Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 3, 2008

Document No. 3086
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 50-1-200, 50-1-220, 50-11-10, 50-11-105, 50-11-310, 50-11-335, 50-11-350, 50-11-390, 50-11-520, 50-11-530, 50-11-854, 50-11-2200, and 50-11-2210
Hunting In Wildlife Management Areas
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 17, 2007
Referred to Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 17, 2007
Withdrawn and Resubmitted March 28, 2007

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

H. 3829 (Word version) -- Reps. Mitchell, J. H. Neal, F. N. Smith, Allen, Anthony, Barfield, Branham, Breeland, R. Brown, Govan, Hart, Hosey, Howard, Jefferson, Littlejohn, Mack, Mahaffey, Moss, Ott, Rutherford, Scott, Sellers, G. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Talley, Walker and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-6-85 SO AS TO ENACT THE SPARTANBURG, COLUMBIA, AND CHARLESTON ASSISTED LIVING MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM, PROVIDING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SHALL SEEK FEDERAL APPROVAL TO INCLUDE FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDING FOR THIS PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION CRITERIA; TO REQUIRE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO APPROPRIATE MATCHING FUNDS FROM GENERAL REVENUES ANNUALLY TO FUND THIS PROGRAM AND TO PROVIDE THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE AND METHODS TO ADJUST THIS RATE ANNUALLY; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO EVALUATE, MONITOR, AND REPORT ON THIS PROGRAM TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FIVE YEARS AFTER ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 3830 (Word version) -- Rep. Perry: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 31-6-30 AND 31-6-80, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTING REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR PURPOSES OF THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING LAW, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS FOR "REDEVELOPMENT PLAN" AND "REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT COSTS", AND TO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FINDINGS BEFORE ADOPTION OF A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN BY A MUNICIPALITY; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 31-7-30, 31-7-80, AND 31-7-120, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTING REDEVELOPMENT PLANS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING ACT FOR COUNTIES, SO AS TO REENACT PORTIONS OF THE DEFINITION OF "BLIGHTED AREA" INADVERTENTLY DELETED AND REVISE DEFINITIONS FOR "CONSERVATION AREA" AND "REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA", TO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FINDINGS BEFORE ADOPTION OF A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN BY A COUNTY, AND TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY TAX INCREMENT FINANCING LAWS TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 3831 (Word version) -- Rep. Thompson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 34-39-185 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF A STATEWIDE DATABASE OF DEFERRED PRESENTMENT TRANSACTIONS ACCESSIBLE TO DEFERRED PRESENTMENT LICENSEES FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRACKING OPEN AND CLOSED TRANSACTIONS WITH OTHER LICENSEES AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE BOARD OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF INVESTIGATION AND ENFORCEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 34-39-180, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR A DEFERRED PRESENTMENT TRANSACTION, SO AS TO LIMIT A LICENSEE TO A MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT FOR ANY ONE CUSTOMER OF THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS DURING ANY SIXTY-DAY PERIOD, TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF TRANSACTIONS IN A YEAR TO SIX FOR ANY ONE CUSTOMER, AND TO REQUIRE A LICENSEE TO GRANT A SIX-MONTH REPAYMENT GRACE PERIOD AND A REPAYMENT PLAN OPTION TO A CUSTOMER; TO AMEND SECTION 34-39-230, RELATING TO PENALTIES AND REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS BY A DEFERRED PRESENTMENT LICENSEE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO IMPOSE CERTAIN CIVIL PENALTIES, TO PROVIDE THAT VIOLATIONS RUN WITH THE LICENSEE, OR THE PERSON SUBJECT TO THE LICENSING REQUIREMENT, AND NOT WITH THE LOCATION, TO PROVIDE FOR CUMULATIVE CIVIL REMEDIES, INCLUDING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, DAMAGES AND ATTORNEY'S FEES, UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE REMEDIES, AND VOIDING OF THE CONTRACT, AND TO PROHIBIT THE ENFORCEMENT OF AN ARBITRATION CLAUSE IF A COURT FINDS THAT SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES RENDER THE CONTRACT UNCONSCIONABLE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 3832 (Word version) -- Rep. Toole: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 48-23-275 SO AS TO REQUIRE A PERSON WHO GATHERS PINE STRAW FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING IT TO OBTAIN WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE LANDOWNER TO HARVEST THE PINE STRAW, TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTION OF A CERTIFICATE OF HARVEST BY A LANDOWNER IN ORDER FOR A PERSON TO GATHER, BALE, TRANSPORT, OR SELL PINE STRAW, AND TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 3833 (Word version) -- Reps. Moss and Phillips: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 587 OF 1992, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1, SO AS TO REVISE THE DATE FOR ELECTIONS FOR TRUSTEES, THE FILING PERIOD, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS ARE DETERMINED.
On motion of Rep. MOSS, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 9 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Campsen, Sheheen, McConnell, Mescher, McGill, Knotts, Fair and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN, INCLUDING THE APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIANS AD LITEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT MAY APPOINT AN ATTORNEY FOR A LAY GUARDIAN AD LITEM BUT MAY NOT IF THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM IS AN ATTORNEY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 13 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Knotts, Fair and Elliott: A BILL TO ENACT THE UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT BY ADDING ARTICLE 27 TO CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20 OF THE 1976 CODE, TO ADOPT A UNIFORM ACT REVISING PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING AND ENFORCING CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION WHEN ONE OF THE PARTIES RESIDES IN THIS STATE AND THE OTHER DOES NOT; AND TO REPEAL SUBARTICLE 2, ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 20 RELATING TO THE UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION ACT.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 15 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Campsen, Vaughn, McConnell, Mescher, Ritchie, Knotts, Cleary, Leatherman, Setzler, Fair, Elliott and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 4, TITLE 20 BY ENACTING THE "UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS ACT", TO ESTABLISH UNIFORM PROCEDURES FOR THE INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS, TO AUTHORIZE THE ENFORCEMENT OF PROTECTION ORDERS ISSUED IN ANOTHER STATE INCLUDING TERMS THAT PROVIDE RELIEF THAT THE COURTS OF THIS STATE WOULD LACK POWER TO PROVIDE; TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ACTING IN GOOD FAITH; TO AUTHORIZE THE ENFORCEMENT OF PROTECTION ORDERS ISSUED BY ANOTHER STATE WHICH ARE NOT REGISTERED OR FILED IN THIS STATE; TO PROVIDE AN OPTIONAL REGISTRATION PROCESS WHEREBY THE PROTECTED INDIVIDUAL CAN FILE A FOREIGN ORDER OF PROTECTION WITH THE FAMILY COURT; AND TO DESIGNATE SECTIONS 20-4-10 THROUGH 20-4-160 AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 4, TITLE 20 ENTITLED "PROTECTION FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE".
