South Carolina General Assembly
117th Session, 2007-2008
Journal of the House of Representatives

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
(Statewide Session)

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 Acts 17:28: "For in him we live and move and have our being--we are his offspring."
Let us pray. Almighty God, remind us You are always with us. In this place where You are present in the lives of each Representative and staff member, use them to do the work of the people. May their actions and words honor Your presence. With Your mighty power, continue Your blessings upon our Nation, President, State, Governor, Speaker, this Honorable Assembly, and all who serve in these Halls of Government. Protect our defenders of freedom at home and abroad as they protect us. Hear our prayer, O 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 yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. D. C. SMITH moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Tony L. Carr, Sr., of North Augusta, which was agreed to.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 13, 2008
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Leatherman, Peeler and Land of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on H. 4800:

H. 4800 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2008, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THIS OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 13, 2008
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Leatherman, Peeler and Land of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on H.4801:

H. 4801 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Rep. LEACH, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 5137 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE BELIEF OF THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT PERSONS OFFERING FOR OR HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE SHOULD ADHERE TO A VOLUNTARY CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT WHICH THEY SHOULD FOLLOW DURING THEIR TERM OF PUBLIC SERVICE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 490 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Martin, Peeler, Leventis, Ryberg, Knotts, Ford, Campsen and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-77-300, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ALLOWANCE OF ATTORNEY'S FEES IN STATE-INITIATED ACTIONS, SO AS TO LIMIT THE FEE TO A REASONABLE HOURLY RATE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1221 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto and Massey: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 22 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CIVIL PROCEDURE IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO DELETE SECTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA RULES OF MAGISTRATES COURT AND TO RENAME THE ARTICLE TO CONFORM WITH THE REVISIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 638 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Fair, Bryant, Vaughn, Hawkins, Alexander, Grooms, Sheheen, Setzler, Cromer, McConnell, Land, Verdin, Peeler, Hayes, Ritchie, Anderson, Thomas, Scott, Martin, Knotts, Ryberg, Ceips, O'Dell, McGill and Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-160 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC PRAYER AND INVOCATION ACT" TO ALLOW A GOVERNING BODY OF A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT, BY ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION, A POLICY THAT PRESERVES THE TRADITION OF SOLEMNIZING PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS BY ALLOWING FOR AN OPENING INVOCATION USING ONE OF THREE METHODS AND TO DEFINE "PUBLIC INVOCATION" AND "DELIBERATIVE PUBLIC BODY".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1048 (Word version) -- Senators Martin and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 61-4-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SUNDAY SALE OF WINE OR BEER IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR WINE THAT IS HARVESTED, PROCESSED, FERMENTED, BOTTLED, AND SOLD AT THE SAME CONTIGUOUS LOCATION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 913 (Word version) -- Senators Martin and Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-310, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO GENERAL ELECTION BALLOTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MUST PROVIDE FOR BALLOTS AS REQUIRED BY LAW AND TO DELETE OBSOLETE LANGUAGE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1106 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 27 TO TITLE 7 SO AS TO CODIFY THE PROVISIONS OF LAW THAT CREATED AND COMBINED VARIOUS COUNTY BOARDS OF REGISTRATION AND ELECTION COMMISSIONS INTO A SINGLE ENTITY, TO PROVIDE THAT THOSE COUNTIES THAT DO NOT HAVE COMBINED BOARDS OF REGISTRATION AND ELECTION COMMISSIONS MUST HAVE THEIR SEPARATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 7-5-10 AND 7-13-70.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 968 (Word version) -- Senators McGill, O'Dell, Williams and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-405, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITION OF "WEAPON" AND THE HANDLING OF WEAPONS USED IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME, SO AS TO REMOVE "KNIFE WITH A BLADE OVER TWO INCHES LONG" FROM THE DEFINITION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-460, RELATING TO CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXCLUSION OF KNIVES WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE OFFENSE UNLESS THEY ARE USED WITH THE INTENT TO COMMIT A CRIME.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 890 (Word version) -- Senators Malloy, McConnell, Ford, Rankin, Knotts, Cleary, Hawkins, O'Dell, Hayes, Elliott, Cromer and Ceips: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-620, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO OFFENDERS BEING REQUIRED TO SUBMIT SAMPLES FOR INCLUSION IN THE DNA DATABASE, SO AS TO REQUIRE SAMPLES UPON LAWFUL CUSTODIAL ARREST FOR A FELONY OFFENSE, OFFENSE THAT CARRIES A SENTENCE OF FIVE YEARS OR MORE, OR AN ARREST FOR EAVESDROPPING, PEEPING, OR STALKING, AND AT THE TIME OF INTAKE AT A JAIL OR PRISON, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE PROVISIONS APPLY TO JUVENILES, AND TO REQUIRE SAMPLES TO BE PROVIDED BEFORE A PERSON IS RELEASED ON PAROLE, RELEASED FROM CONFINEMENT, OR RELEASED FROM AN AGENCY'S JURISDICTION; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-630, RELATING TO PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO TAKE DNA SAMPLES AND THEIR IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY, SO AS TO DELETE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE PERSONS AUTHORIZED MUST BE CERTAIN TYPES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND TO PROVIDE THAT THEY MUST BE APPROPRIATELY TRAINED; TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-650, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF DNA, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR COORDINATION BETWEEN SLED AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO PREVENT COLLECTION AND PROCESSING OF DUPLICATE DNA SAMPLES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-3-660 AND 23-3-670, RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENTS AND FEES FOR DNA SAMPLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR EXPUNGEMENT AT NO COST TO THE ACCUSED WHEN CHARGES ARE DISMISSED, NOLLE PROSSED, OR REDUCED BELOW THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE TAKING OF THE DNA SAMPLE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE WILL PAY FOR THE COSTS OF COLLECTING AND PROCESSING A DNA SAMPLE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT FEES COLLECTED FROM CONVICTED PERSONS SHALL BE REMITTED TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE AND CREDITED TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-120, RELATING TO THE TAKING OF FINGERPRINTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PLACE AND TIMING FOR THE FINGERPRINTING OF A PERSON PLACED UNDER CUSTODIAL ARREST.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5145 (Word version) -- Reps. Hart, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Daning, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Govan, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutson, 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 MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF JAMES DAVID WILLIAMS, SR., OF RICHLAND COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5146 (Word version) -- Reps. Walker, Anthony, Davenport, Kelly, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Mitchell, W. D. Smith and Talley: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND REVEREND JACK E. HAMES FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE AS A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, AND TO EXPRESS DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS LEADERSHIP IN SERVING THE NEEDY IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5147 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Daning, Dantzler, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Govan, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutson, 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 RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE CHAPMAN HIGH SCHOOL "LADY PANTHERS" SOFTBALL TEAM OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY ON ITS OUTSTANDING SEASON AND IMPRESSIVE WIN OF THE 2008 CLASS AA REGION II CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1369 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Ford: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR AMISTAD AMERICA, INCORPORATED FOR ITS OUTSTANDING WORK IN EDUCATING CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS ON THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN FREEDOM AND ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUED EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE ALL VESTIGES OF THE LEGACY OF CHATTEL SLAVERY EVERYWHERE.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILL

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

S. 1367 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 742 OF 1946, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE LORIS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL COMMISSION, ITS MEMBERS, POWERS, AND DUTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT TERMS OF ALL MEMBERS EXPIRE ON OCTOBER FIRST OF THE YEAR IN WHICH THEIR TERMS EXPIRE.
Referred to Horry Delegation

ROLL CALL

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               R. Brown
Cato                   Chalk                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Cooper
Cotty                  Crawford               Daning
Dantzler               Davenport              Delleney
Duncan                 Erickson               Frye
Funderburk             Gambrell               Gullick
Hagood                 Haley                  Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Hart
Harvin                 Haskins                Hayes
Herbkersman            Hiott                  Hodges
Hosey                  Howard                 Hutson
Jefferson              Jennings               Kelly
Kennedy                Kirsh                  Knight
Leach                  Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Lowe                   Lucas
Mack                   Mahaffey               McLeod
Merrill                Miller                 Mitchell
Moss                   J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Neilson                Ott                    Owens
Parks                  Perry                  Phillips
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Rice                   Sandifer               Scarborough
Scott                  Shoopman               Simrill
Skelton                D. C. Smith            F. N. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            W. D. Smith
Spires                 Stavrinakis            Stewart
Talley                 Taylor                 Thompson
Toole                  Umphlett               Vick
Walker                 Weeks                  Whipper
White                  Williams               Witherspoon
Young

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, May 14.

Mick Mulvaney                     William Bowers
Tracy Edge                        Glenn Hamilton
Chip Huggins                      G. Murrell Smith
William R. "Bill" Whitmire        Todd Rutherford
Jerry Govan
Bakari Sellers   Thad Viers
Grady Brown

Total Present--121

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. MOODY-LAWRENCE a leave of absence for the day.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Reps. UMPHLETT, DANTZLER, DANING, JEFFERSON, MERRILL and LIMEHOUSE presented to the House the Berkeley High School Mock Trial Team Winners of the 2008 State High School Mock Trial Competition, their coaches and other school officials.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. DANTZLER presented to the House the Northside Christian School "Lady Eagles" Varsity Girls Softball Team, the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools Class AA Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

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

S. 1339 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and McGill: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 1095 OF 1962, RELATING TO THE LOWER FLORENCE COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DISTRICT SHALL BE COMPRISED OF THAT PORTION OF FLORENCE COUNTY THAT IS SOUTH OF THE LYNCHES RIVER.