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 17 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Campsen, Mescher, Knotts, Cleary, Fair, Elliott and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SUBARTICLE 5, ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT, TO REPLACE THIS ACT WITH THE MOST CURRENT VERSION OF THIS UNIFORM ACT AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR UNIFORM LEGISLATION TO ASSIST WITH THE INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF SUPPORT, INCLUDING CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES, AND TO PRESERVE RIGHTS AND DUTIES UNDER THE FORMER UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 43 (Word version) -- Senators Ford, Mescher and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 24-21-435 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SEX OFFENDER WHO IS SERVING A PROBATIONARY SENTENCE MUST BE PLACED UNDER GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM SATELLITE SURVEILLANCE CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE DURATION OF HIS PROBATIONARY SENTENCE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE AND PARDON SERVICES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 204 (Word version) -- Senators Ritchie, Campsen, Richardson, Hayes, Mescher, Cleary and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1640, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A FINGERPRINT REVIEW FOR A PERSON APPLYING FOR LICENSURE AS A FOSTER PARENT, TO INCLUDE ANYONE SEEKING APPROVAL TO ADOPT A CHILD IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS) TO UNDERGO A FINGERPRINT REVIEW; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1642 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON FOSTER CARE REPLACEMENT WITH PERSONS WITH A HISTORY OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT OR OTHER CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS OR PLEAS, TO INCLUDE A PROHIBITION ON PLACING A DSS CHILD IN A HOME FOR FOSTER CARE OR ADOPTION WHERE ANYONE IN THE HOME OVER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN HAS PLED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO UNLAWFUL CONDUCT TOWARD A CHILD OR CRUELTY TO CHILDREN.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 274 (Word version) -- Senators Fair, Verdin, Anderson, Sheheen, Campsen, Thomas, Williams, Bryant, Cromer and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 21, TITLE 24, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE AND PARDON SERVICES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 13 SO AS TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH DAY REPORTING CENTERS FOR CERTAIN INMATES OR OFFENDERS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 282 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3005 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS FOR STATE PROCUREMENTS RELATING TO INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3015 SO AS TO SPECIFY THE SOURCE SELECTION METHODS FOR THE TYPES OF AUTHORIZED PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3021 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SUBCONTRACTOR SUBSTITUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3023 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PREQUALIFICATION ON STATE CONSTRUCTION; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3024 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CONTENTS OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND EVALUATION FACTORS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3035 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REQUIREMENT OF ERRORS AND OMISSIONS INSURANCE TO COVER CERTAIN SERVICES DELIVERED PURSUANT TO CERTAIN PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3037 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER FORMS OF SECURITY TO ENSURE PERFORMANCE; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3070 SO AS TO ALLOW THE GOVERNING BODY TO APPROVE NONMATERIAL CHANGE ORDERS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO REDEFINE "CONSTRUCTION"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-1510, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO METHODS OF SOURCE SELECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SELECTION METHODS IN CONNECTION WITH PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-1530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS, SO AS TO REQUIRE COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS FOR CONTRACTS FOR CERTAIN PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-2410, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FINALITY OF DETERMINATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING, SO AS TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO CHOICE OF DELIVERY METHOD AND PREQUALIFICATION ON STATE CONSTRUCTION; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-2910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CERTAIN SERVICES, SO AS TO INCLUDE DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE VARIOUS AUTHORIZED PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS INCLUDING "DESIGN REQUIREMENTS", "INDEPENDENT PEER REVIEWER SERVICE", AND "INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITY"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3010, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE PROJECT DELIVERY METHOD FOR THE PROCESS AND "GOVERNMENTAL BODY" FOR "USING AGENCY"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3020, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES, SO AS TO DELETE SOURCE SELECTION LANGUAGE, TO INCORPORATE NEW PROVISIONS ADDED IN EARLIER SECTIONS AND TO DELETE LANGUAGE DUPLICATIVE OF NEW PROVISIONS ADDED; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3030, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO BOND AND SECURITY SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CONTRACT PRICE FOR PURPOSES OF A PAYMENT BOND OR PERFORMANCE BOND DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COST OF OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND FINANCE, AND TO ALLOW FOR NO SURETY DURING PRECONSTRUCTION OR DESIGN PHASES; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3210, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY AND POLICY IN CONNECTION WITH CERTAIN SERVICES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISIONS REFERRING TO APPLICABILITY TO THOSE SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "GOVERNMENTAL BODY" FOR "USING AGENCY"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3230, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SMALL ARCHITECT-ENGINEERING AND LAND SURVEYING CONTRACTS, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "GOVERNMENTAL BODY" FOR "USING AGENCY"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3245, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PERFORMING OTHER WORK, SO AS TO LIMIT ITS APPLICATION TO PROCUREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION USING THE DESIGN-BID-BUILD PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INDEFINITE DELIVERY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, SO AS TO ADD A CROSS REFERENCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 11-35-1825, RELATING TO PREQUALIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION BIDDERS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 331 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-745 SO AS TO DEFINE "COMMUNICATION DEVICE" AND "COMMUNICATION SYSTEM", TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISABLE, DESTROY, OR INJURE A COMMUNICATION DEVICE OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM DURING THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO OBSTRUCT, IMPEDE, OR IMPAIR THE SERVICE OR TRANSMISSION OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM DURING THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 338 (Word version) -- Senators Reese, Elliott and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-400 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF TAMPERING WITH, ALTERING, DAMAGING, OR DESTROYING A SECURITY DEVICE, TO DEFINE THE TERM "SECURITY DEVICE", AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR THE OFFENSE.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 344 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Rankin, Elliott, Knotts, Malloy, Hawkins and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-520, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RATE FILINGS REQUIRED, SO AS TO REQUIRE WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURERS TO FILE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE THEIR LOSS COSTS MULTIPLIERS; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 28-73-525 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE TIME FRAME IN WHICH WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURERS MUST FILE THEIR LOSS COSTS MULTIPLIERS AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THE MINIMUM INFORMATION THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN THEIR FILINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-960, RELATING TO EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROPERTY AND CASUALTY RATE FILINGS, SO AS TO EXCLUDE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LOSS COSTS MULTIPLIERS FROM THOSE PROVISIONS; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-965 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF FILINGS FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION LOSS COSTS MULTIPLIERS ARE GOVERNED BY SECTION 38-73-525; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-990, RELATING TO THE DISAPPROVAL OF FILINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DISAPPROVE ANY WORKERS' COMPENSATION RATES AT ANY TIME AFTER THEY BECOME EFFECTIVE IF HE OR SHE DETERMINES THE RATES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 73 OF TITLE 38.