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

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

S. 401 (Word version) -- Senators Setzler and Leatherman: 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.

S. 1085 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 13, TITLE 8 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ETHICS, TO PLACE LEGISLATIVE STAFF UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEES.

RETURNED TO THE SENATE WITH AMENDMENTS

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

S. 1058 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Courson, Lourie, Short, Sheheen and Ceips: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 17, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND, SO AS TO ELIMINATE DUPLICATIVE DUTIES OF THE ORGANIZATION AND REVISE ITS GOVERNANCE BY RECONSTITUTING THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS A BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTING OF SEVENTEEN MEMBERS, INCLUDING ELEVEN AT-LARGE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM NOMINEES MADE BY THE CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS PLUS ONE MEMBER FROM EACH OF THE STATE'S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS, AND TO DELETE VARIOUS QUALIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TERM LIMITS ON SERVICE.

H. 4867--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. CATO moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, May 15, which was adopted:

H. 4867 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Harrell, Haley and Viers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF ACCOUNTANTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "ATTEST" AND "SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY" AND TO DEFINE "HOME OFFICE" AND "PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS"; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT TO BE LICENSED TO RENDER CERTAIN SERVICES AND TO USE CERTAIN TITLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS MAY ALSO RENDER THESE SERVICES AND USE CERTAIN TITLES IF CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS ARE MET; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCOUNTING FIRMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH AN OUT-OF-STATE FIRM MAY RENDER CERTAIN SERVICES WITHOUT HAVING A REGISTRATION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-245, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL IN AN OUT-OF-STATE FIRM TO OBTAIN PRACTICE PRIVILEGES IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO REVISE AND FURTHER SPECIFY THESE REQUIREMENTS.

S. 111--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 111 (Word version) -- Senators Leventis, Knotts and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-970, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DRIVER OF A MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED MAY PROCEED THROUGH A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION CONTROLLED BY A TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN A VEHICLE SENSOR FAILS TO DETECT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF ITS WEIGHT OR SIZE.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\SWB\5540CM08), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 56-5-970(C)(5), as contained in SECTION 1, page 3, by striking Section 56-5-970(C)(5) and inserting:
/     (5)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a driver of a motorcycle or moped, or a bicycle rider, approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control device, the driver may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the driver or rider, as the case may be:

(a)   comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for one hundred and twenty seconds; and

(b)   exercises due care as provided by law, otherwise treats the traffic control device as a stop sign, and determines it is safe to proceed." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

H. 4309--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4309 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, Harrell, G. M. Smith, Delleney, Leach, Haley, Young, Duncan, Haskins, Talley, G. R. Smith, Taylor, Cotty and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 24-13-100, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "NO PAROLE OFFENSE", SO AS TO REVISE ITS DEFINITION TO INCLUDE CLASS D, E, AND F FELONIES, OFFENSES CLASSIFIED AS EXEMPT WHICH ARE PUNISHABLE BY A MAXIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR, AND CLASS A AND B MISDEMEANORS, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO IS FOUND GUILTY OF, PLEADS GUILTY TO, OR PLEADS NOLO CONTENDRE TO A "NO PAROLE OFFENSE" IS ELIGIBLE FOR EARLY RELEASE FROM INCARCERATION UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION DO NOT AFFECT THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE YOUTHFUL OFFENDER ACT.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SCOTT made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

S. 96--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 96 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 6, TITLE 61 OF THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 61-6-4155, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO USE, OFFER FOR USE, PURCHASE, OFFER TO PURCHASE, SELL, OFFER TO SELL, OR POSSESS AN ALCOHOL WITHOUT LIQUID DEVICE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES AND EXCEPTIONS.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. WHITE made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

S. 472--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 472 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, Courson, Vaughn, Alexander, Sheheen, Ryberg, Williams, Leventis, Cleary, Drummond, Mescher, Cromer, Hayes, Verdin, Grooms and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2941 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE INSTALLATION OF IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES, TO PROVIDE THAT IN ADDITION TO OTHER PENALTIES IMPOSED ON A PERSON VIOLATING IMPAIRED DRIVING LAWS, THE COURT MUST REQUIRE THE PERSON TO HAVE AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE INSTALLED ON ANY VEHICLE REGISTERED AND LICENSED IN HIS NAME OR IN THE NAME OF A MEMBER OF HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT MAY WAIVE THE INSTALLATION REQUIREMENT FOR AN OFFENDER WHO HAS A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT MAKES HIM INCAPABLE OF PROPERLY OPERATING THE DEVICE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE LENGTH OF TIME THAT AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE MUST BE INSTALLED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFENDER MUST HAVE HIS IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE INSPECTED EVERY SIXTY DAYS TO VERIFY THAT IT IS AFFIXED TO THE VEHICLE AND OPERATING PROPERLY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT MUST GIVE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES NOTICE OF AN ORDER IMPOSING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ACT, TO PROVIDE A PROCESS BY WHICH A FOURTH OFFENDER MAY HAVE THE DEVICE REMOVED, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON REQUIRED TO HAVE AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE ENDORSEMENT ON HIS LICENSE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE, TO PROVIDE THAT AN OFFENDER WHOSE JOB REQUIRES HIM TO DRIVE A VEHICLE OWNED BY HIS EMPLOYER MAY OPERATE THE EMPLOYER'S VEHICLE WITHOUT AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE INSTALLED, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO TAMPER WITH OR DISABLE AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE, OR TO ATTEMPT TO TAMPER WITH OR DISABLE AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR AN OFFENDER OR ANOTHER PERSON TO SOLICIT OR REQUEST SOMEONE TO ENGAGE AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE TO START A MOTOR VEHICLE, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO ENGAGE AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE TO START A MOTOR VEHICLE FOR AN OFFENDER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES IS REQUIRED TO DEVELOP REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CERTIFICATION, USE, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS OF INTERLOCK IGNITION DEVICES, TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY CERTIFIED DEVICES MAY BE USED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MUST CERTIFY ALL BREATH TESTING IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES THAT MEET FEDERAL STANDARDS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MUST MAINTAIN A LIST OF CERTIFIED DEVICES AND MANUFACTURERS, TO REQUIRE THAT DECERTIFIED DEVICES MUST BE REPLACED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MUST MAKE AVAILABLE ON ITS INTERNET WEB SITE ITS POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-400, TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES RETURNS OR ISSUES A NEW LICENSE TO AN OFFENDER WHOSE LICENSE WAS SUSPENDED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICANTS, THE LICENSE MUST CONTAIN A CONSPICUOUS ENDORSEMENT IDENTIFYING THE LICENSEE AS A PERSON WHO MAY ONLY DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE INSTALLED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2959, TO PROVIDE THAT SLED NO LONGER HAS TO POST CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEMS ON ITS INTERNET WEB SITE.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. WHITE made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. SCOTT asked unanimous consent to recall S. 398 (Word version) from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Rep. MULVANEY objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall S. 398 (Word version) from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Rep. MULVANEY objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. FUNDERBURK asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4757 (Word version) from the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. HARRISON objected.

S. 1161--RECALLED FROM THE MARION DELEGATION

On motion of Rep. BATTLE, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Marion Delegation:

S. 1161 (Word version) -- Senator Williams: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 254 OF 1981, RELATING TO THE MARION COURT LIBRARY COMMISSION AND THE MARION COURT LIBRARY, TO PROVIDE THAT FUNDS REMAINING IN THE MARION COURT LIBRARY FUND AFTER PURCHASING BOOKS, LEGAL PERIODICALS, AND OTHER NECESSARY LIBRARY SUPPLIES MAY BE USED FOR THE COURT SYSTEM IN MARION COUNTY.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3412 (Word version) from the Committee on Ways and Means.
Rep. WHITE objected.

R. 206, S. 990--GOVERNOR'S VETO--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The Veto on the following Act was taken up:

(R206) S. 990 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Ford, Ritchie, Knotts, Cleary and Malloy: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 2-19-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT WRITTEN STATEMENTS OF PROPOSED TESTIMONY OF ANYONE WISHING TO TESTIFY BEFORE THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION HEARING BE FURNISHED BY THE PERSON WISHING TO TESTIFY NO LESS THAN TWO WEEKS INSTEAD OF FORTY-EIGHT HOURS PRIOR TO THE DATE AND TIME SET FOR THE HEARING UNLESS SUFFICIENT CAUSE IS SHOWN BY THE SUBMITTING INDIVIDUAL.

Rep. W. D. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Veto until Thursday, May 15, which was agreed to.