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 355 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Richardson, Verdin, Campsen and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-105 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION IS ABOLISHED AND THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS A BOARD AS PROVIDED BY LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 1-3-240, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN OFFICIALS FROM OFFICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEMBER MAY BE REMOVED BY THE GOVERNOR FOR MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, INCOMPETENCY, ABSENTEEISM, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, MISCONDUCT, PERSISTENT NEGLECT OF DUTY IN OFFICE, OR INCAPACITY; TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 57, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO RECONSTITUTE THE COMMISSION AS A BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD SHALL BE COMPOSED OF SEVEN MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SCREENED BY THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE, AND SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, TO ESTABLISH THE LENGTH OF TERMS THAT BOARD MEMBERS MAY SERVE, AND DEFINE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD EMPLOYS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO SERVES AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD EMPLOYS A CHIEF HIGHWAY ENGINEER WHO MAY BE REMOVED BY THE BOARD FOR MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, INCOMPETENCY, ABSENTEEISM, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, MISCONDUCT, PERSISTENT NEGLECT OF DUTY IN OFFICE, OR INCAPACITY AND WHO, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BOARD, MUST CREATE THE STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY PLAN; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 1 OF TITLE 57, SO AS TO CREATE THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEMBERS ARE SCREENED.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 368 (Word version) -- Senators Ritchie, McConnell, Courson, Leventis, Martin, Hayes, Gregory, Richardson, Malloy, Sheheen, Campsen, Cleary, Setzler and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-220 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE FLEET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROGRAM SHALL SEEK TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BY DECREASING THE DISCHARGE OF POLLUTANTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-310, RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION OF THE STATE FLEET, TO PROVIDE THAT PREFERENCE MUST BE GIVEN TO HYBRID, PLUG-IN HYBRID, BIO-DIESEL OR FLEX-FUEL VEHICLES WHEN A COMPARABLE PRICE AND QUALITY IS AVAILABLE.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 370 (Word version) -- Senators Gregory, Vaughn and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PUNISHMENT FOR MURDER, SO AS TO ADD ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE TO THE LIST OF CRIMES INCLUDED IN THE STATUTORY AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES FOR PURPOSES OF THE DEATH PENALTY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 414 (Word version) -- Senators Land, Martin, Alexander, Cromer, Fair, Jackson, Matthews, Moore, O'Dell, Reese and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY DESIGNATING SECTIONS 38-78-10 THROUGH 38-78-120 AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 78, TITLE 38, ENTITLED "GENERAL PROVISIONS"; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 78, TITLE 38 SO AS TO ENACT THE "VEHICLE PROTECTION PRODUCT ACT", TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS, TO REQUIRE THE REGULATION OF VEHICLE PROTECTION PRODUCT WARRANTIES, TO REQUIRE A VEHICLE PROTECTION PRODUCT WARRANTY TO ADHERE TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 3, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE TO IMPOSE CIVIL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF ARTICLE 3.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 425 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Vaughn and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1910, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL LICENSE TAGS TO CERTAIN HANDICAPPED PERSONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "LICENSE TAG" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "LICENSE PLATE", AND TO REVISE THE CRITERIA FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THE LICENSE PLATE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1950, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "HANDICAPPED", AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT A LICENSED PHYSICIAN SHALL CERTIFY THAT A PERSON'S TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIRS HIS ABILITY TO WALK, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "HANDICAPPED" AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF A PERSON WHO IS TOTALLY AND PERMANENTLY DISABLED; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1960, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FREE PARKING FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS, AND THE ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF HANDICAPPED LICENSE PLATES AND PLACARDS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROVIDES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF HANDICAPPED LICENSE PLATES, AND TO REVISE THE PROVISIONS REGARDING THE CONTENT, ISSUANCE PROCEDURE, AND DISPLAY OF HANDICAPPED PLACARDS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1965, RELATING TO MUNICIPALITIES DESIGNATING PARKING SPACES FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURES THAT ALLOW A HANDICAPPED PERSON TO PARK IN METERED OR TIMED PARKING PLACES WITHOUT BEING SUBJECT TO PARKING FEES OR FINES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1971, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A UNIFORM PARKING VIOLATION TICKET, SO AS TO ALLOW CERTAIN VOLUNTEERS TRAINED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO ISSUE THESE TICKETS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 447 (Word version) -- Senators Gregory, Knotts, Leventis, Sheheen, Grooms, O'Dell, Lourie, Courson, Mescher, McConnell, Ritchie, Alexander and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 30 TO TITLE 49 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PUBLIC WATERS NUISANCE ABATEMENT ACT" WHICH PERMITS THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO REMOVE OR REQUIRE THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN STRUCTURES FROM THE PUBLIC WATERS OF THIS STATE UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION, TO PROVIDE FOR AUTHORITY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY TO DECLARE THESE STRUCTURES NUISANCES AND REQUIRE THEIR REMOVAL, AND TO PROVIDE, FURTHER, FOR A CIVIL ACTION BY A PRIVATE CITIZEN.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 449 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Verdin, Sheheen, Leventis, Bryant and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 56 OF THE 1976 CODE, BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-85, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REAL ID ACT UNTIL THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MAKES CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 452 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, McConnell, Campsen and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-15-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MANAGEMENT OF NONGAME AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE, SO AS TO DELETE A PROVISION PERMITTING THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO ISSUE PERMITS TO CERTAIN PERSONS ALLOWING THE REMOVAL AND DISPOSITION OF ALLIGATORS; TO ADD SECTION 50-15-65 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH AN ALLIGATOR CONTROL PROGRAM FOR THE HUNTING AND FOR THE REMOVAL OF ALLIGATORS INCLUDING ALLIGATORS ON PRIVATE LAND, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND FEES AND COSTS OF THIS PROGRAM, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-15-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS OF THE NONGAME AND ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT AND THE DISPOSITION OF CONFISCATED PROPERTY, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR WHAT ACTIONS GIVE RISE TO THE PENALTY PROVISIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 50-15-60 RELATING TO COST OF SPECIFIED PROGRAMS AND ALLIGATOR PRODUCTS PERMITS.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 456 (Word version) -- Senator Martin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 69, TITLE 38, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SUITABILITY IN ANNUITY TRANSACTIONS" TO PROVIDE STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS TO SENIOR CONSUMERS TO ENSURE THAT ANNUITY PRODUCTS FOR THESE SENIOR CONSUMERS ADDRESS THEIR INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL NEEDS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 459 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Leventis, Lourie, Bryant, Ford, Knotts and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-116-130 SO AS TO ENACT THE "JESSICA HORTON CAMPUS CRIME ACT" TO PROVIDE THAT CAMPUS POLICE OFFICERS SHALL NOTIFY AND WORK WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON THE INVESTIGATION OF A DEATH OR A RAPE RESULTING FROM AN INCIDENT OCCURRING ON THE CAMPUS OF AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 498 (Word version) -- Senators Mescher, Grooms and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EACH YEAR IS DESIGNATED AS "GENERAL FRANCIS MARION MEMORIAL DAY" IN HONOR OF THIS SOUTH CAROLINA REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO.
Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions

S. 589 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY TAKING CREDIT FOR RESERVES ON RISKS OR PORTIONS OF RISKS CEDED TO REINSURERS COMPLYING WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 38-9-200, 38-9-210, AND 38-9-220, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDUSTRIAL INSURED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY NOT TAKE CREDIT IF NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THOSE PROVISIONS OF LAW, AND PROVIDE THAT ALL OTHER CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES MAY NOT TAKE CREDIT FOR RESERVES PURSUANT TO THOSE PROVISIONS UNLESS SPECIFIC APPROVAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 597 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Hutto, Bryant, Verdin and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-740, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUTH HUNTING DAYS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO IS LESS THAN EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE MAY BE A YOUTH HUNTER.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 613 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Verdin, Leventis and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 46-33-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE OR A PERMIT MAY BE ISSUED BY AN INSPECTOR FOR INTRASTATE AND INTERSTATE SHIPMENTS OF CONIFER AND HARDWOOD SEEDLINGS TO VERIFY THAT THEY ARE APPARENTLY FREE OF PESTS AND DISEASES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT TO ENSURE PEST AND DISEASE-FREE PLANT MATERIAL, THE PREFERRED METHOD OF TREATMENT IS FUMIGATION USING METHYL BROMIDE IN SEEDLING PLANT BEDS PRIOR TO SEEDING.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 614 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, RELATING TO SEWERAGE AND WATER UTILITIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3063, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 615 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3052, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 625 (Word version) -- Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, LIVESTOCK-POULTRY HEALTH COMMISSION, RELATING TO INTRASTATE MOVEMENT OF CERTAIN ANIMALS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3108, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 626 (Word version) -- Banking and Insurance Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, RELATING TO RECOGNITION OF PREFERRED MORTALITY TABLES FOR USE IN DETERMINING MINIMUM RESERVE LIABILITIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3115, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

The following was introduced:

H. 3834 (Word version) -- Reps. Weeks, G. M. Smith, 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, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE JOHN HAYES OF SUMTER COUNTY ON BEING NAMED 2007 LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3835 (Word version) -- Reps. Weeks, G. M. Smith, 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, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ELOISE GREEN RIEL OF SUMTER COUNTY FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO HER FAMILY, FAITH, AND COMMUNITY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HER ON BEING NAMED TO THE WOMEN'S HONOR ROLL OF SUMTER COUNTY.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3836 (Word version) -- Reps. Weeks, G. M. Smith, 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, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR FRANCES DIX HILL OF SUMTER COUNTY FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO HER FAMILY, FAITH, AND COMMUNITY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HER ON BEING NAMED TO THE WOMEN'S HONOR ROLL OF SUMTER COUNTY.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3837 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, 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, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. 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 HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MRS. CLARA FOWLER KNIGHTON OF GREENVILLE COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY, AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MANY MORE YEARS OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3838 (Word version) -- Reps. G. Brown, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, 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, Scott, 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 HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF BOOKER T. BROWN OF LEE COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3839 (Word version) -- Reps. G. Brown, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, 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, Scott, 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 HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MARY NELL CAMPBELL KREPS, BELOVED NURSE AND HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR TWENTY YEARS, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by news of the death of Mrs. Mary Nell Campbell Kreps on March 7, 2007; and

Whereas, a cherished daughter to Herbert Allyson and Mabel Henning Campbell, Mary Nell Campbell Kreps was born on December 22, 1926, in Camden, South Carolina; and

Whereas, a devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Kreps shared a loving marriage with the late Muller O. J. Kreps III. Together, their lives were blessed by four children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, receiving training in nursing from Columbia Hospital, Mrs. Kreps served as a Registered Nurse at Providence Hospital in Columbia; and

Whereas, in 1988, Mrs. Kreps began her relationship with the General Assembly by serving as a dependable and trustworthy aide to Senators Warren Giese and Ernest Passailaigue, in addition to serving Lawrence Richter; and

Whereas, giving tirelessly of herself to the General Assembly while serving as its primary health professional, she was a compassionate and dedicated nurse for twenty years; and

Whereas, an outstanding educator of the General Assembly on health-related issues, Mrs. Kreps instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms staff of both the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives in CPR, First Response Medical Emergency Training, and other life saving techniques; and

Whereas, during her service at the State House, she became a loyal and trusted friend to many members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, and Governors; and

Whereas, an avid tennis player and bridge enthusiast, Mrs. Kreps was an exceptional advocate of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a regular aerobic exercise program; and

Whereas, though it is with heavy hearts that the members of the House of Representatives mourn the loss of this fine South Carolina lady, we celebrate her life full of service, faith, and love. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Mary Nell Campbell Kreps, beloved nurse and health professional to the General Assembly for twenty years, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the family of Mrs. Mary Nell Kreps.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3840 (Word version) -- Reps. J. R. Smith, 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, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE THE SILVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL NAVY JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS FOR ITS OUTSTANDING WIN OF THE 2007 NJROTC STATE ACADEMIC TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP, AND TO WISH THE TEAM MEMBERS AND THEIR INSTRUCTORS ALL THE BEST IN FUTURE COMPETITION.

The Resolution was adopted.

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

H. 3841 (Word version) -- Rep. J. R. Smith: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SILVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL NAVY JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS, INSTRUCTORS, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THEM FOR CAPTURING THE 2007 NJROTC STATE ACADEMIC TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives be extended to the Silver Bluff High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, instructors, and school officials, at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of recognizing and commending them for capturing the 2007 NJROTC State Academic Team Championship.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3842 (Word version) -- Reps. J. M. Neal and Mulvaney: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND MR. EDWIN P. SHEPARD OF LANCASTER COUNTY FOR HIS THIRTY YEARS OF DEDICATED AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM STATE SERVICE AND AS DIRECTOR OF THE CHESTER COUNTY, FAIRFIELD COUNTY, AND LANCASTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, AND TO WISH HIM A REWARDING AND BENEFICIAL RETIREMENT AND MUCH SUCCESS IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3843 (Word version) -- Rep. G. Brown: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND HENRY CARTER OF LEE COUNTY FOR HIS TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF DEDICATED AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS A MEMBER OF THE LEE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION, AND TO WISH HIM A REWARDING AND BENEFICIAL RETIREMENT AND MUCH SUCCESS IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 3844 (Word version) -- Reps. Vick, Neilson, Lucas and Jennings: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES THOMPSON CREEK ALONG DON HILL ROAD (S-13-59) IN CHESTERFIELD COUNTY "BOATWRIGHT BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "BOATWRIGHT BRIDGE".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The following was introduced:

H. 3845 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin, Kennedy and Anderson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 521 IN CLARENDON COUNTY, BEGINNING AT THE SUMTER COUNTY LINE AND ENDING AT THE WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY LINE THE "JOHN C. LAND III HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "JOHN C. LAND III HIGHWAY".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 653 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE THE STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, AND ADMINISTRATION OF DOBY'S MILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN KERSHAW COUNTY ON RECEIVING THE PRESTIGIOUS 2007 PALMETTO'S FINEST AWARD AND FOR STRIVING TO REACH AND MAXIMIZE THE FULL MEASURE OF THEIR TALENTS AND ABILITIES.

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

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 654 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE THE STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, AND ADMINISTRATION OF FOREST LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN RICHLAND COUNTY ON RECEIVING THE PRESTIGIOUS 2007 PALMETTO'S FINEST AWARD AND FOR STRIVING TO REACH AND MAXIMIZE THE FULL MEASURE OF THEIR TALENTS AND ABILITIES.

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

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

Alexander              Allen                  Anderson
Anthony                Bales                  Ballentine
Barfield               Battle                 Bedingfield
Bowen                  Bowers                 Brady
Brantley               Breeland               G. Brown
R. Brown               Cato                   Chalk
Chellis                Clemmons               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cooper                 Dantzler
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Frye                   Funderburk             Gambrell
Gullick                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               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            Scott                  Sellers
Shoopman               Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            W. D. Smith            Spires
Stavrinakis            Stewart                Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Umphlett               Vick                   Walker
Weeks                  White                  Whitmire
Williams               Witherspoon

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Tuesday, April 10.