H. 3567--POINT OF ORDER

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

H. 3567 (Word version) -- Reps. Rice, Gullick, Cotty and Agnew: 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.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. OTT made the Point of Order that the Senate Amendments were improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

H. 5135--ADOPTED

The following House Resolution was taken up:

H. 5135 (Word version) -- Rep. Mahaffey: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE GRADUATES OF THE JAMES F. BYRNES HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1958 UPON THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY YEAR, TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON THEIR MANY SUCCESSES AND ACHIEVEMENTS, AND TO DECLARE THE WEEK OF MAY 24-30, 2008, AS JAMES F. BYRNES CLASS OF 1958 WEEK IN HONOR OF THESE GRADUATES.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives notes with pleasure that the James F. Byrnes High School Class of 1958 will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary this year; and

Whereas, James F. Byrnes High School was established in 1955 with a faculty of twenty-one teachers and a student body of five hundred in grades nine through twelve; and

Whereas, named for South Carolina Governor James F. Byrnes, who also served our nation as a United States Senator and Supreme Court Justice, as well as Secretary of State under President Harry S. Truman, the high school is located in Duncan; and

Whereas, the James F. Byrnes High School Class of 1958 has produced outstanding homemakers, educators, military personnel, doctors, and others who have made significant contributions to their communities, the State, and our nation; and

Whereas, in recognition of this important occasion, the House is pleased to wish the 1958 graduates of James F. Byrnes High School continued success and happiness, and the members join with the graduates' families and friends in congratulating them on reaching this golden milestone. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the graduates of the James F. Byrnes High School Class of 1958 upon the celebration of their golden anniversary year, congratulate them on their many successes and achievements, and declare the week of May 24-30, 2008, as James F. Byrnes Class of 1958 Week in honor of these graduates.

The Resolution was adopted.

H. 5130--ADOPTED AND SENT TO SENATE

The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:

H. 5130 (Word version) -- Rep. Delleney: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERCHANGE LOCATED AT EXIT 65 ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 77 IN CHESTER COUNTY "SENATOR LINDA SHORT INTERCHANGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERCHANGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "SENATOR LINDA SHORT INTERCHANGE".

Whereas, the Honorable Linda H. Short was born on July 9, 1947, the daughter of the late Everett R. and the late Violet K. Huffstetler; and

Whereas, Senator Short is married to the Honorable Paul E. Short, Jr., and together they are the proud parents of two children; and

Whereas, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Winthrop College in 1984; and

Whereas, Senator Short has assumed numerous local and statewide leadership positions including serving as a member and chairman of the Chester County School Board, and as a member of the Presbyterian College Board of Visitors; and

Whereas, she is a faithful member of Purity Presbyterian Church where she has served as chairman of the Church Board of Deacons and as a Junior and Senior High School Sunday School Teacher; and

Whereas, Senator Short is the recipient of many honors and awards including an Honorary Doctorate of Public Administration from the Citadel and the 2003 Affordable Housing Coalition of South Carolina Legislator of the Year Award; and

Whereas, she has faithfully and unselfishly served the people of Senate District Number 17 since 1993; and

Whereas, it is fitting and proper for the members of the General Assembly to express their appreciation for outstanding service that our dear colleague has rendered to our State and nation by having an interchange in Chester County named in her honor. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request that the Department of Transportation name the interchange in Chester County located at Exit 65 along Interstate Highway 77 "Senator Linda H. Short Interchange" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this interchange that contain the words "Linda H. Short Interchange".

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.

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

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 5139 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, Lucas and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE WORK OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SPORTS CLASSIC WHICH FOR TWENTY-ONE YEARS HAS PROVIDED PREMIER RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR ADULTS OVER FIFTY YEARS OF AGE, AND TO CONGRATULATE THE SENIOR SPORTS CLASSIC FOR ESTABLISHING A SENIOR SPORTS HALL OF FAME INTO WHICH THE 2008 MEMBERS WILL BE INDUCTED AT A CEREMONY HELD AT FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY ON MAY 15, 2008.

H. 5140 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, Lucas and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LEON JOHNSON FOR HIS YEARS OF ACTIVE VOLUNTEER SERVICE ON THE DARLINGTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE COMMITTEE, AND TO WISH HIM SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

H. 5141 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, Lucas and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND COKER COLLEGE IN DARLINGTON COUNTY UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY, AND TO CONGRATULATE THE PRESIDENT, BOARD MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FACULTY FOR PROVIDING A CENTURY OF QUALITY EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

ADJOURNMENT

At 11:05 a.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. D. C. SMITH, adjourned in memory of Tony L. Carr, Sr., of North Augusta, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

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