Creighton Coleman                 Lester P. Branham
Ralph Davenport                   Bill Cotty
Thad Viers                        Bruce W. Bannister
Fletcher Smith
Kenny Bingham   Kris Crawford

The SPEAKER granted Rep. MOODY-LAWRENCE a leave of absence for the week due to illness.

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

The SPEAKER granted Rep. AGNEW a leave of absence for the day to attend the inauguration of the new president of Erskine College.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. BINGHAM a temporary leave of absence.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. CEIPS a leave of absence for the day due to constituent services.

Announcement was made that Dr. Lewis Costa of Charleston was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

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 to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."

Bill Number:   H. 3284 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
04/10/07   SPIRES

Bill Number:   H. 3649 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
04/10/07   MITCHELL

Bill Number:   H. 3394 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
04/10/07   MITCHELL

Bill Number:   H. 3738 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
04/10/07   JENNINGS

Bill Number:   H. 3739 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
04/10/07   SPIRES

At 12:30 P.M. 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:

S. 227 (Word version) -- Senators Ford, Anderson, Alexander, Courson, Campsen, O'Dell, Williams, Knotts, Hutto, Matthews, Land, Jackson, McConnell, Patterson, McGill, Pinckney, Reese, Elliott, Leatherman, Peeler, Lourie, Malloy, Sheheen, Short, Rankin, Ryberg, Ritchie, Leventis, Fair, Grooms, Cromer, Bryant, Mescher, Martin, Hayes, Richardson, Scott, Vaughn, Setzler, Moore and Drummond: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION INVITING THE HONORABLE JAMES E. CLYBURN, MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND NEWLY-ELECTED MAJORITY WHIP OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 110TH CONGRESS, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT ASSEMBLY ON A DATE AND TIME CONVENIENT FOR REPRESENTATIVE CLYBURN'S SCHEDULE AS DETERMINED BY THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Congressman James E. Clyburn and his distinguished party were escorted to the rostrum by Senators McConnell, Jackson, Matthews, McGill, Patterson and Ford, and REPRESENTATIVES HOWARD, CLYBURN, OTT, HART, BRADY and BALLENTINE.

SPEAKER HARRELL, Lt. Governor Bauer, members of the General Assembly, former members, clerks and other employees of this august body, visitors in the gallery; my fellow South Carolinians and Americans.
Let me begin by thanking those of you who made it possible for me to stand here today, especially co-authors of the resolution, Senator Robert Ford and Representative BAKARI SELLARS.
I am deeply honored to address the very body in which I had hoped to begin my service as an elected official 37 years ago. Although that effort did not turn out according to our plans, I have been blessed in many ways throughout the ensuing years. I have been blessed with a loving wife, the former Emily England of Moncks Corner. We are blessed with three lovely daughters-Mignon, with whom many of you are acquainted; Jennifer, a public school teacher who has taught some of your children; and Angela, who is working on the girth and stamina of a few of you at the Drew Wellness Center. I am blessed with three siblings, and one of them, Charles, and his wife Gwendolyn are here today, along with my sister-in-law Mattie and her husband Bob.
Emily and I are also blessed with a son-in-law Walter Reed, and two grandchildren, Walter A. Clyburn Reed and Sydney Alexis Reed. They are all here with me today.
Two people, who could not be with us today, but I feel a blessing to know are Bill Pherigo and Russell Holiday, co-chairs of the holiday gala that raised $1.3 million to establish the James E. and Emily E. Clyburn Endowment for Archives and History at South Carolina State University. We will seek to do equally as well at a holiday gala in Spartanburg on November 30th of this year.
Seated with my family are a few other friends with whom I have also been blessed; Janice Marshall, who manages the affairs of my foundation that has donated more than $350,000 in college scholarships to deserving students; South Carolina's AME Bishop Preston Williams and my pastor, Reverend Joseph Darby; my mentor and beloved friend Judge Richard Fields; Don and Carol Fowler; Charles T. "Bud" Ferillo and Sandra Fowler who poured their hearts and souls into that 1970 effort; Herb Fielding, I.S. Leevy Johnson and Jim Felder whose hopes to join this body were realized the same day mine were dashed; Phil Grose, whose counsel and friendship I have greatly appreciated since our years on the staff of Governor John West, another person with whom I would have loved to share this day.
Seated among you is Bill Clyburn, a cousin on my daddy's side, and a relative from my mother's side, Leon Howard. I have enjoyed long and fruitful relationships with too many of you to list all by name, but I would be remiss if I did not thank my long time campaign Chairman, Senator Kay Patterson.
In Washington we often refer to each other as my good friend when we really don't mean it. But when I call my colleague Henry Brown my good friend, I really mean it and I am pleased that he has joined me here today.
A few years ago, Emily and I attended a banquet at the Lexington Medical Center celebrating the naming of an auditorium in honor of Floyd Spence, a former member of this body. When Floyd rose to respond to the honor, he shared with us some of the experiences he encountered during his well-publicized illness and the complex surgeries that were his cross to bear.
Floyd spoke passionately on that occasion of the faith and hope that sustained him throughout his long ordeal, during which he served admirably and effectively in the United States Congress. He recalled the callous comments of one to whom he was looking for comfort and survival, but who offered only gloom and doom about his chances of survival.
Floyd admonished us to never do or say anything that would dash the hopes and dreams of any human being. I will never forget the passion with which he spoke on that occasion, and will always remember his admonition as I carry out my duties and responsibilities to the people of this great State.
The Latin phrase Dum Spiro Spero, "While I breathe, I hope," is South Carolina's motto, and an appropriate mantra to which all of us in public service should aspire. We have been elected because we inspire hope.
For each of us that may mean something different. For me, it has several definitions. It means doing whatever I can to secure our homeland and our families. It means furthering the education and well being of our children. It means protecting the serenity and safety of our environment. It means developing new economies and discovering alternative sources of energy to support them. It means enhancing the creativity of our institutions, and unleashing the marvelous human potential of our communities.
These are not goals which belong exclusively to one level of government or the other. They are not the aspirations of the federal government alone, or the states, or the local jurisdictions. They do not belong to the Democratic Party or the Republican Party.
We've been too busy in recent years erecting barriers among us, which are harmful to the long-range best interests of our State and country. It's time we come together as South Carolinians and Americans.
So in that spirit, let me take a few minutes today to share my vision of accomplishing these goals. I call them the three E's to our state's future.
First, let's talk about Education:
One of the great contributions made by South Carolina to our nation is the marvelous public school system. Sometimes we take it for granted; other times we make it a scapegoat for our own shortcomings as parents and community leaders; rarely do we seem to appreciate fully that it is the very lifeblood of our social, economic and political systems.
As many of you know, I started my professional career as a public school teacher. For three years, I got up every morning looking forward to the challenges of the day. I loved every day on that job, and I admired the teachers and students with whom I shared those days.
It was an experience that taught me first hand the value of our public schools, and it made me realize that short-changing public education is short-changing the entire future of our State and nation. We should never do anything, or adopt any policy that would undermine the efficacy of a strong and vibrant public school system.
Having said that, I call attention to conditions we all recognize, the conditions of great disparities that exist among our public schools. I do not believe for a moment that we need a judicial decision to address these inequities.
We know they are there, and we know it is in our power to do something about them. Failure to do so is failure to own up to our responsibilities to future generations of South Carolinians.
A few years ago, Emily and I did a rough calculation of our graduating class from South Carolina State. We found that the vast majority of our classmates left South Carolina in search of opportunities and a better quality of life. Many of them, including my roommate, Clarence Missouri, who is also seated in the balcony today, are now retired and returning home.
We're glad they're back, but their experience tells us we have a lot of work to do. Our State should be a place of dynamic opportunity for all. It should not be a place which loses valuable college graduates during their active and productive years. It should be more than a place of retirement for those seeking a slower life style.
Later this year, we will reach the 50th anniversary of a very important eye-opening event. Many of us remember Sputnik, the little grapefruit size object placed into orbit in 1957 by the Soviet Union.
We were shaken, but we awakened. And over the next several years we took the necessary steps in our educational institutions to meet that challenge. We vowed to win the race to the moon and we did.
As we encounter the realities of today's global economy, we face similar educational challenges.
I applaud the efforts to educate our talented and gifted students in South Carolina schools; it is a step in the right direction. But we should not do so at the expense of others. We must do more to educate those who may not be good test takers or who may be late bloomers. Scores of very successful people fit into that category. I am the product of a liberal arts education, but many successful and productive citizens are not.
Irrespective of how good our intentions may have been, the current structure of receiving Lottery funded Palmetto, Life and Hope scholarships provide a disproportionate awarding of grants that do not have to be paid back to students from upper income families and loans to students from lower income families that must be paid back. We should put all educational pursuits on equal footing.
I often tell audiences that if one of you were to wake up in the morning and turn on your water faucet and no water comes out, you would not need a doctor or a lawyer. You would need a plumber.
Doctors need plumbers; plumbers need lawyers; lawyers need automobile mechanics. We need each other, and our education system should recognize that fact. Every day we are reminded that ours is a world in which we all need each other.
Let's talk about the second "E," Energy:
Some parts of South Carolina are doing very well economically, and that's good news. But elsewhere, there's not such good news. That's especially true along the I-95 corridor, most of which I represent.
Because cotton is no longer king, and tobacco is no longer our largest cash crop, the agricultural belt, which once supported much of South Carolina, has become more of a noose, choking farmers and their communities. But I believe we have an opportunity to create a brighter future for these rural regions, and others similarly situated around the country.
My vision and hopes for the I-95 corridor and rural communities were reinforced last year, when in his State of the Union Address, President Bush called for freeing our nation of its addiction to foreign oil. And I was absolutely ecstatic when, in this year's State of the Union Address, he acknowledged the threats of climate change and the need to pursue alternative sources of energy.
All new energy policies must, in my opinion, meet three tests; first they must enhance our national security; secondly they should protect the environment, and third they should create new economies. Alternative energy sources should be home-grown and American owned.
Our agricultural resources provide the best hope for producing renewable biofuels. South Carolina should be a full partner in that enterprise. It's just good business; it's a great new opportunity for our farmers; and it's a great addition to our economic well-being.
Other states have leapt out ahead of us on development of biofuels, but it is not too late for our State to set an aggressive and visionary policy to establish South Carolina as a leader in this emerging economy. I am aware of the visionary leadership being shown by the authors of House Bill 3649: The Energy Freedom and Rural Development Act. We can once again make farming a profitable and productive way of life, and I see the I-95 corridor as being the very epicenter of that major economic recovery for our State.
I have already begun to invest in this new market in South Carolina, securing one million dollars for Claflin and Francis Marion Universities to begin studying how the I-95 corridor can tap into the emerging biofuels economy. They are making significant progress.
Claflin University's Center for Biotechnology is having great success developing processes to efficiently and effectively convert sugar cane and other high celluloid crops into butanol. I am told that butanol offers substantial advantages over ethanol because, unlike ethanol, it doesn't need to be mixed with gasoline for use in existing internal combustion engines. Claflin University researchers anticipate beginning a pilot program in South Carolina in the near future.
Now let's talk about the third "E," the Environment:
I do a great deal of traveling as the number three ranking Member in the United States House of Representatives. That travel has allowed me to participate in many conversations about our State, and I find that more than anything else, people are impressed by the great beauty of our State and the friendliness of our people.
I proudly accept those accolades on behalf of each and every one of you, and we must work together to keep it so. But our environmental concerns must be about more than beautiful places and smiling faces.
Our countryside is pockmarked with too many Super Fund sites and unattended landfills. Air quality is not what it should be in too many of our communities.
At the turn of the last century our life expectancy was less than 50 years. And at the turn of this century it was over 70 years. I have learned from researchers that the biggest contributor to this twenty-year addition to our life expectancy is the quality of the water we drink. There are too many communities in our State where the water is unfit for human consumption, and people are drinking it every day.
I firmly believe there is a connection between water quality and the health of our residents. Parts of my district, along the I-95 corridor, are plagued with health disparities. I am told that this region is known as the buckle on the stroke belt, and is home to the highest rate of prostate cancer deaths in South Carolina.
There are other maladies like a high rate of amputations due to the late detection of diabetes and the prevalence of heart disease that I believe can be linked, in part, to poor air and water quality.
We are beginning to make large and small strides in solving our water problems. I thank you for the significant financial support you have given to the six-county Lake Marion Regional Water Agency.
Working together we have earmarked over 40 million dollars to that effort. We are making similar improvements in the water quality in other areas like the four-county Pee Dee Regional Water Agency and smaller projects like the water systems that serve Govan and Olar.
We are also bringing potable drinking water to long neglected communities like Snowden, Honey Hill, and Schulerville. Clean air and clean water are at the heart of our state's environment. We must continue to support the infrastructure necessary to insure all South Carolinians have access to those life-sustaining treasures.
Beyond my broad vision for South Carolina's future, there are a handful of issues that are on the minds of my colleagues in Washington and many of you today that I would like to address as well this afternoon.
First, is the practice of "Earmarking":
The practice has come under fire lately as being a device for pork-barrel spending and budget increases. That's a total misrepresentation, and let me tell you why. Two weeks ago the House adopted a budget Resolution which sets federal spending limits for Fiscal Year 2008. Even if Members of Congress reserve a percentage of those allocations for their constituents' priorities funding cannot exceed those limits.
Earmarks are not add-ons to the budget, and they are not by definition wasteful spending projects. Every one I have ever secured was requested by a constituent. They are investments in our communities and institutions, like all the water projects I mentioned earlier and I-CAR (International Center for Automotive Research) at Clemson, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell project at the University of South Carolina, the Transportation Center at South Carolina State, and the Hollings Oncology Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.
I share these and other constituencies with many of you. If done through an open and transparent budgetary process, I believe earmarking is a good way for us as elected representatives to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of our constituents.
Eliminating earmarks will do nothing to stop those intent on illegally manipulating the process. It would, however, shift the entire process of determining funding priorities from us and our constituents to faceless agency bureaucrats, highly-paid grants writers and well-connected lobbyists.
Earmarking is the best way to ensure federal dollars are effectively spent on the priorities outlined by local communities, rather than out-of-state bureaucrats.
Next I must discuss the growing problem of payday lending:
I thank Representative ALAN CLEMMONS, and Senators John Hawkins and Joel Lourie, and the rest of you who are addressing the unfair exploitation of the working poor and unsophisticated consumer in South Carolina.
Payday lending has lured hundreds of South Carolinians into a debilitating cycle of debt that must be stopped. I cannot urge you strongly enough to enact legislation which would protect these vulnerable people who live from paycheck to paycheck and suffer greatly from those who take unconscionable advantage of them.
Finally, let's talk about the Electoral College:
Since we are fortunate enough to host early southern primaries for both the Republican and Democratic parties this year, I thought it was appropriate to discuss a longer-term issue with you today.
As all of you know, under current law, South Carolina's eight electoral votes are all awarded to the winner of the statewide popular vote in Presidential elections. It's a winner-take-all sweepstakes, which does not take into account the closeness of a vote or the differences in voting preferences from one part of the State to another.
A national movement is underway, and at least one state has acted, to award a state's electoral votes to the candidate who gets the most popular votes nationwide. Although I feel that the current system is outdated and should be modified, I don't think that replacing one winner-take-all system with another winner-take-all system is the way to go.
I believe that awarding our eight electoral votes proportionately would make the whole process more democratic. This could be done by awarding percentages of the statewide vote, or by a combination of the statewide totals and the totals of each Congressional District. It would bring the votes of the Electoral College more closely into line with the popular vote. It will also keep us from being ignored by one party and taken for granted by the other during the General Elections as has been the case for many years.
Once again, I thank you for your time and for the honor, and I commend you for the role you are taking in shaping a better South Carolina for future generations.
As Floyd Spence admonished us, it is our job to bring hope to those we serve, and I am further reminded of some words of Dr. Martin Luther King in that regard. He once said, "If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all."
Let's join hands today and let's vow that in spite of the various artificial obstacles which some would create to divide us, we will work together to find common ground to achieve greater good for those who look to us for the fulfillment of their hopes and dreams. Dum Spiro Spero.
Thank you and Godspeed.
Upon conclusion of his address, Congressman Clyburn and his 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 1:28 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

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

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 3716 (Word version) -- Reps. Gambrell, 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, 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, Scott, 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 THE VITAL ROLE SOUTH CAROLINA'S COMMUNITY BANKS PLAY IN EACH LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF APRIL "COMMUNITY BANKING MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

H. 3757 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, 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, Scott, 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 CONGRATULATE THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY AND TO PROCLAIM APRIL 9-14, 2007, AS SOUTH CAROLINA ARCHITECTURE WEEK.

H. 3822 (Word version) -- Rep. Littlejohn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. JIM RAY OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING NAMED THE 2007 SOUTH CAROLINA SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR.

At 1:30 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. HINSON, adjourned in memory of Senator William C. Mescher, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

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